Kitchen faucets have always been functional, but they have also been positioned as decorative focal pieces in the kitchen. Whether you need to replace your leaky single-hole kitchen faucet or you’re exploring new pull-down faucets for an upcoming remodel, you can count on Ace for the selection and know-how to help you get it done right.
What to Know Before Purchasing a Kitchen Faucet
Before you buy a replacement faucet, check the number of holes that are pre-drilled into your kitchen counter. One-piece faucets, which combine the handle and spout, typically require one hole for the faucet and one for the separate sprayer. Faucets that have two handles—one for hot water and one for cold water—require three holes for the faucet and each tap, plus a fourth hole for the side sprayer.
Different Parts of a Kitchen Faucet
With so many shapes, styles, colors and features to choose from in a kitchen faucet, narrowing down your options is a matter of deciding which ones best suit your style and their intended use.
Faucet Handles
One of the most important decisions when selecting a new kitchen faucet is the type of handle you want:
- One-handle kitchen faucets feature a lever that moves up and down to turn on and off the water and side to side to change the temperature.
- Dual-lever or dual-knob handles have separate controls for hot and cold water.
Faucet Necks
Often highly distinctive, common faucet neck styles include:
- Standard neck, which is slightly curved.
- Straight neck, which protrudes in a straight line over the sink.
- Gooseneck faucets, which have a very high arc that sets the spout high enough to easily fill large pots with water.
Faucet Sprayers
Kitchen sink faucets often have sprayers built into the design or positioned off to the side. Making quick work of rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink, different sprayer designs offer unique benefits:
- Standard faucet: This faucet features a sprayer located to the side. The sprayer has a long hose that retracts through a hole in the sink.
- Pull-out kitchen faucet: With a detachable head and a retractable hose, pull-out kitchen faucets let you spray hard-to-reach corners or fill a pot sitting on the
- Pull-down kitchen faucet: A gooseneck spout with a fixed head pulls downward from the faucet, offering great flexibility. However, their range of motion is limited compared to pull-out versions.
Kitchen Faucet Finishes
A variety of kitchen faucet finishes makes it easy to find one that suits your home décor. Some of the different finishes for kitchen sink faucets include:
- Zinc alloy kitchen faucets: a combination of zinc and copper that won’t rust or corrode easily.
- Copper kitchen faucets: a classic, refined look that needs to be polished regularly.
- Bronze kitchen faucets: a darker finish that works well with contemporary or rustic decor.
- Brushed nickel kitchen faucets: a soft, muted silver color that is modern and beautiful.
- Chrome kitchen faucets: sleek, shiny and reflective.
- Stainless steel kitchen faucets: a timeless appearance that goes with nearly any decor.
Special Features on Kitchen Faucets
From sensors that allow for hands-free operation to temperature and flow controls for increased safety, you can find a range of faucets with handy and interesting features, including:
- Built-in soap dispenser for easy washing
- Hot-water dispenser for quick hot beverages
- In-faucet filters for cleaner drinking water
- Kitchen faucets with sprayers for quick rinsing
What’s more, many faucets with smart capabilities can turn on and off automatically, dispense a precise amount of water or display water temperature and flow rate.
What to Do When Your Faucet Leaks
A leaky faucet doesn’t have to lead to a full-on replacement. At Ace, you’ll find a large selection of faucet parts for easy faucet repair, including faucet seats, stems and cartridges, faucet handles and faucet gaskets.
Browse Kitchen Faucets Near You at Ace
A new faucet can make all the difference when it comes to adding a special touch to your kitchen. Shop kitchen faucets near you at Ace Hardware for a great selection of top-rated kitchen and bathroom faucet brands, including Delta, Kohler and Moen. From pull-out and pull-down kitchen faucets to dual- and single-handle kitchen faucets that are deck- or wall-mounted, whatever design or color you’re looking for, you can find it at Ace.
