Kitchen sinks are available in many different sizes and style options, and so are kitchen faucets. Picking the best match significantly depends on your usage habits and plumbing setup.
With the right faucet installed, you’ll enjoy greater convenience and water efficiency. This guide walks you through the many different types of kitchen faucets and how to choose the right one for your home.
Quick Takeaways
- Kitchen faucets are available in an endless number of styles with numerous features to select from.
- The installation process varies among the different types of faucets, with some requiring specific sink or wall configurations.
- The majority of modern kitchens have pull-down or single-handle faucets.
- The right kitchen faucet will save money and provide better convenience for cooking and cleaning.
- Having your faucet installed professionally is the best way to prevent leaks, loose fittings, and water pressure issues.
The Different Types of Kitchen Faucets
Understanding how different kitchen faucets look and work will help you make the best choice for your kitchen. Here are the top 11 styles.
1. Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets
This type features a single handle that controls both the water temperature and flow, making it incredibly easy to operate with one hand. It’s also very simple to install, requiring fewer mounting holes and nothing more than basic tools.
2. Double-Handle Kitchen Faucets
These faucets come with separate handles for the hot and cold water. They provide a very traditional look but require more space to install. Their installation also comes with added complexity because of the additional mounting holes and connections.
4. Pull-Down Kitchen Faucets
If you want a faucet that lets you rinse hard-to-reach areas, you need to install this type. Pull-down kitchen faucets work incredibly well in deep sinks and for heavy cleaning. They have become very common in modern kitchens.
5. Pull-Out Kitchen Faucets
This faucet type pulls outward instead of downward, making it especially useful in shallow sinks. You’ll have improved control over the water spray for close-range rinsing.
6. Touchless (Hands-Free) Kitchen Faucets
Want to use the faucet without ever having to touch it? If so, install a touchless, hands-free model. This type improves hygiene in the kitchen but requires a power source, either through batteries or hardwiring.
7. Wall-Mounted Kitchen Faucets
When the goal is to free up counterspace, a wall-mounted faucet provides the perfect solution. You’ll also have more space in the sink itself. This faucet style typically requires extra plumbing work.
8. Commercial-Style (Pre-Rinse) Kitchen Faucets
Inspired by the heavy cleaning that takes place in restaurant kitchens, these faucets feature a high-arch spring design, meaning they offer extended flexibility and reach. This makes them very useful for washing large cookware.
The installation can be a bit tricky in a residential setting since they require extra overhead clearance and stronger water pressure, but they are well worth it.
9. Pot Filler Faucets
These faucets go near the stove, allowing you to directly fill pots on the burner. They work great for reducing heavy lifting in the kitchen. Their installation requires careful planning since a dedicated water line must be run to the location.
10. Bridge Kitchen Faucets
The exposed pipework that links the hot and cold levers of a bridge kitchen faucet creates a timeless design. They are suitable with sinks that have matching mounting holes and look great in classic or country kitchens.
11. High-Arc (Gooseneck) Kitchen Faucets
To provide room for cleaning heavy cookware, high-arc kitchen faucets have a tall, curved spout. Their adaptability and streamlined design make them a favorite in both classic and contemporary kitchens.
How to Choose the Right Type of Kitchen Faucet
Talking with a trained plumber is a wise move for choosing the best faucets for your kitchen.
Here are the most important factors to consider:
- Sink layout and holes: Determines which faucet styles will physically fit
- Kitchen size and flow: Affects spout height, reach, and clearance
- Water pressure setup: Ensures proper performance and spray strength
- Everyday kitchen use: Impacts handle type, flexibility, and convenience
- Design and visual style: Keeps the faucet matching your kitchen aesthetic
Having kitchen faucets installed professionally ensures all of the plumbing and fittings have tight, secure connections. You won’t have to worry about leaks or misaligned parts causing pressure issues.
FAQ: Kitchen Faucet Types
What is the most common type of kitchen faucet?
Pull-down and single-handle faucets are the most common because of their flexibility and easy installation.
What type of kitchen faucet is easiest to install?
Because they don’t need as many mounting holes or plumbing connections, single-handle, deck-mounted kitchen faucets are the simplest to install.
Are pull-down faucets better than pull-out faucets?
For deep sinks and vigorous washing, a pull-down faucet is the way to go, while a pull-out is ideal for shallow sinks and close-range rinsing.
Do touchless faucets require special plumbing?
Although they don’t have any specialized plumbing needs, touchless faucets do require a power source, whether it be through batteries or hardwiring.
What type of kitchen faucet lasts the longest?
The most durable kitchen faucets are those constructed of solid brass or stainless steel and equipped with high-quality internal components.
Can I change faucet types without replacing my sink?
If the mounting holes and piping configuration of the new faucet are compatible with the ones you already have, you can change the type of faucet without having to replace the sink.
Professional Kitchen Faucet Installation in Orlando
The type of kitchen faucet you decide to install will always impact the installation complexity. Single-handle and deck-mounted styles tend to be the easiest to replace. But all types benefit from proper sealing, pressure testing, and leak prevention, which is why you should always let a professional handle the install process.
The plumbers here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are experts at upgrading kitchens with new faucets. Our Punctual Plumbers handle each step with the utmost care and attention to detail. The result is a faucet that performs reliably for years to come.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to book a kitchen faucet installation.