If you are remodeling your kitchen or just want to freshen it up with some new fittings, one of the things you will have to think about is the faucet. Faucets can be a focal point in a kitchen, and nowadays there is a huge range of attractive models to choose from.
However, before you can even think about what style you want to buy, you need to think about the size. A wrong-sized faucet can look out of place and may be awkward to use. To help, here we look at the question, what size faucet should you choose for a kitchen sink.
If you are looking to refit your whole sink, here’s a useful video about measuring the sink itself.
Why does size matter?
Before we look at how to measure and choose the right size of faucet for your kitchen, let’s take a moment to think about why it is so important to get it right – and why you shouldn’t just go for a faucet because you love the way it looks.
First, there are practical matters. If the faucet is too small, you may have trouble using it to wash larger items like big pots and pans since they won’t fit comfortably underneath it.
If it’s too big, on the other hand, you may end up splashing yourself every time you wash your hands or rinse the dishes.
Also, another point to remember is that if it is too big for the space behind it, you may find the handle hits the backwash, meaning you can’t even open it fully.
Another problem could be if the faucet head is too far back or too far forward in your sink. In either of these cases, you will find it uncomfortable to use, and it will also be more likely to splash.
Then there are aesthetic considerations. If a faucet is too small for the room or too small for the sink, it will look strange and stunted. Similarly, a faucet that is too large will dominate the kitchen and make the room feel cluttered.
As you can see, there are many reasons for making sure you choose a faucet that is the right size. Now let’s look at the various measurements you need to look at.
How to Measure Kitchen Faucet
Whichever kind of faucet you want to install, including a commercial kitchen faucet, a touchless kitchen faucet or any other, there are a few key measurements that you need to understand when choosing.
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Height
The height of the faucet is one of the most obvious measurements and refers to the height from the base of the faucet to the highest point at the top.
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Height to spout
This is a different measurement from the overall height but is also an important one. The height to the spout will determine how much clearance you have to wash larger items underneath it, so make sure it is high enough if you need to wash larger pots and pans etc.
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Arc
Faucets can be either high-arc or low-arc, and this relates to how high the curve and spout are above the sink plane.
High-arc faucets are better for washing larger items but may obscure the view if placed in front of a window. Low-arc models give you less clearance but are unobtrusive and more inconspicuous.
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Reach
The reach of the faucet is another very important measurement but one that is perhaps more often overlooked. This refers to how far over the sink the faucet extends.
As we mentioned, if the faucet is set too far back or too far forward, it may cause splashing.
Another issue is that if it doesn’t have enough reach, you will need to lean over further, which could be uncomfortable if you need to do it for longer periods for washing dishes, for example.
The reach of the faucet you choose depends on the size of your sink. Make sure you choose one with a suitable reach that will place the spout in the most comfortable and convenient place.
Also, bear in mind that the reach can be extended by choosing a pull-out kitchen faucet.
How to choose Kitchen Faucet
So, as we have established, choosing a kitchen faucet is not just as simple as browsing the catalogues and looking online for a model you like the look of – in terms of aesthetics as well as functionality, the size of the faucet you choose is equally important.
When choosing a faucet, first consider the size of your sink. Will the faucet give you enough reach to be comfortable to use? Will the spout be too far back or too far forward, or will it be just right?
Also, remember not to choose a faucet that is too large or too small for the sink or it will look mismatched.
Consider whether a faucet in front of a window will obscure your view – and if it will, think about opting for one with a lower arc.
Don’t forget to visualize the faucet as part of the whole kitchen, too. Choosing one that is the right size for your kitchen will add to the overall harmony of your space.
Finally, think carefully about what you will be using it for. If you frequently need to wash larger pots and pans, make sure you have enough clearance or it will be awkward to use.
However, if you don’t need so much clearance, you might prefer to choose a lower-arced model to reduce the possibility of splashing.
Once you have taken all these factors into consideration, you will have established the kind size range you should be looking at. Then you can move onto choosing a faucet that looks great too.
Size first, style second
While everyone wants a great-looking kitchen, and you may have seen some faucets you would love to own, it is important to consider the size first. Even the most beautiful faucet will look ugly if it doesn’t fit the sink or the kitchen where it is installed.
If you remember all the measurements and other considerations we have mentioned, you can be confident that you will be able to choose the perfect faucet for your kitchen.
