When people think about their kitchen faucet, they usually imagine the main fixture—the one used daily for washing dishes, rinsing produce, and filling pots. But look closer at many modern kitchen sinks and you’ll often see other small fixtures installed right beside the main faucet. These add-ons may be subtle in size, but they provide powerful functionality that can make the kitchen more efficient, convenient, and even safer.
Below, we’ll walk through the most common devices you’ll find next to a kitchen faucet, explain their purpose, and highlight what homeowners, builders, and designers should know when considering them – toko pvc board.
Soap or Lotion Dispenser
A built-in soap dispenser is one of the simplest yet most popular sink accessories. The dispenser blends in neatly next to the faucet, eliminating the need to leave a dish soap bottle on the counter.
Benefits:
- Keeps countertops uncluttered.
- Easy to refill from under the sink.
- Suitable for dispensing dish soap, hand soap, or even lotion.
For builders and remodelers, including a soap dispenser is a low-cost upgrade that adds convenience and a polished look to any kitchen.
Drinking Water Tap (Filtered or RO System)
A secondary, smaller faucet for filtered water is another common sight. This fixture connects to an under-sink filtration system—sometimes a carbon filter, sometimes a full reverse osmosis (RO) setup.
Why it matters:
- Provides clean, great-tasting water directly at the sink.
- Saves money compared to bottled water.
- Reduces plastic waste.
Design-wise, these taps are usually slim and discreet, often in a finish that matches the main kitchen faucet for a seamless appearance.
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Provides immediate access to near-boiling water through a dedicated tap. It’s a luxury feature that has become increasingly popular in upscale kitchens.
Uses include:
- Making tea or coffee quickly.
- Speeding up cooking prep (like blanching vegetables or softening pasta).
- Sanitizing utensils or baby bottles.
These systems typically require a small under-sink tank. While installation is more involved than a soap pump, the convenience is unmatched for frequent hot beverage drinkers or busy cooks.
Air Gap for the Dishwasher
Not as glamorous, but highly functional, the air gap is a small cylindrical fitting often mistaken for a mini faucet. It’s actually a code-required safety feature in many regions, designed to prevent dirty dishwater from siphoning back into the clean water supply.
Key points for homeowners and pros:
Not every jurisdiction requires it, but where it is mandated, skipping it can fail inspection.
Air gaps are available in finishes that coordinate with faucets, so they don’t have to stand out awkwardly.
For remodelers, educating homeowners about the purpose of an air gap can prevent confusion and complaints after installation.
Side Sprayer (Traditional Option)
Before pull-down faucets became mainstream, the side sprayer was the go-to accessory for rinsing and cleaning. Many homes still feature them, and some homeowners prefer a dedicated sprayer over an integrated faucet design.
Advantages:
- Offers strong directional water flow.
- Useful for washing oversized pans or reaching tricky sink corners.
- Usually included as part of a coordinated faucet set.
While not as common in new installations, side sprayers remain a practical option, especially in budget-conscious kitchen updates.
Garbage Disposal Air Switch
One of the most modern additions you’ll find is the air switch button for a garbage disposal. Instead of connecting a wall switch, the disposal is triggered by pressing a small button on the countertop or sink deck.
Why it’s preferred:
- Safer than traditional wall switches since it uses air pressure instead of electricity near water.
- More convenient placement, right where the user needs it.
- Available in multiple finishes to match faucet hardware.
Builders and designers often highlight this option as a safety upgrade that doesn’t compromise aesthetics.
Choosing the Right Accessories
When planning a kitchen sink setup, the decision isn’t just about the main kitchen faucet. Each of these accessories contributes to usability, hygiene, and even sustainability. For homeowners, the choice depends on lifestyle—do you drink filtered water daily, entertain often with tea or coffee, or need maximum safety features? For builders and remodelers, offering these add-ons can differentiate a project and elevate the overall kitchen experience.
Final Thoughts
What sits beside your kitchen faucet may look like minor details, but these small fixtures are powerful enhancers of everyday living. From soap dispensers to hot water taps, from air gaps to disposal switches, each accessory plays a role in creating a kitchen that’s not only functional but tailored to modern needs.
For homeowners upgrading a sink or builders designing a new kitchen, paying attention to these details ensures the faucet station does more than just run water—it becomes the central hub of convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency.
