Kitchen Faucet Buyer's Guide
/From cleaning your daily dishes to filling up your water bottle before starting your day, it’s no doubt that the faucet is the most used kitchen appliance in the home. Although it is easily overlooked, it is extremely important for everyday use and can surprisingly make a huge difference in the aesthetics of the kitchen. It’s typical not to know where to start when on the market for a new faucet since it’s purchased for its longevity, so the Appliance Educator team has gathered all of the information needed to make the best decision for your home.
Faucet Types
If you are planning on installing both a new faucet and sink, it is recommended to purchase the faucet you would like first, then purchase the sink. This way, you can have your sink modified to the configurations required for the specific faucet mount that you would like. If you are just purchasing a new faucet, you will need to look for a faucet type that matches what your sink configurations call for, or add a new feature if there are extra holes.
Deck-mount
Also called “sink-deck mounting”, this requires specific holes to be created on the sink prior to installation. This is the most traditional installation, and groups together the sink and faucet for a more uniform aesthetic.
Countertop-mount
If you are planning on installing an under mount sink, the countertop mount may be to your liking. This is considered a more attractive installation, as it is more seamless with the kitchen countertops and makes for easier cleaning.
Wall-mount
This is considered a luxurious type of mounting, as it is not common and typically costs more, as it requires a more complicated installation. Avoid this installation if you do not have the proper studs in the wall, do not have the room to (i.g. due to a window installation), or live in a colder environment that can easily freeze the water pipes.
Faucet Handles
Kitchen faucets will either offer a single handle either in the center or side of the faucet, allowing for full movement to reach the desired warm or cold temperature; Or there are faucets with two handles, allowing you to differentiate the cold and hold temperature between the left and right handles. If you want to avoid handles all together and achieve the most convenience from a faucet, there are now touchless faucets available from trustworthy appliance brands.
Sizes
Many pull-down faucets feature a flexible spring, allowing you to easily remove the spout and have even more range when washing
Spout Height
This is the height of the bottom of your sink to the bottom of the faucet spout. There are options of high arc faucets versus low arc faucets. Higher arc faucets are typically preferred, allowing you to easily wash large pans and pots in the sink. However, if you do not want anything obstructing the view above your sink or you have a smaller space, we recommend looking for a low arc faucet.
Spout Reach
This is the depth distance from the end of the faucet spout to the faucet itself, which allows you to maneuver your dishes when washing. It is important to base the wanted spout reach and range on the dimensions of your sink, as you would want to have as much range as possible for an easier washing experience.
Features
Pull-down spray
Many homeowners and designers alike prefer faucets with a pull-down spray feature, as it allows you to have control to remove the spray and having more range of your sink. This is also a simple 2 in 1 solution of avoiding the purchase of a side sprayer.
add the most convenience to your kitchen sink with a pull-side sprayer and soap dispenser
Anti-splash
The biggest inconvenience from washing the dishes is the constant splashback, especially with those pesky spoons! Several trusted appliance brands have innovated and created technology that is meant to reduce splash-back as much as possible. Delta Faucets have ShieldSpray technology, which cleans with 90% less splatter. ZLINE Kitchen & Bath select faucets have HPAS (High-Pressure Anti Splash), a unique twisting lattice spray that effectively gets rid of food and reduces backsplash.
Soap Dispensers
Rather than having a separate soap dispenser on your kitchen countertop, you can save on space and create a clean aesthetic by purchasing a soap dispenser that would be built-in to your countertop or deck mount. Depending on which brand you choose, the timeframe of needing to refill the soap container can vary. Refilling the container would also require you to maneuver through under your soap.
In-faucet filters
Although the price tag will increase, there are under-sink water filtration systems that allow you to have clean tap water when using your kitchen faucet. This is a great way to achieve a sleek countertop look and clean, drinkable water, without having to purchase a separate water filtration system that tends to look bulky attached to the kitchen spout.
WITH AN IN-FAUCET FILTER, YOU ARE ABLE TO ACCESS CLEAN WATER EVERY USE
In-faucet pot-fillers
Pot fillers are typically placed above a range for easy pot-filling, but they are now available as a part of the kitchen faucet itself. This is another added convenience that allows you to avoid placing another plumbing system into your range wall.
Finishes
Chrome is the most common kitchen faucet finish, as it is the most durable and has a beautiful, shiny complexion. There are various finishes available that are meant for every kitchen style, from polished gold to matte black. Homeowners tend to prefer matte finishes if they would like to avoid cleaning off fingerprints and unwanted water stains.
Maintenance
Keeping your faucet clean can seem unproductive since it is used often, but easy maintenance of using a soft cloth with water and vinegar solution will make the shine lasts for years. It’s also important to not use abrasive substances on any faucet finish.
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