What Is The Difference Between A Cheap And Expensive Faucet?

The market is packed with hundreds of faucets, each with something slightly different to offer. Maybe it’s a similar design with a different brand name, or perhaps it’s a unique design. As you browse, you’ll notice a wide array of price points for kitchen and bathroom faucets, so there’s something to fit every budget.

But is there any difference between the steeply-priced faucets and their cheaper competitors? Usually, yes, there are quite a few differences. We’re here to explain, so continue reading to learn more!

Why Are Some Faucets So Much More Expensive Than Others?

As you sift through available faucets on the market, you’ll see a variety of price tags. Some might boast price tags of less than $100, while others are strapped with steep price tags exceeding $1,000. So, why are some faucets so much more expensive than others? Well, it comes down to four things: design, functionality, branding, and composition.

Design

The design factor plays a significant role in the final price of the faucet, as some designs are more complex than others. For example, a standard kitchen faucet without a pull-out or pull-down spout is usually less expensive than a model with these factors.

Or, a basic single-handle bathroom faucet with a run-of-the-mill design is usually cheaper than a widespread high-arc bathroom faucet. Generally speaking, the fancier the tap, the more expensive it’ll be. So, if you choose a basic design, you usually pay less than you would for a fancy faucet with unique design touches.

Functionality

A faucet’s overall functionality and features have a hand in determining the number on the price tag, too. Some faucets feature a basic function with a manually-operated handle. These faucets are the standard design that has been around for decades, so they’re usually less expensive compared to fancy, tech-filled faucets.

Nowadays, you can buy faucets with varying functionality, including touch, touchless, and voice-activated models. With touch faucets, you simply tap one of the sensors on the faucet’s body to activate water flow. To turn the water on with a touchless faucet, you move your hands in front of the sensors. Last, with a voice-activated faucet, you just say the correct voice command, and the water will turn on.

Since the touch, touchless, and voice-activated faucets have various technological components, they’re usually much pricier than their traditional, manually-operated counterparts.

Brand

As you browse through your options, you’ll probably notice some brands are cheaper than others. Generally speaking, in-house brands at home improvement stores tend to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum. This includes brands like Home Depot’s Glacier Bay faucets and Lowe’s Allen & Roth models.

If you compare them to mainstream brands like Delta, Moen, and Kohler, you’ll notice a general trend in pricing. Although these three brands offer less expensive models, they still tend to be more expensive than most Allen & Roth or Glacier Bay models.

If you take things a step up, you can find luxury faucets that surpass the price tag on most Delta, Moen, and Kohler models. For example, Brizo (the luxury version of Delta) offers a range of luxury-style faucets at steep prices.

So, the brand can play a role in the final total of your faucet. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Allen & Roth or Glacier Bay has beautiful options at a low price. Or, if you’re looking for durable models at a medium price point, check with Kohler, Moen, and Delta. Alternatively, Brizo, Kohler, and Moen have high-end options to meet lavish expectations if you prefer luxury touches.

Composition

One of the most critical factors driving a faucet’s price is its composition. Faucets with higher-end materials are typically much pricier than their comrades featuring lower-end materials.

For example, higher-end faucets usually feature durable metal components such as brass and stainless steel internal parts (valve seats, cartridges, etc.). On top of that, they often feature more durable finishes that are less susceptible to damage.

On the other hand, cheaper faucets often feature mixed materials. The internal components usually consist of plastic, with a few metal parts throughout the assembly. Since they’re made of plastic, which is cheaper and doesn’t last as long, these faucets don’t usually last as long. In turn, they’re available at a much lower price.

So, What’s The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Faucets?

As mentioned, there are quite a few differences between cheap and expensive faucets. While you might be able to find similar models at drastically different price points, there’s usually more to the story. So, while the exterior looks similar, the cheaper option likely features less durable components and fewer features (touch, touchless, etc.

Or, on the flip side, the expensive option might have solid, durable metal components with various features, such as touchless sensors and voice-activated water flow. Of course, the differences between cheap and expensive faucets vary based on the models in question, but the concept is the same.

How Much Does A Good Quality Faucet Cost?

As you sift through your options, you’ll come across a wide range of faucets at dramatically different price points. Some faucets might be well under $100, while others feature price tags that skyrocket past $800. While you’ll want to avoid the extremely cheap options if you want a durable, long-lasting product, this doesn’t mean you have to spend $800 on a quality faucet.

Good-quality faucets that will last for over a decade usually cost between $150 and $300, so you don’t need to spend exorbitant amounts. While it’s more than the cheaper options, these faucets typically last much longer (fewer faucet replacements = saving money in the long run).

That said, you can expect to pay more if you want a faucet with tech features. For example, if you want a voice-activated tap, you’ll likely pay upwards of $500.

Are Luxury Faucets Worth It?

As you search, you’ll probably come across models that surpass the $1,000 mark. These faucets are widely considered luxury faucets (hence the price tag), but are they worth the steep cost? Ultimately, this decision is up to you.

For some folks, paying this much for a kitchen or bathroom faucet might feel foolish. After all, how much better can the quality of the components be? But for others, the price may feel like a steal, given the brand name and product features.

So, this decision is yours. While you don’t need to spend this much on a faucet to get a durable, good quality product, these faucets might be a solid choice for your home (depending on your expectations and preferences).

How Long Will A Good Quality Faucet Last?

On average, a good-quality kitchen or bathroom faucet will last between 15 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Of course, some faucets might only last for a short time without routine care, but as long as you take care of them, they should last a long time.

In some cases, faucets will hold up for longer than two decades. However, after a while, the internal components will begin to wear out, rust will overrun the faucet, and its function may decrease. At this point, it might be time for a replacement.

If you choose a cheaper kitchen or bathroom product, it’ll likely wear out much faster. On average, more affordable plumbing fixtures with plastic components rarely last longer than eight years. Of course, there may be some exceptions with regular care and maintenance, but the internal components are usually much more susceptible to damage.