Are you trying to fix a leak? Wanting to upgrade certain elements of your kitchen or just revamp the entire room? It’s time for you to weigh in on getting yourself a brand-new kitchen faucet. But with so many options out there, it can be exhausting and overwhelming when making this decision – that’s why our comprehensive reviews and guide about different kinds of faucets are here! With us by your side, choosing the right one will be easier than ever before.
To simplify your search for the perfect kitchen faucet, we will provide you with an in-depth overview of all types currently available. We’ll begin by guiding you towards a fitting that best suits your kitchen and concludes with detailed information about the latest features attached to modern models.
What Kind Of Mounting Hole Do You Have?
Don’t be shocked that the first factor we talked about in kitchen faucets is the mounting hole. Before you start exploring all of the fashionable extras which can make a kitchen faucet more exciting, it’s essential to determine what type of device would fit into your current setup.
When selecting a kitchen faucet, the number of mounting holes in your sink deck will determine what type is suitable. Changing this amount can be tricky for those without technical knowledge and skills; hence it’s recommended that you select one with an exact match for the existing holes.
When you’re installing your new faucet on your own, make sure to find one that fits the number of mounting holes in your sink. That way, everything will be mounted properly and securely.
To find where to place your faucet, first take away the existing one and locate the mounting holes. Typically there are 1, 3, or 4-holes on a sink deck, countertop, or wall; with the most common being 3-hole and 4-hole configurations. Installing is simple after you’ve identified these points!
1-Hole
If your sink deck or countertop only has one hole, then a 1-hole faucet is the ideal choice. Not only are they easy to install and often feature minimalistic designs, but they can also provide an elegant accent for any kitchen or bathroom space.
Most faucets feature a single handle that adjusts both pressure and temperature, along with one spout. Additionally, their curves are designed to minimize the splashing of water beyond the sink’s edge.
- Easy to use
- Simple installation
- Many style options are available
- Lacks additional features
3-Hole
3-hole faucets have been around for generations, as they were the go-to type of plumbing in older homes. The three holes are used to mount two handles and one spout together, making them simple yet effective fixtures. There are two main types of 3-hole faucets differentiated by their mounting hole spacing – short spread and widespread. Investing in a quality 3-hole faucet is essential for any home or business looking for an affordable, reliable option!
To determine the size of the faucet you need for your deck, measure the distance between the two leftmost and rightmost holes. If it’s 4 inches apart, then a mini-spread (4 inches) is necessary; if 8 inches separate them, opt for a wide-spread (8-inch). Mini-spreads are notably smaller than their 8″ counterparts – hence why they’re given such a name.
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Center-Set Faucet
If your sink’s mounting holes are spaced four inches apart, then this faucet is the ideal choice for you. Not only that but it also includes a deck plate to provide stability and support to both handles and spout together as one!
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Wide-Spread Faucet
If your mounting holes measure 8 inches apart, you have met the requirements to use this faucet. This style of faucet usually does not come with a deck plate; hence the handles and spout are mounted separately right onto the countertop, wall, or basin sink.
3-hole faucets are a popular choice for families since they provide two temperature settings, meaning you can adjust the water to your desired temperature with minimal risk of burning yourself.
- The cheapest kind of faucet
- The easiest to install
- Family-friendly temperature control
- Will need modification to add additional features
4-Hole
4-hole faucets have all the benefits of 3-hole faucets, plus an extra advantage. In contrast to three-hole fixtures that offer only handles and spouts, a four-hole version opens up options for you to customize it based on your unique requirements.
Selecting the right kitchen feature for you relies on your cooking habits. Kohler, for instance, offers a sprayer faucet that is specifically designed to wash delicate fruits and veggies with ease. If however, you regularly prepare multiple types of meat then a soap dispenser may be better suited as it will assist in keeping excellent food hygiene standards.
- Perfect for a spacious kitchen
- This exclusive feature will make your cooking tasks easier and smoother.
- Easy to use
- Great temperature control
- An overcrowded sink deck can make a small kitchen feel even smaller
What Kind Of Handles For Your Faucet?
After you have determined the number of mounting holes for your faucet, it is time to consider how a new one can help maximize your kitchen experience. You will find a variety of types that come with different handles, which might not seem essential at first glance – but are key in ensuring an efficient and streamlined process when cooking. For those who enjoy spending plenty of time in their kitchen, having just the right fixture is indispensable.
When it comes to your kitchen, an easy-to-maneuver water flow handle can mean the difference between a successful baking session and a disastrous one. To ensure that you make the right choice for your lifestyle and cooking needs, we’ll dive into all of the available types of handles on offer so you can find out which best suits you!
Lever Handles
Ergonomic lever handles are an increasingly popular option in modern kitchens. With one continuous grip point, they make it much easier for people of all ages to comfortably use the faucet – especially children and seniors. While these types of handles are typically used with 3-hole faucets, many 1-hole options also come equipped with levers.
- Family-friendly
- Ergonomic
- Allow for subtle temperature adjustments
- Dirty spots are very visible
Cross Handles
Cross handles convey a timeless, traditional aesthetic that many homes tend to hold onto. The t-shaped handle is slightly harder to maneuver, so it’s not the best option for elderly individuals or children. If you want your home to maintain its vintage allure without compromising convenience, then cross handles are definitely worth considering!
- Perfect for those who prefer a classic aesthetic in the kitchen
- Good temperature control
- Difficult to accommodate individuals with mobility issues or physical weakness.
Touch Activated
Touch-activated faucets are revolutionizing the way people interact with their sinks! No more turning of handles as any part of the spout or handle can be tapped to produce a stream. This is especially practical for those who have limited mobility in their hands and wrists, simplifying kitchen tasks substantially.
- Easy to use
- Perfect for those who struggle with traditional grips! It turns off automatically
- Temperature control handle
- Expensive
Touchless Faucet
The touchless faucet is a groundbreaking, innovative device that has completely changed the way people use their kitchens. We have all seen them in public restrooms due to their ease of operation and sanitary advantages. With its advanced design, this appliance allows us to save time while keeping our space clean with just one simple gesture.
For the busy chefs and bakers out there, installing a touchless faucet in your home kitchen is a fantastic choice! This way, you don’t have to worry about getting dirt on the handle after each time you wash up or prepare ingredients. Furthermore, this type of faucet provides superior hygiene; it’s not touched with dirty hands all day long like other kinds may be.
- Effortless ease of use
- Perfect for individuals with limited mobility and range of motion.
- The most hygienic type of faucet
- Temperature control handle
- Expensive
What Kind Of Features Do You Want In A Faucet?
Now that you’ve figured out how to find a faucet and handle that suits your kitchen, it’s time for the fun part! Let your imagination run wild with all of the extra features you can add to make using your new faucet more enjoyable. Mounting holes and handles are just the beginning; there is still so much more potential waiting to be unlocked!
Today, faucets are no longer limited to just providing water. You have the opportunity to choose from a multitude of features that will transform your kitchen faucet into an efficient and stylish addition to your home.
Pull-Down Faucet
Pull-down faucets offer an incredible level of control. With one simple movement, you can extend the head into the sink and adjust your desired water flow from a light mist to a powerful stream – perfect for cleaning dishes or even scrubbing away stuck residues in your basin! Not only that, but pull-down faucets are conveniently easy to maneuver around so you don’t have any trouble getting those hard-to-reach places clean.
- Excellent control of the water flow
- Can reach even the fiddliest places
- Need thorough cleaning to retain a sleek look
Pull-Out Faucet
Pull-out and pull-down faucets may be easily confused, as they bear much resemblance. The key difference is that a pull-out extends horizontally in comparison to the vertical action of its counterpart. This style can prove beneficial for individuals with limited sink basin space who wish to possess the precise water flow typically provided by a pull-down model.
- Great in a smaller kitchen
- Good control of the water flow
- Can’t offer the same levels of flexibility as a pull-down.
Sprayer
A side-sprayer offers a powerful jet of water that is independent of the main body of your faucet. Then, it can conveniently be pulled into the sink to assist with washing and rinsing dishes. Generally speaking, these sprayers either retract manually or self-retract for added convenience.
- Useful for more fiddly jobs
- Great for washing fruit and vegetables
- Good for cleaning the sink and sides
- Unnecessary if you have a pull-out or pull-down faucet
Soap-Dispenser
For those of us who prioritize cleanliness in the kitchen, having an accessible soap dispenser is essential for seamless food preparation. With a simple push of your hand, you can access fresh and reliable sudsy water without ever needing to handle a slippery bar or struggling with difficult plastic pumping mechanisms. An on-hand supply of soap truly makes cooking much easier!
- Very hygienic
- Streamlines your kitchen experience
- You have to remember to fill it
What Finish Is Right For Your Faucet?
Now that you’ve located a faucet with the practical features to make your life stress-free, it’s time to consider its aesthetic appeal. Look for one that offers an extra touch of elegance and convenience – something sure to bring a smile every time in the kitchen!
A faucet’s design might seem like only an aesthetic feature, yet it can truly be the determining factor in whether your kitchen looks inviting or not. With all the time spent using a sink, you should invest in something that is pleasing to look at and complements other elements of your kitchen.
Determining which faucet finish will match your desired aesthetic can be a daunting task, with two main styles to consider: modern and classic. To make the decision easier for you, let’s delve into the different finishes associated with each style so that you find exactly what fits.
Modern
If you’re a fan of innovation and fashionable minimalistic design, modern faucets are undoubtedly your best bet for your kitchen. The most sought-after finishes consist of chrome, white, and nickel so these can be great options to consider. However, if you’re looking for something unique with that extra special touch – Moen has plenty more alternatives that would suit any style!
Chrome
The gleaming silver finish of a chrome faucet instantly adds modernity to your kitchen. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but its reflective brightness causes the light in the room to bounce around and make the space appear larger than it is.
- Fits in well with cool modern furnishings
- Reflective to give a sense of more light
- Can look cold in darker kitchens
Nickel
Nickel provides a more luxurious and understated silver than Chrome, with less glare. This makes Nickel an ideal choice for bright kitchens that need to retain their radiance without being overly flashy.
- Great in a modern kitchen
- Smooth, classy look
- Non-reflective
White
White is an excellent option if you wish to create a vibrant and lively environment in your kitchen. It can provide the perfect balance for bold colors, creating a contemporary and unique style.
- Classic but in a fresh way
- Compliments most other features
- Dirty marks show up easily
Traditional
If you prefer a classic ambiance for your kitchen, black may be suitable in some cases; however, it can prove to be quite difficult if the area doesn’t have enough natural light. But if you’re after that timeless aesthetic with an edge of coolness and modernity, then brass is without question the ideal choice!
Brass
The reflective gleam of brass is aesthetically pleasing, while the sepia hue adds an inviting warmth to any setting.
- Warm color
- Classic and elegant
- Adds light to a space
- Does not complement an established silver decor theme.
Conclusion
We hope this thorough guide to the different types of faucets has been a helpful resource in guiding you through each step. With all the information you have acquired about mounting holes, handle technology, and desired features & finishes, you are now ready to pick out your dream faucet! This will make any meal prep or washing-up process far more effortless. Go ahead and find that spectacular faucet that is guaranteed to exceed your expectations!
