The sink and faucet in your kitchen may be the most frequently used of all the fixtures in the room. Consequently, your faucet must be visually appealing while still performing all of the functions you require.
A simple faucet replacement can make a significant difference as a nearly instantaneous personal upgrade.
If you want improved style and usefulness in your kitchen, you don’t have to wait for a complete gut remodel. There are lots of high-quality kitchen faucets available to pick from.
When you start from the ground up with a new construction project, the possibilities seem to be unlimited!
We’ve outlined here all of your options which will make it easier to decide. But before you do, learn more about the types of kitchen faucets available and their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Types of Kitchen Faucets:
1) Single Handle Faucets Bring a Classic Look to the Bathroom
These are frequently gooseneck-style kitchen faucets, with a single handle in the middle or on the side of the faucet. Drawing hot or cold water is accomplished by moving the single handle from left to right.
This results in greater convenience of use because it just requires a fingertip to move the lever slightly to modify the temperature or flow rate.
On the other hand, it may take some time to become accustomed to the eccentricities of your specific faucet, and you may experience annoyance if the water does not reach the temperature you require.
However, the good news is that these faucets are quite dependable, simple to fix, and might even be an excellent choice for do-it-yourself installation.
A taller profile is preferable if you go for a single-handle faucet because it will make it easier for you to slide heavy pots and pans underneath the spout when necessary.
This type of faucet has a single handle that controls both hot and cold water flow. The hold will turn in either direction to allow complete control over your desired temperature setting, making it easy for anyone in the home to use this type of faucet.
Pros: Lightweight and easy to install.
Cons: Dual handle faucets usually cost more, but they’re easier to use for those who suffer from arthritis or dexterity issues.
2) Double Handle Faucets are a classic choice
This model has a more classic design, an older style of kitchen faucet with a center spout surrounded by two knobs, one for hot water and the other for cold water.
This particular design works in practically any kitchen design, depending on the finish used to create it. When you have two handles, you’ll obtain hot water much faster than you would with a single handle.
You’ll also have more control over the temperature, which is ideal for those who do a lot of baking and need to be careful about the temperatures of the components.
On the other hand, the convenience of two handles comes with a drawback: there are only two handles. To do so, one must either go back and forth with one hand to adjust each handle or move back and forth with both hands simultaneously, which is cumbersome for a busy cook.
This type of faucet has two handles with separate controls for hot and cold water, with one handle designed to turn in either direction.
Because it does not have a bypass valve on the faucet’s stem, it is recommended that this type of faucet only be used with a single-handle sprayer or entire kitchen sink installation.
The same goes if you have a double-sink sink that is being converted to a French-drain installation.
Pros: Double handle faucets generally come with a soap dispenser. It’s easy to control the temperature of running water, so this is a great type of faucet for those with children, seniors, and those who have issues with their hands.
Cons: These faucets are more difficult to install, so it may be best for you to hire a plumber to handle the installation. It’s also worth noting that you will need to sacrifice the use of your kitchen sink sprayer if you choose this type of faucet. It should also be used with a single-handle sprayer.
3) Pullout Faucets allow you to make better use of your available space.
This type of faucet has both a regular faucet and a spout that extends from the side of the faucet. The spout can be pulled out manually or electronically.
Some models have a hose attached, while others come with a sink sprayer. Many also have a drain stopper on end, which can be pulled up to accommodate additional use.
Who says a faucet has to be kept in the sink all the time? When using a pull-out faucet, the detachable head can be moved in a broad range of directions. The detachable head can be set to either a standard flow or a spray setting.
It can reach all of the difficult-to-reach regions of the sink (we’re looking at you, far-flung corner over there), and with some models, it can reach over to the counter and fill a huge pot that might not fit properly in the sink itself.
Typically, pull-out faucets feature only one handle, allowing you to adjust the flow and temperature with one hand while simultaneously employing the pull-out function with the other.
This is the pinnacle of convenience. Unfortunately, because of the wide operating range, it is possible to splash water all over the place if you are not careful.
Pros: These faucets are great for families because they’re easy to use and adaptable to various kitchen needs, such as rinsing fruits and vegetables or filling pots and pans.
Cons: Because of the hose and hose-attached sprayer heads, they’re more likely to leak.
4. Pull down the faucet to make washing dishes easier.
Pull-down faucets, with their attractive gooseneck spouts, are pretty widespread, and for a good reason: they make it simpler to get the flow or spray into every part of the sink, as well as into those difficult-to-maneuver pots and pans for easy hand washing.
Although they have a fixed head that pulls out downward, these faucets do not have the range of motion that a pull-out faucet does, making them more versatile.
For this type, however, a deep sink is required; if it is used in a small sink, it might result in severe splashing, and the tight quarters render the greatest characteristics of the pull-down faucet moot.
5) Spray Faucets:
This type of faucet has a regular spout attached to a hose that extends from the sink. It’s controlled by a valve located on the handle.
The valve can be turned in either direction, depending on your desired temperature. Many models also have sprayers attached, using soap or dish detergent to clean your dishes.
Pros: Spray faucets are great for families because they’re easy to use and adaptable to various kitchen needs. The valves located on the handles make these faucets ergonomic for anyone in the home.
Cons: These types of kitchen faucets are often difficult to install correctly, often requiring plumbers to assist you. They’re also more prone to leakage.
6) Integrated Faucets:
An integrated faucet is an all-in-one type of kitchen faucet system that includes not only the sink tap but also the tub spout, shower diverter, and aerator so that it can be used with any sink or tub installation.
Some even include a hot water turn-off feature, so you can use both hot and cold water simultaneously. Because this type of faucet is multifunctional, it also includes an easy-to-use sprayer.
Pros: Because these faucets are able to adapt to many installation options, it’s ideal for families because it’s easy to use and adaptable to multiple kitchen needs.
It’s also light in weight, so it doesn’t take too much space when using the spout or sprayer for multiple dishes or cleaning.
Cons: An integrated faucet system can be expensive, especially if you need help installing it correctly due to the complexity of the system.
7. Smart faucets elevate the level of luxury to an entirely new level.
Wouldn’t it be great if some of the electronics in your house were smarter than you? Meet the intelligent faucet, which response to your commands to turn on the water, select a specific temperature, and dispense a specific amount of water.
Do you want a cup of coffee? If there is an issue, the smart faucet will automatically fill the measuring cup to the exact point specified—neither more nor less.
Smart faucets are equipped with a slew of capabilities, including digital displays that show you the water temperature and water-saving functions that keep track of how much water you’re drawing from the tap at any one time.
Combo smart faucets enable completely hands-free operation, ideal for serious cooks who want to save time and effort.
Keep in mind that this is not a do-it-yourself project and that any repairs must be performed by a professional (at a cost that can be prohibitively expensive). Additionally, the more sophisticated the faucet, the higher the price tag.
8. Touchless faucets make it easier to prepare meals.
They are truly a dream come true for any professional cook, as these touchless faucets will begin pouring water with the wave of a hand, eliminating the need to touch any hardware.
Their operation is controlled by a little sensor that triggers the water flow when a hand or a pot is waved in front of them.
The majority of us have experienced faucets like these in public restrooms, where a simple wave of the hand is all that is required to start the flow of running water.
In situations where you have just handled raw meat or other products that may have left bacteria on your hands, this is an excellent option.
In order to modify the temperature and flow, it is necessary to touch the lever handle, which is often placed on the base of the machine. The most significant disadvantage of this model may be the higher price tag.
9. Pot Fillers Help to Reduce Back Strain
These innovative faucets are mounted on the backsplash behind the range top, where they can be used to fill pots and pans.
Turning on the faucet immediately next to the stove avoids the need to battle with a heavy pot in the sink and then transfer it from the sink to the burner.
And who doesn’t appreciate having a second option for pulling water from the faucet if the situation calls for it?
Unfortunately, because these fillers are positioned so far away from the plumbing behind and underneath a sink, they typically require expert installation, which may necessitate the construction of entirely new plumbing behind the wall.
Repairs can sometimes be quite expensive.
What Do You Really Need in a Faucet?
A faucet is important in your kitchen because it’s where you get your drinking water. So it’s important that you have a good one that works well and doesn’t break down. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a new faucet for your kitchen:
Water Pressure:
If you have very low water pressure in your home, you should look for a model with an aerator, which will help to increase the force of the water coming from the faucet.
You can do this by installing an aerator or flow reducer found at any hardware store. This will help to ensure that you have a steady stream of water coming from your faucet.
Faucet Handle:
A good faucet handle will provide a smooth action, which means it won’t be too hard to move from position to position. It should also be easy for you to clean and maintain.
Look for a model with a pull-down sprayer, which is great for rinsing dishes or cleaning the sink. This type of sprayer can also double as a soap dispenser if that’s what you prefer in your sink.
Handle Style:
The kind of handle you get on your new faucet depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer the lever, in which the handle will slide in either direction depending on how much pressure you’re putting on it.
Others prefer to have their handles at a constant angle, so there’s no slipping around when turning it. You can decide if this is an issue or not when looking at different models.
Durable Quality:
Faucet quality is important because even though they can be considered inexpensive, they are often prone to break down without proper maintenance.
Many models are made out of plastic that is susceptible to wear, but you can also get faucets with metal components on them. The cheaper models are usually made out of plastic, although many of these are still durable.
However, they won’t last for very long. Metal faucets are more expensive but will last much longer, although they can be more difficult to clean around the aerator and sometimes the handle itself.
Brass is the most common type of metal used for faucets. If you do a lot of cooking in the kitchen, a stainless steel faucet is your best bet because it’s not only durable but also resistant to rust.
Type of Spout:
There are many different types of kitchen faucets spouts, and you should always consider them when shopping for a new one.
The easiest way to think about spouts is by the construction materials used to make them. This will give you an idea of how strong or durable they are or how easily they can be cleaned or rinsed.
Here are the most common types of spouts:
Solid Brass:
Spouts made out of solid brass will cost you more; however, they’re some of the strongest and longest-lasting metal faucets available.
Because they’re made of brass, they won’t rust as easily as other metals. They’re also easy to clean, especially if you have a stainless steel sink.
Some people like solid brass faucets because these usually last longer than cheaper models and hold up well, even in homes with high water pressure.
Solid brass faucets don’t dent or bend very easily, so you won’t need to replace them as often as less durable models.
Plastic:
Plastic faucets are not as durable as solid brass, but they are slightly less expensive. They’re also easier to clean around due to their composition. However, they are susceptible to rust if the water pressure is too high or the faucet frequently gets wet.
Plastic faucets are not as durable as solid brass, but they are slightly less expensive. They’re also easier to clean around due to their composition.
However, they are susceptible to rust if the water pressure is too high or the faucet frequently gets wet.
Ceramic Disc:
Disc ceramic faucets are easy to clean and usually don’t require much maintenance. However, they are more expensive than plastic or metal faucets. They also can be susceptible to breaks or cracks due to poor installation.
A Note on Water Pressure
Many homes have weak water pressure, so you should consider getting an aerator for your faucet or flow reducer at the hardware store.
These will help to increase the flow of water coming from your faucet, so you have a steady stream instead of just dribbling out of it. Make sure you install it properly so you don’t break your faucet.
Conclusion:
As you might have guessed, finding the right faucet for your kitchen can be difficult.
You’ll need to decide if the faucet needs to match your existing decor, or you should get something that looks nice and doesn’t look too much like a tool.
It would help to consider other aspects like water pressure and how easy or difficult it is to clean around the faucet.
If you want an easy way to ensure everything works well in your kitchen, you can install a water leak sensor on your faucets. These sensors will sound an alarm when there is a leak if you can’t hear it with other means.
The last thing you should consider is the cost of replacing the faucet. In some cases, it’s cheaper to replace it after a few years rather than spending hundreds of dollars to repair it.
This will save you from hiring a plumber because you don’t have enough money to fix a small leaky pipe or water faucet.
