Kitchen Faucets: Go with the Flow

A new faucet can perk up the look - and the performance - of your kitchen with relatively little fuss. Before you start browsing in earnest, consider a few key points; knowing your needs will help you sort through the dozens of models you'll find in plumbing showrooms and home centers.

1. FACTS AND FEATURES
Measuring up. If you have an extra-wide sink or one with multiple bowls, make sure the spout is long enough - at least 12 to 14 inches - to extend well into the basins. High-arc or gooseneck designs accommodate tall items like pots, pitchers and vases best.

Handles with care. In the kitchen, knob-style handles aren't very practical because it's difficult to grip them when your hands are greasy or soapy. Both single-levers and blade-handled controls, though, can be operated with the flick of a wrist. New to the residential market are handle-less faucets that are turned on and off by virtue of a light tap anywhere on the spout.

Spray time. Sprayers - invaluable for rinsing delicate salad greens and other veggies - can be stand-alone accessories or an integrated feature in pull-out faucets. With the latter, check how easily and securely the spray head "docks" with the body of the faucet. Some models have a magnetic closure that facilitates a snug coupling. Also, make sure you're comfortable with the position of the sprayer button. Try it out using your natural grasping movement to ensure there's no awkward fingering required.

All in the family. If there's more than one sink in your kitchen, make sure you select a main faucet that's also available in a prep or bar-sink size. Otherwise, you'll end up with a mismatched design.

Inner workings. There's more to faucets than just shiny good looks. Ceramic disks are the most durable and reliable of the different valve assemblies.

2. WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Prices for a basic, name-brand faucet begin around $150. At that point, you're likely looking at a deck-mounted, low-arc model in either a polished or brushed chrome finish. Two knob-style handles are the norm, but some single lever-handles can be found. Style-wise, transitional looks dominate.

Options increase in the $250-$500 range. Pull-out designs that toggle between a spray and a stream are plentiful (check that the hose is stainless steel), and finishes become more fashion-conscious; look for oil-rubbed bronze and nickel colors. Special coatings that protect the finish from scratches, spotting and discoloration are widely offered. Side-sprays and soap or lotion dispensers are popular accessories.

Above $500, high-arc spouts are the rule, and lines are crisply contemporary or ornately detailed; some faucets may even be hand-polished. Premium faucets can be crafted of solid stainless steel. Technological extras - such as built-in water filters or hands-free operation - are found in this category.