Choosing a new kitchen faucet can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's important to understand the different types of kitchen faucets, features, and factors to consider during the buying process.
The kitchen faucet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, so you'll want to choose one that balances form and function. It should complement your kitchen's style while also standing up to heavy daily use. Your new faucet can even add convenience with innovations like pull-down sprayers and touchless activation.
Before deciding on a new kitchen faucet, think about your needs in terms of design, features, installation, and budget. How will you primarily use your faucet and what tasks do you need it to accommodate? What are must-have functions or conveniences? These considerations will help narrow your choices.
This guide will walk through the major types of kitchen faucets, finishes, features, top brands, pricing and other factors to consider when selecting the best faucet for your kitchen. With some upfront research, you can install a durable, stylish faucet that will transform your kitchen.
Types of Kitchen Faucets
Kitchen faucets come in a range of styles and configurations to meet different needs and preferences, from sleek, modern pull-down sprayers to classic two-handle setups. Each type offers unique features to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and style. Let’s explore some popular types of kitchen faucets and the benefits they bring to your space.
Pull-down Kitchen Faucets
One of the most popular types of kitchen faucets today is the pull-down faucet. Pull-down kitchen faucets have a spray head that can be pulled down from the faucet spout using a flexible hose. This allows you to pull the sprayer closer to the sink for up-close cleaning and rinsing. The hose is usually about 20 inches long, giving you good range of motion.
Pull-down kitchen faucets often come equipped with useful spray settings. There's usually a stream mode for filling pots and containers, and a spray mode that produces a wide, forceful blade of water for cleaning. Some models also include pause, rinse, and sweeper spray modes. The spray head locks back into place against the spout when not in use.
Pull-down kitchen faucets offer great convenience by bringing the spray head right to where you need it. The flexible hose reduces splashing and makes cleaning large items like pots and cutting boards much easier. Pull-down faucets have become a staple in many modern kitchens.
Single Lever Pull Out Spray Faucets
Single lever pull out spray faucets are one of the most popular and convenient styles of kitchen faucets. This type of faucet has the sprayer built into the faucet spout itself. With just a gentle pull, you can extract the flexible sprayer hose and nozzle.
These faucets make kitchen tasks like washing dishes or rinsing vegetables much easier. Since the sprayer pulls out, you can maneuver it to wherever you need extended reach. The powerful spray handle allows you to rinse off stuck-on food and grease from dishes with ease.
The single lever design lets you control both hot and cold water flow and adjust temperature using just one handle. This is more intuitive and simpler than using two separate hot and cold handles. Many single lever faucets also allow you to toggle between stream and spray modes on the pull-out nozzle.
Additional benefits of single lever pull out faucets:
- Convenient access to water with flexible reach. Pulls out up to 20 inches.
- Retractable hose and spray head dock neatly into spout when not in use.
- High arch swiveling spout provides clearance for large pots and pans.
- Available in finishes like stainless steel, chrome, bronze, and more to match your kitchen decor.
- Water efficient options with low flow rates of 1.5 gpm or less.
- Smooth single lever control for temperature and volume.
- Spray head with powerful pre-rinse spray, stream mode, or both.
- Easy installation with 1 or 3 hole configurations.
With great maneuverability and helpful features like the retractable sprayer, single lever pull out faucets are a versatile choice that makes washing, rinsing, and prepping easier in the kitchen.
Widespread Faucets with Side Spray
Widespread faucets with side spray are a popular style of kitchen faucet that offers flexibility and convenience. As the name suggests, these faucets have separate hot and cold water handles that are spaced apart or "widespread" on the countertop. They also come with a side sprayer that pulls out for added functionality.
Some key features and benefits of widespread faucets with side spray include:
- Flexible installation: The separate handles allow you to place the faucet and handles exactly where you want them, using 3 or more holes in your sink or countertop. This gives you more options for customizing your kitchen layout.
- Easy to use controls: The two handles give you precise control over hot and cold water flow. Many models also allow you to adjust temperature and volume with just one hand.
- Added functionality: The pull-out side sprayer makes it easy to rinse dishes, clean the sink, or fill pots without struggling to maneuver under the main faucet. The spray hose reaches up to 20 inches.
- Contemporary style: Widespread faucets create a modern, sleek look. Choosing coordinating finishes and styles allows you to make a design statement.
- Higher arc for filling: Many widespread faucets sit higher than other styles, making it easier to fill large pots or vessels. Look for models with an 8-inch or higher arched spout.
- Durable metal construction: Quality widespread faucets are made from solid brass or zinc alloys so they will last for years of daily use.
When shopping, look for widespread faucets from reputable brands that offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to measure your existing holes and choose the right spread size. With the right widespread faucet and side sprayer, you can enjoy a stylish, highly functional centerpiece for your kitchen.
Finish Options
Kitchen faucets come in a variety of metal finishes to match your kitchen's decor. Here is a list of the most popular options:
Chrome is the most common finish, chrome has a modern, sleek look. It's affordable, easy to clean, and matches both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. Chrome resists water spots and corrosion.
Bronze has an antique, rustic aesthetic. Oil-rubbed bronze in particular has an old-world charm. Bronze is less shiny than chrome, but is still durable and easy to maintain. This rich, warm metal complements kitchens with natural wood, stone, or brown cabinetry.
Copper faucets make a bold statement with an eye-catching, hammered design. The natural patina develops a lovely greenish tint over time. Copper pairs well with artisanal, farmhouse, or industrial kitchens. It's antimicrobial but requires more maintenance than other metals.
Stainless steel has a very modern, professional look. It is both stylish and extremely durable. Fingerprints and water spots can show on stainless steel, but it holds up well and provides a neutral, versatile finish for contemporary kitchens.
Style Options
When choosing a kitchen faucet, think about what style will match your kitchen decor best. There are three main options:
Modern Faucets
Modern faucets have a sleek, contemporary design with straight and minimalist lines. They come in polished chrome, stainless steel, or matte black finishes to complement a modern kitchen. Modern faucets often have a single lever handle and a high-arching silhouette. They feature creative details like square spouts and asymmetrical shapes. If your kitchen has an urban, contemporary vibe - a modern faucet is a perfect match.
Traditional Faucets
Traditional faucets point back to classic designs like those found in farmhouses and country cottages. They come in polished brass, copper, and bronze finishes that suit traditional styled kitchens. Traditional faucets have period details like cross handles and enamel finishes. They often have a lower gooseneck spout and embellishments like porcelain adornments. If your kitchen is filled with craftsman details and ornate accents, a traditional faucet will suit the style well.
Transitional faucets
Transitional faucets blend elements from both modern and traditional looks. They work well for kitchens with a soft contemporary style. Transitional faucets may have a curved spout and minimalist lever, combined with oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel finishes. They balance old and new design cues in one functional, adaptable package. If your kitchen does not commit fully to modern or traditional - a transitional faucet in timeless.
Features to Consider
When choosing a new kitchen faucet, there are several key features to take into account. From spray options and handle types to materials and installation styles, each feature can impact the faucet’s convenience and ease of use in your daily routine. Some features can even elevate the overall style and efficiency of your kitchen. Now, let’s dive into some of the essential features to consider.
Spray Options
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Pull-out sprayer: The spray head pulls out from the faucet and is attached with a flexible hose, allowing you to rinse dishes easily. This is a very popular and convenient option.
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Side sprayer: A separate sprayer is mounted on the counter or sink for convenience. Useful for cleaning large items.
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Touch controls: Higher-end faucets may have touch controls to toggle between stream and spray functions. This allows you to easily switch spraying patterns.
- Multiple functions: Many faucets today offer multiple spray options - stream, spray, and pause. Helpful for rinsing dishes or filling pots.
Handle Types
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Single handle: Easier control of water temperature with one lever. Popular for a minimalist look.
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Two handle: Separate hot and cold handles allow more precise temperature control.
- Hands-free: Motion sensor faucets turn on when hands are nearby, useful for messy tasks. Requires batteries or electricity.
Materials
- Stainless steel: Sleek, modern look. Sturdy and easy to clean.
- Brass: Traditional look, very durable. Usually chrome or nickel plated.
Consider spray options, handle types, materials, and additional features important for your kitchen when deciding on a new faucet. This will ensure it fits your needs and style.
Chrome, bronze, copper and stainless steel affect the overall look and durability. Styles can range from modern to traditional. Key features to compare include the number of handles, spray options, reach, water flow rate and efficiency ratings. Top brands known for quality and innovation include Brizo, Newport Brass, Dornbracht, Kallista, GRAFF, DXV, and more. Prices vary greatly based on the materials, features, and reputation of the manufacturer.
When deciding on a new kitchen faucet, first consider how you use your kitchen sink and which features would provide the most convenience and efficiency. If you cook a lot, a pull out spray faucet makes rinsing produce and filling pots easier. Those who entertain may want a widespread faucet with side spray for a high-end look. Also measure your existing holes and sink to ensure compatibility with any new unit. Finally, set a budget for the investment knowing that higher quality materials and construction equate to longer lifespan. Take your time to make the right choice - your new faucet should serve your household well for years to come.
If you need help selecting the perfect kitchen faucet, contact PlumbTile at (858) 859-9691—our team is here to guide you through our extensive collection to find the ideal match for your kitchen.
