Technology has really changed the world of plumbing in amazing ways. Touch faucets have been gaining momentum recently, especially in kitchens. These fixtures contain sensors all along the faucet’s handle and spout. You can turn on the water with just a light tap of a hand, forearm or finger. It’s also possible to operate touch faucets manually, but the touch feature is perfect for when your hands are full or messy.
Price: Touch faucets generally start at about 350 dollars, but they can cost as much as 600 dollars or even more. How much you pay may depend upon where you buy, and remember that the price includes a full installation kit with a battery pack. These days most major retailers carry touch faucets, whether you’re shopping online or in brick-and-mortar stores. If you’re willing to shop around, you may find one for as little as 280 dollars online.
Contemporary Bathroom Faucets
The Touch20 by Delta is available both in bathroom and kitchen faucets. The proximity sensor in this faucet switches it on as soon as you come close to it. You can also operate it by using its handle or by touch. This faucet makes it easy for small children to avoid wasting water while they brush their teeth.
Brizo Charlotte Electronic Faucet with Proximity
Brizo has also patented a Smart Touch Technology for bathroom and kitchen faucets. Like the Delta, this faucet also uses proximity sensor to allow you to use the faucet entirely hands-free.
Delta Kitchen Faucets. Pilar Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet
Some models – like this one – also come with a coordinating soap dispenser. This may raise the price, though.
Pros
Most fans of touch faucets like them because they are easy to use, especially when your hands are dirty or full, and because they allow you to prevent cross-contamination and keep the kitchen area clean. These faucets also have other benefits, though. If you’ve got limited mobility or dexterity problems, touch faucets can make life easier.
Brizo Venuto SmartTouch Faucet
Touch faucets are generally considered environmentally friendly because they help you save water while preparing food, shut off automatically, and use less water overall. You can count many touch faucets as points towards project certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
This faucet has a ring at the base containing an LED light to indicate the battery’s charge level. A constant blue light means that the battery is completely charged. When the batteries need to be changed, the indicator will begin flashing red. If the touch function starts to be sporadic, this can also indicate that the batteries are losing their charge.
Cassidy Single Handle Pull-Down Bar/Prep Touch Faucet
These days, kitchen faucets with touch technology usually feature a pull-down spray wand. The faucets are available in a broad range of styles and finishes, so you can find one to suit practically any kitchen. Be aware that some finishes are much more costly than others.
At present, touch faucets are only available in one-handle designs. You can use this handle to manually control the faucet if you wish.
Cons
The touch feature will not work unless you have batteries. You’ll need to replace the batteries from time to time, and it’s always good to have some around so that you can use the touch-sensitive feature.
At times, some of these faucets are too sensitive. If the faucet switches on or off every time you brush against it accidentally, you may get frustrated with it.
You can’t use the touch feature itself to change the water temperature or flow rate – you’ll need to do this manually. The faucet handle also controls the off and on switch, so it will take some practice before you can adjust temperature and flow without turning the tap off entirely.