The faucet is arguably the most frequently used item in a kitchen or a bath, so you need to choose one that will stand up to daily chores. With the proliferation of open-plan living, you also want a faucet that makes a bold statement in the kitchen or one that will give an invigorating shower in the bath.
Faucets do a lot more work than even construction professionals realize, so it’s a good idea not to cheap out on a low-quality product to save money. Fortunately, faucets in general are better today, so you should (should) get reliable performance from most of them.
[ Related: 14 Professional-Style Faucets to Consider for Your Kitchens ]
Zazzeri Pop basin faucet.
“Leaky faucets could be a thing of the past with top-notch valves and tough finishes now common on all but the cheapest models,” Consumer Reports says. “Most faucets also have lifetime warranties (for the original buyer) that cover defects and even finishes.” In the publication’s estimate, there are few performance differences between brands.
But real-world conditions don't always go according to plan. Construction chat rooms are loaded with horror stories about faucet failures, so it still helps to choose products that will give you a good chance of reliable performance.
[ Read More: 11 Bath Faucets That Are Worth a Look ]
Jee-O Pure basin high faucet.
To guard against potential issues, plumbers recommend you look for products that are made with solid brass and use ceramic disc cartridges. The metal connections must be seamless and buffed to a smooth finish, and the lever should move easily and effortlessly.
When it comes to finishes, the field is wide open. Manufacturers offer myriad options, from traditional chrome to brushed bronze, matte black, brushed bronze, polished stainless steel, and vintage nickel. For true performance, try PVD products.
Jee-O Soho Series showerpipe.
“[Physical Vapor Deposition] uses a state-of-the-art process that molecularly bonds the finish to the faucet, creating a super-hard surface that is by far the most durable available today,” California Faucets says. “Products with a PVD finish will not corrode, discolor, or tarnish, even high-wear-and-tear items like handles or pop-up drains.”
We did some digging and found 14 cutting-edge kitchen and bath faucets with enough style to class up your homes.
Zucchetti Kos Closer showerhead.
Hansgrohe Axor LampShower showerhead/light fixture.
Opinion Ciatti Acqua faucet.
DXV by American Standard 3D-printed faucet.
Hansgrohe Axor Starck V.
Watermark Design Elan Vital.
THG Beaubourg industrial-style faucet.
Pfister Faucets' Kai.
Kohler Karbon.
MGS USA Boma.
California Faucets' Culinary Corsano.
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