Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucets - A Better Choice Than Chrome?

Stainless steel kitchen faucets are among the most popular choices for kitchen remodels. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs, which is one of their biggest advantages over other options. While they don't offer a super-shiny finish like chrome faucets, many complain that they are not as reflective and shiny as other stainless steel faucet alternatives. Stainless steel doesn't seem to age very quickly, so it does tend to appear more timeless and simple as well. The big advantage to chrome kitchen faucets, however, is their plain, sleek look.

The major drawback to using stainless steel kitchen faucets over chrome or other materials is likely going to be maintenance. Both chrome and stainless steel are notorious for looking dull after a while, especially if you use them in a lot of moisture-prone locations like kitchens and bathrooms. Chrome fittings especially tend to rust and discolor with extended exposure to moisture. While chrome fittings can be cleaned with soap and water, chrome fittings usually need to be painted, or stained - an expensive proposition. This is why I personally would recommend using stainless steel sink and faucets, particularly if your sink is always exposed to moisture.

One way to reduce maintenance problems with stainless steel kitchen faucets, however, is to keep your sink well-maintained. Make sure you keep your kitchen sink free of leaves, debris, food particles, and other items that can collect in your sink. You can easily clean out your sink by scrubbing with a sponge and water, or by using a commercial cleaner designed specifically for stainless steel. If you must use a commercial cleaner, I would recommend using one designed specifically for stainless steel kitchen sinks. These commercial cleaners are made specifically for use with stainless steel kitchen sinks and faucets and will not harm the finish of your stainless steel sink or faucets in any way.