The kitchen is the heart of the home and the right kitchen faucet is essential. The perfect faucet not only completes the look of your kitchen decor but also enhances functionality at the sink. With so many styles, finishes, and features to consider, choosing the ideal faucet for your needs and taste can be daunting.
In this post, we’ll walk through the key factors to keep in mind when selecting a kitchen faucet so you can find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.
Faucet Styles
One of the first decisions to make is which faucet style suits your kitchen design and how you use your sink. The most popular options include:
Pull-Down Faucets
This style has a spray head that pulls down from the faucet body, extending your reach at the sink. The flexible hose and adjustable spray make it easy to rinse large pots or quickly clean the sink. However, the moving parts can lead to potential leaks over time. Leading brands like Moen and Delta offer trusted pull-down faucet models.
Pull-Out Faucets
Similar to pull-down, these have a detachable spray head. But instead of pulling directly down, the sprayer pulls out horizontally from the faucet spout via a hose. The maneuverability makes it useful for filling pots away from the sink. A drawback is less flexibility compared to pull-downs. Kohler and American Standard provide quality pull-out options.
Bridge Faucets
This distinctive style features an arched “bridge” spout poised high above the sink or countertop. The elevated height offers plenty of clearance for large pots and dishes. However, the tradeoff is less maneuverability and reach. Bridge faucets make a bold style statement in traditional and transitional kitchens.
Commercial Style
Inspired by restaurant kitchens, these faucets have an industrial vibe with their tall arched spouts and exposed spring coils. They offer excellent height and reach while making a professional design statement. The elongated spouts may overwhelm some home kitchens, so measure your space first.
Number of Handles
Another factor is whether you want a single handle or two handles to control water flow and temperature. Single handle faucets combine hot and cold into one easy lever. Two handle faucets have separate hot and cold handles, giving you more precise control. Touchless faucets turn on via motion sensor so you don’t have to touch a handle with messy hands.
Faucet Finishes
Selecting a finish that coordinates with your overall kitchen design is key for a cohesive look. Popular finishes like brushed nickel, stainless steel, and oil-rubbed bronze resist corrosion, stains, and tarnish while lending visual appeal. Chrome and stainless steel offer a sleek contemporary vibe, while bronze and matte black provide a more traditional style.
Special Features
Today’s faucets offer clever conveniences and upgrades beyond the standard swiveling spout. Motion-activated touchless faucets minimize germ spread in busy kitchens. Integrated soap/lotion dispensers, LED lights, and water filtration systems combine multiple functions. Smart faucets even allow voice activation and WiFi-connectivity for total convenience.
Installation and Compatibility
Be sure to account for how the faucet will be installed and fit your existing setup. Most faucets are designed for deck mounting on the countertop or sink. Wall-mount faucets attach directly to the wall behind the sink. Make sure the number of holes on your sink or countertop match those required for the faucet. An experienced plumber can ensure smooth installation and optimal positioning.
Additional Buying Considerations
When making your final selection, also factor in the reliability of the brand, available budget and warranty coverage. Look for models with certifications like WaterSense for water efficiency. Reading customer reviews can provide helpful insight into real-world performance and durability. Taking the time to carefully compare the options will ensure you choose the perfect kitchen faucet fit.
Take stock of your design style, workspace needs and how you cook when selecting the ideal kitchen faucet. Trying out different faucet styles in person can give you a feel for the right mix of features, reach and visual appeal before committing. By knowing what to look for, you’ll be equipped to choose a faucet that makes your kitchen complete.
