Kitchen faucet types, explained

The main styles

Bridge faucet: two handles joined by a horizontal bridge, with the spout rising from the middle. It suits farmhouse and traditional kitchens and usually needs three or four holes.
Pull-down faucet: a high arched spout with a spray head that pulls straight down into the sink. It's the most practical choice for deep single-bowl sinks.
Pull-out faucet: a lower spout with a spray head that pulls out toward you. It's better under low cabinets or windows.
Single-handle faucet: one lever for temperature and flow. It's easy to use with one hand while cooking.
Commercial-style faucet: an exposed spring coil and a long hose. It's useful for big pots, but it's tall and visually strong.

Count the holes first

Look under the sink or at the counter before choosing. A faucet's mounting must match the holes you have:

One hole: single-handle and most pull-down faucets.
Three holes: bridge faucets, or a single-hole faucet with a deck plate covering the extras.
Four holes: a three-hole faucet plus a side spray, soap dispenser or air gap.

If you're replacing a countertop, you can choose the faucet first and have the fabricator drill to match.

Size the faucet to the sink

Spout reach should bring water to about the center of the bowl. A 30–36 in sink usually wants about 9–10 in of reach.
Spout height matters under shelves and windows. Check the clearance above the counter before choosing a tall high-arc faucet.
Handle swing: levers need room to turn behind the faucet, especially against a backsplash or window sill.

Valves and flow

Quarter-turn ceramic-disc and ceramic-cartridge valves are the durable standard. Federal rules cap kitchen faucets at 2.2 gallons per minute, and some states, including California, set lower limits. We list the flow rate on every product page.

Matching the rest of the kitchen

Choose the finish once and repeat it on the pot filler, prep faucet, soap dispenser and air gap. Our finish guide explains how each one wears over time.