Wisconsin Kitchen Mart Talks Touchless Faucets
MILWAUKEE – Kitchen faucets are available in an unprecedented array of colors, textures, and function to complement and pull together the overall look of the space. More and more homeowners are opting for touchless faucets for their convenience. Touchless or “tap-on” faucets also are becoming more important as homeowners remodel to “age in place.”
Russ Waters, designer for Wisconsin Kitchen Mart, a designer with Wisconsin Kitchen Mart, which has provided award-winning design/build services since 1951, addresses advances in touchless technology.
“Touchless, also referred to as hands-free, electronic, or sensor-activated, have come a long way from their original designs, which often proved unreliable. But manufacturers have been steadily improving touchless technology, making it ever easier for the consumer to use,” Waters said.
“While touchless faucets may not suit everyone, there are many benefits,” he said. “They prevent transmission of germs, the faucet stays clean when you have residue on your hands, it can save water, and it’s easy for kids to use.”
Waters pointed out some of the current technologies available in touchless faucets. Features vary among manufacturers.
MotionSense™ advanced sensors detect movement in two sensing zones, setting water flow in motion as if on command. The water sensor at the top of the faucet starts and stops water flow with a simple hand movement above the faucet, while the ready sensor near the base of the faucet identifies when an object – such as a cup or hand – is placed beneath the spout. It runs water for as long as that item remains in range and automatically shuts flow off as soon as the object is removed from the sensing zone.
REACT™ (Response Activated Technology) automatically turns the faucet off after two minutes to save water.
Response™ state-of-the-art sensor responds in 20 milliseconds for consistent and reliable on/off operation. Users can easily tweak the water temperature and flow when transitioning to new tasks.
Power Clean™ Spray Technology provides 50 percent more spray power, while containing splashing and minimizing mess. Now, users can clean dishes faster while reducing the amount of residual water in and around the sink. Greater force means faster clean-up with less water used. Spot Resist™ Finish withstands fingerprints and water spots to maintain the brilliance of the fixture.
SpotShield™ Technology resists water spots, fingerprints, and stains, plus helps reduce stain and odor causing microbial growth on the faucet finish so the faucet stays cleaner longer.
Reflex® System features a self-retracting spray wand designed to put itself away.
Multi-Flow™ wand toggle increases the stream from the standard 1.5 gallons per minute to a higher flow to more quickly fill the sink as well as pots, vases, or other large containers.
MagnaTite® docking keeps the kitchen pull-down spray wand firmly docked when not in use. A gentle tug releases the wand to give you complete flexibility.
“When considering whether to replace your faucet, unless you are replacing your sink as well, you need to consider the number of holes in your sink – one piece faucets need one hole for the handle/spout and another for the sprayer. A traditional faucet with separate hot and cold water handles requires three holes (handles plus spout) and a fourth for the sprayer,” Waters said. “Professional remodelers can assist you with selecting the correct faucet as well as the style that will go best with your kitchen.”
