We know a thing or two about shopping for faucets. Follow our expert tips to ensure you find something you will love
Everything you need to know before replacing your kitchen faucet—from measurements to making the purchase.
Before You Go
- Who uses the kitchen faucet in the home? If kids or elderly family members regularly use the kitchen, you’ll want a faucet that’s easy to turn on and off. Try a single-handle faucet, which is easy to maneuver.
- Are you a serious cook? Are you a wannabe chef with an arsenal of huge pots, or do you “cook” via a takeout menu? If it’s the former, look for a faucet with a high arc for washing big pots and pans.
- Look at the general depth of the sink. Faucets that are too big can splash water out of a shallow sink.
- Check out the space around the sink. Is there a window or view of the family room you won’t want to obstruct with a tall faucet?
- How many faucets are there? Is there, say, a filtered drinking water unit near the sink that you’ll need to accommodate?
- Getting new countertops, too? Hold off on ordering them. Counters are custom-drilled to match your faucet holes, so you’ll want to select the faucet first.
What to Measure
- The thickness of the deck (that’s plumbing-speak for the sink or countertop—whatever the faucet will attach to).
- The number of holes in the deck.
- The spacing (in inches) between each hole, measured from the approximate center.
Things to Bring
- Measurements.
- A measuring tape.
- Any materials you plan to match the faucet’s finish with (such as cabinet hardware), and photos of the sink area.
Before You Buy
- Match the faucet’s finish to stainless steel or look for a finish that matches the cabinet hardware. Most kitchen faucets are available in stainless steel, bronze and chrome, though those finishes aren’t identical from brand to brand.
- Find out whether a lifetime warranty covers the faucet. Most well-known brands offer them.
- Check the longevity of the brand. You want to be sure the company will still be in business down the line to honor that warranty.
