Today’s faucets are attractive, sleek and come in a beautiful array of shapes, sizes and even colors. Perhaps the most eye pleasing are the various swan neck designs, which are popular for their form and function.
Available finishes range from nickel and bronze to copper, brass and stainless steel. One example of the unique finishes offered today is oil-rubbed bronze, which has a rich, dark luster that goes well with granite counters containing complementing flecks. Brushed textures on some of these metals, which don’t show fingerprints, are also available. Add a PVD coating, which stands for physical vapor deposition, for scratch resistance.
Remember the days when there was a separate, pull-out nozzle on a hose beside the faucet? That nozzle has been consolidated into the faucet itself so that the nozzle head of the faucet pulls out on the end of a hose. This makes for a cleaner, more sleek appearance.
The popular swan neck design is not just about style. By rising well above the sink, these high-arching faucets provide more clearance for working with large pots and dishes beneath.
Nozzle heads are available that flare wider, allowing for a bigger spray pattern. Buttons allow you to change the spray pattern. Single-lever control handles dominate the market and are easiest to use. They are also very helpful for older or handicapped users who have limited hand dexterity.
Touch technology is even simpler. The faucet has sensors, turning on and off with the slightest touch. A battery operated control box is below the sink. You still use the handle to control temperature. Another feature is the temperature indicator light, located at the base of the faucet, which varies from blue to red for temperature range.
When selecting a faucet, it is important to match the faucet holes with those drilled into the back side of the sink. If the faucet you select is an all-in-one unit that only requires one hole, but your sink has more than one hole, see if the faucet has a base plate that will cover the unused holes. If the reverse is true, it is recommended you find another faucet. Covering extra holes is easy, but drilling extra holes in a sink or counter is difficult and not the best choice.
