Choose the Perfect 11 Inch Kitchen Faucet for Your Sink

When it comes time to upgrade your kitchen faucet, you may want to consider going taller. 11 inch kitchen faucets are rising in popularity due to the extra height and clearance they provide.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect 11 inch faucet for your specific kitchen setup and needs?

Spout Height and Clearance Benefits

First, let’s look at why you may want to choose an 11 inch kitchen faucet in the first place. What are the benefits of the extra height compared to standard 8 inch models?

Why Choose an 11 Inch Faucet?

The main advantage of going with an 11 inch faucet is the additional clearance it provides. With those nearly 4 extra inches of spout height, you’ll have more room for washing and filling large pots or other oversized items in your sink.

The high arc design also makes it easier to maneuver around the water stream when multitasking. You can access all areas of your sink without the faucet getting in the way.

Comparing 11 Inch to Standard Height Faucets

To understand why 11 inches makes a difference, it helps to visualize the height difference compared to standard kitchen faucets. Most conventional faucets have a spout height of around 8 inches from the base to the top of the arched spout.

By going up to 11 inches, you gain nearly 4 more inches of clearance. This can be especially useful if you have a particularly deep sink basin that requires the extra room. It’s also ideal if you frequently need to fill large pots and want plenty of space between the faucet and bottom of the pot.

Spout Reach and Design

In addition to the overall height, you’ll also want to consider the spout reach when choosing an 11 inch kitchen faucet. This refers to how far the spout extends outward from the base.

Typical Spout Reach Lengths

Most 11 inch faucets have a spout reach of around 9 inches. This means the spout overhangs the sink by 9 inches, providing greater coverage and range of motion for washing dishes or filling pots.

The combination of the additional height and reach gives you more flexibility when using your sink. You can access the full width and depth of the basin without constantly repositioning pots and pans.

Spout Design Styles

In addition to reach, the overall spout design makes a difference in function and visual appeal. You’ll find 11 inch faucets with curved spouts, straight spouts, or gooseneck spouts that arch high before angling downwards.

The shape of the spout impacts both the look of the faucet as well as the exact arc height. Gooseneck and curved spouts tend to have a higher apex point. Take into account your style preferences and sink configuration when choosing a design.

Articulating vs Rigid Spout

Another consideration is whether you want an articulating spout or rigid spout. Articulating faucets allow you to pivot and move the spout for better directional control of the water stream.

Rigid spouts remain fixed in place. While less maneuverable, rigid spouts tend to be more durable over time. Decide whether the ability to move the spout is a priority for you.

Installation Considerations

Installing a new 11 inch kitchen faucet is similar to installing standard height models, but there are a few additional factors to keep in mind.

Number of Holes Required

Most 11 inch faucets need between 1-3 holes for installation. This includes holes for the main spout, any side sprayers, soap dispenser, or toggle levers. The number of holes required impacts whether the faucet will work with your existing sink and counter setup.

Deck Plate Options

If your sink has more holes than your new faucet needs, you can use a deck plate to cover the additional openings. The plate creates a neater installation with a more secure mount. Make sure your faucet includes a deck plate if you need one.

Professional Install Recommended

While a skilled DIYer can usually install a new 11 inch faucet with proper tools, patience, and the included directions, we recommend hiring a professional if you’re unfamiliar with the process. This ensures correct setup and full functionality.

Key Feature and Functionality

Once you’ve weighed height, reach, and installation factors, next look at the functionality and features offered by different 11 inch faucet models.

Spray Head Types

One of the most useful features for kitchen tasks is an adjustable spray head. Most modern kitchen faucets have spray heads that offer both a focused high-pressure stream and a wide spray setting.

This dual-functionality makes it easy to rinse dishes or wash vegetables with the wide spray, or fill pots quickly using the focused stream.

Faucet Controls and Activation

There are a few options when it comes to controlling water flow and activating your 11 inch kitchen faucet. Touch controls that simply require a tap to start or stop flow are convenient. Hands-free faucets with motion sensor activation are trendy.

However, standard manual control handles tend to be the most reliable over years of daily use. Decide whether touchless activation is worth the added cost and potential for technical issues down the road.

Filtration and Water Quality

Some higher-end kitchen faucets have built-in water filtration systems to remove contaminants and impurities for improved taste and odor. But filtration comes at a cost. Filters need occasional replacement and can slow water flow rate.

If pure water is a priority, filtration can be worthwhile. Otherwise, you can likely skip this feature if flow rate and pressure are more important.

Smart Faucet Integration

Smart home technology has made its way into kitchen faucets as well. You can now find WiFi connected 11 inch faucets that allow app and voice control. While convenient, smart functionality isn’t essential for most households.

Top Brands and Materials

When buying any major kitchen appliance like a faucet, you’ll want to stick with proven brands that are known for quality and durability. The materials used also impact the overall look, feel, and longevity of your faucet.

Most Durable and Reliable Brands

Some of the top faucet brands to look for are Delta, Moen, Kohler, American Standard, Hansgrohe, and Pfister. These companies have decades of experience and tend to use high-grade materials that can withstand years of regular use.

Choosing a reputable manufacturer gives you peace of mind knowing you’re getting a well-made product that should work reliably for years to come.

Finishes and Materials

Popular finishes for kitchen faucets include chrome, stainless steel, various bronze and brass finishes, and matte black. Each material and finish has its own aesthetic and functional pros and cons.

For example, chrome and stainless steel tend to have a modern, sleek look that’s easy to keep clean. Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel provide a more traditional appearance. Durability also varies between materials.

Purchase from Trusted Retailers

To ensure you get an authentic faucet from a top brand, purchase directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributors whenever possible. This avoids cheaper knockoffs that mimic the style of premium brands but lack the quality.

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true on auction sites or unknown sellers. The extra peace of mind is worth paying MSRP from a trusted retailer.

Key Factors Impacting Cost

Several variables influence the cost of a new 11 inch kitchen faucet. Higher-end models typically include:

• Premium brand reputation
• Durable all-metal construction
• Innovative features like touch controls or smart connectivity
• Higher quality finish that's scratch and tarnish resistant
• Strong manufacturer’s warranty

While you certainly don’t have to break the bank for a quality faucet, expect to invest a little more for the above features and long-lasting durability.

Final Decision Factors

Narrowing down your choices comes down to a few key considerations:

• How you plan to use the faucet - mainly hand washing or frequent pot filling
• Your kitchen sink dimensions and existing hole configuration
• Desired finish based on your kitchen’s decor
• Special features that would be useful for you
• Your budget for a faucet replacement
• Personal style preferences

Take into account how you specifically plan to use your new 11 inch faucet and what features will offer the most convenience for your household when deciding between models.

The additional height and reach of 11 inch kitchen faucets provide versatility and convenience when using deep sinks or filling large pots. But not every model is suited for each home's unique needs and setup.

By carefully considering the benefits of 11 inches over standard heights, installation requirements, innovative features available, material quality, and key differentiating factors between products, you can confidently choose the perfect faucet.

Focus on models from leading faucet brands that offer durability, useful features, and a style that complements your kitchen's decor. With the right 11 inch faucet, you’ll enjoy improved functionality at the sink for years to come.