Great kitchens sell homes. A functional and beautiful kitchen sink is the cornerstone to any great kitchen design.
Kitchens can also be expensive, so you have to invest in the right fixtures and upgrades.
The best place to start is where people spend the most time - the kitchen sink and faucet. Because the faucet is the most used part of any kitchen, an innovative faucet design is a very cost effective way to increase home value.
Why You Should Include Sprayer Faucets in Every Kitchen You Build
A faucet with a built in sprayer is the single most cost effective upgrade you can make.
Just think about how much this one fixture helps with everyday tasks….
Improve Any Size Sink
Sprayer faucets are a relatively inexpensive way to boost the functionality of any kitchen sink.
Going with a large, spacious basin? A sprayer faucet makes it easy to reach all areas of the sink.
Need a space-saving sink to maximize counter space? A sprayer faucet lets you fill pots and pitchers beside the basin so you don't have to struggle to set it in the sink.
Make the Faucet a Multitasker
Sprayer faucets with multiple settings also improve the versatility of your sink. Gentle settings mean you can wash berries without bruising them. A power boost setting lets you dislodge hardened debris from cookware.
No matter what your client is looking for, or what clientele you're trying to attract, a sprayer faucet will make their life easier.
Improve Ergonomics for ADA Kitchens
If you're building a home with an ADA kitchen, a sprayer faucet will make the kitchen sink more accessible for residents with disabilities.
People who use wheelchairs can bring the water source closer to where they're working. That minimizes the need to lean over the sink and making it more comfortable for them to use.
Many integrated sprayers also have single, lever-style handles. This design is appropriate for ADA kitchen sinks because it's easy to turn on and off without grasping or twisting.
Why A Side Sprayer Isn't Worth The Money
Couldn't you do all that with a separate side sprayer?
It would certainly cost less, but it doesn't improve the home value as much. So any savings just aren't worth it.
Plus, you'd need to make additional holes in the countertop, and attach another water line in every kitchen. This can eat into your savings too.
Integrated pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucets are simply:
- Easier to use
- Take less space
- Come with more features like lock-spray mode and different pressure settings
- And look more modern
Of course, there are lots of options for sprayers out there. So how do you choose the best sprayer for your project?
Pull Out vs. Pull Down Faucets: Which Is Best?
If you're planning to install a sprayer in your next build, the first decision to make is whether to go with an integrated sprayer or a separate sprayer to the side.
Pull Out Faucets
A pull out faucet has an integrated sprayer that can be detached from the base by pulling it outward, toward the edge of the counter.
Pull out faucets usually have a flat spigot design. They typically have a single lever-style control and a single-hold design.
Pros
- Usually have a longer hose than pull-down faucets.
- Compact design works for single-hole sinks.
- Minimize water waste and maximize sink versatility.
Cons
- May have limited designs available.
- May be slightly more difficult to disconnect from base than a pull down faucet.
Best For
- Limited vertical space above the sink.
- Smaller sinks where the user may want to be able to fill pots or pitchers on the counter beside the sink.
- Kitchens that need a space-saving faucet with maximum functionality.
Pull Down Faucets
The sprayer on a pull down faucet disconnects by pulling it downward from the base.
Pull down faucets typically have a gooseneck or commercial-style design. They can come in single-hole or three-hole configurations.
Pros
- Taller spout leaves plenty of room to place large pots or cookware in the basin.
- More design options available.
- Minimize water waste and add versatility to the sink.
Cons
- Hose is shorter than pull out faucets.
- Without magnetic docking, the spout may become loose and lead to a dangling nozzle.
Best For
- Deep basins.
- Large sinks that need a gooseneck faucet that looks balanced with the design.
- Sinks with plenty of vertical space.
Finding a Functional Faucet That Matches Your Design
Think a sprayer faucet is just the thing your next project needs? As you start your search, look for designs that will fit the aesthetic of your kitchen.
A sprayer faucet in a neutral finish like chrome or brushed nickel will blend seamlessly with a stainless steel basin. It's also a great way to keep from drawing attention away from a rustic fireclay farmhouse sink.
Or you could go with a bold, contrasting finish like black or gold to complement a high-contrast basin in a matching color. You can also match these faucet finishes with your cabinet hardware for a unique look.
Many pull out and pull down faucets have a sleek, minimalist look that fits with a modern kitchen design. On the other hand, you can find more ornate traditional and commercial-style designs that can help your kitchen sink stand out.
No matter what style you choose, a sprayer faucet will help you deliver the beauty and function your next kitchen build deserves.