A pull-down, single handle? A dual-handle with a separate sprayer? Commercial, motion-detecting, or pot-filling? When it comes to kitchen faucets, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon-weeds. If the thought of replacing your kitchen’s ol’ faithful has you feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place (and you’re certainly not alone!). Read on to learn how to rank and rate today’s kitchen faucets— from fancy high-tech taps to tried-and-true spouts— like a professional home plumber.
First, consider your sink’s location
The location of your kitchen faucet is the biggest determiner of the form and style options you have. Most faucets are deck or counter-mounted. That means the faucet is installed on the edge of your sink or behind the sink on the countertop itself. You’ll have thousands of faucets to choose from if you have a deck or counter-mounted fixture.
Some kitchens use a wall-mounted faucet, where the spout extends horizontally from the wall. This is a bit more unique, so you’ll find fewer fixture options at your local home store. But the wall-mount method does free up your counterspace, making it a great option for small kitchens.
When choosing your faucet, consider both the location and the size of the space where your faucet will be mounted. If you have ample room, you can consider a faucet with two handles, an additional sprayer, or a soap dispenser. But if your space is limited, look for a faucet that only needs one hole in your sink, wall, or counter.
Height matters
The second thing you should consider when picking out a faucet is the height allowance of your install area. Your kitchen faucet should be tall enough to accommodate your large pots, kitchen chores, and the size of your sink. But if it’s too tall, you’ll have a splash pad on your hands. If you have a deep, large sink, you can install a dramatic 18 to 24-inch faucet without significant splashback.
However, if your sink sits below cabinets, you may not have the vertical space for a tall faucet. A high-arc faucet can also distract from the view out of your kitchen window. In these cases, opt for a short faucet with a built-in sprayer hose or additional side sprayer. That feature will make filling tall pots and washing larger dishes a breeze.
Can it “handle” your family?
While the double-handled faucet may be trendy, it’s less convenient than a faucet with one do-it-all handle. A single handle also makes for easier and more precise temperature adjustments, helpful when you’re elbows-deep in soapy dishwater.
Don’t skimp on quality
It may be tempting to buy a cheap faucet online. But remember, your faucet is likely the most-used piece of equipment in your whole kitchen! There are lots of ways to save money on a kitchen update… but take it from us, your faucet isn’t one of them. Look for faucets with high-quality materials and good reviews. You’ll thank yourself years from now when your durable fixture still works like new.
Onto the big finish
Faucets come in dozens of finishes and polishes, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. Spot-free stainless steel cleans up in a snap. Matte black and brushed gold make a real statement. Copper is beautiful, but requires polishing and extra maintenance— unless you’re going for a tarnished, patina look. Shiny chrome is sleek and modern, but shows every fingerprint and waterspot.
Choose a finish that matches your maintenance priorities. If you don’t mind a little extra cleaning, a higher maintenance finish may be worth the work. But if you’re looking for an easy-clean option, stick with stainless steel.
At Burton, our home plumbers know properly installing your new kitchen faucet is just as important as choosing the right one.
Our expert technicians provide homeowners with top-quality kitchen installations, plumbing repairs, and preventive maintenance. We stop the DIY kitchen disaster before it starts! For industry-leading warranties, upfront pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee, Just Call Burton.
