The faucet is an integral part of your kitchen. Not only does it have to be functional, it should set the style, whether that’s modern, classic or country. There is no shortage of shapes, sizes, designs and finishes to suit any décor. Once you’ve determined the style and color of the faucet, you will want to check the number of holes needed for proper installation. From there, you’ll want to consider your handle options and spout height and reach.
There are a number of handle options available. Single handle kitchen faucets provide the convenience of one-handed use. Two-handle kitchen faucets require three or more holes of a sink or countertop and work well with traditional or period-style kitchens. Pull-out kitchen faucets have a faucet that pulls out with the touch of a button and a water pattern that switches from regular to flow spray. These can be a nice alternative to a separate sprayer. For antique kitchens, you may want to consider a wall-mount faucet. This is a unique style that requires no deck holes, as it actually mounts to the wall above the sink. Pot filler faucets are a “must have” for avid cooks. A pot filler is a cold water faucet that is installed in addition to a regular kitchen faucet and mounts to 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.
Spout height and reach should also be considered when choosing a faucet. A high-arch faucet provides plenty of room between the bottom of the sink and the spot. These types of faucets are convenient for washing large pots or oversized dishes. Standard arch faucets, generally 3-5 inches, are best for smaller sinks. Spout reach is generally determined by the size of the sink. If you have a double-bowl sink, be sure that the faucet can reach both bowls.
If you have extra holes in your sink, you may want to consider a hot water dispenser, filtered water or soap dispenser. Remember, your kitchen faucet will be used often. Take the time to choose something that will not only look good, but will meet your functional needs as well.