How To: Choose a Kitchen Faucet
Just like kitchen sinks, there are tons of kitchen faucets to choose from out there. Picking just the right faucet can seem like a daunting task with so many options that are so similar, yet so different at the same time. After a long process of choosing what we hope will be the perfect faucet for our “new to us” kitchen, we thought someone else could benefit from the tips we picked up along the way.
Our first surprise in faucet shopping was the cost involved. We were not expecting to spend hundreds (or even ONE hundred) of dollars on a new faucet. Everywhere we looked, the advice was the same – you get what you pay for, especially in fixtures.
Installation and Mounting
Once we resigned ourselves to the investment ahead. We stared checking out all our options. By installing new countertops and a new sink we had the luxury of pretty much choosing any mounting style we liked. If you are only replacing your faucet it’s important to stick with the correct number of mounting holes for your current sink unless you want to get into added drilling and other possible modifications.
If you have too many holes in your existing sink deck and want to streamline your faucet to a single hole mount just look for models that include deck plates to cover the unused holes. Many models provide optional deck plates.
The fewer connection points you have between your shut-off valve and your faucet the better. Companies like Delta offer models that include single-construction faucets with built in flexible supply lines. This will save you install time and provide fewer opportunities for leaks. This of course comes for a price, depending on the model you choose.
Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. A faucet with a ceramic disk valve and a solid brass base are typically considered the most durable.
Style
Secondly, is choosing the overall style of your faucet. There are many factors to be considered besides just appearances so pay attention to the details and check out online reviews from other customers if available.
High arc faucet styles are very popular because they allow plenty of room for washing large pots and pans and you should be able to find one within almost any price range. Most will work with any kitchen décor.
Gooseneck faucets lend themselves to more vintage style kitchens and can sometimes be a bit pricier than the high arc faucet styles that have become a more standard choice for homeowners. After reviewing some online feedback we also found that some models may cause reduced water pressure as well due the curve at the end of the faucet.
Pre-rinse faucets are an easy way to give your kitchen an instant commercial feel. They are a bit pricey and come in fewer finishes. They are also an easy way to add bulkiness to your sink area, so unless you want your faucet to be a focal point in the kitchen (or you are in fact feeding 200 people each night), we’d steer clear of these designs. If you are set on the commercial look, which can be done well, we’d recommend pairing the faucet with a deep, equally commercial sink.
Handles
Your basic options here are one handle or two. However, that one handle can be attached to the body of the faucet as one piece or function separately (requiring a 2nd hole drilled). Also, your two handles can be attached to the faucet as one piece; this is usually seen in vintage reproductions. For a unique look you could also consider a bridge faucet.
Finish
Finish is usually the easiest detail to choose, especially if you are only replacing a faucet. We’d recommend that your faucet be chosen to match the existing finish of your cabinetry hardware. Common choices are stainless steel, chrome, brushed chrome or nickel, brass, copper, or rubbed oil bronze.
Sprayers
Here again if you want a sprayer, you have basically two options. A separate sprayer, which many of us are used to, requires an additional hole drilled and can usually be purchased as a set to match your new faucet.
Many high arc faucets now offer pull down sprayers as well. These seem really handy, and at first we were really exciting about the possibility. However after talking to a few owners personally we decided to just keep ‘em separated. This option is super-convenient, especially if you only want a single hole mount. However we like knowing that if something were to go wrong with our sprayer it wouldn’t hinder our entire faucet system. If you pick up one of these puppies just check your sprayer line. We’ve been told that metal tubing, while not widely used anymore, is more prone to leaks. Also look for models with magnetized sprayers. This way gravity can’t work against you and keep your sprayer from reconnecting to your faucet properly.
Bells and Whistles
We didn’t find any faucets that actually whistle, but we did find several models from national brands like Moen and Delta that feature touch technology. Hands all messy? Don’t want to grab your faucet handle? Just bump it with your forearm and instant H2o-age. We didn’t want our kitchen faucet to be as smart as we are, so we passed – but it sounds really cool!
Warranty and Service
Most of the major national brands like Moen, Delta and Kohler have some sort of limited lifetime warranty for the original homeowner. May attention to what details are covered such a replacement parts, finish damage, replacement labor, etc.
Photos: Country Living
