Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
When searching for a new kitchen faucet, you need to consider how the faucet will fit in with your current or desired sink setup, as well as how it will fit in with your overall kitchen design.
You should also consider what features you want the faucet to have (e.g., swing spout, handle configuration, sprayer, boiling water, purified water, ice water, sparkling water, etc.) and whether you want to add any additional amenities around the faucet (e.g., soap/lotion dispenser).
The important point is durability, which is probably the most important aspect to keep in mind when buying a kitchen faucet. Since the faucet is in use all day, it must be made of high-quality brass or SUS304 stainless steel and has an anti-corrosion surface treatment.
There are many types of kitchen sink faucets, and to help you make a more informed purchasing decision, we have listed kitchen faucet buying tips below. After reading, we strongly recommend that you check out our boiling water tap to see how some of the best faucets compare to each other.
What you need to know before buying
Which installation method do you want?
Whether you are replacing an old faucet or buying a new faucet and sink together, there are three different installation methods: single-hole, non-single-hole or wall-mounted. Refer to your own kitchen situation and choose the corresponding installation method.
Single-hole installation is more common and easy to install.
For non-single-hole plate installation, you need to consider the size of the original decorative plate to see if the opening size of the installation plate and the sink match.
Wall-mounted faucets can be installed above the sink or even in places without a sink. Wall-mounted installation can leave extra large operating space, and large items can be washed under the faucet. Wall-mounted installation can adapt to some difficult-to-install places.
Which kitchen faucet is right for your sink?
In addition to matching your sink style and the styles of other fixtures in your kitchen, it is also important that the faucet model you choose corresponds to the size of your current or desired sink and its faucet hole configuration.
If the faucet is too big for the sink, it will look out of place, and you may also have to deal with water splashing out of the sink if the sink is not deep enough to accommodate the faucet's spout height and water flow.
If you are simply replacing an old faucet, you can greatly narrow down your search by measuring the size of your current sink and checking its faucet hole configuration and the maximum flow of your old faucet.
If you are purchasing a new sink with a faucet, you should find the sink size/style and installation type you prefer, and then consider the faucet style accordingly.
You should also decide if you want to install other features (such as detergent dispensers, hot water faucets, side sprayers, etc.), as this will ultimately determine the number of faucet holes required in the sink.
What size, style, and features do you want in a spout?
When choosing a kitchen faucet, it's important to compare the size and shape of the faucet spout to your current or desired sink.
First, you want to make sure the spout is as close to the center of the sink as possible, as this allows water to reach more of the sink's surface area. While an 8"-10" spout may work for most normal-sized sinks, larger sinks or sinks with multiple bowls may require a 12"-14" spout or a pull-out spout.
Then there's the spout height, a standard low-arch spout (3"-5" high) is great for smaller sinks, but it can get in the way when you're trying to fill/wash a large pot. A gooseneck or high-arch spout (8"-10" high) is generally better for larger, deeper sinks and provides more space for large pots.
Again, to avoid splashing, you just need to make sure your sink is deep enough to accommodate the faucet's spout height and water pressure. In terms of functionality, we highly recommend purchasing a swivel spout with a pull-out spout that can swivel at least 180°. A pull-down spray head makes it easier to reach other areas of the countertop and allows you to move the spout out of the way when needed.
How many functions do you want?
2-in-1 kitchen faucet, providing cold water and hot water
3-in-1 kitchen faucets provide cold water, hot water, and purified water; purified water has a separate waterway and will not be polluted.
4-in-1 kitchen boiling water faucets provide cold, hot, purified, and boiling water. There are generally three waterways; purified water and boiling water have separate waterways. Our kitchen faucet hot water waterway is placed in the center of the water outlet, which can be touched and is not hot.
5-in-1 kitchen faucets provide cold water, hot water, purified water, boiling water, ice water, or sparkling water, ready to use. Whether you want to get boiling water for tea, ice water for lemonade, or sparkling water for mojito, it is very convenient
Choose kitchen faucet appearance and colors
Do you want a sprayer?
Different faucet models may or may not come with a sprayer, but we highly recommend purchasing a faucet with a sprayer if your budget allows. Sprayers offer added convenience and functionality because you can extend the reach of the water stream and tilt it in any direction, allowing you to reach all parts of the sink.
Sprayers don't add to the clutter around your sink with their pull-out spray head design, and sprayers offer more versatility, with many models featuring control buttons that allow you to pause the water flow or adjust between a spray and aerated stream.
Material selection
Material is the key factor in determining the quality and durability of the faucet. Common faucet materials include brass, stainless steel, alloy, etc. Among them, brass has the advantages of strong corrosion resistance and long service life; stainless steel is known for its health, environmental protection, and easy cleaning; while alloy is relatively low in price but slightly inferior in durability and safety.
It is recommended that stainless steel material be chosen, which is not only environmentally friendly and hygienic but also easy to clean and corrosion-resistant. For the kitchen, this material is safe and easy to clean the usual grease. Common stainless steels include 201, 202, 304, 316, etc. Generally speaking, faucets will choose 304 food-grade stainless steel as the material.
Surface treatment process
The surface treatment process of the kitchen faucet is very important. Good craftsmanship can keep it looking new after many years and is easy to clean and maintain. If the surface treatment of the faucet is not up to standard, the coating will change color and fall off after a period of use. Our kitchen faucets can provide a 5-year quality guarantee, no discoloration, no falling off.
01
Oil rubber brush
02
Chrome
03
BNPVD
04
Golden CP
Selection of valve core
The valve core is the heart of the faucet, which determines the water quality and whether it leaks. Because choosing a good valve core is also crucial. The faucet valve core mainly includes a rubber valve core, stainless steel valve core, ceramic valve core, etc.
Various brands of faucets on the market generally use ceramic valve cores or stainless steel valve cores. Ceramic and stainless steel valve cores have the advantages of good quality, corrosion resistance, and good sealing. The stainless steel valve core can ensure smooth opening and closing 500,000 times.
Now that you know how to choose a kitchen faucet, you should also look at the under-sink water filter and instant water dispenser that is connected to the faucet. They are essential components of the kitchen faucet.
Undercounter water filters can provide pure water directly from the faucet.
Instant water dispensers can provide hot or boiling water directly. It is very convenient to use it immediately after turning it on.
Now that you have completed our buying guide, we strongly recommend reading our introduction to different kitchen faucets to understand the differences between some of the best kitchen faucets.
