Don’t Forget the Kitchen Faucet

July 2021

Over the last year, we’ve all been reminded how important it is to wash our hands to keep from spreading germs. Luckily, today’s kitchen faucet technology makes it easier. Some faucets let you turn them on with a simple touch of your wrist or elbow. Some are touchless, and some are even voice-activated.

This month we give you a quick round-up of some of the more exciting options available.

Take Care,
John

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Faucet
Kitchen faucets don’t get enough credit. Yet, they are used multiple times each day and keep our dishes, hands, and other surfaces clean. Over the years, kitchen faucet designs have changed, and in recent years, manufacturers have incorporated technology into their products. If you want to include the latest faucet technology in your kitchen, here are some things to consider:
Valve Technology

The valve makes or breaks a faucet. If the valve stops working, your faucet will no longer function. There are four types of faucet valves – compression, ball, cartridge, and disc.

Compression valves are the oldest of the four types. The valve consists of a screw stem that raises and lowers as it is turned and a rubber compression washer at the stem’s bottom. All compression faucets have separate handles for hot and cold water. You untighten these handles by turning them to let water flow out of the tap. Tightening the handles stops the water. Compression valves are inexpensive and are prone to leaking when the washer wears out or hardens.

Ball valves are used in single-handle faucets and are also relatively inexpensive. A ball valve is a steel ball that contains a network of grooves and holes. The grooves and holes align with the hot and cold water inlets. The faucet handle moves the valve to control the water temperature and flow rate. Because they contain numerous small parts, such as springs, O-rings, and washers, leaks will eventually develop as the parts wear out. However, older and inexpensive faucets will most likely have a compression valve or a ball valve.

Cartridge valves have a small plastic or brass cylinder with channels that direct water flow rates and control temperature. A rubber O-ring seals the bottom of the cartridge to prevent leakage. Cartridge valves can be used in a single-handle configuration like ball valve faucets or paired inside two-handled faucets. In addition, cartridge valve faucets are designed for ease of repair. A leaky faucet requires simply replacing a worn-out cartridge and O-ring with new ones.

Ceramic Disc valves provide for the most extended wear. This innovative valve design incorporates two rotating ceramic discs. The discs contain channels that align when rotated, allowing water to flow and water temperature and pressure modulation. In addition, ceramic is one of the hardest materials on Earth and will last a long time. Ceramic disc valves also resist the build-up of minerals that can clog your faucet.

Touchless Technology
This last year has made us more aware of germs than ever before. Your kitchen faucet can be one of the dirtiest, most germ-filled places in your home. It’s not surprising – you have sticky, dirty hands from handling raw meat or working outside, and you turn on the faucet to wash your hands, leaving behind dirt and germs on the handle. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Touchless faucets, which have become commonplace in commercial buildings, are now more affordable and common in home kitchens.

Let’s look at some of the options:
Moen Arbor Motionsense
The Arbor Motionsense faucet features dual motion sensors that will turn on with a wave of your hand. Additionally, it provides a standard aerated stream and a powerful rinse mode called PowerClean. PowerClean technology offers 50 percent more spray power than other faucets to clean off cookware and plates with ease. The Arbor Motionsense comes in various finishes and is powered by six AA †batteries. What’s more, it can connect to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, meaning you can control the flow of water with your voice. Best of all, this faucet comes with a lifetime warranty.
Kohler Artifacts
Like the Moen Arbor faucet, the touchless Kohler Artifacts faucet is voice-activated when paired with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. For example, you can ask the faucet to “turn on,” or you can ask it to pour a specific amount of water.
Kohler Graze
Another option from Kohler is the Graze faucet. It features a sleek design with a pull-down handle for items that need a higher-strength spray. Its touchless technology allows it to turn on with the wave of a †hand under the faucet, and with its heat memory sensor, you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up or cool down. Instead, it will turn on at the temperature you select.
Kohler Artifacts
Kohler Graze
Delta Leland
This option is not quite as high-tech as the others but is a more affordable choice. It uses ShieldSpray technology to create a powerful stream of water to clean up all of your messes. You do have to tap the spout to activate the faucet, and it prevents the spread of germs because you can use your wrist or elbow.
Grohe Ladylux
Our favorite brand for its craftsmanship, style, and engineering, Grohe offers a touchless, foot control version of its classic Ladylux single-handle, pull-down kitchen faucet. Grohe also offers kitchen faucets operated by the touch of a wrist or arm that prevent contamination of the handle. While Grohe is typically higher-priced than the other options, their quality is superb. In addition, the company offers a limited lifetime warranty; Grohe will repair or replace any part or finish that proves to be defective in material and/or workmanship under normal installation, use, and service at the company’s discretion.
Voice-Activated Technology
Delta, Moen, and Kohler have launched voice-activated faucets that pair with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home Kit. Operate the faucet with spoken commands to turn the water on, dispense measured amounts of water, fill containers to a preset level, or dispense a specific quantity. In addition, these faucets incorporate motion sensors to turn the water on and off with a wave of your hand.

Not sure which faucet to choose? Whether you are renovating your entire kitchen or just upgrading the faucet, we can help select the product that’s right for you.

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