The main difference between Chrome and Stainless Steel is in their composition. Stainless steel is a non-electroplated metal alloy that contains nickel as well as at least 10.5 percent chromium covering. Chrome, the acronym for chromium, refers to an electroplating procedure in which the metal core is entirely plated with chromium, indicating that it is not an alloy like stainless steel.
However, there are some other differences to consider; each has advantages and cons. So, to assist you in choosing the shiniest finish on your budget, we’ll compare chrome and stainless steel faucets below.
The Key Distinctions Between Chrome & Stainless Steel Faucets
The composition of Chrome & Stainless Steel is what distinguishes them from each other. If we talk about stainless steel, it is a non-electroplated metal alloy, including nickel as well as at least 10.5 percent chromium coating.
On the other hand, Chrome, the acronym for chromium, refers to an electroplating process where the metal core is entirely plated with chromium. That means it’s not an alloy like stainless steel.
Well, there are some other differences to consider. Now let’s know a bit more about the two types of kitchen faucets with their major pros and cons:
Chrome Kitchen Faucet
For having a chromium coating, Chrome kitchen faucets feature a high gloss finish that enhances the kitchen’s vibe. Chrome finishes are mainly classified into three types: polished, satin, & brushed, and there are a lot of various designs of chrome-plated faucets to pick from, so you have a lot of options.
However, the stain and brushed finishes offer a more matt appearance, which you can choose. On the other side, Chrome-plated faucets are pretty easy to clean, though they get water spots while regular usage. It can be cleaned with a simple wipe with just a dry cloth.
But, before you buy, make sure you are buying pure and high-quality chrome-plated faucets because a low-quality finish will lose the shine very quickly.
Now let’s take a quick look at Chrome Kitchen Faucet’s pros and cons:
Pros of Chrome Kitchen Faucet
- Offers very shiny looks.
- Highly corrosion-resistant.
- Easy to clean.
- Looks modern.
Cons of Chrome Kitchen Faucet
- Not much durable like stainless steel.
- Highly expensive for the electroplating process.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet
For a long time, stainless steel kitchen faucets have been a popular choice. Its ruggedness is one of the reasons why people like it so much. On the other hand, stainless steel has a service life of over 10 years and has good corrosion resistance with depression resistance.
Besides these, you will get a variety of different versions of stainless steel in the market which are comparatively affordable than other materials like Chrome and Brass.
But Stainless Steel faucets get water spots and scratches quickly and they need a little time to clean up. You will have to use the liquid dishwasher to get the maximum cleaning.
Well, to keep the shiny look, you may have to clean your faucet every week or more often. Now let’s have a short look at Stainless Steel faucet’s pros and cons-
Pros of Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet
- Highly durable, can last up to 10 years.
- Rust-proof.
- Comparatively affordable.
- Does not get bent.
Cons of Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet
- Does not offer a premium shine like Chrome.
- Gets water spots quickly and needs a little effect to clean.
Main Distinguishing Factors Between Chrome and Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet
Now, in this part, we’ll compare and contrast the two materials based on the following aspects below:
Durability
In terms of durability, Chrome faucets are durable enough to last for years, for their electroplating process but not as durable as Stainless Steel. On the other hand, because stainless steel is an alloy, its durability is better than that of chrome. In fact, a kitchen faucet that is made of pure stainless steel may last for up to 10 years or even more.
Aesthetic and Stylist
Chrome-plated faucets are more attractive and shinier than stainless steel kitchen faucets because Chrome features an electroplating process that involves a full chromium coating; provides a more polished look.
Stainless steel faucets, on the other hand, are also attractive and elegant, with at least 10.5% chromium coating. However, with only 10.5% chromium plating, they are not shinier than chromium plating.
Spot and Scratch Resistance
In terms of the ability to resist unwanted spots and scratches, chrome-plated faucets will give you slightly more advantage in comparison to stainless steel.
Because chrome usually does not tend to get water spots and scratches so quickly, even if they do, they are so easy to clean up. On the other hand, stainless steel gets water spots and scratches quickly and takes a bit of effort to get rid of those.
Temperature Resistance
If we talk about which material can work under high temperatures, then we will have to say that chrome-plated faucets will not perform as well as stainless steel faucets can perform under high temperatures.
Because stainless steel is an alloy, it is a poor conductor of heat; it will be more likely to perform better than chromium-plated faucets in terms of temperature resistance.
Dirt and Corrosion Resistance
In terms of dirt and corrosion resistance, chromium-plated faucets will win for having their electroplating process with 100% chromium coating; as chromium is a highly corrosion-resistant material.
On the other hand, if you talk about this stainless steel, it is not that much rust-resistant like chrome, but also provides good support for corrosion as it also has a minimum 10.5% chromium coating.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, chrome-plated faucets are somewhat simpler to clean and maintain since they are more corrosion-resistant than steel and do not tend to get water spots quickly.
A chrome-plated faucet may be readily cleaned by wiping it with a towel. On the other hand, if we’re talking about stainless steel, you’ll need to use a liquid dishwasher to clean those water stains from your kitchen faucet.
Certification
In terms of standard certification, both chrome-plated and stainless steel kitchen faucets come with the standard NSC/ANSI/CAN 61 certification. It means that both materials with those certifications have gone through a lab test to ensure that they do not contain harmful lead and other materials in their composition.
Cost or Affordability
When compared to stainless steel faucets, chrome-plated kitchen faucets are often more expensive due to the electroplating process. However, the price might vary depending on the brand value, design, and other factors. Sometimes both types of kitchen faucets may come up at the same price difference as well.
Side by Side Comparison Table-
Distinguishing Factors | Chrome Kitchen Faucet | Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucet |
Durability | Chrome Kitchen faucets are durable. But not that durable if we compare it with stainless steel. | Stainless steel faucets are highly durable. They can last up to 10 years or even more. |
Aesthetic and Stylist | Chrome faucets offer gorgeous, shiny, and modern looks. | Stainless Steel faucets are good-looking but not as shiny as Chrome kitchen faucets. |
Spot and Scratch Resistance | Chrome-plated faucets get a minimum of water spots, and they have a better scratch resistance than stainless steel. | Gets water sports and scratches very quickly. |
Temperature Resistance | This type of faucet can not perform well under high temperatures. | Yes, Stainless Steel faucets have a better temperature resistance than chrome-plated faucets. |
Dirt and Corrosion Resistance | Highly corrosion resistant. | High-quality stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance. |
Maintenance and Cleaning | Much easier to clean. | Needs some extra time to clean. |
Certification | You will find NSF Certified products on the market. | Yes, NSF Certified products are available. |
Cost or Affordability | Highly expensive. | Much more affordable than Chrome-plated kitchen faucets. |
Final Verdict
So, as we can see, both Chrome-plated and Stainless Steel kitchen faucets have their own advantages and disadvantages. We can say that if you want a good-looking finish, choose Chrome, and if you want a durable option, choose Stainless Steel.
But the price is a major factor here. To help you decide, here we will discuss which type of finish will be better for you considering the budget:
Super Budget-Friendly
If your budget is so tight, you can buy a stainless steel kitchen faucet without any doubt. Because stainless steel faucets are long-lasting and offer a great value for the money.
Mid-Budget
If your budget is slightly higher, then you can either go with a Chrome-plated faucet or choose a Stainless steel faucet. The best option would be to avoid low-quality chrome-plated faucets and instead choose a high-quality stainless steel kitchen faucet within that price range.
High Quality
When quality matters, prices go up. Yes, if you want a stylish kitchen faucet with a beautiful shine, and if you have the money to spend, you should consider a chrome-plated faucet.
People Also Ask These Questions:
Which Is Better Chrome Or Stainless Steel?
It depends on various factors like price, durability, aesthetics, and some others. But if you need an affordable, long-lasting material, you can go with Stainless Steel. On the other hand, Chrome is often chosen for its good-looking appearance. So, if you need something shinier than Stainless Steel, go for Chrome.
Are Chrome Kitchen Faucets Out Of Style?
Absolutely not! Chrome is a timeless finish for faucets & other household fittings. It is incredibly adaptable and may be used in both modern and contemporary house designs. Selecting Chrome for your Kitchen Faucets or Bathroom Faucets is one of the greatest methods to assure a neutral and long-lasting style that complements any home makeover.
What Is The Most Popular Finish For Kitchen Faucets?
There are several common finishes to choose from, but two of them are the most popular. 1. The most common kitchen faucet finish is most likely polished chrome. It has a sparkling silver surface that reflects a lot of light. 2. Stainless steel, which has a dull silvery look and a warm tone to it.
Which Faucet Material Is Best?
Actually, there are many factors to consider when someone asks for the best faucet material. Price is the major aspect to consider here. But if we talk about some of the best materials, then Brass, Chrome, and Stainless Steel are the best materials for kitchen faucets. Among the three materials, Stainless Steel is the most affordable to buy.
Do Chrome Faucets Show Water Spots?
Yes, like most other faucet materials, Chrome faucets also show a few water sports in regular usage. But the spots are so minimal. On the other hand, Chrome-plated faucets are very easy to clean and do not require cleaning every day. With a simple wipe, you can clean your faucet easily.
Which Faucet Finish Is Most Durable?
If we talk about durability, we must say that the pure stainless steel faucet finish is the most durable. Stainless steel faucets are highly rust-resistance, do not get bends, and can handle high water flow pressure. But you must buy pure stainless steel to get the highest outcome.
Are Stainless Steel Faucets Hard to Keep Clean?
No, stainless steel faucets are not that much hard to keep clean. If you find water spots on your stainless steel faucet, then you can easily clean them with dishwasher liquid and a piece of cloth. But yes, compared with Chrome-plated kitchen faucets, stainless steel faucets are a bit hard to clean.
Conclusion
Yes, while deciding between chrome steel & stainless steel kitchen faucets, you should take your specific requirements into account. Well, both Chrome and Stainless Steel faucet finishes are great.
But a chrome faucet is unquestionably the best option for a genuinely magnificent glossy finish. So, if you are concerned about regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as aesthetics, please select a chrome-plated faucet.
On the other hand, you should go with a Stainless Steel faucet, when you’re more concerned with service life, durability, & value for money.