Table of Contents
- What Is a Kitchen Faucet?
- How a Kitchen Faucet Is Used
- Faucet Features
- Installation of Kitchen Sink Faucet
- Part 1: Remove the Existing Kitchen Faucet
- Part 2: Install the New Kitchen Sink Faucet
- Kitchen Sink Faucet Sizes
- Standard Kitchen Sink Faucet Hole Size
- Standard Kitchen Faucet Hole Spacing
- Kitchen Faucet Configuration
- Things to Consider While Choosing a Kitchen Sink Faucet
- Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who has struggled to work with and use a substandard or ill-fitting kitchen faucet knows the importance of buying the right one.
A faucet has to function well in the required space and also match with the decor of your kitchen. It should be proportionally sized for everything from pots and pans to tall vases to fit easily beneath.
In this buying guide, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about faucets.
Get expert help in selecting the ideal faucet for your kitchen
What is a Kitchen Faucet?
A kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in your kitchen. It is a fixture for drawing and regulating the constant flow of water for various purposes such as washing your dishes, preparing your food, and rinsing off your hands.
Generally, a faucet consists of the following common components such as:
- Spout
- Handle(s)
- Cartridge
- Lift rod
- Valve
- Aerator
- Mixing chamber
- Cold/hot water inlet(s)
Kitchen sink faucets have various additional features, depending on the type and the configuration you select.
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How a Kitchen Faucet is Used
Nowadays every kitchen is connected with a pressurized water supply. It requires a multi-functional fixture to restrict the pressure and offer a controlled water flow.
A modern kitchen faucet acts as a flow restrictor and controller. It controls the water flow adjustment under any temperature condition.
Working of a Faucet
The working of a faucet is quite simple. Generally, when the handle is turned on, the valve opens and you get a continuous stream of water.
Similarly, when you turn off the handle, the flow of water stops.
Important Note: The working of a faucet depends on its style, number of handles, and various other factors.
Our modern kitchen sink faucets offer a combination of style, innovation, and functionality to meet the demands of every kitchen.
Types of Kitchen Faucet
Generally, there are two main types of kitchen sink faucets—single-handle and two-handle. However, with the modernization, Allora USA offers a wide array of faucets for specific purposes, such as prep sinks, wet bars, filling pots, and so on.
Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets
Single-handle kitchen faucets are one of the most common kinds of kitchen faucets. As the name suggests, these come with a single tap function and require only one hole in the kitchen countertop.
There are many single-hole designs that come with various features such as:
- Adjustable aerators
- Flow-control buttons
- Extra-strength disc cartridges and more.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Easy installation
- Require a single hole
- Take up less space than a two-handle faucet
Cons
- Poor temperature adjustment
- Feature tend to be basic
Check out our wide range of single-handle kitchen faucets
Two-Handle Kitchen Faucets
Two-handle kitchen faucets have two separate handles placed left and right to the faucet. This traditional setup is used to connect separate cold and hot water supplies to a single faucet.
These are available in two styles:
- Centerset: It has separate handles connected to the center sprout.
- Widespread: It has separate handles connected independently on the kitchen countertop.
Pros
- Separate controls for cold and hot water
- Precise temperature adjustments
Cons
- Need both hands to adjust the temperature
- Require multiple holes for installation
Check out our wide range of double-handle kitchen faucets
Pull-Down Kitchen Faucets
Pull-down kitchen faucets feature a tall faucet head/sprayer that pulls straight down into the sink. These give you easy access to reach those places in the sink where traditional fixed faucets can’t reach.
Pros
- Available in both single-handle and double handle style
- Handy solution to rinse vegetables or the sink itself
- Ideal for filling large pots
Cons
- Often has a shorter hose than other sprayers
- Can be difficult to maneuver in smaller sink size
Check out our wide range of pull-down kitchen faucets
Pull-Out Kitchen Faucets
Pull-out kitchen faucets come with a detachable head that can be easily pulled out with the help of a hose. A counterweight mechanism helps the hose to retract neatly in its original place.
Pros
- Available in both single-handle and double handle style
- Longer hose for better reach
- Ideal for low profile sink areas
Cons
- High splash potential
Check out our wide range of pull-out kitchen faucets
Wall-Mounted Kitchen Faucets
Wall-mounted kitchen faucets are directly installed on the wall instead of the sink or countertop. These are a great option for a small kitchen where space is limited as it clears up a lot of elbow room.
Pros
- Use no countertop space
- Plenty of designs to choose from
- Easy to clean under and around sprouts
Cons
- Require special valves and drains behind the wall
- High splash potential
Check out our wide range of wall-mounted kitchen faucets
Touchless Kitchen Faucets
Touchless kitchen faucets don’t need any kind of handle or knob. Instead, these work on motion-sensing technology. To operate the faucet, all you need to do is just wave near the sensor.
Pros
- Turns off automatically
- Effortless cleaning
- Prevents germs from spreading
- Perfect for people with mobility issues
Cons
- Requires batteries/electricity
- High-priced
- Tricky installation
Check out our wide range of touchless kitchen faucets
Gooseneck Kitchen Faucets
Gooseneck kitchen faucets have a high-rounded arc, hence the name. Their spouts are generally 8–10 inches high making these accessible fixtures to wash large pots and big pans.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Easy to install
- Modern artistic designs
Cons
- Expensive repair
- Splashing issues
Check out our wide range of gooseneck kitchen faucets
Low-Arc Kitchen Faucets
Low-arc kitchen faucets stay low and close to the kitchen sink. These usually sit no higher than 8 inches above the top of the kitchen sink.
Pros
- Easily blend into the background
- Low cost
- Ideal for small kitchen sink
Cons
- Not suitable for large pots and big pans
- Limited options
Check out our wide range of low-arc kitchen faucets
Faucet Features
You can add many special features to your kitchen sink faucet depending on the type of faucet you choose. It helps you make your faucet a little more functional and easy to use. A few of the special faucet features are:
Many kitchen sink faucets come with pre-fitted soap dispensers to help you clean dishes and wash your hands.
You can also add a soap dispenser to your kitchen sink.
Adding a sprayer to your faucet helps you adjust the flow of water. It gives you more control over the water’s stream and improves maneuverability.
It is specially designed to save water and make your kitchen cleanup more efficient.
It is a tall vertical pipe that directly attaches to the tip of the faucet.
It has the capability to curve through 180 degrees or 360 degrees and direct water accordingly.
The angle of some faucets can be easily adjusted to ease your day-to-day work. You can swivel the spout of your faucet 180 degrees around its pivot.
It helps you focus the stream of water in a peculiar area of the kitchen sink.
Kitchen sink faucets with built-in water filters remove contaminants—bacteria and heavy metals—found in tap water.
Such faucets work on various filtering techniques—reverse osmosis and ultraviolet treatment.
Kitchen Faucet Finishes
Once you’ve got an idea of what type of kitchen faucet to install, you have several finishes to consider. With so many choices available, you can get a unified look in your kitchen.
You have the freedom to select a faucet with a finish that matches the cabinet hardware. Let’s discuss some of the most common and popular options available on the market.
Nickel Kitchen Faucets
Nickel faucets are one of the most commonly chosen finishes for the kitchen. These work nicely to bring soft tones and warmth. These are available in two finishes:
- Brushed Nickel: Brushed nickel kitchen faucets are a slightly warmer version of stainless steel.The finish is achieved by applying nickel over a kitchen faucet then brushing it with a wire brush.
- Polished Nickel: Polished nickel kitchen faucets are a slightly warmer version of chrome.Nickel coating is applied to the faucet, which is then polished to achieve a shiny and highly-reflective surface.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Easy to clean
- Looks great in both traditional and modern kitchen
Cons
- Prone to showing water spots
- Expensive
Check out our wide range of nickel kitchen faucets
Chrome Kitchen Faucets
A chrome kitchen faucet doesn’t mean that the entire fixture is made of solid chrome. You can have a chrome finish faucet made from brass, steel, stainless steel, and similar metals.
Chrome is the special coating that can be applied to the base metal using the electroplating technique.
A chrome finish makes the faucet an eye-catching piece of the kitchen decor. Similar to nickel faucets, these are also available in polished and brushed finishes.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Modern looking faucets
- A great solution for a minimalist kitchen
- Available in multiple finishes—shiny, satin, and brushed
Cons
- Scratch easily
- Require frequent cleaning to maintain its shiny look
- Shows fingerprints and dirt
Check out our wide range of chrome kitchen faucets
Brass Kitchen Faucets
Brass brings a traditional vintage look to your kitchen. It is soft enough to design faucets with little effort yet strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
With so many finishes available you can go for antique, brushed, and polished brass kitchen faucets.
Pros
- Resist stain and corrosion
- Germicidal material
- Resist scratches
- Hide fingerprints and smudges
Cons
- Tend to turn green because of oxidation
- More expensive than other finishes
Check out our wide range of brass kitchen faucets
Bronze Kitchen Faucets
Bronze is one of the most sought-after materials for kitchen faucets. The unique combination of colors and finishes adds warmth and life to your kitchen decor.
An oil-rubbed antique bronze kitchen faucet is a great aesthetic alternative to conventional nickel and chrome faucets. It gives your kitchen a more traditional look.
Pros
- Longer lifespan than other finishes
- Easy to install
- Available in multiple styles and designs
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Costly repair
- More expensive than other finishes
Check out our wide range of bronze kitchen faucets
Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucets
Stainless steel faucets are the most popular choice among homeowners. These are more durable than any other material. Plus, these faucets can withstand the impact of high-speed water and still remain the same even after years of use.
Stainless steel kitchen faucets resist scaling and show exceptional toughness at very high temperatures.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Withstands sudden temperature variation
- Requires less maintenance than other finishes
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Prone to scratches
- Water spots and fingerprints leave visible marks
Check out our wide range of stainless steel kitchen faucets
Installation of Kitchen Sink Faucet
Installation of a kitchen faucet depends on the number of holes present in your existing sink. Check for holes underneath the sink to determine what type of faucet will fit in your sink.
Also, it is easy to install a one-hole faucet in a sink with two, three, or four holes by simply adding a deck plate. However, you’ll need to drill new holes if your faucet has more holes than the holes present in the existing sink.
There are two parts of the faucet installation:
Part 1: Remove the Existing Kitchen Faucet
Removing the existing kitchen faucet isn’t difficult. All you need is basic knowledge of tools and an extra set of hands.
Part 2: Install the New Kitchen Sink Faucet
After successfully removing the existing faucet, it’s time to install the new kitchen sink faucet.
Kitchen Sink Faucet Sizes
Once you’ve figured out the type of faucet, finishes, installation steps, you can move on to select the size of your kitchen sink faucet. There are 3 important factors you need to consider to select the right size.
Height
The height of the faucet refers to the distance between the highest point to the base of the faucet. Make sure to check the size dimension of the kitchen sink faucet you are interested in before buying.
A larger size faucet makes it easy for you to fill or clean tall pots. However, If you have a wide window ledge or a shelf above your sink, a tall faucet may not fit.
Also, consider the size of your sink and items you’ll be washing or filling.
Arc
The arc of the kitchen faucet refers to the curve of its spout. There are two types of arc:
- High-Arc Faucets: Also known as gooseneck, these faucets usually stand about 8–12 inches above the kitchen sink plane.These are ideal for those who simply want more sink space to work with. Also, it gives you ample space to wash large pans and pots.
- Low-Arc Faucets: These faucets sit only 3–8 inches above the kitchen sink plane.These are great for smaller sinks and spaces with low cabinets or a window sill directly above/behind the sink.
Important Note: High arc faucets are more prone to splashing.
Reach
Besides the height and arc, reach is also an important kitchen sink faucet size factor. It is the distance between the spout of the faucet to its point of connection with the sink.
Ideal for small spaces, the small spout makes you reach further into the sink which can lead to aches and pains.
On the other hand, large spouts splash water out of the sink, especially when the water comes out at an angle.
Standard Kitchen Sink Faucet Hole Size
The worldwide standard faucet hole size for the kitchen is 1 3/8″ (34.925 mm or 1.375 inches) in diameter. However, faucet holes may vary in size depending on their makes and models. For more than one hole faucet, the inlets are usually 8–12 inches apart from each other.
How to Measure the Kitchen Faucet Hole Size
A vernier caliper is the best tool for this purpose. Follow these easy steps to measure the size of the hole:
- Place the inside jaw of the caliper in the faucet hole
- Slide the vernier outward till it covers the entire hole
- Take the vernier out and note the reading
Standard Kitchen Faucet Hole Spacing
It depends on the mounting configuration of the faucet. There are six types of Kitchen faucet hole size drillings:
It is the most common configuration that requires a single hole. If your sink already has extra holes in it, a deck plate is used to cover these.
In centerset, the spout faucet and the handles are mounted onto a single plate. It has a combination of three holes: one for the spout and two for handles.
The minispread is similar to a centerset with 3 holes. However, the spout and handles are not connected by a single plate.
The widespread kitchen sink faucet also has three holes. Its spout and handles are around 16 inches apart.
Vessel faucets are usually tall faucets specially designed to pair with deep vessel sinks. Usually, these come with a single hole.
The wall-mounted faucets are mounted onto the wall instead of sitting on the sink as a counterpart. These usually have 1 or 3 holes depending on the type of faucet you choose.
Kitchen Faucet Configuration
The configuration of a faucet regulates water flow from the spout. It is the control unit of the faucet that makes the water flow and stop at your command.
The different configurations have different work mechanisms. There are a number of kitchen faucet configurations, here we’ll discuss the most common types:
Ball Faucets
These are one of the most commonly used kitchen sink faucets. These come with a single handle connected to the base.
The handle controls the flow and temperature of the water by moving over a special ball-shaped cap inside the faucet. This cap has slots/chambers in it, along with spring-loaded rubber seals and rubber O-rings.
Pros
- Easy to turn the water on and off
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Less durable than other types of faucets
- Tend to leak over time
Ceramic Disk Faucets
Ceramic disk faucets have a single lever over a wide cylindrical body. These types of faucets have a pressure balance cartridge that mixes hot and cold water.
Two ceramic disks of the chamber help you control the volume of water flow. The temperature is also controlled by the side-to-side rotation of the level.
Pros
- Crack-resistant
- Withstand extreme heat and cold
- Easy to turn the water on and off
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Not suitable for hard water
- Subject to corrosion
Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge faucets, also known as double-handle faucets, look almost the same as compression washer faucets.
However, its working action is consistent and smooth. No pressure is required to turn on/off the water.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Low maintenance
- Smooth water temperature and flow control
Cons
- Requires two holes in the countertop
- Expensive repair
Compression Washer Faucets
Compression washer faucets are also a type of double hand faucet. These have separate handles for cold and hot water.
These work with the help of a rubber washer placed at the top of the threaded area. The compressed/decompressed rubber washer is responsible for turning on/off the flow of water.
Pros
- Least expensive
- Easy to install
Cons
- Prone to leaks
- High maintenance
Things to Consider While Choosing a Kitchen Sink Faucet
Always consider the below-mentioned features while selecting the ideal faucet for your kitchen sink.
- The features of the faucet—sprayers, soap dispensers, built-in water filter, and the like
- The type of finishes—nickel, stainless steel, brass, chrome, and bronze
- The size of the faucet including height arc & reach
- The kitchen faucet hole spacing—Single-hole, centerset, minispread, widespread, and vessel
- The number of handles—single, double, and touch-free
- The number of holes—one, two, three, and more—in your existing sink/countertop
- The type of sprayers—pull-down and pull-up
- The configuration of a faucet—ball, disc, cartridge, and compression washer
- The style—rustic, traditional, modern, contemporary, transitional, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Matte-finished brushed faucets are the best solution for fighting hard water spots and build-up. Hard water contains a high amount of mineral deposits that can leave residues on surfaces.
Make sure you regularly clean your faucet to prevent these build-ups from becoming permanent stains.
Important Note: Consider a water softening filtration system to remove excess minerals from water.
The cost to replace a faucet depends on various factors such as:
- The type of faucet you choose
- The price of the new fixture
- The need of drilling extra holes in the sink
- The cost of the deck plate needs to cover any extra hole
- The faucet’s flow rate control
- The added features
- Any custom request
To get the estimate, please get in touch with our experts.
While some brands offer a lifetime warranty, the average life of sink faucets is usually between 15–20 years. Also, there are various factors that determine the longevity of a faucet such as:
- Usage
- Material
- Style
- Water quality
- The faucet’s flow rate control
- Installation style and more.
Important Note: Proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of a faucet.
If you are noticing the below-mentioned signs, it’s time to replace your faucet.
1) Visible Mineral Deposits
Constant processing of hard water results in the accumulation of mineral deposits inside your faucet. It affects the appearance as well as the inner workings of the faucet. However, once these are significantly visible, it’s better to replace your faucet.
2) Rust Build-Up
There is nothing you can do for rust build-up except replace the faucet. The common visible signs of rust are:
- Discolored water coming out of the faucet
- It takes a few seconds for the water to come out after turning on the faucet
- Your faucet handle sticks when you try to turn on/off the faucet
3) Compromised Water Pressure
If the water pressure of your entire house is low, it’s probably because of a water supply issue. However, if the issue is only with your kitchen sink faucet, you may need to replace the faucet.