Kitchens are often the heart of any home, and when it comes to installing a kitchen faucet there are virtually endless options. So which one should you choose?
I break down all the different types of kitchen faucets with this guide so that when choosing between different styles or brands, you will have a better idea of what suits your needs and taste.
A change of faucet can be the near-instant upgrade your kitchen needs. You don’t have to wait for a total renovation when you want better design and functionality, so take the first step by reading this article.
Main types of kitchen faucets
Kitchen faucets are all built to do the same thing. They attach to your kitchen sink and control how much water flows through the spout. The main difference is in how they are installed, what type of handles they have, and their overall appearance.
Pull-down faucet
The pull-down faucet is the most common type. It is referred to as a pull-down faucet because of its functionality. To one side of the spout there is often a sprayer that can be pulled out at an angle, then returned into place when finished.
This is the most basic type of kitchen faucet, but you will find that most designs are innovative twists on it. One popular trend is to combine the pull-down sprayer with a soap dispenser, so the motion to dispense your soap is also used when cleaning dishes.
Pull-out faucet
Also called a pull-out spout, the pull-out faucet is a more recent design that has quickly become popular. This type of faucet does not have a traditional sprayer, but instead, the entire spout pulls out from the base of the faucet.
This gives you more flexibility when it comes to where you want the water to go. You can also move the spout back and forth to easily switch between tasks.
Wall-mounted faucet
This type of faucet is attached to the wall, rather than the sink. It is a popular choice for modern kitchens because it takes up less space on the countertop.
It is also very easy to install and can be a DIY project for those who are comfortable with plumbing.
Kitchen island faucet
As the name suggests, this type of faucet is designed for use on kitchen islands. They have a higher arc than other faucets, so they can reach over taller pots and pans.
Additionally, many kitchen island faucets come with special features like a side sprayer or dual handles to give you more flexibility when cooking.
Commercial faucet
As the name suggests, this type of faucet is designed for use in commercial kitchens. They are built to withstand heavy use and abuse, and often have features like a longer reach or multiple sprayers.
They can also be very expensive, so they are not a good fit for most home kitchens.
Dual-handle faucet
This type of faucet has two handles, one for hot water and one for cold. It is a traditional design that is still popular in many homes.
It is a good choice if you want more flexibility in terms of water temperature, or if you have a disability that makes it difficult to use single-handle faucets.
Sensor faucet
This type of faucet is activated by a sensor. You place your hand under the faucet, and it will turn on automatically.
This type of faucet is popular in public restrooms because it is very hygienic. However, they are also becoming popular in home kitchens because they are very convenient and easy to use.
Smart faucet
A smart faucet is attached to a home automation system. You can use it with your voice, phone, or other devices to control the temperature and flow of your water.
Some models will also let you create custom controls for various actions. This gives you a lot of flexibility when you are cooking because there are no limits on where you can place the spout, and all controls are accessible from anywhere in the room. If you’re looking for all the bells and whistles, check out the Moen Smart Faucet.
What to consider when choosing a kitchen faucet
Now that you know about the different types of kitchen faucets, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase.
You’ll find many types of kitchen faucets to choose from when remodeling your home. Before you make color or style decisions, consider what kind of a faucet is right for the size and needs.
Single handle or double handle, or even super smart with its own app so it can be controlled remotely via smartphone.
It’s important that before starting any type of design process you have an understanding of how you will use your space as well as desired functionality.
Find all of my tips for the most important tools in your kitchen!
How will it be installed?
This is the most important question you need to ask yourself. If it will be installed on a kitchen island, then you can opt for a wall-mounted or commercial faucet.
But if it will be attached to your sink, then you have four main choices: under-mount, side-mounted, countertop, and drop-in. The final decision depends largely on the type of sink already installed in your kitchen and personal preference.
What features do you need?
Kitchen faucets come with lots of features these days, so you should choose carefully when deciding what features are right for you. Some popular options include soap dispensers, pull-down sprayers, or pull out spouts that offer more versatility when cleaning dishes
Do you want a pull-down sprayer?
For many people, having a pull-down sprayer is the main feature they need in their kitchen faucet. It’ll make reaching each side of your sink easier and can be very convenient when you’re rinsing dishes or cleaning vegetables.
What type of handle do you prefer?
There are two main types of handles: single-handle and dual-handle. Single-handle faucets are the most popular because they are easy to use and can be turned on and off with one hand.
Dual-handle faucets give you more flexibility when it comes to adjusting the water temperature, but they can be a bit more complicated to use.
What is your budget?
Kitchen faucets range in price from around $50 to $1,000 or more. So, before you start shopping, it’s important to set a budget that you’re comfortable with. You don’t want to get caught up in all the bells and whistles if you can’t afford them.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’re ready to start shopping for your new kitchen faucet. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your final decision.
