Picking the Best Outdoor Kitchen Faucet This Year

Installing an outdoor kitchen faucet brings convenience and functionality to backyard living spaces. As outdoor cooking and entertaining gains popularity, having running water outdoors eliminates trips inside while barbecueing or washing up.

But with so many outdoor faucet options on the market, choosing the right model can get overwhelming. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to pick the best outdoor kitchen faucet for your home.

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchen Faucets

Outdoor kitchen faucets make food preparation, cleanup, and other outdoor tasks much easier. Key benefits include:

• Convenience for watering plants, washing cars, cleaning patio furniture, and more outdoor tasks
• Protection against frozen or burst pipes during cold weather
• Durable construction of frost-proof materials designed for outdoor use
• Versatile spout designs for attaching hoses, washing dishes, or filling pots
• Simpler installation than indoor kitchen faucets

The right outdoor faucet brings running water outdoors, making alfresco living more enjoyable and practical.

Additional Conveniences

Beyond the basics, outdoor kitchen faucets provide additional conveniences:

• Rinsing off sandy feet after beach days
• Easy cleanup after backyard parties or barbecues
• Quick access for outdoor art/craft washups
• Pet washing station to tackle messy paws

The versatile functionality of an outdoor tap expands possibilities for backyard living and activities.

Types of Outdoor Kitchen Faucets

When researching your options, you'll encounter several outdoor faucet designs:

Mounting Styles

• Wall-Mounted: Installed on an exterior wall near outdoor appliances.
• Deck-Mounted: Mount directly to countertop surfaces.
• Freestanding: Self-contained units with legs for placement anywhere.

Handle Configurations

• Single-Handle: Control temperature and flow with one lever.
• Double-Handle: Separate hot and cold handles.
• Touchless: Motion sensor turns water on/off.

Specialty Styles

• Soap Dispenser: Dispenses soap alongside water.
• Pot Filler: High arc swings outwards for filling stock pots.
• Bar Faucets: Miniature faucets mimic commercial bars.

Consider your planned usage, design tastes, and budget when deciding on faucet types for your outdoor kitchen.

Key Features of Outdoor Faucets

These features also factor into your buying decision:

Materials and Finish

• Solid brass resists corrosion.
• Stainless steel provides durability.
• Select finishes like chrome, bronze, nickel, black, or matte.

Spout Height and Reach

• Standard height falls between 6-8 inches.
• Higher spouts allow filling stock pots.
• Optimal reach extends 5-6 inches from mounting surface.

Water Efficiency Standards

• Federal regulations mandate 2.2 GPM flow rates .
• Aerating nozzles reduce water usage.
• Consider state/local codes for outdoor faucets.

Number of Spray Settings

• Stream setting great for filling containers.
• Spray mode useful for rinsing.
• Some models include a pause function.

Match features to your planned outdoor kitchen usage for optimal convenience.

Top Outdoor Faucet Brands

We recommend exploring these reputable outdoor faucet brands:

• Moen - trendy designs, MotionSense touchless models
• Delta - innovative MagnaTite docking, lifetime warranty
• Kohler - variety of finishes, high arc spouts
• American Standard - affordable prices, easy installation
• Pfister - rust-resistant stainless steel
• Hansgrohe - durable brass construction, European styling

With numerous finish and design options, these brands offer reliable outdoor faucets with excellent warranties.

Brand Comparisons

How do major brands compare?

• Moen edges competitors with MotionSense hands-free activation.
• Delta's MagnaTite technology outperforms average magnet systems.
• Kohler provides the widest variety of styles and finishes.
• American Standard delivers value with budget-friendly prices.
• Pfister sets itself apart with exceptionally durable stainless steel.

While each brand touts unique advantages, they all produce high-quality and reliable outdoor kitchen faucets.

Review of Highly-Rated Outdoor Faucet Models

Based on homeowner reviews and product quality, we recommend exploring these top-rated outdoor kitchen faucet models:

Moen Banbury

• Spot resist stainless steel finish
• Single lever handle for temperature control
• Optional escutcheon for wall-mount installation
• Certified for outdoor use

Delta Trinsic

• MagnaTite docking for strong magnetic connection
• Soft rubber Touch-Clean spray holes
• 9-inch spout height with 6-5/8" reach
• Lifetime limited warranty

Kohler Tournant

• 360deg rotation for flexibility
• Brass and zinc die-cast construction
• Optional 6-3/4" cross handles
• Designed for deck or wall mounting

American Standard Colony Soft

• Pull-down spray with 68" braided hose
• Brass swivel spout with memory return
• Reliable ceramic disc valve cartridge
• Affordably priced

Pfister Marielle

• All-brass body with stainless steel finishes
• Promotion(r) self-pressurizing technology
• Deck-mount installation
• Covered under 5 year warranty

This covers some high-quality outdoor kitchen faucet options from trusted brands worth considering.

Pricing Considerations

Outdoor kitchen faucet costs range widely, from $50 up to $800 or more. Prices depend on:

• Features - More settings/modes increase costs.
• Materials - Brass costs more than plastic models.
• Brand Reputation - Premium brands charge higher prices.
• Warranties - Lengthier warranties provide more value.

Smart Shopping Strategies

• Set budget based on expected usage frequency.
• Compare prices across home improvement stores.
• Catch seasonal sales in fall or winter months.
• Bundle with other outdoor kitchen upgrades.

Consider how often you plan on using your outdoor faucet when budgeting. Infrequent use may allow a lower-priced option.

Installation Tips

Proper installation ensures your outdoor kitchen faucet functions reliably for years. Keep in mind:

• Use Teflon plumber's tape to prevent leaks.
• Pre-drill faucet and handle holes to proper diameters .
• Adjustable wrench allows tightening connections.
• Use non-kinking supply lines suited for outdoor use.
• Sealant compound creates watertight seal.

Professional Installation

For complex installations:

• Hire a licensed plumber for connecting to main lines.
• Verify proper pipe slopes for drainage.
• Ensure sufficient access to shut-off valves .
• Discuss finish options for escutcheon plates .

Review manufacturer guidelines for hole sizing, clearances, and detailed steps. If plumbing to outdoor pipes, hire a professional plumber.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance keeps your outdoor kitchen faucet working properly by:

• Winterizing prevents freeze damage in cold climates.
• De-scaling sprayers removes harmful mineral buildup.
• Quickly fixing leaks protects faucet parts.
• Replacing washers and O-rings restores watertight seals.

Troubleshooting Issues

For problems, try:

• Adjusting water pressure if flow seems low.
• Tightening mounting nuts to stop drips.
• Re-seating valves to remedy sticking handles.
• Calling manufacturer support lines for advice.

General cleaning with mild soap and water removes grime while shining finishes. Check manufacturer guidelines for faucet-specific care recommendations.

The convenience of an outdoor kitchen faucet lets you tackle backyard tasks without running inside. After reviewing outdoor faucet options and features, focusing on build quality ensures longevity and reliability.

Trusted brands like Moen, Delta, and Kohler offer excellent warranty coverage paired with durable finishes designed to withstand outdoor elements. Considering your budget while matching features to your intended usage results in optimal outdoor entertaining.

A quality outdoor kitchen faucet makes outdoor living more enjoyable for a long time. We covered the key criteria to pick the best model in 2023 to bring running water outdoors.