If you’ve been interested in DIY projects and trying to learn how to replace a kitchen faucet, you’ll quickly realize that there are a lot of things to consider. Kitchen faucets come in a variety of sizes, styles, and functions, making any DIY project seem challenging. Fortunately, Nicemoco has been making kitchen faucets for over 15 years, and there are some simple questions to ask yourself to help you pick the best faucet for your current kitchen, budget, and preferences.
1. How Many Holes Does a Kitchen Faucet Need?
Some things you need to consider when starting out are how many holes your countertop has, whether are you willing to drill the holes, or do you want to cover the extra holes. Faucets with an integral single handle require one hole, while faucets with two separate handles typically require three holes. Any additional features, such as side sprayers, drinkers, or soap dispensers, will require additional holes. However, if you have extra holes in your under-mount sink or countertop, Nicemoco offers a variety of stylish cover options to cover unused holes.
2. Is a Pull-Down or Pull-Out Faucet Better?
Pull-out faucets are usually shorter than pull-out models, and they’re ideal if your kitchen cabinets sit above your sink. Another advantage of this type of faucet is that the nozzle is larger, so the water spray surface is larger. Pull-down faucets are usually taller, making them easier to clean and rinse due to the greater clearance under the spout.
The sprayer can be mounted separately on the side of the spout or integrated into the spout. This is called a pull-out sprinkler design or a pull-down sprinkler design. An integrated sprayer provides convenience and functionality. Pull-out and pull-down kitchen faucets offer all the functions of a sprayer in a more simplified form and are easier to install, maintain and use.
3. What is the Difference Between Spout Height and Faucet Height?
At Nicemoco, you may hear the terms “spout height” and “faucet height” used interchangeably. Spout height measures the length from the connection point on the counter or sink (countertop) to the top of the faucet. The taller the spout, the easier it is to place tall pots underneath for filling or cleaning. The tall spout makes cleaning tall pots easier. If you have your sink on an elevated shelf or have cabinets below it, choosing a faucet with a shorter height may help you better reach the water at both ends of the sink.
4. What is the Ideal Spout Range?
The spout distance measures the horizontal distance from the center of the spout opening to the center of the spout base. To find the best spout length for your sink, measure the distance from the faucet mounting hole to the center of the drain. If you are installing a closer offset faucet, this will ensure that you will still have enough distance and be able to use it to wash your hands. This is an important consideration for faucet and sink compatibility.
5. What is the Difference Between Spout Height and Faucet Height?
At Nicemoco, you may hear the terms “spout height” and “faucet height” used interchangeably. Spout height measures the length from the connection point on the counter or sink (countertop) to the top of the faucet. The taller the spout, the easier it is to place tall pots underneath for filling or cleaning. The tall spout makes cleaning tall pots easier. If you have your sink on an elevated shelf or have cabinets below it, choosing a faucet with a shorter height may help you better reach the water at both ends of the sink.
6. What is the Ideal Spout Range?
The spout distance measures the horizontal distance from the center of the spout opening to the center of the spout base. To find the best spout length for your sink, measure the distance from the faucet mounting hole to the center of the drain. If you are installing a closer offset faucet, this will ensure that you will still have enough distance and be able to use it to wash your hands. This is an important consideration for faucet and sink compatibility.
7. Single-handle Faucet Or Double Handle Faucet?
Single-lever faucets usually only require one or two holes punched into the countertop, which can be handy if you often find yourself with only one hand free. Smaller sink basins or limited counter space may require a single-lever faucet. However, they may not be able to adjust the temperature as precisely as two-handle faucets. Two-handle faucets have a wider range and are more suitable for kitchen sinks with a little more space. Additionally, the traditional setup of a two-handle faucet has separate hot and cold handles for better temperature control but requires both hands to adjust the temperature at the same time. Two-handle faucets typically require three or four holes.
8. What Kind of Kitchen Faucets are Popular?
The style of the faucet is entirely up to the owner, but knowing the basic idea of what you are looking for can help optimize the design of your kitchen space. Traditional faucets like Opulence® feature classic designs, curved surfaces, and attractive details. Modern faucets like Parma® are sleek and simple with sharper lines. Transitional faucets like the Kinzie® offer the best of both worlds, combining classic and contemporary elements for a look that complements every style.
9. Which Finish is Best for Kitchen Faucets?
Nicemoco offers kitchen faucets in chrome, stainless steel, satin black, and brushed bronze finishes to suit any style. Stainless steel finishes tend to be the most popular choice for many kitchens because they stand out, are durable and easy to clean, and can be easily matched with other fixtures and appliances throughout the kitchen.
For a uniform look, match your cabinet hardware and other fixtures to your faucet finish. Or, to make your faucet the star of the show, choose a finish that stands out from the rest of the room for an eye-catching statement piece.