KWC Systema: The Ferrari of Kitchen Faucets (Review)

When I remodeled my kitchen a couple years ago, I paid special attention to my cleanup zone. I needed a giant sink to hold roasting pans, stock pots and baking trays comfortably. I sought a dishwasher that would dispose of food particles left on dishes, so I wouldn't have to pre-rinse them. And, I wanted a faucet with a pull-out spray that looked sleek and functional like the kind I saw in commercial kitchens. I scoured the Internet for a faucet that featured both style and substance, and I finally found KWC Systema. At first, I admired this faucet based solely on its looks. Now that I've used it for three years in our kitchen, I admire it equally for its amazing performance. But, great looks and performance came with a hefty pricetag! In the case of KWC Systema, I'm convinced you get what you pay for.

KWC is a Swiss manufacturer of high-end faucets, sinks and bath/shower fixtures. You may not find KWC fixtures at Lowes or Home Depot, but each state has a number of KWC distributors, as well as Internet plumbing supply companies. I purchased my KWC Systema faucet online, and this method worked well for me. The model number for my faucet is 10.501.134.

My KWC Systema faucet stands an impressive 26" above the counter. It feels solid as a rock, and is constructed out of low-lead brass. It features four main components:

* Chunky handle controls water temperature and main on/off control.
* Smaller side-lever turns faucet on and off.
* Pull-down, pre-rinse sprayer arcs gracefully like a swan's neck.
* Sturdy 12" spout which swivels 160 degrees

Dual Controls: Have you ever visited someone's house and wondered how to operate their faucet? Guests in my home are perplexed by turning this fixture on and off. No, it's not rocket science, but as soon as I explain the dual controls, most people adapt to it quickly. I just wish my husband and I could agree on which lever should remain in the "on" position. I prefer keeping the master control on, and hubby likes it off.

Having two water control levers is useful because you can keep the pressure and temperature at a constant level by setting the master lever, and simply turn the water spout on and off with the mini-lever. It's possible to operate both the spout and sprayer simultaneously, but I don't usually do that.

The pre-rinse sprayer features high water pressure. The pull-out hose extends 20 inches, which is a decent length for reaching the depths of my single-bowl kitchen sink. I love zapping everything in the sink with its powerful spray! The grip fits squarely in the palm of my hand and the spray is controlled by gripping and releasing the handle. I never flail or lose my grip on this sprayer.

KWC Systema comes in two finishes ~ all chrome or Splendure Stainless Steel. Although stainless was the higher-priced finish, I liked its matte look and didn't want to spend time polishing or buffing it. So far, I've been very happy with my choice ~ I simply sponge the faucet down when I'm cleaning the sink, and it looks as good as new. Every few months or so, I shine it up with stainless steel polish.

What I love most about my KWC Systema is its imposing presence. This faucet is solid as a rock! It doesn't sway or jiggle around when you use it. It looks and feels like a hunk of sturdy metal. I wanted a fixture that would last for decades in my new kitchen. This KWC faucet has the presence of a super-hero, and really does make doing the dishes as fun as possible. If you're considering this faucet, make sure you have a decent amount of space in back of the sink. Also, this is the type of faucet which should accompany a fairly wide and deep sink.

Price Consideration: When you buy a KWC faucet, you're getting a solidly built fixture with a limited lifetime warranty. However, I paid nearly double what I expected to pay for a high quality faucet, which made for a difficult decision. But, three years later, I am truly happy that I bought it. Needless to say, buying a high-end faucet is investing for the long haul, just like your other kitchen appliances.

Conclusion: I consider my KWC Systema faucet to be an integral part of my kitchen's cleanup zone. Despite its shocking price tag, it performs like a thoroughbred. In three years it hasn't wiggled, wobbled, clogged or sprayed asunder. It has a wonderful range of pressure and it's easy to regulate the pressure, temperature and spray functions.