Choose the Best Mid Arc Kitchen Faucet for Your Sink
With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect mid arc kitchen faucet for your sink can feel overwhelming. But having the right faucet can make meal prep and cleanup a breeze.
Mid arc faucets offer a great balance - not too tall to splash all over like a high arc, but not too short to make filling pots difficult like a low arc. With the right style and features for your space, a mid arc kitchen faucet allows convenient access without getting in your way.
What is a Mid Arc Kitchen Faucet?
A mid arc kitchen faucet has a moderate forwards and backwards curving spout arch. This places it between a high arc faucet with a very tall arched neck, and a low arc faucet with a nearly straight neck.
Mid Arc Faucet Design
The spout on a mid arc kitchen faucet angles up from the base, then curves forward over the sink at a medium height. This provides a good balance between the extra clearances of a high arc, and the compact form of a low arc. Mid arc faucets typically stand about 15-17 inches tall from the counter to the highest point of the spout.
The mid-level arched neck design offers convenient access without obstructing your work. You can easily wash large pots and pans without clanging the faucet. Yet it reaches sufficiently into the sink when needed.
Key Features
Mid arc kitchen faucets come in single handle and two handle varieties. Single handle faucets use one lever to control water flow and temperature. Two handle faucets have separate hot and cold handles for more precise blending.
Many mid arc kitchen faucets also feature handy pull-down or pull-out sprayer heads. These give you greater flexibility for rinsing or cleaning. The sprayer hose smoothly retracts back into the spout after use.
Quality mid arc faucets also incorporate durable ceramic disc valves. These provide smooth handle control and drip-free performance for years of reliable service.
Benefits of a Mid Arc Kitchen Faucet
What makes a mid arc kitchen faucet a great choice? Here are some of the key advantages this style offers over low arc and high arc faucet designs.
Balance of Height and Clearance
A mid arc faucet stands tall enough to make filling stock pots easy, without causing messy splashing issues. The moderate arc keeps the water stream closer to pots and dishes without excessive height.
This makes cleanup more convenient compared to a low arc faucet. You don't have to angle pots awkwardly under a short low arc spout to rinse them out.
Flexibility in Placement
Mid arc faucets work well with nearly any sink configuration. Their medium height profile fits nicely in tight spaces. But they also work great with deep sinks, leaving you plenty of room for washing large items.
You can install a mid arc faucet on the counter or mount it to the wall behind the sink. This makes them versatile for many kitchen layouts.
Practical Access to Sink Area
The mid arc neck stays out of the way, so you can work comfortably at the bottom of a deep sink without the faucet interfering. At the same time, the sprayer hose provides ample reach when you need it.
You can easily scrub the sink bottom and wash produce with a mid arc faucet design. The height helps reduce stress on your arms and back compared to continually reaching up to a high arc faucet.
Important Factors When Choosing a Faucet
Keep the following considerations in mind while shopping for your new mid arc kitchen faucet:
Flow Rate and Water Efficiency
Look for WaterSense certified faucet models, which use at least 20% less water than standard models. Also check the gallons per minute (GPM) rating. Faucets using 1.5 GPM or less qualify as high efficiency.
Number of Handles
Single handle faucets allow easier temperature adjustment with one hand. Two handles give you more precision for setting hot and cold water flow.
Spout Height and Reach
Make sure the faucet reaches fully across your sink for convenient access. Also check the spout height suits your sink depth to minimize splashing.
Faucet Installation
Know your existing faucet hole configuration or plan new holes. Also consider a deck-mounted faucet that installs through the counter, or a wall-mounted faucet behind the sink.
Desired Features
Look for special features like pull-down sprayer hoses, touchless activation, soap dispensers, and coordinated side sprays if you want these conveniences.
Brand and Budget
Research faucet brand reliability and warranty coverage. Also set a realistic budget for the quality and features you want.
Top Mid Arc Kitchen Faucet Picks
Based on performance, convenience, and value, here are some excellent mid arc kitchen faucet options to consider:
Best Overall: Moen Arbor
The Moen Arbor stands out with its elegant design, handy pull-down sprayer, and Spot Resist finish that prevents fingerprints and water spots. Powerful spray functions make washing a breeze.
Runner Up: Delta Trinsic Pro
The Delta Trinsic Pro is a sleek stainless steel model with MagnaTite docking to keep the spray head firmly in place. It also has a convenient magnetic docking spray head and useful TempSense indicator light.
Budget Option: Pfister Cagney
For an affordable but reliable mid arc faucet, the Pfister Cagney is a great choice. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the pull-down sprayer offers effective cleaning.
Luxury Pick: Kohler Simplice
This high-end Kohler faucet has a beautiful arched design and MasterClean sprayface that withstands mineral buildup. It also features a highly flexible hose and easy-clean coated hoses.
FAQ About Mid Arc Kitchen Faucets
Should I choose a single handle or two handle faucet?
Single handle models are typically easier to use, especially for adjusting temperature. Two handles give you more precision for controlling hot vs. cold water flow.
What sprayer features should I look for?
Look for pull-down or pull-out sprayer hoses that give you greater reach. Other useful features include pause buttons, multiple spray modes, easy-clean surfaces, and magnetic docking.
How high should the spout be?
Look for a spout height in the 15 to 17 inch range to suit most sinks. Make sure it reaches fully across your sink without being so tall that it splashes excessively.
Should I get a deck mount or wall mount faucet?
Deck mounted faucets install directly through holes in your counter. Wall mounted faucets attach to the wall behind the sink. Choose based on your existing holes or installation preferences.
Take time to carefully consider your kitchen workspace needs. Look for the right arc height, reach, features, and controls to complement your sink area. With some smart shopping, you can find the ideal mid arc kitchen faucet to maximize convenience and functionality.