When you think about designing a kitchen or bathroom sink area, one of the most important factors is selecting the right finish for the faucet. The faucet finish not only impacts the overall aesthetic of the sink area but also durability and ease of maintenance.
The two most popular contemporary faucet finishes are chrome and stainless steel faucet finish. They look similar but they have different characteristics. By reading the differences in this guide, you can choose between the stainless steel and chrome faucet for your kitchen or bathroom.
Key Points
- Chrome faucet is a budget-friendly option. It looks shiny with regular cleaning. But it shows water spots and fingerprints easily.
- Stainless steel faucet is an expensive option. Its life is longer than chrome. It hides fingerprints and water spots better.
Chrome vs Stainless Steel Faucet – Differences In The Detail
The finish of the faucet is as important as the functionality of the faucet. There are some differences in the two popular faucet finishes chrome and stainless steel. Here in this section, you will read the differences between these two finishes in detail.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, chrome and stainless steel are not much different.
Chrome faucets have a sleek and shiny appearance. Chrome faucets add a touch of elegance to any kitchen or bathroom. You can get chrome faucets from modern and contemporary to traditional and classic appearance.
The high-reflective surface of the chrome finish gives a mirror-like shine to the faucet. The chromium layer gives a bright and shiny look to the chrome faucet.
On the other hand, the stainless steel faucet has a more modern look and feel. The stainless steel finish has a subdued brushed appearance. It doesn’t reflect the light. This feature of the stainless steel faucet creates a sophisticated matte look.
Chrome faucets are more visually appealing than stainless steel faucets. So people find them more attractive.
Chrome faucets are often associated with luxury and high-end design, while Stainless Steel faucets are seen as more practical and functional.
Maintenance
Both chrome and stainless steel have durable bodies with longer life but chrome requires regular maintenance to keep chrome looking clean and new. On the other hand, stainless steel requires less maintenance.
Chrome faucets are made of a thin layer of chromium over a base of metal. This layer leads to scratches and corrosion over time if you don’t clean it regularly. Stainless steel is made of a solid block of stainless steel that makes it more resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Stainless steel does not need polishing as often as chrome does. Chrome needs frequent buffing to keep its shiny appearance. With a simple wiping, the stainless steel faucet maintains its shine.
Cost
Chrome faucets are usually less expensive than stainless steel faucets. Chrome material has been around for a long time, so it costs less to manufacture. Stainless steel is an upgrade version so it costs more.
But stainless steel faucets run longer in the kitchen and bathroom in comparison to chrome faucets. So, their high price is justified for their long life.
Stainless steel also saves money on maintenance. Chrome needs frequent polishing and cleaning to keep it looking new. Stainless steel just needs a quick wipe-down now and then. The time spent polishing chrome adds up over the years.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Chrome Faucets?
Pros
- Cheaper price
- Shiny appearance
- Classic style
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Show water spots
- Short life
- Require frequent cleaning
What Are The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Faucets?
Pros
- Long life with a durable body
- Low maintenance
- Fingerprint resistance
- Hides water spots
- Modern look
Cons
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- More expensive
- Less shine
- Can be heavy
Final Thoughts
Chrome and stainless steel faucets are both good choices for the kitchen and bathroom. Which is best for you depends on what you prefer. So, it is essential to keep these differences in mind before making a decision between chrome and stainless steel faucets.
If you want a sleek and modern-looking faucet and don’t mind replacing it within a few years, a Chrome faucet is a good option for you. But if you need a durable faucet with a long life, a stainless steel faucet is a good option for you. I prefer to use Stainless steel faucet for my kitchen and bathroom.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.