Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide

Handle Options

Single Handle Kitchen Faucets - Allow for quick and easy water flow and temperature adjustments with one hand, which is helpful when your hands are occupied. Single Handle Faucets generally are compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on layout and styles range from traditional to modern. Most models are available with or without side sprays.

Two Handle Kitchen Faucets - Provides precise temperature and water flow adjustment, with separate hot and cold controls, utilizing 3 or more holes of a sink or countertop. This is a great style to consider if you’re creating a traditional or period-style kitchen.

Pull-Out or Integral Spray Kitchen Faucets - A great mix of style and functionality, the faucet head pulls out and with a touch of a button the water pattern switches from regular flow to spray. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on the handle configuration and number of accessories,creating a clean style that lends itself to a contemporary or transitional look.

Wall-Mount Faucets - A unique style that requires no deck holes as the faucet actually mounts to the wall above the sink. This design does require water supplies that extend above the countertop in the wall. This is a great option if you’re looking for an antique style kitchen.

Pot Filler Faucets - A “must have” for an avid cook. This cold water faucet is installed in addition to a regular kitchen faucet and mounts on the wall behind a stove or on a countertop near the stove. It is used to fill a pot that is already positioned on the stovetop. This faucet comes in a wide array of designs including single or dual handles, long or gooseneck swivel spouts.

Bar Sink/Entertainment/Prep Faucets - Compared to a regular kitchen faucet, bar faucets are simply smaller in order to work with the bar/prep sinks they are intended to be used with. A great addition to any room these faucets come in a variety of styles and designs utilizing 1-3 holes. When used in a kitchen application they are often “matched” to the same style as the larger kitchen sink faucet.

High Arch - Provides plenty of room between the bottom of the sink and the spout to conveniently wash large pots or oversized dishes. High arch faucets start are 6 inches, but most are 8-10 inches high.

Standard Arch - Faucet spout is generally 3-5 inches high and are best for smaller sinks and everyday pots, pans and dishes.

Spout Reach - Another important factor in deciding which faucet is best is the number of bowls you have and the overall size of the sink. The faucet should direct water into the center of the sink, a small faucet can get lost on a large sink and a large faucet can overpower a small sink. Most faucet have a reach that ranges from 7½” to 10”. If you have a double bowl sink, be sure to choose a faucet that can reach both bowls.