When it comes to choosing the best material for your kitchen faucet, brass is a classic option that has been used for centuries. Not only is it a beautiful, durable material, but brass also provides natural antimicrobial properties, making it a great choice for those looking for a faucet that will stand the test of time. Brass is incredibly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, and is available in a variety of finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your kitchen. With its timeless beauty and impressive durability, brass is an excellent choice for your kitchen faucet. Whether you’re looking for a traditional style or something more modern, brass can help you achieve the perfect look.
Overview of the Different Finishes Available
The most common finish for brass faucets is Satin Nickel, which has a warm, rich color and a low level of sheen. Other popular finishes include Polished Brass, which has a high level of sheen, and Antique Brass, which features a more muted, subtle color. No matter which finish you choose, you’ll be able to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish that will look great in any kitchen. When shopping for a brass kitchen faucet, it’s important to keep in mind that faucet manufacturers may use a variety of terms to describe a finish.
Understanding Brass’ Natural Antimicrobial Properties
Brass is one of the only materials that are naturally antimicrobial, which makes it a great choice for a kitchen faucet. This natural antimicrobial property stems from the fact that brass is a copper alloy. Copper is a naturally antimicrobial metal, making brass faucets incredibly hygienic. Not only is the water coming out of your faucet cleaner, but it can also help eliminate odors and bacteria in your kitchen.
If you’re concerned about germs in your kitchen faucet, a brass faucet is a great option. However, it’s important to note that brass faucets aren’t completely resistant to all germs. While they are great at eliminating odors and particles that can grow in normal water, they aren’t completely resistant to norovirus, which is a type of waterborne virus. If you have a sick family member in your home, you may want to consider a different faucet.
Assessing the Durability of Brass
While brass is a beautiful material and a great choice for those looking for a long-lasting faucet, it does have a few potential drawbacks. This material is certainly durable, but it is also heavy, which can make faucets made from brass less desirable for smaller sinks. Faucets made from brass also tend to be more expensive than those made from other materials, such as stainless steel.
However, while they may be heavier, faucets made from brass are also more water-efficient than other materials. If you’re concerned about the weight of your faucet, you can also look into faucets that are made from a combination of materials. Faucets made from a combination of brass and stainless steel are common and can help to eliminate the potential drawbacks of a faucet made from brass alone.
Different Styles of Brass Kitchen Faucets
Common styles of brass kitchen faucets include Standard, Wall-Mounted, Single-Handle, and Double-Handle.
Standard – A standard brass kitchen faucet features a single spout with a lever handle. This style is a classic design that can be used in a wide variety of settings.
Wall-Mounted – A wall-mounted brass kitchen faucet features a long spout that is mounted directly to the wall, allowing you to place the handle wherever you want. This style is great for smaller kitchens or kitchens without much counter space.
Single-Handle – A single-handle brass kitchen faucet features a single lever that controls water flow from both the faucet spout and the sprayer. This is a great option for a kitchen that sees a lot of use.
Double-Handle – A double-handle brass kitchen faucet features two separate levers for flow and temperature. This style is a classic design that works well in almost any kitchen.
How to Care for a Brass Kitchen Faucet
With proper care, a brass kitchen faucet can last for decades, and the beautiful finish will likely age beautifully over time. While there are a few different methods for cleaning brass, using a no-scrub method is recommended. This method involves using a non-abrasive cleaning pad or liquid to remove dirt and grime from your faucet.
For stubborn spots, you can also use a scouring pad, followed by a clean, soft cloth. If you use abrasive cleaners or scrub too hard, you run the risk of damaging the finish, which may cause your faucet to look dull or discolored in the long run. It’s also important to note that brass naturally develops a patina over time. While some people like this aged look, others may want to clean the finish to remove it.
