ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Construction
Like all models in the Simplice® collection, the K-596 has a durable metal construction, high arching spout and a single ADA compliant handle. It has a deckplate mount and will fit one- or three-hole sinks since it comes with an optional escutcheon plate. Additionally, it meets CalGreen requirements for kitchen faucets and has a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm). However, if you want, you also have the option of purchasing a low flow kit, which reduces flow to 1.5 gpm, or a high flow kit, which increases flow to 2.2 gpm. In terms of valves, the faucet is designed with a "one-piece, self-contained" ceramic disc valve, which is extremely durable and offers users more precise control over the water’s temperature and flow rate.
The single lever handle features ceramic disc valves and is ADA-compliant.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Simplice® kitchen faucets are truly built to last and are backed by Kohler's lifetime limited warranty. Kohler's lifetime limited warranty covers all original owners of faucets manufactured after January 1, 1997, installed in North America and used in a normal residential setting. With the exception of gold, non-Vibrant® and non-chrome finishes, Kohler also guarantees the faucets to be free of defects in material and workmanship. *Please note that all warranty claims must be accompanied by proof of purchase (original sales receipt).
With a transitional style design, Simplice® faucets will look great in contemporary or traditional style kitchens.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Bonus Features
Kohler designed the Simplice® kitchen faucets to have exceptional ergonomics and functionality. With a pull-down sprayhead and a high-arching spout that has the ability to rotate 360°, you no longer have to worry about your faucet getting in the way while you are using your sink. Simplice® kitchen faucets will make it even easier to perform a variety of tasks from rinsing delicate produce to powerwashing/filling the biggest pot in your cupboard. The sprayhead is equipped with a sculpted touch pad that allows you to control the water flow while you are using it. Depending on what you are doing, you can stop the water completely or alternate between spray and aerated flow. Since it was designed with Kohler’s ProMotion™ technology and a tangle-free hose, the sprayhead can be maneuvered around the sink quietly and effortlessly. The sprayhead also features a MasterClean™ sprayface, which can be easily wiped clean to prevent the build-up of lime and other minerals, and it has DockNetik™ technology, a magnetic docking system inside the faucet that smoothly retracts and securely locks the sprayhead in place. The faucets can even remember the previous temperature setting, so you can turn the water on and off at the same temperature. Unfortunately, unlike the K-647 and K-649 models, the K-596 does not feature the setting that will limit how hot the water can become to avoid scalding your hands. Lastly, all of the Simplice® kitchen faucets are available with matching soap/lotion dispenser, a deep roughing-in kit, and a low flow kit or a high flow kit if you are interested in purchasing them separately.
The sprayheads have a touch pad control system where water flow can be stopped or changed between spray and aerated flow.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Style and Design
Given the universally appealing design, impressive functionality and durability of the four faucets in the Simplice® collection, it isn’t surprising that it is one of Kohler’s more popular kitchen faucet collections. In general, the faucets come in two different sizes with two different options in terms of handle placement. The K-596 and K-597 models are both designed with the single lever handle attached to the side of the spout, while the K-647 and K-649 models have a remote single lever handle. Simplice® faucets can be characterized as having a transitional style given their sleek, simple lines and graceful gooseneck spouts. They have a modern classic feel with an understated elegance that fits with almost any kitchen décor. They are available in three different finishes (polished chrome, vibrant stainless and matte black), all of which are specifically formulated to resist corrosion and tarnishing.
The Simplice® faucets are constructed with premium metals for durability and come in three different finishes that resist corrosion and tarnishing (polished chrome, vibrant stainless and matte black).
Credit: Kohler
Customer Feedback
The Kohler Simplice® K-596 kitchen faucet has received great feedback from customers online including a 4.8/5 on Faucet.com (211 reviews), a 4.1/5 on Amazon.com (111 reviews), and a 4.5/5 on HomeDepot.com (75 reviews). In fact, 93% of reviewers on HomeDepot.com said they would recommend their Simplice® K-596 faucet to a friend. Happy customers raved about the faucets’ look, performance, quality and exceptional overall value. While almost all of the reviews were positive, a few customers mentioned problems with leaks, and there also seemed to be a few isolated reports of poor manufacturing quality. However, given Kohler’s exceptional limited lifetime warranty offer, I don’t think those reviews should be too concerning. It is evident that they are extremely confident in their products and focused on providing great customer service.
While it doesn’t sound like you could go wrong with any of the Simplice® faucets, you just want to be sure that you consider the size and depth of the kitchen sink you have (or want) before buying one of the faucets. This is true when buying any faucet, but it is especially important given the spout reach and height of the Simplice® models. If your faucet is too big for your sink, water will constantly be splashing onto you and your countertops. Beyond that, which Simplice® faucet you prefer for your kitchen is a strictly personal decision. If given the choice, I would prefer the K-596 (or K-597) because I find the attached handle to be more convenient, and I also like that there is less clutter on my counters to clean around.
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