High Flow Faucets for a High Speed Kitchen
When tackling kitchen tasks like filling stock pots, blasting stuck-on food, and quickly washing produce, having ample water flow from your faucet is a must. High flow kitchen faucets can provide that speed by delivering water at rates over the standard 2.2 gallons per minute.
But is a high flow faucet right for your kitchen? Let's dive into the details to help you decide.
What is Flow Rate and Why Does it Matter?
Flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), refers to the amount of water flowing out of your faucet. Standard kitchen faucets offer around 2.0 to 2.2 GPM.
Higher flow rates make filling large containers faster and give you more power to blast away messes. But that water speed comes at a cost. High flow faucets consume significantly more water, driving up usage and your water bill.
Calculating Your Flow Rate Needs
The flow rate you need depends on your kitchen tasks and household size. For example, busy cooks and larger families may benefit from more water volume. But moderate cooks in smaller homes can likely get by with standard flow.
Finding the right balance means weighing convenience versus conservation.
Maximum Flow Rates and Regulations
Currently, the maximum flow rate allowed nationwide for new kitchen faucets is 2.2 GPM, as set by the EPA's WaterSense program. Some areas like California restrict flow rates even further, to 1.8 GPM.
These regulations exist to promote water efficiency and conservation as domestic usage continues rising. But they have an impact on available flow rates.
Can You Go Above the Flow Rate Limit?
There are ways to temporarily boost flow above the legal limit, but this is not recommended for long-term high flow installation. The best approach is finding a faucet that maximizes flow within the regulations.
Features That Increase Flow Rate
Many innovations allow kitchen faucets to deliver higher flow rates while staying within regulations:
- Commercial-grade valves and pipes
- Ceramic disc valves for smooth high flow
- Pressure-compensating aerator for consistent flow
Multi-Function and Smart Faucets
Additional modes on smart faucets, like filtered water or hot water dispenser, can boost the overall flow rate during those uses. Touch-activated and auto-sensing functionality can also increase water velocity.
Top High Flow Kitchen Faucet Models
Here are some top-rated kitchen faucet models that offer high flow rates while maintaining efficiency:
Moen Arbor
Style: Pulldown Flow Rate: 2.2 GPM Finish: Spot Resist Stainless
Our top overall pick, with a powerful pre-rinse mode and easy-clean spray head.
Kohler Tournant
Style: Pullout Flow Rate: 2.2 GPM Finish: Vibrant Polished Nickel
Sweeping high-arc spout design for filling or cleaning.
Delta Essa
Style: Pullout Flow Rate: 2.2 GPM Finish: Arctic Stainless
Affordable option with innovative MagnaTite docking.
Tips for Reducing Water Use
If choosing a standard flow faucet, you can still reduce water usage:
- Install low-flow aerators
- Promptly repair any leaks
- Avoid letting water run while not in use
High-Efficiency Faucets
Many faucets today use specially designed valves, spray heads and aerators to minimize water flow while maintaining pressure.
The ideal kitchen faucet provides the right balance of flow rate and efficiency for your needs. High flow faucets make cooking tasks easier but aren't essential in all homes. Focus on finding a faucet with plenty of functionality that also aligns with your water conservation goals.