A kitchen faucet is far more than just a functional fixture; it serves as the heart of your kitchen, providing an essential water supply for cooking, cleaning, and daily tasks. The right kitchen faucet can elevate your cooking experience while adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen decor.
There are some considerations you should look at when selecting the kitchen sink faucet. People frequently ignore the value of selecting the right faucet and think that a kitchen sink faucet is only a minor appliance of the overall design of the kitchen. However, this is untrue.
Any kitchen sink must have a suitable and user-friendly faucet. It should deliver the ideal water flow for cooking and dishwashing. It should also be a fashionable and functional addition to your kitchen.
How to choose a kitchen faucet that will last for many years and make routine cleaning and washing tasks simple and practical. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you to find the right kitchen faucet your need.
How To Choose a Kitchen Faucet? (Kitchen Sink Faucet Buying Guide)
| Factor to Consider | Description |
|---|---|
| Types of Faucets | Single-Handle, Double-Handle, Pull-Down, Touchless, etc. |
| Materials and Finishes | Stainless Steel, Chrome, Brass, Bronze, Matte Black, etc. |
| Spout Styles and Heights | High-Arc, Low-Arc, Gooseneck, Pull-Down, Wall-Mounted, etc. |
| Water Flow and Pressure | Gallons Per Minute (GPM), Water-Saving Features |
| Additional Features | Sprayer Options, Swivel Range, Magnetic Docking, etc. |
| Handle Ergonomics | Lever vs. Knob Handles, Comfort and Grip |
| Installation Options | Number of Holes in Sink, Deck Plate vs. Non-Deck Plate, etc. |
| Maintenance and Cleaning | Tips for Different Finishes and Removing Mineral Deposits |
| Warranty and Brand | Researching Faucet Brands and Understanding Warranty |
| Eco-Friendly Options | WaterSense Certification, Energy-Efficient Faucets |
Functionality
When you decide to buy a new kitchen faucet, the first thing you should consider is what types of daily tasks you are going to perform with the faucet. According to tasks, you need to see the functionality of the faucet.
For those who need to wash large pots and pans daily, they need a higher arching spout faucet with a high flow of water. With this functionality, you can easily wash large pots and pans underneath the faucet.
To make washing work easier, you may consider separate sprayer functionality of the faucet. It makes rinsing dishes more efficient. A separate sprayer comes in handy when you have to wash large items and you have a deep sink. For a small sink, don’t consider a faucet with a high arc spout.
Style
The next thing you should look for in a new faucet is its style. Everyone wants a faucet that is not only functional but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. There are traditional, modern, and contemporary styles available for the faucet.
Traditional faucets come with classic shapes and finishes. Chrome and brushed nickel finishes give a more traditional look to the kitchen sink faucet.
Contemporary styles are sleeker in appearance. They fit with any type of interior. On the other side modern styles of the faucet have clean lines, sharp curves, and a minimalistic appearance. When deciding on a style, it is important to keep your kitchen interior in mind. A faucet style should compliment the kitchen interior.
Size
When you think about the new faucet size, you should ensure that it will fit into your kitchen sink properly. You should measure the overall size of the sink, its depth, and the distance between the sink and the wall so it will help you to find the right size faucet for the sink.
For a large farmhouse sink, you should consider a high arch spout faucet in order to accommodate the larger sink area. Similarly, for a smaller sink, you need a small faucet to avoid splashes on the countertop.
A high arch faucet with a longer reach is good to clean large pots and pans under the faucet. Also, you can use its spout to fill pots on the countertop or gas stove. A perfect size of the faucet gives you ample space in the sink for cleaning work.
Read also – Explore the Types of Kitchen Sink Faucets
Number of Handles
The kitchen faucet comes with single or dual-handle options. Which handle option is good depends on your personal preference.
Single-handle faucets look sleeker and come with just only one handle. With a single handle, you can adjust the temperature and flow control of the faucet. It makes use of the faucet easy. With one hand, you can control the faucet. These faucets are more popular among people.
In double-handle faucets, you get 2 separate handles. Use one for the temperature and the other one to control the water flow for hot and cold water. Due to the separate handle, it preciously controls the temperature of the water so chances of accidental burn due to hot water are minimum.
Due to the handle, the size of the faucet either increases or decreases. For a double-handle faucet, you need more space for the installation.
Mounting Options
For kitchen sink faucets different mounting options are available. Here are the main mounting options.
Sink Mount Faucet
These types of faucets are the most common. In this type, kitchen faucets are directly mounted into sink holes. The sink mount faucet comes with either single-hole installation or three-hole installation.
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Most sink comes with pre-drilled holes, so you can easily install the faucet into the sink. Before buying a faucet, you should check the number of holes it is needed for the installation. So, you can decide whether it will fit into your sink or not.
Counter Mount Faucet
These faucets are similar to sink-mount faucets. The only difference is that they are installed on the counter in place of the sink. For them, you need to make holes in the countertop.
These faucets are only useful when your sink doesn’t have enough space on the edges to install the faucet. Counter-mount faucets are harder to install. Maybe you need to take the help of a plumber to install them. They are not much popular.
Wall Mount Faucet
Wall-mount faucets are also less popular due to their hard installation process. These faucets are mounted directly into the wall above the sink.
These faucets are a good choice when you don’t have enough space in the sink to install the faucet. These faucets have a sleek and modern look. These are generally used in commercial spaces. If you are building a new kitchen, you can think about choosing a wall-mounted faucet.
Finish
One of the important factors to think about when you choose a kitchen sink faucet is its finish. The finish of the faucet can change the overall look of the faucet and your kitchen interior. It is important to choose the right finish that compliments the design of your kitchen interior.
Chrome is a famous finish for kitchen faucets. The chrome finish is shiny and reflective and goes well with any type of interior.
A chrome finish is a good choice for giving a modern and contemporary look to the kitchen interior. Because cleaning and maintaining the chrome finish is simple, it is an excellent particle choice for the faucet.
Stainless steel is yet another popular finish. It gives the faucet a sleek and modern appearance. If you want to buy a kitchen faucet that is corrosion and rust-resistant, go with a stainless steel finish. This feature contributes to the finish’s durability and longevity.
A brushed nickel finish is another great option for the sink faucet. It gives a smooth and satin-like style to the faucet. This finish gives a timeless look to the faucet. It is easy to clean and maintain the finish.
If you want to add a warm look to your kitchen interior, oil rubbed finish is for you. It gives a traditional and rustic look to the kitchen sink area. This finish easily complements other kitchen appliances.
Apart from these finishes, there are some other options available such as matte black, gold, and dual-tone. While choosing a kitchen faucet, you should consider your overall kitchen interior.
Water Efficiency
When purchasing a kitchen faucet, water efficiency is a key factor. It’s critical to think about how much water your faucet uses given the rising environmental awareness of water use and its impact.
The faucet includes a flow restrictor to help you save water. This mixes air into the water, allowing it to flow smoothly without lowering the water pressure. It cuts down on water consumption. It will assist you in conserving water and lowering your water bill.
Some faucets have an EPA or WaterSense certificate (Environmental Protection Agency). These faucets are made to use less water while maintaining the same level of water pressure. This certificate serves as proof that the faucet complies with water efficiency requirements.
Durability
A durable faucet body can easily withstand daily use and resist corrosion. The durability of the faucet body comes from its material. You should buy only those faucets that are built with high-quality materials such as stainless steel and brass. These materials are corrosion and rust-free and can withstand for years. If a faucet has ADA or cUPC certificate, it means they have passed their durability test.
Warranty
The warranty period of the faucet is an important factor. The warranty gives peace of mind that the product is free from any defects or issues in the given warranty period. A long warranty is an indication that the manufacturer is confident about its product.
If a faucet comes with a lifetime warranty, it means the manufacturer will repair or change faucet if any issue occurs in the faucet. A shorter warranty period doesn’t provide the same satisfaction. In warranty, you also check if it is covering the whole faucet or only some of its parts.
Additional Features
Additional features of any faucet make it more functional and convenient to use. When you choose a kitchen faucet, you should look at all its features. Here are some common features of the faucet.
- Pull-down or pull-out spray head is one of the top features of any faucet. If a faucet has to pull down or pull out spray, you only need to pull the spray head to wash or rinse dishes. If the faucet has a fixed spray head that doesn’t come out when you pull it, the faucet is not as useful. With a pull-out spray head, it becomes easy to reach every corner of the sink.
- Touchless or touch-on faucets are in demand nowadays. It is not essential that a faucet has a touchless or touch-on feature, you can use a faucet without it but if a faucet comes with a motion sensor then it is definitely a worthy pick for the faucet. It makes cleaning easy and keeps the faucet hygienic by eliminating the touch of the faucet. There are slight differences between touchless and touch-on faucets that you can read in our touch vs touchless faucet guide.
- Almost all faucets come with different spray modes. Either you can use their stream mode or wide spray mode. But some faucets come with additional modes such as pause, jet spray, etc. Higher spray modes are convenient for cleaning. With spray mode, you should also check the water pressure feature of the faucet. A faucet should have a minimum of 1.5 GPM water pressure.
- Nowadays some faucets are coming with voice commands and remote control features. Through voice commands, you can control the water flow of hot and cold water from any corner of the faucet. But these types of faucets are expensive.
- A durable docking system is required to keep the spray head in a safe position. Some brands have their patented docking system for secure docking.
- Also, check the installation process of the faucet. It should be easy and shouldn’t require any special tool to install it.
- Some faucets come with an additional soap dispenser. For it, you need an extra hole in the sink.
What Are The Top 5 Kitchen Faucets?
SALE
Delta Lenta Brushed Nickel Kitchen Faucet
DIAMOND Seal Technology | Flexible Design | MagnaTite Docking | Designed to fit single-hole or 3-hole | InnoFlex PEX supply lines
SALE
Moen Sleek Chrome Touchless One-Handle High Arc Faucet
Touchless activation | Flexible Design | Power Clean spray technology | Easy-To-use | Duralock quick connect system
SALE
Delta Trinsic Touch Kitchen Faucet
Touch anywhere | TempSense LED indicator | MagnaTite Docking | Lasts twice | Touch-Clean spray holes
SALE
Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden 18-Inch Commercial Kitchen Faucet
Compact 18-inch height | Flexible and functional | all-Brite spot free stainless steel finish | Easy-clean rubber nozzles | 90 degree forward rotation handle
OWOFAN Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer
Industrial open spout Design | Soft aerated stream and splash-free powerful spray | Easy-To-use | Food-grade PEX inner hoses
Are There Different Types of Kitchen Faucets?
Yes, there are different types of kitchen faucets. Here is the list:
Touchless Faucets
Touchless faucets are in demand nowadays because they are operated by sensors without requiring any physical contact. You can operate them by waving your hand in front of them. So they are also known as hands-free faucets.
These faucets are hygienic in use. They avoid cross-contamination. They save water because they cut off the water after a certain period of inactivity. They work on batteries.
Traditional Faucets
In traditional faucets, you have 2 options.
Pull Down Faucets
In pull-down faucets, the spout is pulled down into the sink. It adds versatility to the faucet. It becomes easy to reach hard-to-clean areas of the sink with a pull-down sprayer.
With a pull-down faucet, you can clean dishes from closer so it will make a powerful impact of water on dishes. Generally, these faucets come with a high arc so it becomes easy to fill pots and pans under them.
Pull Out Faucets
These are the same as pull-down faucets but instead of going spray head towards the sink, their spray head comes towards you when you pull it. They are good options for the small sink. Their height is smaller so not good for larger pots and pans.
Wall Mount Faucets
As the name implies these faucets are mounted on the wall above the sink. These faucets are only useful when you don’t have space on the countertop for the faucet installation. They are hard to install and require lots of construction work to install them into the wall.
Pot Fillers
These are specially designed to fill large pots and pans over the gas stove. They are foldable so when not in use, you can keep them away from the gas stove. These are generally used in restaurants. They are useful if you often need to fill pots every day.
Check also – best kitchen faucet for low water pressure buy for saving
Kitchen Faucet Brands
| Faucet Brands | Popularity Reasons | Warranty | Customer Ratings |
| Moen | Wide range of styles and finishes | Limited lifetime | 4.5/5 |
| Kohler | High-quality construction and design | Limited lifetime | 4.4/5 |
| Delta | Innovative technology and features | Limited lifetime | 4.3/5 |
| American Standard | Durable and easy-to-use designs | Limited lifetime | 4.2/5 |
| Pfister | Affordable and stylish options | Lifetime | 4.1/5 |
| Kingston Brass | Elegant and modern designs | Limited lifetime | 4.5/5 |
| Luxier | High-quality construction and elegant designs | Limited lifetime | 4.4/5 |
| Peerless | Innovative technology and unique designs | Limited lifetime | 4.3/5 |
| Blanco | Durable and easy-to-use designs | Limited lifetime | 4.2/5 |
| Vigo | Affordable and stylish options | Lifetime | 4.1/5 |
Can I Replace My Current Faucet With a Different Type?
In some cases, you can replace your current kitchen faucet with a different type of faucet. When considering a faucet replacement, it’s essential to find out the compatibility of the new faucet with your existing sink setup.
Different types of faucets may have varying requirements for the number of mounting holes and the spacing between them. Therefore, before making a purchase, measure your current sink’s hole configuration and compare it with the specifications of the new faucet you wish to install.
If your sink has extra mounting holes or a larger spacing than required by the new faucet, you can use hole covers or escutcheon plates to ensure a proper fit.
On the other hand, if your sink lacks the necessary holes or spacing, you might need to consider a more comprehensive renovation or hire a professional plumber to modify the sink to install the new faucet.
It’s also crucial to think about how the new faucet’s plumbing connections and fittings will change from your previous one.
Final Words
So, this was all about how to choose a kitchen faucet. By choosing the right faucet for your kitchen, you can create a big difference in the overall look of the kitchen and functionality. While deciding on the faucet, you should check factors such as functionality, style, size, features, mounting type, finish, water efficiency, durability, and warranty. Also, check which types of faucets suit your cleaning requirements. If you take care of these factors, you will be able to choose the right faucet for your kitchen sink.
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FAQs
What Is The Standard Height For a Kitchen Faucet?
The standard height for a kitchen faucet typically ranges from 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) from the base to the top of the spout. This height accommodates most kitchen sink sizes and provides enough space for washing and filling pots and pans comfortably.
What Is The Average Lifespan of a Kitchen Faucet?
Depending on factors like material quality, frequency of use, and maintenance, the typical lifespan of a kitchen faucet is between 10 and 20 years. With regular maintenance, high-quality faucets built of robust materials can last up to 20 years, however, less expensive models might need to be replaced sooner.
Are All Kitchen Tap Holes The Same Size?
No, kitchen tap holes are not always the same size. The size and configuration of tap holes can vary depending on the type and brand of the kitchen sink.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.