As a homeowner and serial renovator for over 20 years, I‘ve tackled everything from minor kitchen updates to whole-home makeovers. In the quest to balance style, performance and value, I‘ve installed my share of sinks and faucets. Lately I keeps coming back to Kraus time and again when planning bath and kitchen projects.
So what makes Kraus a go-to brand? Read on for insights from first-hand experience complemented by research rounding out the fuller picture.
Why Choose Kraus Fixtures
In a nutshell:
- High-quality materials and construction
- European style made affordable
- Modern to classic design options
- Water-saving efficiency
- Space-friendly sizing
- Helpful customer service
My reasons:
I first discovered Kraus browsing at a local home improvement store for ideas on sprucing up our rental unit kitchen on a modest budget. Even though I‘d never heard the name "Kraus" before, the shiny showroom displays caught my eye and made me pause for closer inspection.
Immediately the solid brass and stainless steel constructions felt superior to other mainstream value brands. The unique silhouettes and high-reaching arcing spouts added welcome panache. And seeing the Kraus logo etching conveyed clear pride in the product – something lacking with anonymous private-label alternatives.
But beyond the sleek aesthetics, I dug deeper to better understand why Kraus stood out from the pack of similarly priced competitors.
As a savvy renovator, I‘ve learned the hard way that cutting corners to save a few bucks never pays off long run. Shoddy fixtures inevitably fail prematurely, then set off troublesome water damage requiring expensive repairs. Or constant dripping and drainage issues slowly hike water bills unnoticed for years.
So rather than making decisions based merely on initial cost, I focus first on quality of construction and durability of finishes that directly impact longevity and maintenance costs long term.
It becomes easy justifying moderate upfront premiums knowing quality sinks and taps will operate smoothly for decades rather than needing messy replacements every 5-7 years. This proved true with Kraus…
Origins & Core Principles
First, I researched the backstory to understand what principles guide the company beyond balance sheets.
Kraus was launched in 2007 by two entrepreneurs – Russel Levi and Michael Ruhklin – aiming to make luxury-level kitchen and bath fixtures attainable to ordinary homeowners.
Levi brought deep experience in premier manufacturing logistics working with elite Italian studios supplying high-end hotels. Ruhklin offered operational expertise running a major building materials organization.
Together they targeted eliminating price markups bloated by layers of distributors and retailers that prevent consumers accessing quality merchandise created by master artisans. Circumventing normal sales channels enabled passing dramatic savings directly on to customers.
But the founders vowed not to sacrifice superb material standards or old-world craftsmanship traditions producing the special touches distinguishing fine luxury bath wares. By importing elite-brand quality through their own streamlined structure, Kraus makes designs usually found solely in lavish homes comfortably attainable in typical households.
So from the beginning, Kraus committed making heirloom-quality fixtures accessible – rather than chasing gimmicky trends – by focusing unwaveringly on durable builds and timeless beauty paying dividends through lasting customer enjoyment. This purpose-over-profits priority attracted me.
Premium Materials = Real Value
Always skeptical of too-good-to-be-true deals, I researched exactly how Kraus boosts quality staying faithful to that original mission:
Rigorous sourcing – Kraus maintains tight supplier partnerships with esteemed foundries in Italy and Germany renown for generations of metal-shaping excellence. Consistent manufacturing precision ensures fittings operate correctly year after year.
Battleship metals – Solid brass frames withstand 50 years of use. Stainless steel basin walls employ the thickest 16 GA sheets possible for residential sinks – severely outlasting thinner 18 GA competitors.
Laser-cut for precision – Computer-guided laser-cutting and metal-forming ensures precise tolerances so sink drains align perfectly with faucet parts every time.
Superior finishes – Electroplating and multi-stage polishing achieves brilliant sheens resisting corrosion, scratches and buildup even handling daily abuse.
Oversize drainage – Extra-large 3.5" rear-set drain openings avoid clog headaches handling high volume. Flexible connections suit different plumbing setups.
Clearly Kraus pulls no punches when it comes to robust materials and battleship-level builds guaranteeing lasting performance for decades rather than flimsy jobs needing replacement every few years. This clear commitment to genuine value reflects in…
Prices and Warranties
Common assumption says equating quality with affordability seems unrealistic. Yet smart consumers understand total cost of ownership requires calculating long-term durability, not just sticker prices.
In this area too Kraus sets itself apart. Not through irresponsibly undercutting competitors, but rather prices remain modest thanks to business model innovation.
Eliminating traditional retail markups lets Kraus pocket margins otherwise lost paying distributors and store commissions. For customers this means consistent 30%-60% discounts off what brick-and-mortar showrooms charge for fixtures of comparable caliber.
So that perfect single-bowl fireclay apron front sink easily runs $700+ on competitor showroom floors. But Kraus sells its stylistically similar model direct-to-consumer online barely over $400 – with free shipping!
To reassure nervous first-timers, Kraus offers lifetime limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. And their customer service team fields questions installing handy helpers like bottom-mount racks, drying trays and cutting boards perfectly sized snugging right into specialty workstation sinks.
Between huge savings, robust warranty and helpful support, Kraus everything possible ensuring phenomenal long-term value customers appreciate.
Innovative & Eco-Friendly
Beyond old-fashioned durability, Kraus infuses faucets incorporating clever contemporary features that simplify daily use. Pull-down spray wands stretching 20 inches make rinsing every corner of oversized basins easy. Masterful ceramic cartridges enable smooth single-handle flow adjustments from trickling drops up to full-blast.
Special aerators allow toggling between regular 2.2 GPM flow down to reduced 1.5 GPM stream – cutting water usage over 30% effortlessly while maintaining full pressure power. Perfect for conscious eco-households.
It becomes readily apparent how every aspect Kraus fixtures focus on painless practicality – from space-friendly compact designs to ergonomic lever handles ideal even for sore hands. Form and finesse meld seamlessly.
What Buyers Are Saying
Beyond just taking Kraus‘ own marketing message hook-line-sinker, I dig into actual buyer experiences for the real scoop. Monitoring homeowner reviews reveals how products operate long-term, where they excel or fall short. What better judges than people using fixtures daily first-hand in their own homes for context?
Overwhelmingly Kraus earns consistent 4-5 star praise across all its faucet and sink lines:
- Top-notch quality – on par with far pricier designer brands
- Easy to install – useful mounting kits help achieve great fits
- Reliable performance – smooth operation after years of use
- Excellent value – quality and features customers expect at pleasing prices
- Great style options – modern to old-world looks personalized for individual tastes
- Standout service – Kraus pros quickly resolve any issues contacting support
Here are few verbatim comments typifying the enthusiastic acclaim home experts give Kraus:
"The solid stainless steel just locks in quality with the hefty weight in your hands. Glides right in perfectly and works great after 3 years now!"
"I get so many compliments from guests about our unique matte black Kraus fixtures. And the soft-close doors are my favorite part!"
"Kraus has wonderful customer service – they quickly sent replacement parts free when I had a minor leak issue."
"Love how the high arch swivels completely out of my way so I can fully leverage my extra deep sink basin space."
Hearing genuine end user experiences cemented my confidence in Kraus ability delivering enduring performance refined with clever touches easing owners‘ daily rigors.
Kraus Sinks: Materials and Buying Considerations
Just as Kraus engineers taps incorporating clever innovations, its sinks utilize premium materials guaranteeing lifetime service holding up to heaviest use:
- 16 Gauge Premium Stainless Steel – Unrivaled thickness resists corrosion and hides scratches
- Tempered Glass – Ultraclear low-iron coats prevent clouding and thermal cracking
- vitreous china – Glossy surfaces impervious to staining and chipping
- Fireclay – Legendary durability even tolerating extreme heat and abrasion
- Siligranit Composite – Moldproof, nonporous builds resist impact damage
With so many sink types available, deciding best option matching your space and priorities helps ensure satisfaction long run. Considerations I weigh include:
- Intended use – prep work, entertaining, arts projects determining risks
- Mounting style – undermount, drop-in or tile-in support existing counter material
- Basin dimensions – single, double and enormous options handle tasks needing space
- Added features – drainboards, ledges, racks and custom accessories fitting your workflow
- Personal aesthetic – from sleek modern simplicity to imposing professional grade
- Budget factors – set realistic range then watch sales bringing deals
I find it helps creating inspiration folders gathering my favorite sink styles. Then focus on 2-3 best contenders matching my counter material, cabinet space and budget. This keeps selection process fun rather than frustrating!
Top-Selling Kraus Collections
With better understanding now about Kraus principles and construction advantages, let’s survey a few of the company’s most popular faucet collections starting to narrow choices…
KPF-1610 Kitchen Faucet
- Transitional styling complements my existing decor
- Matte black color makes dramatic modern statement I prefer
- Higher 22 inch arc lets me easily fill stock pots
- Easy-clean coated spray nozzle simplifies maintenance
- Open coil spout design prevents mineral buildup inside
Oletto Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
- Understated single-lever silhouette adds simple elegance
- Finger-print resistant matte finish helps camouflage water spots
- Helpful 20 inch hose reach makes sink access easier
- Has handy pause feature allowing temporary spray disruption
- Powerful pre-rinse spray blast simplifies heavy-duty cleanup
Dual Function Commercial-Style Faucet
- Restaurant-grade combo simplifies bar sink tasks
- 360-degree spout rotation stays out of bartending way
- Durable stainless resists demanding home mixology wear
- Generous 10" clearance fits tallest craft cocktail pitchers
- Pull-down sprayer doubles for efficiency washing glassware
Previewing specific Kraus collections reveals range from nostalgic vintage reproductions to spotless contemporary options – with smart functionality enhancing utility. Hopefully the detailed review provided helpful guidance navigating selections tailored your personal style and priorities.
Ordering Kraus & Installation Tips
When ready to take the plunge choosing sinks and faucets advancing your home vision, where best to order?
Good news – conveniently browsing full Kraus catalog anytime at KrausUSA.com helps compile wishlists. But purchase transactions happen through authorized partners below ensuring genuine products covered by warranty protections not available otherwise:
- Amazon – Massive in-stock selection with fast shipping options
- WayFair – Deep Kraus inventory frequently discounted
- Home Depot – Useful for inspecting merchandise first in person
I like to watch for sales events when upgrading multiple fixtures together, stacking extra rebates saving potentially hundreds. With order placed, remains the fun installation phase…
Having personally tackled dozens kitchen and bath projects, I’ve learned few handy tips smoothing the transition to upgraded fixtures:
Map careful measurements – precision templates aid planning fixtures fitting existing sink bases and water supply lines avoiding headaches.
Gather all tools before starting – frustration wastes time. Have drillbits, wrenches, levels and sealing compound ready avoiding mid-project scrambling.
Review instructions before attempts – every model differs! Prevent voided warranties or damage skipping impatiently ahead.
Protect surfaces from scratches – it happens easingly when maneuvering bulky awkward pieces if not taking care.
Get help lifting heavy items – don’t become a statistic injuring yourself alone – protect from strains and slips.
I hope this detailed Kraus review provided helpful confidence evaluating options upgrading kitchen and bath spaces with superb quality affordable fixtures – for smooth installation resulting reliable service long term. Please share questions that arise needing clarification!
