The sink is a pivotal part of the kitchen. You will use it to fill pots, clean dishes, and prepare meals. A faucet can complement your sink but also serves an important function.
The right faucet can make meal prep and kitchen cleanup much more manageable. Taps are often overlooked when choosing kitchen fixtures. There are many ways to make your kitchen faucet your own. Firstly, there are many different types of faucets to choose from. You can also select different mounting styles and materials.
Kitchen Faucet Guide
One of the most convenient options is a kitchen faucet with sprayer. We will outline everything you need to know about faucets. We will also provide five helpful tips as you shop for the perfect faucet for you.
Faucet Types
Finding the perfect faucet type for your kitchen is essential. There are seven different styles of faucets that you can choose from. Each has its own benefits. We will outline seven top faucet types for you to compare.
- Commercial Style
Commercial style faucets were traditionally found in commercial kitchens. However, their industrial look has since become more common in residential homes. These faucets feature longer stems. They look more elevated than other residential faucets.
- Pull Down Faucet
Pull-down faucets are extremely popular. They have a mobile wand that pulls down from the fixture itself. This movement allows for easy cleaning, washing of produce, and more. Pull-down faucets are readily available and easy to find. The pull down faucet has a curved fixture that keeps the wand from moving downwards only.
- Separate Spray Faucet
Another option for a flexible setup is a separate spray faucet. This faucet has a fixed tap with a detached spray nozzle. The nozzle and spout are both connected to the same water supply. The water will reroute depending on which faucet you decide to use.
- Pull-Out Faucet
If you’re looking for a little more movement and flexibility, a pull-out faucet is a great idea. With a pull-out tap, you can move the mobile wand 360 degrees. This can make different activities in the sink much more effortless. If you have ever found your pull-down faucet to be limiting, opt for a pull-out spout.
- Single-Handle
Single-handle faucets are very common. They feature a single lever that controls the water temperature. As the lever moves to one side, you’ll get hot water, and the other side will have cooler water. The biggest complaint with single-handle faucets is that they are a little more particular than double-handle faucets. However, they are easy to use when your hands are full or dirty.
- Double-Handle
A double-handle faucet has one lever for the hot water and one lever for the cold water. To find the perfect temperature, you will carefully adjust both sides. While a double-lever can be more precise in finding the ideal temperature, it can be more challenging to use when you have full hands.
To install a double-handle fixture, your kitchen will have to accommodate both hot and cold with different connections. This may require you to set up additional plumbing.
- Motion Detection
Are you looking for a completely hands-free option? A motion detection faucet is a great option. This will allow you to avoid contaminating your faucet or taps. To use, run your hands under the motion detector. The faucet will then turn on.
Mounting Styles
Now that we’ve outlined some of the different types of taps, it’s essential to know the different mounting styles. Three mounting styles are most frequently used. If you have a pre-existing home, we recommend sticking with the current mounting style you have. You may have to cut into your countertop or hire a plumber to switch styles.
The three mounting styles are:
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Countertop mount. A countertop mount means that the faucet is detached from the sink itself. Holes must be drilled into the countertop for a secure mount. This can be tricky to do with stone countertops, such as granite or marble. However, a countertop mount does look elegant.
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Sink mount. One of the most common mount types is a sink mount. This means that the sink you purchase will come with pre-drilled holes. These holes will allow you to attach your faucet. To accommodate a sink mount, you’ll have to purchase a faucet type that the sink already is cut for.
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Wall mount. If you’re looking for a different type of mount, consider a wall mount. This is especially common with a pot-filling faucet. A wall mount has the plumbing drilled directly into the wall.
Materials
Are you considering different materials for your faucet? There are four primary materials to shop from. Some materials are more affordable, whereas some will add an elevated look. Some of our favorite materials include:
There are a few common ones that we would recommend considering.
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Stainless steel. This is likely one of the most common faucet types. These are easy to clean and affordable. However, stainless steel can scratch.
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Copper. Copper finishes elevate any space. Copper is extremely expensive, so this would be an investment. You can enjoy a refined look with these beautiful faucets.
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Bronze. Enjoy a rustic vibe with a bronze faucet. These require some maintenance to keep the faucet looking new.
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Zinc alloy. Zinc alloy is a mix of copper and zinc. The finish looks brass-like, but it can be purchased in silver color. Zinc alloy is durable and will not rust or corrode over time.
Tips
Buying a faucet is no small feat. Now that you understand different types, mounting styles, and materials, it’s time we share our tips with you. These six tips should help your shopping experience.
1. Measure
One of the most important factors in buying a faucet is that it fits! To do this, you’ll want to carefully measure where your tap will be. If you have a precut sink, this will limit the size and style of faucets you get.
Ensuring that the plumbing and everything are sound is essential. To accomplish this, carefully measure the work area. If you have cupboards or shelving above the sink, take that into consideration. That may mean your faucet will have to be shorter. Take these measurements into consideration before shopping. Buying a faucet that accommodates your countertops and space is easier than reworking or recutting everything.
2. Ceramic Valves
Faucets will experience wear and tear over time. Different valve types have different lifespans. In our experience, ceramic valves are the best option. Ceramic valves can remain drip-free for many years. This will keep your sink and faucet lasting years. Furthermore, a small drip can run up your water bill over time. Avoid unnecessary costs with a sound system that works the way it should.
When looking at faucets, pay extra attention to the type of valves used. If it states that it uses ceramic valves, then opt for that option.
3. Choose a Single-Handle
Though single-handle faucets are a little more finicky, they are much more convenient. They are much more practical, and turning the faucet on will be easier with dirty hands. When meal prepping, you’ll come into contact with different bacteria. For example, chicken can have Salmonella. To avoid contaminating other surfaces, limit what you touch. One of our favorite ways to do that is with a single-handle faucet.
Though single-handle faucets may lack symmetry, they also look chic. Furthermore, you won’t have to drill as many holes into your sink or countertops!
4. Opt for a Sprayer
Not having a sprayer can become very annoying very quickly. Having a spray nozzle will make cleanup much more manageable. It can have steadier water pressure and help when cleaning caked-on food. We recommend opting for a pull-down or pull-out sprayer. Many customers suggest that separate sprayers can have more leaks and problems. To avoid this, opt for a straightforward faucet that has all of the necessities. This will also keep your kitchen sink area looking fresh and chic.
5. Be Picky on the Finish
There are many finishes when it comes to your faucet. Standard finishes include polished nickel, satin nickel, chrome, satin brass, stainless steel, matte black, classic bronze, and more. When choosing a faucet, be picky on the finish. This will make a significant impact on the final look. You may want to match your faucet to your appliances or hardware.
6. Test the Pressure
Don’t settle for weak pressure when it comes to a kitchen faucet! Test the pressure and ensure that your faucet can tackle grime and grease. Your faucet should have a spray option that isn’t just a steady flow. This will make cleaning and filling pots much easier.
Conclusion
As you’re shopping for a kitchen faucet, we hope you’ll apply these six tips. Looking for a kitchen faucet with sprayer, whether it be a pull-down, pull-out, or separate, is a challenging task. A kitchen faucet with good pressure and a beautiful finish is an important investment! This small detail can make a huge impact on the final look. Make sure to find a faucet that complements the rest of your kitchen and tackles jobs in the kitchen.
