Frequently asked questions about kitchen faucets
What should homeowners look for in a new kitchen faucet?
According to Lee, matching your prospective faucet to the way you cook is important. Otherwise, you may end up with an uncomfortable faucet that lacks the functionality you need. Landers explains that it’s also important to choose a finish that matches your home’s style and desired level of maintenance. Some finishes show more watermarks than others, like polished nickel, chrome, and black. Others considered “living surfaces,” such as oil-rubbed bronze, will patinate over time.
What are some common mistakes homeowners make when choosing a kitchen faucet?
The biggest mistake homeowners make when considering a faucet, according to Lee, is not considering how they use their space. A common problem is that the faucet is too low and there is not enough space for large pots and pans. “We recommend finding something that gives you enough space to work in the sink,” she said. Another problem for homeowners is matching the finish of a new faucet to their existing kitchen. According to Landers, stainless steel and polished nickel are classic finishes. “These finishes pair well with a number of different styles in the home, making them both versatile options,” she said.
What kind of spout do I need?
You must choose between spinning or stationary, normal (even stream) or two modes (normal and spray), and low-arc (3 to 8 inches above the top of the sink) or high-arc (aka gooseneck, which extends more than 8 inches above the top of the sink) models.
How to measure a kitchen faucet?
When measuring for a new faucet, the first thing to do is figure out how tall your potential faucet can be without obstructing cabinets or windows. This is easy to do with a measuring tape. To determine the depth of the spout, measure from the mounting hole (where the faucet base sits) to the center of your sink. This will help eliminate any faucet options that might end up spraying out too far. Landers explained that the sinks she typically buys for her clients’ kitchens are 33 inches wide, and any standard pull-down faucet will work for something that size.
What is a faucet?
This is the mechanism that turns your faucet on and off and adjusts the water temperature. Single handle designs use one lever to control both temperature and flow, while dual handles have two that control hot and cold delivery. Two handle styles are less common and are generally bought for their aesthetics rather than practicality, so we don’t feature any here. However, double grips are usually more stable than single grips.
Do I need a touchless or touch sensitive faucet?
Touchless faucets, which are activated by moving your hands in front of a sensor, and touch-sensitive models, which turn on and off when you touch any part of the handle or neck, are both convenient and practical options for many users. Landers explained that both types of these faucets are becoming more common in the kitchen and emphasized their food safety benefits. Because you no longer have to use your fingers to turn a handle, these faucets can dramatically reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination in your kitchen when handling raw meat or seafood.
How to install a faucet yourself?
Installing a kitchen faucet is probably easier than you think. You’ll need a few common tools, like a cymbal wrench, and a partner to provide extra hands. The most popular faucet models, including the ones we’ve featured on our list, have multiple installation videos from both the manufacturer and customers. It’s worth noting that installing a touchless or touch-sensitive faucet is more intensive, and if you’re unfamiliar with working with electrical wiring, you may need to hire a professional.
Which brand has the best faucets overall?
While there are several reputable kitchen faucet brands, we believe Delta faucets have the best models overall. They’re built to last with quality components and their leak-proof guarantee, combined with timely customer service, gives you the peace of mind that should a problem arise, you won’t be left stranded. We also appreciate Delta’s focus on hassle-free installation, including easy-to-access manuals and videos that are well-suited to the average DIYer. Plus, since they offer such a wide range of faucet styles – both classic and modern – and price points, you should be able to easily find an option that suits your needs.
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