Small things make big things happen. A small water faucet might be a huge change to your house corner. But picking the right one for your house is never an easy task as there are many options out there. These times, chrome vs stainless steel faucets are amongst the most popular; however, which one is better?
This piece of article is to give you a precise comparison between chrome faucets and stainless steel faucets.
Comparison of Chrome vs Stainless Steel Faucets
Chrome and stainless steel faucets have always been great options for your house for their outstanding look, durability, and reasonable price. But to figure out which one between chrome vs stainless faucets is the best for you.
Chrome
Composition & finish
Basically, Chrome is a coating applied to the steel. This coating is to protect the core and prevent faucets from rusting after usage. The process of applying chrome onto steel is known as chrome plating.
Faucets made of chrome are shiny and bright because of the chrome finish. So for those who prefer modern and blink-blink kitchens, chrome faucets are a good idea to brighten up their little corner.
Durability
The durability of chrome faucets only stands at a decent level compared with other faucet materials. The chrome coating can be damaged easily over time, and it is subject to scratches as well. Therefore, while cooking and washing things under the faucets, we all need to pay attention not to hit chrome faucets with anything hard and sharp.
Maintenance
When someone grabs chrome faucets with their hands, it can leave a fingerprint on the surface. This requires daily cleaning of the faucet after finishing cooking and washing because we definitely touch the faucets often coincidentally. This helps your chrome faucet not only last for a long time but also have a shining look.
Price
In comparison with other faucet materials like nickel or bronze, chrome faucets are much more budget-friendly. With the stylish look and elegant curves that chrome faucets can offer, the average budget is acceptable.
Stainless Steel
Composition & finish
Stainless steel is a kind of metal alloy comprising steel and many other elements such as chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon, aluminum, etc. Different types of stainless steel will have different and specific amounts of elements. Accordingly, different grades of stainless steel are produced.
This process of mixing elements and applying final coating provides the steel with strength and rust resistance.
The final coating of stainless steel usually gives it a satin finish. However, there are some technical ways to make stainless steel look shiny and bright, just like chrome. Therefore, the advice is to ask experts or read the product description carefully to figure out whether it is stainless steel or chrome.
Durability
Stainless steel might overdo chrome when it comes to durability. While you still need to take care of your chrome faucets often, you can skip the daily cleaning task for stainless steel ones. Possibly that is why stainless steel faucets are good options for hotels and restaurants where they need to handle huge water flow and be highly rust-resistant.
Maintenance
As mentioned, stainless steel does not require much cleaning because of its composition and excellent durability. You can easily use your hands or soft cloth to wipe off dirt on the faucets. However, the best advice is to clean and look after your faucets regularly as things will last only if you take care of them.
Price
Actually, stainless steel faucets will cost the buyers more than chrome ones. This is because of the stainless steel faucets’ various finishes available and low maintenance as well. Despite the pretty costly price, the stainless steel faucets are truly great at the appearance and easy-to-care properties.
Quick Rundown of Chrome Faucet
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Delicate and modern design
- Great plating finish
- Aesthetic look
Cons
- Prone to scratches and fingerprints
- Regular maintenance
Quick Rundown of Stainless Steel Faucet
Pros
- Various finish types
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Great and strong coating
Cons
- Not very budget-friendly
FAQ
Can stainless steel or chrome faucets be recycled?
The only recyclable one is stainless steel, while chrome cannot be recycled. So, if you are leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle, you should go for stainless steel faucets.
How long can stainless steel/chrome faucets last?
The longevity of stainless steel faucets is around ten years. But in fact, these faucets can stay with you longer if you know how to care for them properly. The same thing happens with chrome faucets.
How to remove stains in both stainless steel and chrome faucets?
The best homemade mixture is water and vinegar. Just simply mix these two into a bowl and soak a paper towel inside. Then apply the towel around the faucets and leave it there. After 30 minutes, remove the towel and clean the faucet again with a soft cloth.
And there you go, no more stubborn black stains around the faucets. This way can help you to protect the faucets from getting rusty and damaged.
Which one is better: stainless steel or chrome?
If you are fond of stylish kitchens and want to deliver something modern to this small area, chrome is your best option. But if you are looking for something durable with low maintenance, then stainless steel faucets are worth your consideration.
If you are a kind of aesthetic person and desire a new vibe, chrome faucets will rock your mood up. And in case you are living a busy life and have little time for the cleaning thing, our advice is stainless steel ones.
In Sum
Both chrome and stainless steel faucets are good options for your house corner. If taken care of properly, both can go with you for a long time. After all, the final decision is yours. Ask yourself carefully about your budget, design, water flow, guarantee, etc. These will help you pick out your favorite faucets between chrome vs stainless steel faucets.
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