While the design of the faucet is likely to be a major factor when choosing a kitchen faucet, the functionality of a kitchen faucet can be boiled down to five main components.
attachment
If you're buying a faucet for an existing sink, you first need to know how many holes it has available for installation: one, two, or three. If it has three holes, you have more or less free reign in the faucet because the unused holes can be easily blocked, but you can't install a faucet that requires more holes than the sink basin has. The number of handles on the faucet and whether it has additional features like a separate sprayer, soap dispenser, or hot water filler will determine how many additional holes it will need.
There are a few important things to consider before purchasing a new faucet.
neck
Gooseneck Faucets are common, but even among them there are low and high arc options, and you should measure your space to avoid selecting one that exceeds the available height. straight Faucets take up less vertical space and are generally less expensive, but they also take up less space in your sink for washing dishes and filling pots.
arrival
Whether or not your faucet can easily reach all the nooks and crannies of your sink also comes down to the question of how well your faucet will function. Pull-down faucet It is the most common and consists of a sprayer attached to a hose that can be retracted from an arched neck and remains locked onto the faucet arm when not in use. Pull-out faucet They are typically found on low profile models, pull forward from the base instead of underneath, and usually include a long hose. Fixed spoutThey often include a separate spray attachment that mounts to the side of the sink, like those found on most straight-neck models.
This professional-grade faucet from Kohler has a wider reach than the standard model.
handle
Single Handle Faucets are the most common and have just one handle to adjust the water temperature. They're the easiest to install, but it can be difficult to get the perfect temperature every time. Touchless Alternatively, if smart features are available, they are usually tailored to single-handle models. Double Handle The faucet has separate handles for hot and cold water, allowing you more control over the temperature to suit your preference and for a more old-fashioned or farmhouse look. Double-handle faucets can be more difficult to install and require drilling additional holes in the corresponding sink.
Kitchen faucets are available in a variety of styles and finishes.
Finishing touches
Many faucets come with a finish that is resistant to stains and fingerprints, and usually has a brushed metal look rather than a shiny appearance. The most common finishes are nickel, chrome, matte black, and stainless steel, with bronze, gold, and pewter sometimes being options.
