How Kitchen Faucets Have Evolved Over Time

Kitchen faucets have evolved.  Here, you will learn how what used to be simple fixtures are now modernized and available in different styles. 

Faucets have been in existence since ancient times as early as 1000BC when they were made of silver. In 1700 BC The Minoan Palace of Knossos was using silver, gold or marble faucets.

Back then, the faucets were just a simple way to get water from the pipes.

Then the inventions came.

Quaturn Invention

You don’t like a faucet that you have to turn several times to open or close? You are not alone. In 1913, Albert Brown invented the Quaturn Cartridge. With this, you only have to turn the faucet a ¼ turn to start or stop the flow of water.

Besides, it gives the washer a longer life.

One-Handle Faucet

In 1937, Al Moen invented the one-handle faucet that could blend cold and hot water. It is believed that the idea hit him after he burned his hands with hot water when using a standard faucet that had two handles, one for cold water and the other for hot water.

With the single-handle kitchen faucet, one could control the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet. From 1940 to 1945, Al Moen worked on the design of the one-handle faucet and sold the first one in 1947.

Ball Valve Design

As Al Moen worked on his design, Landis Perry was designing the ball valve in 1945. The ball valve was meant to mix hot and cold water to the desired temperature as well as control the volume. He patented the design in 1952.

In 1954, Alex Manoogian took Perry’s design and developed a washerless ball valve faucet and called it the “Delta Faucet.” That is how the “Delta Faucet Company” was launched.

By 1959, the design had been sold in 55 countries and in more than 1 million US homes.  There were other Manoogian’s inventions such as the replaceable cartridge.

Delta in the ’70s

The kitchen faucets witnessed more developments in the 70s thanks to Delta. It developed a 2-handle washerless line, introduced a faucet with high-arc spout, and more decorative features such as antique brass finish.

In 1971, Delta developed an easy faucet installation DIY.

Faucets with Sensor Detect Motion

The early 80s is when the sensor that detects motion was introduced. This meant that the electronic faucet turns on or off when it detected motion which helped to conserve water and to reduce the spreading of germs when touching the faucet.

In 2001, Delta introduced the electronic faucet for residential use. These are part of the touchless kitchen faucet that is the latest fad in the kitchen. Not only are they convenient, but they are also family-friendly and will enhance your kitchen experience.

The touchless kitchen faucets have motion sensors that detect the presence of a pan or a hand and the water starts to flow.

The latest invention was in 2008 when Delta introduced the touch faucet.

Some kitchen faucets are designed to be water-saving so that they can only release a certain amount of water.

From two-handles to touchless, kitchen faucets have evolved over time. At this pace, there is more that is expected to come, may it be in the finishing, efficiency or ease of use.