Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide

Eiler Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spring Spout - Brushed Gold, 33" Wenbrook Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink

The perfect kitchen faucet does more than just run water. It serves as the style centerpiece of your kitchen and the heartbeat of its functionality. This guide will help you understand what features to look for, ensuring you select a faucet that meets all your needs.

Mounting Configurations

The first step to narrowing down your search is choosing what you’d like your faucet mounted to, falling into one of two options:

Deck Mount

A deck-mount faucet will occupy space on the countertop, so make sure that your area is large enough to accommodate one. When measuring your space, consider more than just the faucet base. Dirt or water may accumulate between the faucet and the wall, so leave at least a finger width behind the faucet to provide ample room for cleaning.

Tip: Based on the installation type of your kitchen sink, this will help dictate whether your deck-mount faucet will be mounted to the counter or to the sink itself.

Ridgeway Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Matte Black, 36" Atlas Offset Double-Bowl Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink in Gunmetal Black

Wall Mount

Wall-mount kitchen faucets mount to the wall above the sink. This faucet style is a great option if you want to preserve countertop space and promote effortless cleanup. As installing a wall-mount faucet may require relocating existing plumbing, be sure to consult a professional if unfamiliar. When selecting a wall-mount faucet, take into account the distance the water spout projects to be sure that the sink and faucet are compatible.

Installation Types

With numerous types available, the right faucet for your space is largely dependent on the number of holes drilled into the mounting surface. If the holes have yet to be drilled, this is where your desired look comes in.

Single-Hole

Single-hole kitchen faucets are installed through one hole in the countertop. They may have a single handle or two handles and are often available with decorative deck plates to cover any unneeded predrilled holes. This streamlined faucet style adds a sleek or minimalistic touch to any kitchen.

Learn how to install a single-hole faucet

Bridge

Bridge faucets mount to the countertop via three-hole installation, featuring an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. One of the first faucet types to exist, bridge faucets bring inherent charm to kitchens of all styles, offered today in silhouettes from classic to modern.

Widespread

Widespread faucets are also designed for three-hole installation. They have three separate pieces, two handles and a spout, with the spacing between the handles 8 inches on average. This faucet type often presents a classic look, creating a stunning symmetrical focal point.

Pot Filler

Most commonly offered in wall-mount styles, pot fillers make it easy to access water in places other than your kitchen sink. They are typically installed above your stove to provide a convenient, spill-free cooking experience—though they can be clever solutions for coffee nooks, pet watering stations, and more.

Outdoor

Ideal for patios, our Bennett and Bullens outdoor kitchen faucets bring the same functionality as indoor ones with added protection from the elements. Corrosion-resistant, outdoor faucets are typically made of stainless steel to withstand various weather conditions and changing temperatures.

Single-Hole

Learn how to install a single-hole faucet

Bridge

Widespread

Pot Filler

Outdoor

Functions

To seamlessly accommodate the modern kitchen, many faucets offer built-in spray functions or other clever features. Choose one that perfectly merges your lifestyle and style goals among these elevated options.

Pull-Down

Pull-down faucets feature a hidden hose that resides within their body. When pulled downward, the hose is exposed to add length, making dishwashing and reaching tricky corners a breeze—disappearing back into the high-arc gooseneck spout for a clean, uncluttered look.

Pull-Out

Much like pull-down faucets, pull-out faucets feature an extendable hose. However, these fixtures don’t tend to be as tall, as they are pulled outward instead of downward. These faucets are a great option for those with overhead cabinets that still want hose functionality.

Spring-Spout

Contrary to pull-out or pull-down options, spring-spout faucets leave the extendable hose exposed, giving it a modern industrial edge. The hose is often caged by a flexible spring, which allows you to reach different areas of your sink. An instant attention-grabber, spring-spout faucets are perfect for busy kitchens with flair.

Side Spray

Side sprays accompany both modern and traditional-looking kitchen faucets. These types have a separate piece that allows for spray functionality apart from the main faucet. Additionally, styles are compatible with both deck-mount and wall-mount installation styles, respectively.

Ridgeway Pull-Down Two-Tone Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Gold & Matte White

Touchless

Utilizing motion-sensor technology, touchless faucets activate with the wave of a hand or object for seamless flow throughout tasks—all while improving the hygiene, accessibility, and safety of your kitchen. Pull-down spouts and spray buttons are often included for added convenience.

Pull-Down

Pull-Out

Spring-Spout

Side Spray

Touchless

Water Line Info

Sink faucets typically come one of three ways: with flexible braided hoses, with copper supply tubes, or with threaded shanks. Each variety is tried and true, however there are differences between them that are important to know.

copper supply tube for kitchen sink faucet water line

Copper Supply Tubes

Copper is an extremely durable, rust-resistant metal that has been used in plumbing applications for decades. Copper supply tubes are pre-attached into the base of the faucet. Although not as flexible as the braided hose alternative, copper can be slightly manipulated to attach to flexible connectors (sold separately), which then connect to the water source. Bending should be carefully done to avoid kinking or cracking the metal.

Flexible Braided Hoses

Flexible braided hoses are most commonly used in plumbing today because of their ease of installation. Their adaptability makes them perfect for tight or cluttered spaces, as they can be routed and connected to the shutoff valves as needed without the risk of cracking or breaking. This type of water line is made of a rubber tube wrapped in meshed and braided stainless steel.

Threaded Shanks

Some faucets will not come with water lines provided, and will possess a pair of threaded shanks from the hot and cold stems. If this is the case, then you get to choose which type of water line to use in your setting. Water lines can be sourced from any local hardware or plumbing supply store, and both copper and flexible braided options should be available.

Copper Supply Tubes

Flexible Braided Hoses

Threaded Shanks

Which Kitchen Faucet Will You Reach For?

Whether you’re seeking a kitchen faucet replacement or starting fresh, choosing the perfect water faucet is essential for a hardworking heart of the home. Made easy with our curated and finely crafted selection, choose from kitchen faucets with sprayer attachments to those with built-in modern kitchen features.