- Kitchen faucet valve styles
- Kitchen faucet handle styles
- Kitchen faucet finishes:
There are basically 2 types of valve styles, individual hot and cold that mix the water within the body of the faucet (Figure 13) and single lever valves that mix the water within the valve assembly, (Figure 14).
Figure 13 - Kitchen faucet with individual hot/cold valves
Figure 14 - Single lever kitchen faucet valve
The single lever valve are available in different mounting configurations. They can be mounted on top of the spout as shown in Figure 10, independent of the spout as shown in Figure 11 or on the side of the spout as shown in Figure 12.
Individual hot and cold valves can be part of an assembly as shown in Figure 13, or they can be mounted independent of an assembly as shown in Figure 15 and in some cases individual hot and cold valves can be mounted on the spout as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 15 - Individual and independent hot/cold kitchen faucet valves
Figure 16 - Hot/cold valves mounted on kitchen faucet spout
There are 3 basic faucet styles used with when their are 2 valves for hot and cold water. The traditional faucet uses an inverted cup that hides the top of the valve stem. They are commonly made of clear plastic, as shown in Figure 17, or plastic or metal with a thin chrome cover, as shown in Figure 18. A retro style handle is made in the form of a cross or X with rounded edges as shown in Figure 19. The third handle is a lever (Figure 20), which is available in a vast variety of shapes, sizes and materials.
Figure 17 - Clear plastic faucet handle
Figure 18 - Chrome plated faucet handle
Figure 19 - Cross or X faucet handle
Figure 20 - Lever faucet handle
Single valve kitchen faucet assemblies generally use a lever for "on" and "off" control, as shown in Figure 14.
By far the most popular, the least expensive and yet the most durable is chrome. However, manufacturer's are now producing kitchen faucets in a host of colors and material finishes to match any kitchen decor.
It should be noted that finishes vary by manufacturer, even though the finishes name may be identical. As an example, brushed nickel which has gained popularity because it matches well with stainless steel appliances, is a substantially different finish, depending on the manufacturer. For that reason, kitchen faucet accessories such as soap dispensers should always be purchased from the same manufacture.
Figures 21 through 32 show twelve of the most common kitchen faucet finishes. Please note that the pictures may not be a true representation of the color or gloss factor of the finish. If "exact" color and/or finish is required or desired, always view a product or as an alternative you can order color chips from many kitchen faucet manufactures.
Figure 21 - Polished Chrome
Figure 22 - Brushed Chrome
Figure 23 - Brushed Nickel
Figure 24 - Polished Nickel
Figure 25 - French Gold
Figure 26 - Stainless
Figure 27 - White
Figure 28 - Biscuit
Figure 29 - Oil Rubbed Bronze
Figure 30 - Brazen Bronze
Figure 31 - Brushed Bronze
