Nickel vs Chrome vs Stainless Steel Faucet. Which one should you choose?

We all know the debate about whether stainless steel is better than chrome or nickel. It’s a classic debate and one that often comes up in the faucet industry. I’m sure you have seen people on the internet talk about stainless steel, chrome, nickel, and more. But the question is, what is the right faucet for you?

Nickel vs Chrome vs Stainless Steel Faucet

It’s really up to you which type of faucet you want to purchase, but the decision is not an easy one to make. Let’s dig into each of the three main types of finishes and learn about their advantages and disadvantages.

Nickel plating is a common finishing process for faucets. If you’re looking for the perfect finish for your faucet, consider nickel plating. It is a strong and durable coating that will protect the faucet from scratching and corrosion. It is most commonly applied to metals and non-metallic materials (such as plastics) by electroplating or electroless nickel plating.
 
The electroplating process requires an electrical current, while the electroless nickel plating process uses chemical reactions. Both methods result in a finish with a shiny, bright appearance. However, the electroless nickel plating process offers a better finish than the electroplating process.
 
The nickel finish is available in many different shades, and each one looks and feels different:
 
  1. The most common finish that you will find on faucets. Polished nickel has a smooth, shiny appearance. It is often the standard finish that faucets come in.
  2. If you prefer a contemporary look, consider brushed nickel. Brushed nickel has a slightly textured appearance, which makes it unique. The finish looks like it was brushed onto the metal. It can be a good choice if you want to match your sink with a modern design.
  3. Satin nickel has a stylish, shiny finish but is also soft enough to blend into any design style. The finish is similar to brushed nickel but with a shinier tint.

Nickel plumbing systems are an affordable way to update your bathroom or kitchen fixtures and provide a durable, long-lasting solution. In addition, they are easy to clean and maintain. The only disadvantage is that they may cause skin irritation. However, if you know someone with sensitive skin, you should consider using stainless steel instead.

Chrome faucets

The chrome finish on a faucet is created using a thin layer of chromium that’s applied to the surface. This creates a smooth, durable finish that gives the faucet a beautiful appearance. The process is called electroplating because the chromium is electrochemically deposited onto the surface of the faucet. In other words, it’s like running an electric current through water, which deposits a layer of metal. This chrome finish will provide a long-lasting, attractive look to your sink, bath hub, or shower faucets.

When choosing a faucet for your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll notice three main chrome finishes: polished, brushed, and satin.
  1. Polished chrome gives a glossy appearance and can reflect light back at the viewer.
  2. Brushed chrome has a matte finish with subtle brush strokes that create a textured look. Brushed chrome faucets are much less reflective and more industrial looking.
  3. Satin chrome gives a more natural-looking finish and can be a good choice for those looking for a more refined style. With satin chrome, there is no brush effect and it has a matte finish.

The type of chrome finish used on a faucet will depend on the manufacturer, but generally, it is a matter of personal preference. Satin chrome is great for a modern, sleek look. Brushed chrome is great for those who want a more traditional look. Polished chrome is best suited for industrial styles or those who want a more high-tech, contemporary feel.

A chrome finish is a durable, shiny, and attractive option for kitchen faucets. In terms of cost, chrome faucets are generally less expensive than other materials. However, chrome faucets are also more prone to corrosion and may require additional maintenance. You should always choose a high-quality faucet with a thick layer of chrome finish.

Stainless Steel faucets

For over a century, stainless steel has been the standard for plumbing fixtures and appliances. In fact, it’s the only metal that can be used in food preparation, medicine, and the manufacturing of many other products. Not only does it look good, but it also lasts a long time. The secret to the longevity of stainless steel is in the manufacturing process. Stainless steel faucets are made by melting the raw materials iron, chromium, silicon, and nickel together. Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not have to be finished. Instead, the material is polished and ground down to a smooth surface. It also comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes.

Stainless steel faucets have a lot of benefits. From functionality to durability, the list goes on. Yet, there are a few different types of stainless steel faucets out there. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types so you know what style will best fit your needs and your home.
 
  1. Polished stainless steel is the most hygienic option since it’s smooth and easy to clean.
  2. A brushed stainless steel faucet offers the perfect balance between style and maintenance. They are low-maintenance and easy to clean thanks to their brushed finishes that hide fingerprints and water spots.
  3. Satin stainless steel is a nice compromise between brushed and polished and often has a more silky texture.
  4. Also, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is used to create various finishes on stainless steel, the most popular being gold, followed by rose gold, and then black.

Stainless steel faucets are great. They last a long time, are easy to clean and are very durable. If you’re looking for a stainless steel faucet, there’s no doubt in my mind that they are the way to go. However, they are more expensive than other materials, and they won’t fit in certain designs.

Chrome vs nickel vs stainless steel compared

When deciding what type of faucet to buy, it’s important to consider the type of material that you want your faucet to be made from. Faucets made of chrome are the most common, but nickel and stainless steel are also great options. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between the three materials.

Nickel vs Chrome Faucets

automatic brushed nickel touchless faucet
Brushed Nickel Touchless Bathroom Faucet
Chrome touchless bathroom faucet
Chrome Touchless Bathroom Faucet

Appearance

Nickel and chrome have a major difference in appearance. Nickel is warmer and more classic, while chrome is brighter and more modern. This makes it easy to choose which color will work best for your space. Both colors can create a unique look that will set your bathroom or kitchen apart from others.

Durability

The durability of a finish is really just a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for something that will stand up to daily use and abuse, then nickel is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for something that will resist scratching and tarnishing, then chrome is a better option.

Maintenance

When it comes to choosing between nickel and chrome faucets, the decision is largely dependent on what your home looks like and how much maintenance you want to do. While both faucets are relatively easy to maintain, nickel faucets may be more prone to water spots and fingerprints.

Cost

Nickel is often cheaper than chrome. But the cost difference is minimal. Chrome is more common than nickel, so you may discover that the chrome finish is easier to find.

Chrome vs Stainless Steel Faucets

Delta lenta chrome touch faucet
Delta Faucet Lenta Touch Kitchen Faucet Chrome
moen stainless steel touchless faucet
Moen Sleek Smart Kitchen Faucet Spot Stainless Steel
 

Appearance

In order to make your kitchen look like it was designed by a professional, you need to choose a faucet that matches the overall style of the kitchen. Chrome is a popular choice, but its bright, shiny finish can look too modern and flashy in some kitchens. Instead, go with stainless steel. It has a more subtle, industrial look that works perfectly in a traditional or classic kitchen.

Durability

As a general rule, stainless steel is a better choice for a sink faucet. However, a quality chrome faucet can be very durable and well-made. If you’re looking to buy a faucet for your kitchen or bathroom, stainless steel is the best option if you can afford it. It’s more durable and will last longer. However, if you’re looking for a faucet that looks nice and is easy to clean, chrome is still a good choice.

Maintenance

You should consider the maintenance required for each type of faucet when choosing between them. Chrome fixtures require a lot of maintenance because of the bright shine, while stainless steel fixtures are much easier to clean, but may not hide stains as well as chrome.

Cost

Stainless steel faucets are a more practical choice for most homeowners because they require less maintenance. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them great choices for busy homes. The downside is that stainless steel fixtures are often a bit more expensive than chrome ones.

Stainless Steel vs Nickel Faucets

kohler simplice stainless steel faucet
KOHLER Simplice Pull Down Stainless Steel Faucet
gimili touchless brushed nickel faucet
GIMILI Touchless Brushed Nickel Kitchen Faucet
 

Appearance

When deciding which faucet material to use, you should consider the appearance of your sink. A stainless steel sink faucet will have a bluish tint to it, while a nickel faucet will have a warmer tone. A stainless steel faucet has a more modern appearance, while a nickel one is more traditional. Both materials are strong and durable, so it’s hard to tell them apart. However, stainless steel is more popular because it looks more elegant.

Durability

When selecting a faucet, you should consider the durability and longevity of the finish. A stainless steel finish will always last longer than a nickel finish and will withstand the elements better, so you should select this option. However, you should also consider your personal preference for the look of your sink and countertop. If you prefer a stainless steel finish, go for it. But if you like the looks of brushed nickel consider that is softer and prone to scratches and corrosion.

Maintenance

Both are good choices, but if you can afford it, go with stainless steel. It’s generally easier to maintain, and it’s less prone to showing water spots and fingerprints than chrome or nickel.

Cost

The final decision between stainless steel and nickel faucets comes down to personal preference. Nickel faucets tend to cost less than stainless steel faucets, but if you want to save money in the long run stick with stainless steel.


Ratings

Here’s a quick table comparing nickel, chrome, and stainless steel faucets. We’ve ranked the different materials across four categories: appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. 

Category

Nickel

Chrome

Stainless Steel

Appearance

4/5

5/5

4/5

Durability

3/5

4/5

5/5

Maintenance

3/5

4/5

5/5

Cost

4/5

3/5

5/5

Faucets come in a wide variety of materials and designs, but stainless steel has some benefits over the other two options. It’s up to you to choose which one fits best for your situation.

FAQ

How to identify nickel vs chrome faucets?

The difference between nickel and chrome can be subtle. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at the color. If it has a warm, slightly yellow hue, it is likely to be nickel. If it is cooler and bluer, it is chrome. Nickel will eventually tarnish to brown color and turn darker over time. However, nickel will retain its shine.

How to tell the difference between chrome and stainless steel faucets?

You can tell the difference between a chrome and a stainless steel faucet by looking at the finish. Chrome is a bright shiny finish, while stainless steel is matte and slightly duller. If you prefer a shiny finish, go with chrome. If you want something a little more subdued, choose stainless steel.

What kind of stainless steel is used in faucets?

Stainless steel is a popular material because of its resistance to corrosion and high durability. The main type of stainless used for faucets is 304, a type of austenitic stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 8-10% nickel. Chrome helps the steel resist corrosion.
 
If you want to know what kind of stainless steel is used in faucets, you should look at the manufacturer’s specifications. When buying a stainless steel faucet, you should make sure you are buying a lead-free faucet. You can tell if the faucet you bought is stainless and lead-free by testing it with a magnet. It should be low-magnetic and the magnet shouldn’t stick to the faucet.
 

How can you tell the difference between nickel and stainless steel faucets?

Nickel and stainless steel are both great choices for faucets. They are both durable and have a long life span. To distinguish between nickel and stainless steel, look at the finish. Nickel finishes tend to have a darker tone and a duller sheen than stainless steel. Stainless steel is typically brighter in color and has a bluer tone.

You may also want to check out our guide on: What Makes a Gold Touchless Kitchen Faucet Great?If a gold finish is more your style.

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a faucet. Without a doubt, stainless steel takes the first place, chrome, and nickel come second. But you always should take into consideration other aspects, like style, functionality, touchless control, and other features that suit you best. Although, based on our research, we found that stainless steel is the best option because it has an excellent track record for longevity. The market is flooded with poor-quality stainless steel faucets. So, in the end, a good quality faucet with a chrome or nickel finish will serve you for a lifetime as well.