Choose the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Faucet for Alfresco Dining
Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular for creating an alfresco dining experience right at home. With an outdoor kitchen, you can grill delicious foods and whip up refreshing drinks while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Having the right outdoor kitchen faucet is crucial to take your outdoor cooking functionality and convenience to the next level.
Durability is Paramount for Outdoor Faucets
Since outdoor faucets are exposed to the elements, durability is a top priority. The materials used in construction play a big role.
Stainless steel and brass are excellent choices as they resist rust and corrosion. Zinc alloy also offers robust performance. Internal components made of durable ceramic and diamond valve cartridges hold up well.
The finish is also important. Brushed stainless steel or chrome hides scratches and is easy to keep clean. Matte black or bronze finishes disguise fingerprints and water spots that can accumulate outdoors.
Seek High Performance and Convenience
An outdoor kitchen faucet needs to deliver high water flow rates of around 5-10 gallons per minute. This enables quickly filling pots or containers.
Powerful spray modes like stream, rinse, and pause allow easy cleaning of dirty cookware or prep surfaces. The spout should have a smooth swivel range of at least 120° for flexibility.
Handles should turn seamlessly from hot to cold. Lever style handles are easiest to grip and use when hands are messy from food prep.
Specialized Features Enhance Functionality
Specialized features help boost the functionality of outdoor faucets.
Touchless activation via motion sensors or touch-control buttons enables turning water on and off without handling the faucet. This promotes hygiene when handling food.
Auto-retracting spray heads conveniently slide back into place with a slight tug to prevent flopping around.
Select models also include useful innovations like DockNetik, a magnetic docking system to securely lock the spray head.
Popular Styles of Outdoor Kitchen Faucets
Several styles of kitchen faucets work well outdoors. Pull-down and pull-out faucets allow extending the spout’s reach for filling or cleaning. Bridge faucets provide excellent clearance over a sink or prep area.
Pull-Down Faucets Offer Flexibility
Pull-down kitchen faucets have spray heads that detach and pull downwards from the spout via a lasso-style hose. This provides extended reach for filling hefty pots or washing large grill grates.
The maneuverable spray head provides precise water delivery. Pull-down styles are available from leading brands like Delta, Kohler, and Moen.
Pull-Out Faucets Provide Range
With pull-out faucets, the spray head detaches and pulls out horizontally from the spout. This allows directing water across a wide cleaning radius.
Pull-out wands help easily rinse all sections of an outdoor sink or counter space. The swiveling spray heads allow accessing hard-to-reach spots.
Bridge Faucets Offer Height
Bridge faucets have elongated spouts and handles mounted directly to a deck or wall above the sink. This provides generous clearance below the faucet for filling oversized pots.
Bridge-style faucets often incorporate handy features like 360-degree swivel spouts. They provide excellent accessibility and flexibility for outdoor food prep tasks.
Choosing the Perfect Finish for Your Décor
The finish you select for your outdoor faucet largely comes down to personal style preferences and décor.
Sleek Stainless Steel is Always in Style
Brushed stainless steel is the most popular finish choice for outdoor faucets. It brilliantly withstands weather conditions while providing a modern, streamlined look.
Polished chrome or nickel finishes offer a similar high-shine metallic aesthetic. These “cooler” undertones match contemporary spaces.
Bronze Brings Rugged Warmth
Oil-rubbed and brushed bronze finishes provide a handsome, timeworn appearance. The rich, earthy patina complements traditional backyard designs and cooking areas.
Living finishes in bronze will gradually age over time, enhancing the rustic character. Bronze requires more frequent polishing to keep looking its best.
Matte Black Makes a Subtle Statement
Matte black finishes nicely complement modern décor. The sophisticated black tone provides understated elegance.
Matte black disguises greasy fingerprints that naturally occur during food prep. It also hides water spots or mineral buildup from sprinklers.
Top Brands Known for Quality & Performance
When investing in an outdoor kitchen faucet, sticking with an established, reputable brand is advisable. Several manufacturers consistently receive high marks.
Moen: Affordable and Functional
Moen produces high-quality faucets with thoughtful features at reasonable price points. Their outdoor kitchen faucets highlight flexibility and convenience.
Popular Moen models include the Sto, Align, and Method lines. Moen offers solid warranties and lifetime customer support.
Delta: Packed with Innovative Tech
Delta is at the forefront of faucet innovations like Touch2O technology for touchless activation. Their offerings integrate smart features without compromising durability.
The brand’s MagnaTite docking and Diamond Seal valve systems prove ideal for outdoor use. The Essa model is a top choice.
Kohler: The Pinnacle of Performance
Regarded for outstanding performance and quality construction, Kohler produces durable outdoor faucets equipped with excellent spray functions.
Their Sensate touchless and Purist hands-free models are perfect for outdoor kitchens. Kohler finishes stand up to weather superbly.
Proper Installation and Maintenance Are Key
To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen faucet, proper installation and regular maintenance are essential.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Consider hiring a professional plumber for hassle-free faucet mounting and hook-ups.
Regularly clean the faucet using mild dish soap and water, then rinse thoroughly. Frequently sanitize the spray head nozzle. Disconnect hoses before winter freeze periods.
Take steps to protect the finish by applying car wax or relevant sealing products. Invest in spare parts like O-rings and aerators for easy DIY repairs.
The ideal outdoor kitchen faucet delivers high performance, durability, and convenience. Carefully consider the construction, spray modes, design, and features when making your selection.
Top brands like Moen, Delta, and Kohler offer quality faucets in a range of styles. Aim for trusted construction materials and a finish that enhances your specific outdoor aesthetic.
With a thoughtfully designed outdoor kitchen faucet installed and regularly maintained, you’ll be equipped to whip up fabulous meals alfresco for years to come.