Count the holes first
Look under the sink or at the countertop. The number of holes decides which faucets install cleanly:
- 1 hole: single-handle faucets. Most include an optional deck plate to cover 3-hole setups.
- 3 holes: a single-handle faucet with a deck plate, or a two-handle faucet on a spread (usually 8″ center to center).
- 4 holes: usually faucet plus side sprayer, soap dispenser, or air gap. Unused holes take a hole cover or a soap dispenser.
Pull-down, pull-out, or standard
- Pull-down: a tall, arched spout with a spray head that pulls straight down into a deep sink. The most popular choice for single and double-bowl sinks.
- Pull-out: a shorter spout whose wand pulls toward you. Better under low cabinets or windows.
- Standard with side spray: the simplest and usually least expensive setup. It’s common in rentals.
- Bridge: two handles joined by a bridge, a traditional look for farmhouse sinks. Needs a 3- or 4-hole setup.
Check reach and clearance
Spout reach should put the water near the center of the bowl; most kitchen faucets reach 8–10″. Spout height matters under a window or low cabinet, so measure from the countertop to anything above it before choosing a tall arched spout. Also allow room behind the faucet for a single handle to swing fully back.
What makes a faucet last
Look for a ceramic disc cartridge and a solid brass or stainless body. Cartridges are the part that wears; when a faucet from a major brand starts dripping, you replace the cartridge, not the faucet. Federal rules cap kitchen faucets at 2.2 gallons per minute, and many models run lower. That’s plenty for daily use, and pull-down heads usually have a higher-pressure spray setting for rinsing.