What is the consensus on foot pedal sink or trash pullout?

last month

Years ago when I was adding a kitchenette to my basement MIL suite everyone on gardenweb was putting in those foot pedal sink controls, there were also some people adding a similar function to their trash pullouts. I didn’t add either as it was a secondary kitchen, but I loved the idea. But I tend to be attracted to gadgets.

There is a show I love called Kitchen Glow Up where the designer is a chef who re-does kitchens for people who are serious at home cooks or they run a cottage business out of their home. She puts a foot pedal control on every sink, which got me thinking about adding one to my project.

I’m meeting with cabinet guy this week so time for additions is now.

Thoughts?

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Comments (6)

OC Kitchen
last month
last modified: last month
Trash Pullout

I have done two kitchens now (1st one was from the old GardenWeb days), and have put a Blum Servo Drive on the trash pullout in both of them. In the general scheme of things, it isn't all that expensive and very worth it.

Sink Foot Pedal

I *desperately* wanted to put a TapMaster on my sink in my most recent remodel (about 2 years ago) and both my kitchen designer and my husband vetoed them. I remember the old GardenWeb days when everyone loved the TapMaster. Since no one is really talking about it currently on Houzz, I didn't feel confident enough to push the issue.

Not sure if any of that helps.
just_janni
last month
I think the touch faucets have generally superseded the TapMaster.

I think a foot operated trash pullout, or serve drive that you bump continues to be a VERY good idea. Usually your hands are full / messy when you want to use the trash pullout, so it can save your cabinet finish. In my prior home - that was the only cabinet door that had any real wear to the finish.
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eam44
last month
Faucets originated in the Minoan palace of Knossos around 1700 BC(E). Since then there have been advances in pressurized plumbing and the creation of mixing faucets, but they remain relatively unchanged. I’m omitting touch faucets for now as they have a really high rate of failure. Foot pedals are great for an operating room where you have to maintain sterility, but it’s easy to clean your taps, it’s easy to turn them on before you dirty your hands, and I’d stick with what has worked since the dawn of history.
darbuka
last month
Single handle pulldown faucets negate the need for foot pedal operation. I can turn on my Kohler Artifacts faucet with one finger, if need be.

As for pedals for the garbage pullout, again…I can open my double can trash pullout with one finger, and close it with a shove from my hip.

Btw, I purchased plastic sleeves for the top edge of the trash pullout. Simply trim to size as needed, and slide it onto the top of the door. Solved the problem of wear on the door. Got them on Amazon.
Theresa Peterson
last month
Tap Master -- the more fancy stuff you put in, the more maintenance you'll have. It's hard to beat a simple Delta faucet.

I don't get the idea of putting trash into an expensive cabinet. Plan a good spot for your can(s) at the end of the island /cabinet run. Extend the countertop over them so they're "tucked away" but still accessible without opening anything.
John Liu
last month
I used wrist handles on my faucets. As long as a forearm is free and clean, I can turn on the water. My faucets are also wall mounted on the sink's integral backsplash, so spraying the handles clean is easy.