Choose the Perfect Kitchen Faucet for Your Needs
Upgrading your kitchen with a new faucet can completely transform the look and feel of your space. With so many options on the market, from sleek contemporary styles to traditional designs, selecting the ideal kitchen faucet for your home can be an overwhelming process.
Follow along to find the perfect faucet to take your kitchen to the next level.
Popular Kitchen Faucet Types
Kitchen faucets come in a variety of configurations to suit different sink types, styles, and user needs. Some of the most popular kitchen faucet types include:
Pull-Down Faucets
Pull-down kitchen faucets feature a spray head that pulls down for extended reach within the sink. This makes them ideal for filling and washing large pots and containers. The retractable spray head has a braided nylon hose that smoothly glides back into the spout when not in use.
Pull-down kitchen faucets are available from brands like Moen, Delta, and American Standard. The Moen Align Pulldown kitchen faucet is a best seller praised for its Power Boost spray technology and secure docking of the spray head.
Pull-Out Faucets
Pull-out kitchen faucets have a detachable spray head that pulls out horizontally from the spout. This provides excellent maneuverability for cleaning and rinsing around the entire sink area.
The Pfister Cagney pull-out kitchen faucet is a popular affordable option with a dual-function sprayhead and sturdy braided hose. Higher-end choices like the Delta Essa pull-out faucet offer magnetic docking and touch activation.
Bridge Faucets
Bridge kitchen faucets have a horizontal "bridge" design that mounts directly to the sink or countertop behind the sink. This more compact style is well-suited for smaller sinks and prep areas.
The Kraus Bolden bridge-style kitchen faucet combines industrial style with functionality. Features include a commercial-style spring design and 360-degree swivel spout. Bridge faucets like the Elkay Dayton are also designed to meet the needs of busy commercial kitchens.
Wall-Mount Faucets
Wall-mount kitchen faucets attach directly to the wall rather than the sink or countertop. This contemporary look provides a streamlined silhouette and frees up counter space.
The ultra-modern Pfister Marielle wall-mount kitchen faucet has a sleek single-handle design that makes a stylish statement. For a more traditional take, faucets like the Kingston Brass Concord wall-mount incorporate vintage styling with swivel spouts and dual handles.
Commercial Style Faucets
Commercial style kitchen faucets feature the adjustable swing spouts and sturdy build of faucets made for restaurant use. They're perfect for homeowners who need maximum reach and durability.
The Kraus Voranada commercial-style kitchen faucet has a dual-function sprayhead and heavy-duty spring arm for increased mobility. Other top options include the Kohler Bellera pull-down faucet with ProMotion technology for smooth operation.
Pot Filler Faucets
Also called wall-mount pot fillers, these faucets are designed specifically for filling pots and containers. They're installed behind the range or cooktop for convenient access.
Options like the Kingston Brass pot filler with double joints provide flexible positioning, while the Kraus Elavo pot filler has an industrial style that extends up to 30 inches from the wall.
Key Features to Consider
Beyond just the faucet type, there are several features to evaluate when selecting your ideal kitchen faucet:
Sprayer Types
The sprayer design affects the faucet’s functionality. Pull-down and pull-out sprayers offer great flexibility and reach. Side sprayers provide an additional water source. Evaluate your needs to choose the right sprayer configuration.
Handles
Single handle faucets allow you to control water temperature and flow with one lever. Two handle (or widespread) faucets let you fine tune temperature and volume separately. Pick a handle style based on your usage preferences and existing mounting holes.
Finishes
From brushed nickel to polished chrome, faucet finishes impact the look and durability. Stainless steel, chrome, and brass finishes resist corrosion and fingerprints. Oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and other dark finishes provide visual drama.
Styles
The style you select depends on your kitchen's existing decor and your own design sensibilities. Traditional styles showcase decorative details, while contemporary designs have an understated, minimalist aesthetic.
Special Features
Look for faucets with features like touchless activation, pull-down sprayers, hot water dispensers, filtration systems, motion sensors, LED lighting, and soap/lotion dispensers.
Top Kitchen Faucet Brands
Stick to well-known kitchen faucet brands for the best quality and reliability:
Moen
Founded in 1937, Moen is one of the most recognized faucet brands. They frequently introduce new innovations and hold over 1,200 patents. Moen faucets are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Delta
Delta has been crafting kitchen faucets since the 1950s. Their faucets feature innovations like Touch2O technology, MagnaTite docking, and Diamond Seal valve construction. They offer a range of traditional and contemporary styles.
Kohler
Kohler is a leader in bold, cutting-edge kitchen faucet designs. Their faucets feature ceramic disc valves and innovations like ProMotion technology for smooth operation. Kohler provides a limited lifetime warranty.
American Standard & Grohe
Other top kitchen faucet brands include American Standard, known for affordable quality, and Germany's Grohe brand, revered for superb engineering and performance.
Installation Tips
Installing a new kitchen faucet is an intermediate DIY project. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Turn off hot and cold water supply lines and open the faucet to relieve pressure.
- Remove old faucet. Clean sink surface thoroughly.
- Place mounting gasket and insert new faucet. Hand tighten nuts under sink.
- Connect water supply lines to the faucet and turn on water supply.
- Check for leaks. Tighten any connections that drip.
Use plumbers putty or silicone caulk to seal gaps as needed. Watch online tutorials for guidance. Call a pro for complex installations or problems.
Ongoing Maintenance
Keep your kitchen faucet working like new with regular maintenance:
- Wipe down the faucet daily using a soft cloth, mild soap and water.
- Remove and soak faucet aerators regularly to remove mineral buildup.
- Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to gently remove stubborn hard water stains.
- Disconnect and lubricate the sprayer hose annually to prevent sticking.
Periodic maintenance keeps all the components working properly and extends your faucet’s lifespan.
The ideal kitchen faucet completely transforms both form and function in your kitchen. Start by determining your preferred faucet type and style. Look for key features that suit your needs. Stick with a trusted brand known for quality. Follow the tips above to install and care for your new faucet.
With so many excellent faucets on the market, you're sure to find one with the perfect blend of design and utility to make your kitchen dreams a reality.