A kitchen faucet is an essential device in every home that is frequently used. A home is simply incomplete without a kitchen faucet. They come in different types with various features. The design and color choices are vast.
They are almost always built in the home by contractors but are easy to replace. Having the right kitchen faucet is important starting from its size, valve, spray, mount, and style. Let’s learn more about the types, parts, materials, functions of a kitchen faucet.
Out of all the working parts in the kitchen, the kitchen faucet is the one that is used the most. We need them to wash our dishes and cutlery, prepare our food, wash vegetables and fruits, and even to have a drink.
A kitchen faucet, also known as a kitchen tap, is not the same as our bathroom faucets. They are particularly designed to be suitable for the kitchen.
Their most general purpose is to supply hot and cold water but they also have a factor in a kitchen’s design. The type of kitchen faucet you need also depends on what kind of sink you have.
What do I need to know about kitchen faucets?
Kitchen faucets have evolved like every other device. With the help of better manufacturing and engineering, modern kitchen faucets last longer, are easier to install and stay drip-free. They come in a variety of price points starting as low as $15.
There are plenty of types of kitchen faucets. They have many designs and features. Some of them are simple whereas others are lavish but they all include the basic elements of a kitchen faucet. Let’s learn about some of the types and what’s suited for your kitchen.
Types of Kitchen Faucets
The touchless kitchen faucet:
These are also known as Hands-free or motion-detect faucets. As the name says, it doesn’t require your hands to provide water.
A sensor is placed inside the main tap’s body to recognize movements. It offers convenience and comfort by saving time cleaning. It is also the most expensive type of faucet.
The pull-down kitchen faucet:
This is the most common type of kitchen faucet. It uses a goose-neck spout that pulls down into the sink.
It can reach every spot in the sink and maintain a clean and dry countertop space at the same time. This is why it is in demand.
The pull-out kitchen faucet:
This one comes with a detachable handle. You can pull it and direct the water to where you want. It has the capability of rotating 360-degree. It is similar to a pull-down faucet.
It is mostly used in kitchens that have less sink space. It includes a button where you can switch the water flow strength as well as change the temperature.
The wall mount kitchen faucet:
These faucets are installed on the wall instead of inside the sink. This gives access to more countertop space and you’ll be able to clean under and around sprouts easily.
However, you might need special valves and drains to install it and it also has a high splash potential.
The single-hole kitchen faucet:
This is the most common type of kitchen faucet. This kind of faucet is suitable for kitchens with one hole in their countertop.They do not have many features because of their design. It is simple and basic.
The single-handle kitchen faucet:
It has a singular lever that can be used to switch from one side to another to up and down.
It is very simple to install and easy to navigate around the sink. Repair costs are low but it takes a bit of time to change the temperature.
The dual handle kitchen faucet:
Also known as a double-handle kitchen faucet, it works similar to the single handle kitchen faucet but has separate connections and control for hot and cold water flow.
This saves time to switch temperature. But it can be expensive to repair or replace parts.
The pot filler kitchen faucet:
This unique faucet comes with an arm extension that has the ability to move outwards. It can swivel or move over the pot or other items in the sink.
Commercial sinks have a similar type of faucet. The pot filler kitchen faucet is popular among soup lovers.
The separate spray kitchen faucet:
This is a faucet that acts as a secondary to the main faucet.
It offers flexibility and includes a button that redirects the water flow from the main faucet to the spraying nozzle. Now you have two options instead of one.
Materials of Kitchen Faucets
Stainless steel kitchen faucet:
This is one of the most durable types because of its resistance to corrosion and scratch. These are tough and lead-free!
Brass kitchen faucet:
They are nickel-plated first then a layer of brass plating is set. A high-gloss brass finish will make cleaning easier. Some brass faucets retain their brass shine.
Copper kitchen faucet:
They include a variety of finishes and can terminate the bacteria in the faucet. It requires special cleaning products. They have good cutting performance as well as good abrasion resistance.
Chrome kitchen faucet:
Similar to brass, they are also nickel-plated before the chrome is set. But it does not rust so it doesn’t require coating. It might be prone to scratches.
Colors of Kitchen Faucets
Black kitchen faucet:
This is a popular color among stainless steel kitchen faucets. It is a timeless color. Black kitchen faucets can be seen in many modern homes.
Gold kitchen faucet:
This adds a bold shine to the kitchen. A rather grand touch. Gold faucets are the latest trend in luxury kitchens.
Matte black kitchen faucet:
It provides a sleek and minimalistic look. This makes it quite appealing and unique.
White kitchen faucet:
For a softer and less striking appearance, go for white. It adds simplicity and purity to any kitchen style.
Brands & prices of Kitchen Faucets Chart
| Brand | Price |
| Moen Kitchen Faucets | $150 to $1000 |
| Delta Kitchen Faucets | $150 to $700 |
| Lowes Kitchen Faucets | $17 to $2500 |
| Kohler Kitchen Faucets | $225 to $600 |
| Grohe Kitchen Faucets | $200 to $2974 |
| Hansgrohe Kitchen Faucets | $200 to $607 |
| Brizo Kitchen Faucets | $284 to $500 |
| Pfister Kitchen Faucets | $106 to $381 |
| Kraus Kitchen Faucets | $160 to $300 |
Parts & Functions of Kitchen faucets
These are the main parts and functions of kitchen faucets. Aside from these, there are other parts such as cap, set screw, cam and packing, escutcheon, seats and springs, O-rings, and more.
Aerator:
This is the tip of the faucet. Its function is to divide the water flow to dilute the water steam with air. They decrease the volume of water flowing. It also decreases the splashing in the sink. They are not always required.
Spout:
The spout is the part of the faucet that is most eye-catching. It is responsible for supplying water from the body into the sink. It comes in different styles as well starting from straight spout, gooseneck spout, articulating spout, and shepherd’s crook spout.
All of them have different advantages. There are pull-out spouts, pull-down spouts, and hands-free spouts too. The hands-free spouts function by using a movement sensor inside the body or by using a foot pedal.
Handle:
Handle is of two types. One is a single handle and the other is double. The single handle is usually mounted around the spout or above it. It needs a separate hole. The two handle faucet has the function to set apart hot and cold water.
Valve:
This part controls the water flow and temperature of the water. They come in many types. They are made of plastic, metal, and often hard and smooth ceramic discs. Modern faucets use cartridge valves. Cartridge valves vary depending on the model.
Body:
This is located where the hot and cold water are combined. After the water gets combined, it gets through the spout. This is available in both single, and double-handle kitchen faucets.
When it comes to a bridge design, a pipe is used to join the separate valves that mix the hot and cold water. The last is called the widespread body that requires three holes to mix the hot and cold water.
Mount:
The mount is used to attach the faucet to the sink. The installation is simple if there is enough space between the sink and the wall.
There need to be holes in the countertop or sink for the mount to be attached. A deck mount is not required when a faucet is attached to the wall.
- Do kitchen faucets come with hoses?
- Do kitchen faucets have anti scald?
- Do kitchen faucets have filters?
- Why do kitchen faucets have springs?
- Faucet low pressure, thump, loose, whistle, sputter – SOLVED
What do you match your kitchen faucet to?
Kitchen Sink:
It is quite common to match the kitchen faucet with the sink. They don’t have to completely match but it is a safe choice to avoid clashing colors.
Hardware Cabinet:
Most hardware cabinets match with the kitchen faucet. It adds a unified touch that’s perfect for small spaces and also complements modern minimalist styles.
Knobs and pulls of the Cabinet:
If your faucet handle has a different color, you can match it with the knobs of the cabinet.
Kitchen Light Fixtures:
You could match it with the lights above the faucet or around the kitchen. Pick a faucet with similar lines for a coordinated look.
Material, Color, or Style:
You only need one common element to match your kitchen faucet. It could be the material, color, or style.
If the style of your kitchen is traditional, then go for a traditional kitchen faucet. If most things are made out of chromium, then search for a chromium kitchen faucet.
Appliances:
You can also match a metal kitchen faucet with other metal items such as a fridge, dishwasher, stove, or a microwave. Then all the metal items will look similar.
How long does the kitchen faucet last?
Kitchen faucets typically last for around 15 to 20 years. The lifespan depends on how well it was made and also the water quality.
The lifespan of a kitchen faucet can be longer if it is maintained properly. Bad quality kitchen faucets can stop functioning within a few years. Over time, it can get more expensive to repair than to replace.
Kitchen faucet issues
It might be time for a replacement if your kitchen tap frequently needs repairs or causes issues. You should also consider replacing it if you have a damaged sink or countertop.
- Do kitchen faucets go bad?
- Can kitchen faucet freeze?
- Why does a kitchen faucet drip?
- Why does kitchen faucet pulsate?
Sometimes you might face issues that do not necessarily require replacements such as squeaks or a dripping system. This could be solved with a simple repair. Grease your parts or replace any worn-out internal parts. Here are some of the other serious issues you might face:
- Water with Bad smell or taste. This water can be harmful to health.
- The smell of mold or mold forming in cabinets underneath the sink. This can cause water damage to your home.
- Compromised water pressure is caused by corrosion and hard water formation inside the valve.
- Continuous leaks even after replacement can lead to mold growth.
Can kitchen faucets be repaired?
Definitely! Often the problem is with some of the internal parts instead of the whole kitchen faucet. It doesn’t mean you have to replace it entirely. High-end models are less costly to repair than replacing. Hire a professional for the best results. Squeaks and leaks can be easily repaired.
How often should you change your kitchen sink faucet?
Try to replace your kitchen sink faucet every 15 to 20 years if you don’t face any problems beforehand. If it is causing plenty of issues, such as the ones stated above, try to replace them as early as possible. A bad kitchen sink faucet can lead to several problems.
Can kitchen faucets be recycled?
The majority of kitchen faucets can be recycled, especially the ones made out of metal. Plastic kitchen faucets are also recyclable. It mostly depends on the materials of the faucet.
Since most faucets are made out of metal, they are highly recyclable. The plastic ones are less recyclable due to their toxic components.
Quality is a high priority when it comes to kitchen faucets. Don’t just look at the price tag. Check the material and its features before you make your purchase. Hope this helps you figure out what kind of kitchen faucet is best for your home.