
"Once again Kohler have included more of their own innovative technology to make the K-596-VS stand out from other kitchen faucets. ."
At the cost of between $190 and $250, you might not expect many outstanding features from the Kohler K-596-VS, however prepare to be surprised as this really is a top quality, versatile kitchen faucet. The K-596-VS has a great range of innovative Kohler features like their Docknetik smooth hose retraction system, ProMotion 360-degree rotating spray head, Boost Technology water pressure control, and Masterclean finish. These are just a few examples of what makes the K-596-VS one of the best value kitchen faucets on the market.
Design
The Kohler K-596-VS is an extremely versatile kitchen faucet, with a simple, elegant design which is modern yet traditional in style, meaning it would easily match almost any kitchen design. The K-596-VS is a single handle, easy-to-use, pull-down style kitchen faucet and is available in three different finishes; brushed silver, chrome and matte black, so you can easily tailor it to your kitchen interior. This kitchen faucet also has a 16.6-inch total spout height, and Kohler have made sure the spout is shaped in a high arc to increase its reach as much as possible. The Kohler K-596-VS has no flashy electronic features however, this does not impact on its overall versatility, and considering the fact that electronic elements are usually the first to break, it is probably a good thing that they haven’t been included!
Sprayer
The sprayer on the Kohler K-596-VS kitchen faucet has some particularly brilliant features. As well as being a typical pull-down model which has some great cleaning qualities in itself, the K-596-VS has a 68-inch nylon hose meaning it can not only reach most tricky areas on dishes, but can also be used outside the sink, for example to fill water bottles. The choice of nylon creates a smooth hose that will not get caught on other fixtures and fittings; a thoughtful design point from Kohler. Kohler have also used their innovative Docknetik system; using magnetic force to enable the hose to smoothly retract and reconnect to the main spout. Furthermore, this kitchen faucet makes great use of Kohler’s ProMotion technology; giving it a spray head which can be rotated 360 degrees for the ultimate cleaning power. The spray head itself is also flared to increase the surface area of its aim.
Waterflow
Possibly the most impressive aspect of the Kohler K-596-VS kitchen faucet is its water flow features, which put it well ahead in the race for the best kitchen faucet. The flow itself is a perfectly adequate 1.5 gallons per minute which supplies all the force you could need. Two stream options have been included in this kitchen faucet, a standard stream, and what Kohler call a 'sweep spray'. The sweep spray is a wide, forceful blade of water designed to tackle the most stubborn dishes. Not only this, the K-596-VS also has the option to pause water flow, which is really handy feature you don’t see in all kitchen faucet reviews. Kohler have even made sure that the buttons you press to pause the water flow, are sculpted so that they are easy to use with wet, soapy hands. Lastly, Kohler have designed a function they have coined Boost Technology, which is also used in this high-quality kitchen faucet. Boost Technology gives the option of increasing the flow rate of the K-596-VS by 30% just with the press of a button, to help with those extra stubborn areas. With all these great cleaning features, the Kohler K-596-VS ranks highly for the best kitchen faucet on the market.
Installation
The Kohler K-596-VS is easy to install, with a 1-hole installation system which fits a standard US plumbing connection. The K-596-VS has also been designed to fit a 3-hole installation model with the required escutcheon cover plate being included in the price; a rare feature compared to most kitchen faucets which charge extra. Once again Kohler have included more of their own innovative technology to make the K-596-VS stand out from other kitchen faucets. Their MasterClean feature gives this faucet an easy-clean surface which reduces the build-up of minerals. So, although the metal used is not stainless steel, it is still going to repel limescale. Furthermore, Kohler finishes always resist corrosion and tarnishing, giving you further peace of mind and making kitchen faucet maintenance much more straightforward. Of course, the Kohler K-596-VS meets both ADA and low lead standards, so you don’t have to worry about exposure to any harmful toxins.
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Final Thoughts
This kitchen faucet includes so many great features, it doesn’t leave much to desire at all. The Kohler K-596-VS, as well as having a lot of Kohler’s innovative market leading technology included, also has an impressive range of all the basic features you could need from a kitchen faucet. For example, the option of three aesthetically pleasing finishes, a full-length 68-inch hose, two stream options, the option to pause water flow and all of the standard safety regulations. Kohler have even taken the time to reduce the effect of any of the features not included, for example their own corrosion resistant finish rather than stainless steel. Especially considering its very affordable price, you don’t need to look any further than the Kohler K-596-VS for the best kitchen faucet.