What is the best way to choose a kitchen faucet? The best way to choose a kitchen faucet is by looking at the style you like, the mounting holes your sink has, the features you need, and the finish that matches your kitchen. This kitchen faucet buying guide will walk you through every step. Picking the right faucet makes washing dishes easy. It also makes your sink look great.
Deciphering Kitchen Faucet Styles
Kitchen faucets come in many shapes and sizes. The style affects how the faucet looks and how you use it. Think about your kitchen’s look. Do you want modern, classic, or something in between?
Centerset Faucets
Centerset faucets are small. They fit sinks that have holes close together. They usually need three holes. One hole is for the spout. Two holes are for the handles.
- Easy to install.
- Good for smaller sinks.
- Less choice in features.
Widespread Faucets
Widespread faucets look more grand. They need three separate holes. The handles are far apart from the spout. This gap is usually 8 inches or more.
- Offers a classic, elegant look.
- Handles move independently.
- Requires more space on the sink deck.
Single Hole Faucets
These faucets use just one hole. The spout and handle are often one piece. They look very clean and modern.
- Simple look saves counter space.
- Works well with many pull-down models.
- Often requires a separate base plate if you have more than one hole.
Wall Mount Faucets
These faucets come right out of the wall. They don’t sit on the sink deck.
- Saves deck space around the sink.
- Great for deep sinks or farmhouse sinks.
- Installation can be harder. It needs plumbing inside the wall.
Comparing Kitchen Faucet Types Based on Function
Once you know the style, you need to think about how you will use the faucet daily. This is where comparing kitchen faucet types helps you decide.
Single Handle vs. Double Handle Kitchen Faucet
This is a big choice for many buyers. It changes how you control the water.
Single Handle Kitchen Faucet:
You use one lever to control both hot and cold water. Moving it up or down controls the flow. Moving it side to side controls the temperature.
- Pros: Easy to use with one hand. Great for quick adjustments. Takes up less space.
- Cons: Getting the exact temperature can sometimes be trickier.
Double Handle Kitchen Faucet:
These have two separate handles. One for hot water and one for cold water.
- Pros: Offers very precise temperature control. A classic look fits traditional kitchens.
- Cons: Needs two hands for temperature changes. Takes up more space on the sink.
Pull-Down vs. Pull-Out Faucets
This relates to the sprayer function. Do you need the hose to move?
Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Benefits
Pull-down faucets have a high arc. The spray head pulls straight down into the sink.
- Reach: Great for reaching all corners of a large, deep sink.
- Style: The high arc offers a dramatic look.
- Ease of Use: The weight helps the hose retract smoothly.
Pull-Out Faucets
Pull-out faucets are shorter. The head pulls straight out toward you.
- Space Saving: Good for kitchens with cabinets overhead that are low.
- Maneuverability: Easier to fill pots sitting next to the sink.
Selecting Kitchen Faucet Features That Matter
Modern faucets do more than just provide water. Selecting kitchen faucet features can really boost your kitchen tasks.
Faucet Spray Head Comparison
The head where the water comes out is crucial.
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aerated Stream | Standard soft stream. Mixes air with water. | Everyday washing. |
| Powerful Spray | Strong, focused stream. Good for cleaning stuck food. | Tough scrubbing tasks. |
| Pause Button | Lets you stop the water flow temporarily. | Moving water from the sink to a pot. |
| Touch/Motion Activation | Turns on and off with a tap or hand wave. | Keeping the handle clean when hands are dirty. |
Touchless and Touch-Activated Faucets
These are increasingly popular. They offer great hygiene.
Touchless (Motion Sensor):
You wave your hand near a sensor. The water starts or stops. This prevents spreading germs from raw food onto the handle.
Touch-Activated (e.g., Delta Touch2O):
You tap anywhere on the faucet body (spout or handle) to start or stop the water.
- These require power (batteries or an outlet).
- They are excellent for busy cooks.
Water Efficiency (Flow Rate)
Faucets are rated in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Most new faucets are 1.8 GPM. Older models might be 2.2 GPM. Lower GPM saves water. High-quality models maintain good pressure even at lower GPM rates. Check local water efficiency standards.
Plumbing Basics: Installation Considerations
Before you buy, you must check your existing setup. Kitchen faucet installation considerations save headaches later.
Mounting Holes Check
Look at your sink or countertop. Count the holes.
- One Hole: Single handle, modern styles work best.
- Two Holes: Usually for two handles, but some single-handle faucets can use an escutcheon plate to cover the extra hole.
- Three Holes: Allows for widespread or centerset designs.
If you have three holes but want a single-hole faucet, you need an escutcheon plate (or deck plate). This covers the unused holes. If you have one hole but want a three-hole widespread faucet, you cannot easily switch without replacing the sink or drilling new holes (which is difficult on stone).
Faucet Height and Clearance
Determining kitchen faucet height is vital. Measure the space between the sink deck and any cabinets or shelves above it.
- A very tall faucet (high arc) looks impressive.
- However, it might splash more water into the sink basin.
- It also might not fit under low-hanging cabinets or windowsills.
Measure the height of the spout’s highest point. Make sure this point clears any overhead obstructions.
Water Line Connections
Check the type of water lines you have. Are they flexible braided lines or rigid pipes? Most modern faucets come with flexible supply lines already attached or included. Ensure the connection points align with your existing plumbing shut-off valves.
Material and Durability: What Faucets Are Made Of
The material affects price, look, and how long the faucet lasts. Brass is the gold standard.
Brass Construction
High-quality faucets use solid brass for the body. This material resists corrosion very well. It is heavy and sturdy. Look for faucets advertised as solid brass construction.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and resists rust. It often has a muted, brushed look. It is generally a premium, long-lasting choice.
Zinc and Plastic
Cheaper faucets might use zinc alloy or plastic components. These are lighter and less expensive. They can wear out or crack faster than brass, especially around moving parts like sprayer heads.
Kitchen Faucet Finish Options
The finish ties your faucet to the rest of your kitchen hardware (like cabinet pulls). Match or contrast intentionally.
| Finish Name | Look/Style | Durability Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Bright, shiny, reflective. | Very durable, easy to clean fingerprints. |
| Brushed Nickel | Soft, warm, silvery-gray. | Hides fingerprints and water spots well. Popular choice. |
| Stainless Steel | Very close to brushed nickel but often slightly warmer. | Excellent match for stainless steel appliances. |
| Oil-Rubbed Bronze (ORB) | Dark, nearly black with copper undertones rubbed through. | Classic, traditional look. Can show wear over time. |
| Matte Black | Modern, bold, non-reflective black. | Very trendy. Quality matters; cheaper versions can chip. |
| Polished Brass | Very shiny, yellow-gold color. | Can look dated if not used in the right setting. |
When buying, check the warranty on the finish. Some finishes, like matte black or ORB, require more care than chrome to maintain their look.
Making Your Final Selection: Reviews and Budget
To finalize your choice, you need to check what others say and what you can afford. Reading best kitchen faucets reviews is a key step.
Budgeting for a Faucet
Kitchen faucets range from $50 to over $600.
- Budget ($50 – $150): Often basic chrome or builder-grade models. Functionality is simple. Durability might be lower due to plastic parts.
- Mid-Range ($150 – $350): Where most quality faucets fall. Look for solid brass bodies and reliable ceramic disc valves. Good selection of finishes.
- Premium ($350+): Features like touch activation, magnetic docking, and top-tier construction. These often carry very long warranties.
Valving: The Heart of the Faucet
The internal valve controls leaks. Look for faucets that use ceramic disc valves.
- Ceramic disc valves seal water flow using two tightly fitted ceramic discs.
- They offer the best long-term performance. They rarely drip if manufactured well.
- Avoid older compression or ball valves if possible, as they wear out faster.
Installation Steps Overview
While professional installation is often recommended, a basic overview helps in planning.
Planning for Installation Day
- Gather Tools: You will need wrenches, pliers, a basin wrench (essential for tight spots under the sink), safety glasses, and sealant/putty.
- Shut Off Water: Locate and turn off both the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink. Turn on the old faucet to drain remaining water.
- Remove Old Faucet: Unhook the supply lines. Use the basin wrench to loosen the mounting nuts holding the old faucet down. Lift it out.
- Prepare New Faucet: If using a deck plate (escutcheon), fit it onto the new faucet body now.
- Mount New Faucet: Feed the lines and body through the hole(s). Secure it from below using the mounting nut(s). Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, especially on composite sinks.
- Connect Lines: Attach the new supply lines to the shut-off valves.
- Test: Slowly turn the water back on. Check carefully under the sink for any leaks immediately. Run the new faucet to check function and temperature control.
This entire process is a key part of kitchen faucet installation considerations. If you are uncomfortable working in the tight space beneath your sink, hire a plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I clean my kitchen faucet?
A: Wipe down the exterior with mild soap and water weekly. For mineral buildup (especially around the aerator), use a vinegar and water solution monthly.
Q: What is the best material for a faucet sprayer head?
A: While the body should be brass, the sprayer head is often made of durable plastic or composite material in modern designs. This keeps the head lightweight for easier handling, especially in pull-down models.
Q: Can I install a single-handle faucet in a three-hole sink?
A: Yes, you can. You will need to purchase an optional deck plate or escutcheon plate. This plate covers the two unused holes, allowing the single-handle faucet to mount neatly in the center hole.
Q: What makes a faucet “spot resistant”?
A: Spot-resistant finishes (often on brushed nickel or stainless steel) have a protective coating applied during manufacturing. This coating helps repel fingerprints and water spots, keeping the faucet looking cleaner between real wipe-downs.
Q: Do pull-down faucets use heavier hoses?
A: Higher-end pull-down faucets often use braided stainless steel hoses for durability. They also frequently use a counterweight system to ensure the head retracts fully and smoothly back into its dock.
Q: Does faucet height affect water pressure?
A: While the faucet itself has a flow rate (GPM), very high-arc faucets can sometimes cause minor pressure loss right at the tip due to the longer path the water travels. However, this is usually negligible if the faucet valve is high quality.