The kitchen faucet is one of the most used fixtures in your home. On average, a household uses their kitchen tap over 40 times per day — so getting the right one matters far more than most people realise.
This guide walks through everything you need to consider before buying a kitchen faucet, from finish to functionality.
1. Choose Your Installation Type
The first thing to determine is how your faucet will be installed. There are two main types:
- Deck-mounted: The most common type. The faucet sits on the countertop or sink deck. Typically requires 1 or 2 tap holes.
- Wall-mounted: The faucet is mounted directly to the wall above the sink. This creates a cleaner countertop and a more architectural look, but requires plumbing inside the wall.
Always check the number of holes in your sink before purchasing. Most single-handle faucets require one hole; separate hot/cold configurations typically require two or three.
2. Select Your Finish
The finish is what most people notice first, and it should work with the rest of your kitchen hardware — cabinet handles, appliances, and lighting fixtures.
- Brushed Brass — Warm and contemporary. Works well in both modern and transitional kitchens. Develops a subtle patina over time.
- Matte Black — Bold and modern. Pairs well with white or light-coloured countertops.
- Stainless Steel / Brushed Nickel — Versatile and timeless. Works in almost any kitchen style.
- Chrome — Bright and highly polished. A classic choice that pairs with most finishes.
A simple rule: match your faucet finish to at least one other metal in the room (cabinet handles, pendant lights, or appliances). This creates visual cohesion without being matchy-matchy.
3. Single Handle vs. Two Handle
Single-handle faucets offer one lever to control both temperature and flow. They are more convenient for everyday use and easier to operate with one hand.
Two-handle faucets (separate hot and cold controls) offer more precise temperature control and often create a more traditional or architectural aesthetic.
4. Consider Pull-Down or Flexible Hose Options
If you do a lot of cooking and cleaning, a pull-down or flexible-hose faucet offers significantly more reach and versatility at the sink. Pull-down models retract smoothly into the spout; flexible hose models allow you to direct water precisely where you need it.
5. Check Flow Rate and Pressure
Most modern faucets operate at 1.5 to 2 GPM (gallons per minute). Check that your home's water pressure meets the faucet's minimum requirement — typically 1.5 bar. Higher pressure is always fine; lower pressure can affect performance.
6. Look for Quality Certifications
In the UK, look for WRAS approval (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme). A WRAS-approved faucet has been independently tested and confirmed safe for use with drinking water. All Cortenvale faucets are WRAS certified.
The Cortenvale Range
At Cortenvale, every kitchen faucet is built from solid brass construction with a WRAS-certified design. Whether you prefer a minimalist L-spout design like the LINEO, a pull-down model like the AURIX or DORIX, or a flexible two-tone option like the PRISMA or VEXA — there's a design for every modern kitchen.
Explore the full range at cortenvale.com/collections/kitchen.