Faucets don’t wear out much anymore. In fact, most come with lifetime warranties (for the initial buyer) that cover the rare defects and finishes.
But sometimes, you may want to buy new faucets. Maybe as part of a complete kitchen remodel. Maybe just to freshen things up. There are numerous styles you can consider. They are shown in the table below, along with advantages and disadvantages
|
Type |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Single-handle |
One handle |
· Easy to use and install · Take up less space than two-handle faucets |
· Temperature control may not be as precise |
|
Two-handle |
Separate hot and cold handles |
· More precise temperature adjustments |
· Harder to install · Need both hands to adjust temperature |
|
Pull-out or pull-down |
Spout pulls out from a single-handle faucet. The hose should reach all corners of the sink |
· Handy for rinsing |
· Not needed with a small sink |
|
Hands-free |
Especially nice if your hands are dirty |
· Convenience · Cleanliness |
· Some designs hide the activator · Others require you to tap the faucet |
|
Pot-filler |
Wall-mounted fillers installed near the stove |
· Easy and convenient for filling pots |
· Need a water source behind the stove |
|
Bar |
For smaller, secondary sinks especially helpful if there is more than one cook |
· Allows two people to prep · Can be connected to an instant hot water dispenser or cold filtered water dispenser |
· Takes up space |
One other important consideration, though. The faucet must fit with the sink. Your sink probably came with mounting holes for faucets as well as accessories such as side sprays or soap dispensers. If you are keeping your original sink, you either must match it or get a base plate to cover extra holes. But make sure your faucet does not require you to drill additional holes.
