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Which sink faucet is best?
Whether it’s in a kitchen or a bathroom, a sink is only as good as the faucet it’s paired with. And besides functionality, pairing your sink with the right faucet can help achieve the look you want for your kitchen or bathroom, whether your tastes are modern or traditional.
A faucet for a kitchen sink usually has a high spout to allow large items to fit into the sink, whereas one for a bathroom may have a shorter spout and a single lever for adjusting the temperature. There are several things to consider when choosing a new faucet, such as how it mounts to the sink, how tall it should be and how it is controlled. The Delta Faucet Essa Single-Handle Touch Kitchen Sink Faucet is an excellent example for use in a kitchen. It is designed for a single-hole sink and has a high arched spout with a pull-out wand and touch sensor controls.
What to know before you buy a sink faucet
Sink type
The first thing to consider is the type of sink and how the faucet needs to be mounted. Sinks may have one, two or three mounting holes for monobloc, mixer or pillar faucets. An under-mount, inset or vessel sink frequently has no mounting holes and requires either a countertop or a wall-mounted faucet.
Design
Choosing the right design can be difficult. Should it be modern or traditional? Tall or compact? Ornate or minimalist? But chances are you’ll find a faucet that matches the style of sink, your decor and your appliances or hardware.
Finish
Chrome, brushed steel and nickel are popular choices for modern bathrooms and kitchens, whereas bronze, gold and polished brass suit a more traditional aesthetic. Inexpensive faucets tend to have a low-quality finish that may tarnish or even peel off over time. High-end kitchen faucets are often treated with a protective coating that prevents staining and limescale buildup.
What to look for in a quality sink faucet
Taps
The way the water flow and temperature are controlled is another key factor. Modern faucets usually have a mixer valve with a single lever for adjusting the pressure and mixing the hot and cold. On the other hand, traditional designs tend to favor twin taps with crossheads or knobs. Some kitchen faucets also have a sensor that turns on the water when the spout is touched, making it easy to turn on and off with full hands.
Spout
The size and height of the spout affect water flow and useability. A narrow spout will give increased pressure but lets less water through, which may be an issue when filling large sinks. Kitchen faucets should have a high spout so as not to hinder the use of the sink. Some even have a pull-out wand on a flexible hose to assist with cleaning odd-shaped items or for filling pots on the countertop.
Installation
The difficulty of installation varies depending on the mounting method. Faucets that mount directly onto the sink are usually the easiest to install, whereas wall-mounted faucets require the supply pipes to be sunk into the wall.
How much you can expect to spend on a sink faucet
A basic monobloc faucet for a bathroom sink can be found for under $50, whereas a high-quality faucet for a kitchen sink, with features such as a pull-out wand and touch controls, can be as much as $500.
Sink faucet FAQ
Are all faucets equal when it comes to water pressure?
A. No, they aren’t. In fact, most faucets are designed for either high- or low-pressure systems. If your hot water comes from a storage tank, then you will likely need a low-pressure faucet.
I am installing a new sink. Can I use my old faucet?
A. As long as the faucet uses the same mounting method, then there is no reason that it cannot be used again. You can even install new quarter-turn inserts into some faucets that make it work as well as a new one.
What’s the best sink faucet to buy?
Top sink faucet
Delta Faucet Essa Single-Handle Touch Kitchen Sink Faucet
What you need to know: Available in four finishes, this monobloc kitchen faucet has a high-arch swiveling spout with a pull-out spray head.
What you’ll love: It has a sensor that turns on the water when the spout or handle are touched and an LED temperature indicator that changes from red to blue.
What you should consider: It requires batteries to power the extra features.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top sink faucet for the money
American Standard Portsmouth Monoblock Faucet
What you need to know: Designed for a bathroom sink, this eye-catching faucet has an oil-rubbed bronze finish.
What you’ll love: The temperature and flow pressure are controlled via a single lever, and it comes with a metal pop-up drain and flexible supply pipes.
What you should consider: At only 5 inches in height, it looks quite small on large sinks.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Airuida Wall Mount Kitchen Faucet
What you need to know: Ideal for a kitchen sink with no mounting holes, this faucet is installed on the wall.
What you’ll love: It has cross handle taps and an adjustable head that swivels 360 degrees. It is available in several finishes, including matte black.
What you should consider: The spout is fixed and doesn’t rotate left or right.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Chris Gillespie writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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