By: Nigel F. Maynard
If you ask most plumbers, they will tell you that the average faucet is much better than it was , say, 40, 50 or 60 years ago. That’s because we’ve learned a lot about valve technology, materials and finishing over the years. As a result, even the most affordable unit has a reasonable expectation of performance–at least in the short term.
Though you can’t be 100 percent with these things, you stand a better chance of finding a high-performance faucet if you look for certain things.
The material of the faucet, for example, is perhaps one of the most important considerations if you want something that will last. Faucets that are constructed from solid brass tend to perform well, though online building products supplier Residence Supply says stainless steel and zinc or zinc alloys also are good options. They are strong, non-corrosive and require minimal maintenance, the site says.
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Once you have your material picked out, you want to think about the valve. Old technologies that used rubber gaskets and washers, compression and ball valves were unreliable over a long period, but they were relatively easy to repair. No need to settle for those today.
“The newest type of faucet valve is the ceramic disc valve,” Coral Springs, Fla.-based Moody Plumbing says on its website. “This innovative valve design incorporates two rotating discs made from ceramic. The discs contain channels that align when rotated, which allows water to flow and control over temperature settings. Ceramic disc valves are inherently sturdy, highly reliable and rarely in need of repairs. The disadvantage of ceramic disc valve faucets is the premium price you pay for the technology and precision manufacturing. However, ceramic disc valve faucets are almost leak-proof, and their long life spans will usually pay back the initial investment in the long run.”
Despite what many think, finishes are not as big of a concern as they used to be, mainly because today’s finishes are so good. Whether it’s stainless steel, chrome or other matte finishes, the technology is very reliable. PVD finishes, physical vapor deposition, is the gold standard. PVD is a state-of-the-art process that creates a molecular bond to the faucet resulting in the most durable finish that will not corrode, discolor or tarnish over time.
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After you get past these decisions, everything else is a matter of preference and budget. Do you want a single- or a two-handle unit? Widespread or single hole? Deck-mounted or wall-mounted? Modern or traditional? Bridge-style or electronic? As long as it fits the style of your home, go nuts.
We have our favorites, of course. Here are some options that we love:
Full disclosure, we are not really fans of two-handle faucets–not as easy to mix hot and cold–but we do like the old-timey vibe of the Urbix Industrial Bridge Faucet. with ColorSmart technology. It features a unique thermochromic finish, so the faucet body changes color in response to rising water temperatures, alerting users when water is too hot to touch.
This touchless kitchen faucet is the latest addition to the company’s Jewel collection. It boasts a touchless sensor that activates water flow with a simple hand movement, eliminating the need for buttons or handles. Moreover, the faucet’s intelligent technology automatically turns off after a period of inactivity. The faucet’s lever is adorned with diamond knurling, giving users the ability to customize temperature settings and manage water flow.
Part of one of the brand’s most popular collections, the Purist semi-professional kitchen faucet combines a strong architectural form with features adapted from the busiest professional kitchens, the company says. It has a three-function spray head, 90-degree rotating head, boost technology that ups the flow rate by 30% with the press of a button and a DockNetik magnetic docking system that securely locks spray head into place when not in use.
This deck-mounted washbasin mixer is designed with minimalist style for today’s modern architecture. Crafted in Italy, the collection comes in more than 12 finishes, including 316-grade stainless steel, which can be used indoors and outdoors. Hotbath is distributed in the United States by Watrline.
The Odin Kitchen Collection has been expanded with the addition of the Articulating Kitchen Faucet. Available this summer, it includes such customization as new knob handles that are crafted from concrete, white marble or black crystal. These additions provide homeowners with the tools to create kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional, the company says.
Tenon, the brand says, is a Smart Faucet with Motion Control, adding the perfect blend of intelligent technology and warmth to the modern kitchen. The advanced sensor technology allows touchless operation of both the temperature and water flow by using simple hand motions, while the voice-activated and app-based features give users additional control and personalization.
This single handle deck mount kitchen faucets has a pulldown sprayer, flexible hose, all brass construction and brass valve bodies. Shown in polished rose gold, it also comes in a wide range of finishes.
The German brand says Meta Square stands for design diversity and high combinability. The square spout elbow in combination with the otherwise round and reduced design language makes the series aesthetically durable and at the same time changeable. Offering a 9½-inch projection and a 360-degree swiveling spout, the unit has a 1.5-gallon-per-minute flow rate.
The Lutezia Plus wall-mount faucet by Jean-Michel Wilmotte is made of 316L stainless steel and equipped with a single handle mixer. All the products in the collection are available in the standard satin and polished finish and in special finishes like bronze, copper and light gold.