Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide


Eiler Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Brushed Gold, 33" Wenbrook Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Eiler Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Brushed Gold, 33" Wenbrook Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink

The perfect kitchen faucet does more than just run water. It serves as the style centerpiece of your kitchen and the heartbeat of its functionality. This guide will help you understand what features to look for and ensure you select a faucet that meets all your needs.

Installation Options

Deck Mount


A deck-mount faucet will occupy space on the countertop, so make sure that your area is large enough to accommodate one. When measuring your space, consider more than just the faucet base. Dirt or water may accumulate between the faucet and the wall, so leave at least a finger width behind the faucet to provide ample room for cleaning.

Ridgeway Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet - Matte Black, 36" Atlas Offset Double-Bowl Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink - Gunmetal Black

Wall Mount


Wall-mount faucets mount to the wall above the sink. This faucet style is a great option if you want to preserve countertop space and provide for effortless cleanup. However, installing a wall-mount faucet may require relocating existing plumbing, so consult a professional. When selecting a wall-mount faucet, take into account the distance the water spout projects to be sure that the sink and faucet are compatible.

Felicity Wall-Mount Kitchen Faucet - Brushed Nickel


Faucet Styles

Helena Widespread Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Chrome

Widespread

Widespread faucets are designed for three-hole installation. They have three separate pieces, two handles and a spout, and the spacing between the handles ranges from 6 to 16 inches. This faucet style is available in a wide range of silhouettes for complementing spaces from traditional to modern.

Eiler Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Satin Copper

Single-Hole

Single-hole faucets are installed through one hole in the countertop. They may have a single handle or two handles and are often available with decorative plates to cover any unneeded predrilled holes. This streamlined faucet style adds a sleek or minimalistic touch to any kitchen.

Hurston Pull-Down Bridge Kitchen Faucet - Matte Black

Bridge

Bridge faucets mount to the countertop and feature an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. You will find this faucet style in kitchens with a traditional or timeless look.

Helena Widespread Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Oil Rubbed Bronze

Centerset

Centerset faucets are also designed for three-hole installation and have handles that are 4 inches apart. Centerset faucets typically feature two handles mounted to a 6-inch plate, or escutcheon. This style is designed in a variety of silhouettes, complementing spaces of all styles.

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Pot Filler

Available in either deck-mount or wall-mount, pot fillers make it easy to access water in places other than your kitchen sink. They are typically installed above your stove to provide a convenient, spill-free cooking experience. However, their adaptability makes them perfect for creative solutions, such as coffee nooks or pet water stations. Available in classic and sleek silhouettes to perfectly tie into your kitchen.

Bennett Single-Hole Outdoor Kitchen Faucet - Stainless Steel

Outdoor

Ideal for patios, outdoor faucets bring the same functionality as indoor ones with added protection from the elements. Corrosion-resistant, outdoor faucets are typically made of stainless steel or brass to withstand various weather conditions and changing temperatures.

Helena Widespread Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Chrome

Widespread

Widespread faucets are designed for three-hole installation. They have three separate pieces, two handles and a spout, and the spacing between the handles ranges from 6 to 16 inches. This faucet style is available in a wide range of silhouettes for complementing spaces from traditional to modern.

Eiler Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Satin Copper

Single-Hole

Single-hole faucets are installed through one hole in the countertop. They may have a single handle or two handles and are often available with decorative plates to cover any unneeded predrilled holes. This streamlined faucet style adds a sleek or minimalistic touch to any kitchen.

Hurston Pull-Down Bridge Kitchen Faucet - Matte Black

Bridge

Bridge faucets mount to the countertop and feature an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. You will find this faucet style in kitchens with a traditional or timeless look.

Helena Widespread Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Oil Rubbed Bronze

Centerset

Centerset faucets are also designed for three-hole installation and have handles that are 4 inches apart. Centerset faucets typically feature two handles mounted to a 6-inch plate, or escutcheon. This style is designed in a variety of silhouettes, complementing spaces of all styles.

Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.

Pot Filler

Available in either deck-mount or wall-mount, pot fillers make it easy to access water in places other than your kitchen sink. They are typically installed above your stove to provide a convenient, spill-free cooking experience. However, their adaptability makes them perfect for creative solutions, such as coffee nooks or pet water stations. Available in classic and sleek silhouettes to perfectly tie into your kitchen.

Bennett Single-Hole Outdoor Kitchen Faucet - Stainless Steel

Outdoor

Ideal for patios, outdoor faucets bring the same functionality as indoor ones with added protection from the elements. Corrosion-resistant, outdoor faucets are typically made of stainless steel or brass to withstand various weather conditions and changing temperatures.


Functions

Selecting a faucet with spray or hose functionality is an excellent idea. These features add maneuverability and length that will help reach all corners of your sink for proper cleaning and upkeep. According to your personal style, the following options will bring an elevated experience to your kitchen:

Finnian Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet - Chrome

Pull-Down

Pull-down faucets feature a hidden hose that resides within their body. When pulled downward, the hose is exposed to add length, making dishwashing and food prep a breeze. Additionally, their high-arc, gooseneck silhouettes accommodate large pots and pans and bring a sense of modernity to any space.

Cypress Single-Hole Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet - Stainless Steel

Pull-Out

Much like pull-down faucets, pull-out faucets feature an extendable hose. However, these fixtures don’t tend to be as tall, as they are pulled outward instead of downward. These faucets are a great option for those with overhead cabinets that still want hose functionality.

Asaro Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Antique Copper

Spring-Spout

Contrary to pull-out or pull-down options, spring-spout faucets leave the extendable hose exposed, giving it a modern industrial edge. The hose is then often caged by a flexible spring, which allows you to reach different areas of your sink. An instant attention-grabber, spring-spout faucets are perfect for busy kitchens that need a bit more reach.

Ailey Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Brushed Gold

Side Spray

Side sprays accompany both modern and traditional-looking kitchen faucets. These types have a separate piece that allows for spray functionality apart from the main faucet. Additionally, styles are compatible with both deck-mount and wall-mount installation styles, respectively.

Finnian Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet - Chrome

Pull-Down

Pull-down faucets feature a hidden hose that resides within their body. When pulled downward, the hose is exposed to add length, making dishwashing and food prep a breeze. Additionally, their high-arc, gooseneck silhouettes accommodate large pots and pans and bring a sense of modernity to any space.

Cypress Single-Hole Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet - Stainless Steel

Pull-Out

Much like pull-down faucets, pull-out faucets feature an extendable hose. However, these fixtures don’t tend to be as tall, as they are pulled outward instead of downward. These faucets are a great option for those with overhead cabinets that still want hose functionality.

Asaro Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Antique Copper

Spring-Spout

Contrary to pull-out or pull-down options, spring-spout faucets leave the extendable hose exposed, giving it a modern industrial edge. The hose is then often caged by a flexible spring, which allows you to reach different areas of your sink. An instant attention-grabber, spring-spout faucets are perfect for busy kitchens that need a bit more reach.

Ailey Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Side Spray - Brushed Gold

Side Spray

Side sprays accompany both modern and traditional-looking kitchen faucets. These types have a separate piece that allows for spray functionality apart from the main faucet. Additionally, styles are compatible with both deck-mount and wall-mount installation styles, respectively.


Water Line Info

Sink faucets typically come one of three ways: with flexible braided hoses, with copper supply tubes, or with threaded shanks. Each variety is tried and true, however there are differences between them that are important to know.

copper supply tube for kitchen sink water line

Copper Supply Tubes

Copper is an extremely durable, rust-resistant metal that has been used in plumbing applications for decades. Copper supply tubes are pre-attached into the base of the faucet. Although not as flexible as the braided hose alternative, copper can be slightly manipulated to attach directly to the water source. Bending should be carefully done to avoid kinking or cracking the metal. In some applications, it may be necessary to use braided hoses to attach the copper supply tubes to the shutoff valves if they cannot be directly attached.

flexible braided hose for kitchen sink water line

Flexible Braided Hoses

Flexible braided hoses are most commonly used in plumbing today because of their ease of manipulation. Their adaptability make them perfect for tight or cluttered spaces, as they can be routed and connected to the shutoff valves as needed without the risk of cracking or breaking. This type of water line is made of a rubber tube wrapped in meshed and braided stainless steel.

threaded shanks for kitchen sink water line

Threaded Shanks

Some faucets will not come with water lines provided, and will possess a pair of threaded shanks from the hot and cold stems. If this is the case, then you are provided the opportunity to decide which type of water line you would like to use in your setting. Water lines can be sourced from any local hardware or plumbing supply store, and both copper and flexible braided options should be available.

copper supply tube for kitchen sink water line

Copper Supply Tubes

Copper is an extremely durable, rust-resistant metal that has been used in plumbing applications for decades. Copper supply tubes are pre-attached into the base of the faucet. Although not as flexible as the braided hose alternative, copper can be slightly manipulated to attach directly to the water source. Bending should be carefully done to avoid kinking or cracking the metal. In some applications, it may be necessary to use braided hoses to attach the copper supply tubes to the shutoff valves if they cannot be directly attached.

flexible braided hose for kitchen sink water line

Flexible Braided Hoses

Flexible braided hoses are most commonly used in plumbing today because of their ease of manipulation. Their adaptability make them perfect for tight or cluttered spaces, as they can be routed and connected to the shutoff valves as needed without the risk of cracking or breaking. This type of water line is made of a rubber tube wrapped in meshed and braided stainless steel.

threaded shanks for kitchen sink water line

Threaded Shanks

Some faucets will not come with water lines provided, and will possess a pair of threaded shanks from the hot and cold stems. If this is the case, then you are provided the opportunity to decide which type of water line you would like to use in your setting. Water lines can be sourced from any local hardware or plumbing supply store, and both copper and flexible braided options should be available.

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