Which Kitchen Faucet to Choose? An Overview of Types and Practical Solutions - Mexen Ireland

Dni podłóg EN

Dni podłóg EN

Which Kitchen Faucet to Choose? An Overview of Types and Practical Solutions

Which Kitchen Faucet to Choose? An Overview of Types and Practical Solutions
Category: Kitchen Equipment
Author: Mexen

When you're at the stage of arranging your home, the moment will certainly come when you need to decide which kitchen faucet will be best. Although more and more people have a dishwasher in their homes, the traditional sink is an absolutely essential element in the kitchen. It allows for quick rinsing of dishes, food products, or even washing kitchen elements. A sink is a mandatory part of every kitchen, along with a well-chosen kitchen faucet. This element of the fixtures needs careful thought—not only should it serve for many years, but it should also meet your needs. 

What will you learn from this article? 

The kitchen faucet should be attractive, durable, resistant to damage, and convenient to use. Importantly, it should support water saving. From this article, you'll learn:

  • What are the most popular sink faucets?
  • What affects the convenience of using a kitchen faucet?
  • How does a kitchen faucet impact water savings?
  • Is it worth investing in thermostatic faucets?
  • Are faucets with pull-out spouts functional?

Which kitchen faucet is the best?

The currently available market offer of various models can be overwhelming. It might seem that choosing a faucet is a simple task. Many factors depend on the size of the kitchen, the sink itself, and the functions the faucet should fulfill. Their division can vary.

Division of sink faucets by installation method

When designing the kitchen, consider how you want to install the kitchen faucet. You need a different water installation for a standing faucet and a different one for a wall-mounted faucet. 

  1. Standing faucets — are installed in the sink hole or directly on the countertop. This is the most common model. Installation is not difficult, and flexible connections for cold and hot water are connected under the sink or countertop. Moreover, the size of the faucet and holes is standardized, so there are no issues when replacing the faucet with a new one.
  2. Wall-mounted faucets — this type is mounted directly to the hot and cold water connections coming from the wall. The popularity of this solution is declining every year, and it is mainly chosen by people who replace fixtures without major renovation of the entire installation.

Check how to install a faucet in a sink.

Sink faucets divided by operation method

Faucets are divided into single-lever and dual-lever. There are also touchless options available. The option you choose will affect both the operation and the cost of water consumption. 

Single-lever faucet

In the case of a single-lever kitchen faucet (as the name suggests) you regulate both the water temperature and the flow intensity with one handle. Such a faucet can be operated with one hand, making it a considerably more convenient solution than a dual-lever faucet. It works especially well when you do not have a dishwasher and wash dishes by hand.

A very big advantage of a single-lever kitchen faucet is 30% greater water savings, compared to dual-lever models.

Dual-lever faucets

In this case, you have two handles — for hot and cold water, and with each one, you adjust the intensity of the water flow. This type of faucet is used less and less often — most of us choose convenient solutions, and here maneuvering two knobs can be cumbersome. Moreover, dual-lever faucets waste a lot of water. 

The intriguing design of dual-lever models deserves attention. There are vintage and retro style proposals available.

Why is the spout so important in a kitchen faucet?

The type of spout has a great impact on the comfort of using a kitchen faucet. It is worth matching it to the tasks you most often perform in the kitchen. A specific model will facilitate meal preparation, rinsing vegetables and fruits, and ensure ease of use.

Kitchen faucet with a fixed spout

Faucets made with a fixed spout are only suitable for kitchens with sporadic use. They make it difficult to thoroughly clean the sink. Preparing meals is also problematic when, for example, rinsing vegetables and fruits is necessary.

Kitchen faucet with a swivel spout

In a modern kitchen, a faucet with a swivel spout works very well. It can be freely rotated. It is particularly advisable to choose this option if you have a double-bowl sink. It provides access to water in both compartments.

Kitchen faucet with a pull-out spout

A faucet with a pull-out spout is an innovative solution desired in modern kitchens. The spout can be extended up to 150 cm when necessary. A pull-out spout faucet is especially appreciated when washing large pots or filling tall containers.

Kitchen faucet with a foldable spout

This is a popular under-window faucet, which is useful when the sink is directly under a window. When you want to open the window, you fold the spout. This way, it doesn’t catch on the frame. 

kitchen faucet

Kitchen faucet with a flexible spout

A practical solution for your kitchen is a faucet with a flexible spout. You can bend it in any direction. You will appreciate this in everyday use. With the help of a flexible faucet, you can easily wash any pot and reach every corner of the sink.

Kitchen faucet with an F-shaped spout

Match this faucet to a shallow sink, which is only 15 cm deep. It allows for easy washing of large dishes.

Kitchen faucet with a U-shaped spout

This model is tailored to sinks with a depth of 16-18 cm. However, it should be noted that it can somewhat limit maneuverability. The characteristic U shape causes the faucet to lean quite heavily over the sink.

Which kitchen faucet is the best fit for your kitchen?

The kitchen tap is frequently used for washing dishes, food products, larger elements (such as large baking sheets or ovenproof dishes). Often, bowls or buckets are filled in the kitchen. 

A great solution is a kitchen faucet with a pull-out spout. This type of tap is equipped with an extendable hose, usually between 1 and 1.5 meters long. This way, even in a single-bowl sink, you can wash a large pan, pot, or baking tray. The spout allows for effective control of the water stream, so it is worth choosing such a model, especially in a small kitchen. Moreover, such spouts allow fast cleaning of hard-to-reach places and facilitate the filling of large containers.

If water saving is your priority, opt for a faucet with a thermostat. It maintains a constant temperature, without long maneuvering with the handles. You also save energy, gaining additional benefits. 

For fans of innovative solutions, models equipped with many amenities have been prepared. A single-lever faucet with a built-in detergent container is available. You can choose a standing faucet with LED lighting and a panel displaying water temperature information. 

Kitchen Faucet Tailored to Interior Style and Your Needs

When choosing a faucet for your kitchen, you must pay attention to several important aspects. By matching the model to the existing water installation in your home, you will create a convenient water supply system. Above all, consider:

  • Functionality — pay attention to the adjustable water stream, easy handling, presence of an additional aerator that makes the water more aerated.
  • Quality of workmanship — opt for products from reliable manufacturers, which you will find in the Mexen offer. Suitable components and a ceramic head will ensure years of use without the slightest problem.
  • Appearance — depending on the kitchen style, you can look for faucets in chrome, black, or gold color.  

Choosing a kitchen faucet can be quite a challenge — but we hope our guide has dispelled your doubts!






Related products