Functional Kitchen Faucets

New kitchen sinks need a new kitchen faucet!  Years ago, choosing a kitchen faucet was simple, as you only had to choose between a single handle and a double handle, oh and of course, it would be in polished chrome.  Today, your choice of kitchen faucets is virtually endless, with various features, size, style, and finishes to choose from so that you select the best faucet to meet all of your needs. 

It doesn’t matter if you are replacing an older faucet or selecting one to compliment a new kitchen.  The first decision you’ll probably make before buying a new faucet is what type of handle.  

Kitchen faucets are available with the following type of handles:

Single Handle: 

Provides easy control of water with just one lever.  Single handle faucets have a sleeker appearance than double handle faucets. 

Double/Two Handle: 

Provides the user with two handles, one for each the hot and cold water.

Pullout Spray Styles (this is available on both single and double handled faucets):  

Pullout spray heads are increasing in popularity mostly because of the ease they provide.  When pullout spray style faucets first come out, they had a tendency to slip out of their holders because they were top heavy.  However, the newer models currently on the market are lighter weight, which has largely corrected this problem. 

The smaller, traditional side-mounted sprayer is available with most faucets if you want the ease of the spray head, but do not want the modern look of the pullout spray faucet.  Traditional side-mounted sprayers are easy to install, by simply adding another hole in the sink for it in the installation.

Wall Mounted:  

Wall mounted faucets are often used with apron style kitchen sinks, and Vitreous China style sinks.  Wall mounted faucets usually are available with single-control or two handle control.

When selecting a kitchen faucet, you also need to consider the height and reach of the faucet.  For instance, kitchen faucets that have a high arc usually offer limited reach across the sink basin, which could make it difficult in perform some tasks, especially if you have two or three sink basins.  However, if you have a high arc faucet that is a pullout spray head, then you’ll be able to compensate.

Spout height is important not only make a grand design statement, but also in filling tall cook pots.  Newer faucets are available in various heights, including several styles of arched spouts that are a foot or more above the countertop. 

You next need to consider the style of the kitchen faucet to ensure that it complements the style and décor of your kitchen.  Vintage looking faucets seen to look best in kitchens took that have a traditional look to them.  Whereas faucets that are more modern in design, will look great with kitchens that have sleek cabinetry and stainless steel countertops.

Lastly, when shopping for a new kitchen faucet, is the type of finish is has.  Today’s kitchen faucets are available in countless finishes such as polished chrome, brushed nickel, black iron, vintage-look aged bronze, copper, brushed brass, and more, much much more. 

Once you have decided on the type of finish you want, if you have to special order any features, make sure that you order them all at once, such as the side sprayer, hot water dispenser, sink drains, drain covers, soap dispenser, etc.  The reason for this is to ensure that each feature would be in the same finish.