The main difference between brass and stainless steel kitchen faucets is that brass is softer than stainless steel. Stainless steel is a harder metal alloy, stronger than brass at repelling dents and scratches.
Comparison Table
Factors | Brass Faucet | Stainless Steel Faucet |
Aesthetic and Style | Classic, luxurious yellowish-golden appearance | Modern, contemporary look with polished or brushed finishes |
Durability | Alloy structure, more durable than pure metal faucets | More durable than brass |
Spot and Scratch Resistance | Resistant to scratches but may tarnish easily | More resistant to scratches but prone to water spots |
Temperature Resistance | Maintains color and shape at high temperatures | More temperature-resistant than brass |
Dirt, Rust, and Corrosion Resistance | Resistant to rust and corrosion, not so resistant to dirt | More resistant than brass |
Maintenance and Cleaning | Requires regular maintenance and polishing | Requires lesser maintenance and easy to clean |
Certification | NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 | NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 |
Cost | $50 and up | $175 and up |
Brass Faucets
Brass faucets are the most common and traditional choice for kitchen faucets. This alloy of Zinc and Copper has a warm, classic yellowish-golden color that adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen. A soft metal, brass can be formed into different shapes by cold-forging or casting it into molds.
Brass is softer than stainless steel or cast iron but harder than aluminum or zinc alloys such as galvanized steel. That means it won’t last forever—but it will last longer than other materials used in plumbing fixtures, such as chrome, plastic, or PVC. And because it’s an alloy, brass is less likely to corrode than pure metals.
Pros
- Distinctive, luxurious classic golden color
- Withstands wear and tear
- Less likely to corrode than pure metals
- Develops a protective patina over time
- Maintains color and shape at high temperatures
Cons
- Tarnishes easily with exposure to water
- Requires regular maintenance
Stainless Steel Faucets
Stainless steel is a popular material for kitchen sinks because it doesn’t rust or scratch and is easy to clean. This iron, chromium, and carbon alloy is also remarkably durable and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel kitchen faucets have a modern look and feel. They are also usually more expensive than brass faucets.
Stainless steel faucets are available in different finishes such as polished or brushed, including chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and gold. They’re also available in several styles, such as contemporary or traditional, depending on your personal preference.
Pros
- Has a modern, contemporary look
- Stronger than brass and endures more wear and tear
- Highly resistant to rust and corrosion
- Easy to clean and requires lesser maintenance
- Resists deformation at high temperatures
Cons
- Prone to water spots and fingerprints
- More expensive than brass faucets
Main Distinguishing Factors Between Brass and Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucets
In this section, we will see how the two materials measure up against each other across a variety of aspects.
Aesthetic and Style
Brass has a classic, luxurious yellowish-golden appearance that looks great in any traditional kitchen. In contrast, stainless steel has a more contemporary look with polished or brushed finishes that can fit into most modern kitchens.
Durability
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has been used for centuries for its flexibility, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Brass is more durable than pure metal faucets because it contains alloys that strengthen it against corrosion.
Stainless steel is a strong steel alloy with a high amount of chromium but may also include nickel or manganese. The chromium in stainless steel makes it resistant to corrosion, so it can last longer than brass or other types of metal.
Spot and Scratch Resistance
Brass and stainless steel are both solid choices for spot and scratch resistance. However, since brass is a relatively soft metal, it provides a slightly lower resistance than steel. Besides, it may eventually tarnish if exposed to air or water for long periods.
On the other hand, stainless steel is harder than brass and resists rust and tarnish better. However, it’s prone to water spots if kept uncleaned for prolonged periods.
Temperature Resistance
Brass maintains color and shape at high temperatures better than pure metals because of its 1710°F of high melting point. Yet, stainless steel melts at an even higher temperature of 2690°F. Therefore, both are capable of delivering high-performance outputs even at extreme temperatures.
Dirt, Rust, and Corrosion Resistance
Brass is resistant to rust and corrosion—not so resistant to dirt. It will eventually show signs of wear and tarnishing, but it takes a long time for this to happen. However, stainless steel is even more resistant than brass in all of these aspects.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Stainless steel requires little maintenance because it won’t tarnish or rust. However, it can develop water spots easily if not properly cared for or cleaned after each use (soap scum builds up quickly). Brass requires regular polishing, and it’s more susceptible to stains.
Certification
Brass and Stainless Steel both go by NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certifications, the standards for water-efficient products. These certifications ensure that the faucets have been tested for lead content and that they meet high durability standards. However, these certifications may be affected depending on product variations.
Cost
The cost of both materials varies widely depending on the style and brand of faucet that you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from \$175 to \$800 for a stainless steel kitchen faucet, while brass will typically run between \$50-\$600 per unit.
Verdict
Both brass and stainless steel kitchen faucets have their own unique benefits. Brass kitchen faucets are more traditional and have a luxurious look, while stainless steel kitchen faucets are more modern and easy to maintain. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider your personal style and budget.
If you’re looking for a Super budget-friendly or mid-budget kitchen faucet, brass is the way to go. Likewise, you’ll want to choose a stainless steel faucet for a high-end look and long-lasting performance.
People Also Ask These Questions
- Is brass or stainless steel better for plumbing?
It’s important to understand how they work and are used before deciding which material is right for your home’s plumbing needs.
Brass is an alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc. It’s been used in plumbing since ancient times because it’s durable, easy to work with, and can be shaped into various forms using common tools like hammers and chisels.
Stainless steel is made by mixing iron with other metals like chromium or nickel. It’s an extremely strong material that resists corrosion due to its high chromium content.
This trait makes stainless steel ideal for use in plumbing fixtures where there’s a chance that water could contain substances (like chlorine) that would cause other metals like brass to corrode over time. As a result, water is less likely to discolor.
- Is metal or brass better for the faucet?
Brass is definitely better than pure metal for faucets. Because brass is an alloy, it’s much more durable and less likely to corrode than pure metals.
It’s also important to remember that different alloys will have different properties. For example, brass that contains a high percentage of zinc will be much more corrosion-resistant than brass that contains a lower percentage of zinc.
- Is brass good for kitchen faucets?
Brass is a good choice for kitchen faucets because it’s durable and has a luxurious look. Brass kitchen faucets are available in a wide range of styles, so you’re sure to find one that matches your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. And besides aesthetics, brass is also known to be an antimicrobial material, so it’s ideal for use in the kitchen where food is prepared.
- Is brass or stainless steel better for a bathroom?
The answer to this really depends on your personal preference. If you’re looking for a traditional look, then brass might be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for something more modern and easy to maintain, stainless steel might be the way to go.
Yet, if you’re considering water conservation, stainless steel is the better bathroom sink material. This is because it doesn’t corrode as easily, so it won’t discolor your water like brass can.
- What lasts longer, brass or steel?
Usually, stainless steel lasts longer than brass. Brass is a softer metal, so it’s more likely to corrode than stainless steel. Stainless steel is also more resistant to tarnishing and discoloration. So, if you’re looking for a metal that will last longer and require less maintenance, stainless steel is the best option.
- Do brass taps rust?
Brass taps can rust, but they’re less likely to than other types of taps. This is because brass is an alloy, and alloys are more resistant to corrosion than pure metals.
- How can you tell the difference between brass and stainless steel?
The easiest way to tell the difference between brass and stainless steel is by color. Brass is yellowish in color, but it can also become brown or green, whereas stainless steel is usually silver.
Another way to tell the difference is by their weight. Brass is a lot heavier than stainless steel, so if you pick up two objects and one feels much heavier than the other, it’s likely brass.
You can also tell the difference by their sound. Brass will have a dull sound when you tap two objects together, whereas stainless steel will have a ringing sound.
- Does brass get tarnished?
Yes, brass does tarnish. Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. While it’s beautiful and is used in many high-end faucets and other items, it will eventually tarnish with consistent exposure to air and moisture.
Conclusion
Our comparison of the two types of faucets reveals that each has its own set of pros and cons. Brass is more traditional and appeals to the senses, thanks to its overall luxurious design. While stainless steel sinks are modern and appeal to people who want long-lasting durability.
Yet, if you’re looking for a water-conscious solution, stainless is the ideal choice. This is because it won’t corrode as easily and leave any chance of water discoloration.
So, which type of faucet is right for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what’s most important to you and decide based on that.