November 14, 2025
Imagine the first rays of morning sunlight streaming into your kitchen as you stand by the sink, ready to start your day. The faucet, though often overlooked, plays a crucial role in your daily routine—whether for cleaning, cooking, or drinking. With countless options available, selecting the right kitchen faucet can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from types and materials to installation and maintenance, helping you choose a faucet that combines style and functionality.
Kitchen faucets are connected to both hot and cold water supply lines. When you turn the faucet on, an internal valve lifts to open the water chamber, allowing water to flow through the spout. Turning the faucet off lowers the valve, closing the chamber and stopping the water flow. Before purchasing a faucet, consider your home's water pressure, as some models are designed specifically for high-pressure systems. High-pressure systems typically feature combination boilers or unvented systems (with hot water storage but no cold water storage). Low-pressure systems, on the other hand, rely on gravity-fed water supplies (with cold water stored in a loft tank and a hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard).
When selecting a kitchen faucet, consider how it will fit with your sink and the available space. For instance, sinks may come with one, two, or no pre-drilled faucet holes. A single-hole sink requires a single-hole mixer faucet, while a two-hole sink needs a pillar faucet or bridge-style mixer faucet. If your sink has no holes, you’ll need a faucet designed for countertop installation. Additionally, some faucets have taller spouts, so be mindful of overhead cabinets or shelves.
Another key factor is matching the faucet’s style to your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, there’s a faucet to suit your decor.
Kitchen faucets generally fall into two categories: single-handle and double-handle. Single-handle faucets mix hot and cold water with one lever, offering easy temperature control. Double-handle faucets have separate controls for hot and cold water, requiring manual mixing.
Faucets also come in various shapes, including:
Modern mixer faucets supply both hot and cold water but blend them into a single stream. There are two main types:
Bridge-style faucets use two holes but deliver water through a single spout. A connecting "bridge" pipe joins the hot and cold sides before reaching the spout. These faucets offer better temperature control than non-mixing models but require manual blending, which may be challenging for children. They suit both traditional and modern kitchens.
These faucets draw hot and cold water through a single spout and are ideal for sinks with one pre-drilled hole. Available in single- or double-handle designs, they prevent scalding by allowing precise temperature control. Single-handle models are especially child-friendly.
Pull-down faucets feature a retractable spray nozzle on a flexible hose, making it easy to rinse dishes or clean the sink. They’re perfect for large items or hard-to-reach areas. Most are single-hole designs, though some bridge-style versions exist.
Pillar faucets consist of separate hot and cold taps, typically installed in pairs. While affordable and easy to install, they don’t allow temperature adjustments beyond the boiler’s settings, posing a scalding risk. They’re best suited for traditional-style kitchens without young children.
These faucets connect to an under-sink filtration system, improving water taste and reducing limescale buildup. However, they require regular filter replacements and professional installation.
Boiling water faucets provide instant hot water alongside standard hot and cold supplies. They’re energy-efficient and feature safety mechanisms to prevent burns. Installation and maintenance are more involved, but they’re a convenient upgrade for tea and coffee lovers.
While replacing a standard faucet is manageable, complex installations (e.g., filtered or boiling water faucets) require professional help. To keep your faucet in top condition:
Before finalizing your choice, ask yourself:
Are all kitchen faucets the same size?
No, they vary in height and spout reach, but most bases fit standard 35mm sink holes.
How do I measure a faucet?
Measure from the base to the highest point (e.g., the top of the handle or spout).
Which faucets use less water?
Models with aerators or flow restrictors conserve water by mixing air into the stream.
