Pull-down or pull-out?
Pair a pull-down with a deep single bowl and a pull-out with a shallow or double bowl. Bob Vila describes a pull-down as a tall gooseneck spout with a short hose, and a pull-out as a shorter spout with a longer hose. Before you fall for a tall arc, measure the space under any window or wall cabinet above the sink and compare it with your tallest pot.
How many holes does your sink have?
A faucet has to match the holes you have, not the other way around. Faucets mount through openings in the sink or countertop, and Bob Vila advises against buying one that needs more holes than you have, since drilling a sink is not recommended as a DIY task. A single-hole model, like some of the pull-down faucets shown on this page, can use a deck plate to cover unused openings. With an undermount, the openings are cut in the countertop, so settle the faucet at the same time as your sink.
What does GPM mean in daily use?
GPM is gallons per minute, the flow rate printed on the spec sheet. The listings on this page show a flow figure for each model, so read the exact number for the one you choose. According to Bob Vila, lower flow saves water but fills a stockpot more slowly, and some models add a boost button for temporary higher flow.
Which finish and handle will you live with?
Brushed finishes hide smudges better than polished ones. Compare how they behave, then choose your handle style:
- Finish: Bob Vila notes that shiny finishes show fingerprints and water spots more readily. This Old House calls PVD very hard and tough, and electroplating durable but vulnerable to harsh cleansers.
- Handle: a single handle is easier to install and use and takes less space, but it is less precise for temperature. A two-handle faucet is harder to install and needs both hands to set the temperature, per Bob Vila.
Lineups change, so check what is new from Brizo and Moen, then read the full faucet buying guide before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single-hole faucet go on a three-hole sink?
Often yes, with a deck plate (also called a base plate) that covers the unused holes. Check that a plate is included or sold for the model you choose.
Is a lower-flow faucet worse?
It mostly fills pots more slowly. Lower flow saves water, and some models add a boost button for temporary higher flow, according to Bob Vila.
What valve should a kitchen faucet have?
Look for a ceramic-disc cartridge. This Old House says cartridges with ceramic discs rarely leak and resist hard-water deposits, and replacements come from the faucet's manufacturer.
How should I clean the finish?
Follow the maker's care sheet and keep harsh cleansers away. This Old House says electroplated finishes are vulnerable to them, and Consumer Reports found that drain cleaner slightly stained PVD finishes.
Keep reading
How to choose a kitchen faucet: type, flow, finish and fitA faucet is the fixture you touch most. Here is how to choose a type, check flow and finish, make sure it fits your sink, and what to ask about the…Read more
Brizo news: what's new for kitchen faucetsBrizo's recent kitchen news includes a collection with what Brizo calls its first living finish, outdoor kitchen faucets and a Frank Lloyd Wright…Read more
Moen news: what's new for kitchen faucetsMoen's newest kitchen faucet announcements focus on slimmer bodies, new wand controls and extra finishes, each linked to Moen's own press pages.Read more
Premium sinksA stunning selection of high-demand quartz sinks in a wide variety of sizes, depths and configurations.Read more
