The Best Faucets for Your Home - So You Can Sleep Better at Night

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom can easily cost you a few thousand dollars or more, but replacing the faucets can give you a new look at the fraction of the cost. Do you want a touchless faucet that your kids can use? Are you looking for one that can fill a larger pot in seconds? Find out more about how you can get the best faucets today.

Getting Started with Faucets

The best faucets will look phenomenal today and well into the future. Though you might find yourself spending too much time thinking about price and manufacturers, you really need to focus more on the finishes of different faucet types. Some finishes will show stains and damage faster and easier than others, and those stains and scratches aren't always covered by a manufacturer warranty. Make sure that you give some thought to both the installation of the faucet, including whether you can do the job yourself, and the different types of faucets.

The Types of Popular Faucets

The two most popular types of faucets found today are the lever faucets and side-mounted faucets. You first need to look at the existing design of your faucet. This will tell you which type you can use in your home. If you currently have a side-mounted faucet, you may find that replacing it with a lever faucet can add hundreds to the project. It's also important that you learn more about what each type entails.

Lever Faucets

• One central spigot. Lever faucets feature one large spigot in the center of your sink and a level that sits on top of the spigot.
• Easy to use. When you lift the lever up and push it down, it turns on the flow of water and turns the water off.
• Adjusts in seconds. You can move the lever back and forth to adjust the temperature of the water as well.
• Space-saving design. The smaller footprint of a lever faucet lets you reduce wasted space around your sink.
• Sanitary. You can raise and lower the lever with one hand or your elbow when your hands are dirty.

Side-Mounted Faucets

• Two handles. Handles placed on either side of the faucet let you decide whether you want hot water, cold water or a combination of both. These faucets usually give you more control over the water temperature.
• Multiple designs and finishes. Side-mounted faucets are available in multiple designs and finishes that can match and complement any home.
• More suitable for bathrooms. The look and design make side-mounted faucets more suitable and useful for bathrooms than kitchens.

Features Found on Faucets Today

Side-mounted and lever faucets give you control over the water flow in your bathroom or kitchen, but you'll want to look closely at the features of different models before selection one for your renovation project.

• Spout size. Spouts now come in a variety of sizes and shapes to better fit your needs. A spout in a large u-shape lets you easily slide a spaghetti pot underneath for cleaning or filling with water, and you'll also have more room to wash your dishes and clean your hands without splashing water across the counter.
• Classic vs. modern finishes. A classic finish in a shade of bronze or brass fits well with a more traditional home. If you have a more modern or contemporary home, you might look for a faucet with a stainless steel or chrome finish.
• Resistance to stains and scratches. Scratches can occur from regular use, and cleaning and cooking can leave behind stains. Acidic foods, including citrus juices, wine and coffee, are especially harmful to chrome and other finishes. Check the warranty to ensure it covers any stains or damage caused by regular use.
• Special features. If you like using your faucet to clean your counters or you need more flexibility, look for a faucet with a pull out spout. This lets you extend the length of the spout to reach more areas. Other faucets have clearly labeled buttons on the side that let you switch between different settings to use your spout for water or steam cleaning.
• Temperature controls. Some more modern faucets feature temperature controls that let you decide on the temperature that you need. The faucet will then remain set at that temperature for future use.