Shopping Cart
There are no more items in your cart
- Guides
- kitchen faucets
So, you're in the market for a new kitchen faucet and you are not sure what to buy. Before you make that quick decision, let's go through a few things that will help you find the best kitchen faucet for you.
Best Fit for What You Need
You will have a lot of options to choose from, but you need to first consider a few important factors in order to sift through those options:
Holes
Yup. Holes. The number of pre-drilled holes you have in your kitchen sink / countertop will have the greatest impact on your choice of faucet.
One, two, three, four…:
One-hole sinks: you'll be looking for single-handle faucets
Two-hole sinks: single-handle faucets with a side sprayer, or a widespread faucet with two-handles
Three-hole sinks: one or two handle faucets with separate spout, side sprayer and soap dispensing options
Four-hole sinks: everything from the above + water filtering and hot water dispenser. The sky's the limit.
Have Your Measuring Tape Handy
Make sure you consider any windows and cabinets that are above your sink to ensure that you have the clearance space for the faucet you want.
What is Important for You
A separate sprayer to make dish washing easier? Regularly filling pots?
Your normal usage, or even desired usage will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Give it some thought, so you can measure things up at the time you start shopping around.
Types of Kitchen Faucets
Single-Handle Faucets are the most common kitchen faucets with one handle that controls both temperature and water flow.
Double-Handle Faucets have separate handles for hot and cold and a more precise temperature control
Bridge Faucets offer a traditional spin on two handle faucets with a horizontal bridge connecting the two handles.
Pull-Down Faucets will have a high-arc spout with a spray head that you can pull down into the sink. "Pull-Down" is good for larger sinks and filling pots.
Pull-Out Faucets are more compact and have a spray head that pull straight out from the faucet which is suitable for smaller sinks and give you great flexibility.
Touchless Faucets use motion sensor technology to activate water flow with the wave of your hand. A popular hygiene option during the covid pandemic!
Touch Faucets require a gentle touch anywhere on the faucet to activate water flow as well as turn it off when you are done.
Pot Filler Faucets are wall-mounted and make filling larger points easy. These are typically installed right above the stove so that you can fill the pots while they are on the stove without the need to carry anything back and forth from the sink. My wife's personal favorite.
Commercial-Style Faucets are typically larger with more power sprayers and a signature look with open coil or a spring spout design.
Make it Great
What are you made of? The material used to make a faucet will determine its durability and overall look. For higher end faucets you should be considering either brass (the gold standard) or stainless steel for their long-lasting properties including resistance to rust, corrosion and stains.
Finish
Most brands offer kitchen faucets in many finishes, and some offer a combination. You are almost guaranteed to find chrome, stainless steel, polished nickel, and brushed nickel.
Keep in mind though, some of the more trending finishes include brushed gold, black, and matte finishes. We're also seeing a growing demand for mixed finishes, one of the most popular being gold and matte black. Oil-Rubbed Bronze is also a finish to consider for its rich, dark, and antique look.
Colours add life to your kitchen, but there is a cost to everything. The classic chrome finish is typically the best price you'll get, but if you are willing to spend a little more than a brushed gold or matte black will add a luxurious feel that's guaranteed to turn eyes.
The Valve – It's what's Inside that Counts
The type of valve used inside the faucet is critical for its long-term performance and leak resistance. Higher end faucets will typically use either ceramic disk valves or cartridge valves:
Ceramic Disc Valves are highly resistant to mineral buildup, leaks, and wear and tear and is your best option for smooth operation and durability
Cartridge Valves are durable and reliable and are easy to replace when needed
Other Features
Other features to consider for a modern kitchen faucets include:
Water Efficiency (GPM)
Look for faucets with a WaterSense label indicate that EPA criteria for water efficiency is met. These faucets often have aerators that mix air into the water, providing good pressure while reducing water consumption to typically 1.5 to 2.2 GPM
Temperature Memory Settings
Some advanced faucets can remember your preferred water temperature.
LED Indicators
Lights that change color to indicate water temperature.
Voice-Activated Controls
Some of the newer smart faucets can be controlled with voice commands.
What's your brand?
Reputable brands stand out for their high quality and durability. You'll get a strong warranty from these kinds of brands which should give you peace of mind.
Brands that you should look out for include Riobel, Moen, Delta, American Standard, Grohe, Brizo and Pfister. You can pretty much close your eyes and pick any of these with confidence in the quality you will get.
What is this going to cost me?
You get what you pay for. Brand, material, finish and functionality will have the greatest impact on price. Watch out for sales especially with great ranking faucets that have been around.
You'll typically spend between $250 and $750 for a quality smaller kitchen bar faucet and $400 to $1400 for a larger faucet. Higher end faucets are built to last, so don't stress the investment; it is a long term one and well worth the cost.
Ready Set Go
Take all of the factors mentioned above into consideration to make an informed decision and you are guaranteed to find a great kitchen faucet that will give you peace of a mind that you will love for years to come.
Drop by one of Kolani Kitchen & Bath's 7 showrooms or view a wide selection of kitchen faucets online to get a great deal.