When selecting a kitchen faucet, consider quality, finish, 
style, type, handles and mounting holes. If you're looking for a new kitchen faucet,
you're in luck! Technology and improvements in design have made corroded, 
leaky faucets something of the past. Consumer Reports has stopped rating faucets because they've found no significant performance differences between the different makers.
Today the differences boil down to features and finishes.
Most new faucets come with a lifetime manufacturers warranty that covers defects and finishes for the original buyer.
To create a clear choice, consider your requirements and personal style before you buy the next kitchen faucet.

A tap needs to have a good water valve to avoid water temperatures from abruptly changing when adjusting hot 
and cold controls. Many have a scald-guard or temperature limiter as an integrated safety feature.
This is a good feature when you yourself have small children in the house.
Actually, most building codes now require temperature limiters on brand new construction. Living sustainably is essential today.

Faucet manufacturers have designed brand new fixtures to deliver no more than 2.5 gallons per minute.
Some provide additional flow controls and flow rate restrictors.

Warranties can also vary, with the best ones offering lifetime protection against leaks and drips meaning your 
faucet can provide many years of trouble-free service.
When shopping for a new faucet, there are certainly a couple of things to keep yourself informed of.
Including: Your faucet needs to match the number of pre-drilled mounting holes 
in the sink along with any additional holes for sprayers or soap dispensers.
If you're changing a preexisting faucet as a part of a kitchen update,
you may need to complement existing holes or get a 
platform plate to cover any unused ones. Ensure not to get a 
sink that requires more holes than you've in your sink.
It's tough to drill new holes into an existing sink or countertop.
Spout size and shape need to meet your design needs along with be functional.
Straight spouts are compact and inexpensive, but may not be the right choice for your drain as they might not need clearance to fill larger pots.

Gooseneck designs have clearance, but if your sink is shallow, they can cause splashing.
Whatever style you choose, make sure that the faucet head swings 
to cover to full sink, especially if it is a dual bowl model.
Also, aesthetically, keep carefully the sink and faucet proportional.

For instance, a large sink with a tiny faucet will look odd.
You can find three basic faucet types to choose 
from; single handle, double handle and grab faucets.
Your final choice depends on your needs. Let's take a look at each type.
An individual handle faucet uses one control to 
adjust both the hot and cold water. 

They are easier to put in and can be found in a wide selection of styles, colors, and finishes.
Ensure that you check the clearance to be sure the handle 
rotation won't be blocked by the backsplash or window ledge.
If your sink has additional holes, consider adding a separate spray nozzle 
or even a soap dispenser. With separate controls for 
hot and cold water, the handles could be part of the baseplate or mount separately.
The sprayer is generally separate. Two handles allow users better temperature control, 
but a two handled faucet can be a slightly trickier install.

Pull-down faucets allow you to remove the head which will be 
mounted on a long hose. A counterweight is used to greatly help the hose and 
spout retract easily. Pull-out faucets are great for washing veggies and handy when cleaning 
up the sink. They may not be the best option for an inferior sink.
An added feature that keeps growing in popularity and can make cleanup easier is 
really a hands-free activator. Hands-free faucets have a sensor, usually 
on the front of the unit. Touch it once to start the water flow and another time to shut it off.

This can be a convenient option to own if both 
hands are dirty or full. Newer models include a motion sensor which means you can simply pass your hands if front of 
the system but do not need to physically touch it.
Faucets are available in a wide variety of finishes to match any style or décor.
Most faucets today have extremely durable finishes designed to last a lifetime.

Typical finishes include polished and brushed chrome, glossy, satin and antiqued brass, gold plate, copper, and powder coated decorator colors like red,
white, black and gray. Ultimately your choice of finish is determined by your 
personal style and your home's décor. Kitchen faucets are subject to plenty 
of wear and tear. When selecting yours, ensure it 
not only looks great but is also convenient, safe and durable.
Do your research and stay with typically the most popular 
brands like Kohler or Delta. We recently tested the brand new generation of Kohler hands-free faucets at the KBIS Show 
in Orlando and the newest technology is spectacular, and 
they're competitively priced. If you're having a hard time making a selection, 
speak with an expert at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath. The could possibly offer suggestions 
including the very best options to consider, and the perfect finish to meet up 
your aesthetic needs. The good thing is that kitchen faucet 
quality has improved tremendously lately, and you 
will truly have a large amount of great choices at every price 
point. Do your research, and you're sure to locate a great looking, durable, kitchen faucet which will offer you years of service!