What Should I Look For in a Kitchen Faucet?

ProSource | 7/29/2025

Tricks of the Trade is an article series dedicated to providing answers to commonly asked questions. The interviews are conducted with ProSource Wholesale^® trade professional members, looking to offer their insights and experience to these thoughts that arise during the building or remodeling process.

Laura Lawrence is the owner of her own kitchen and bath design business and a proud member of ProSource of Pensacola.

With more than 15 years of experience in functional kitchen design, Laura shares her insights on how to choose the perfect kitchen faucet—balancing daily practicality with style and smart upgrades.

Why Your Faucet Choice Matters

Your kitchen faucet is one of the most-used features in your home. Whether you’re rinsing vegetables, scrubbing pans, or filling a pot, it’s a centerpiece of daily life—and the right one can elevate both form and function.

“Most homeowners start with the finish and style, which is important,” Laura shares. “But you also need to think about how you’ll use your faucet day-to-day, and what will make your life easier.”

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Consider Finish and Style

Laura encourages homeowners to treat their faucet like “the jewelry of your kitchen.”

“Stainless steel and brushed nickel are classic choices, especially if you have stainless appliances,” she says. “But don’t be afraid to mix metals. Brass, matte black, and polished nickel are all popular right now.”

Your faucet should reflect the overall design of your kitchen—be it modern farmhouse, transitional, or coastal. Coordinate with cabinet hardware and lighting to create a cohesive look, or explore mixed-metal finishes to add bold contrast.

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Match Function to Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right kitchen sink faucet means understanding how it fits your daily routine. Laura breaks down the most requested features:

• Pull-down sprayers: “They’re great for rinsing out sinks, cleaning large pots, or even giving your dog a bath if you need to!”
• Touchless kitchen faucets: “They’re fantastic when you have messy hands while cooking. You don’t have to touch anything, and many have an automatic shutoff for water conservation.”
• Single-handle faucets: “I love single-handle faucets for their ease of use and cleaner look. You set the temperature and you’re done.”

Laura also recommends high arc spouts with pull-down sprayers for added clearance and flexibility—perfect for busy households and larger cookware.

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Durability and Maintenance Matter

Material choice impacts how your faucet looks and performs over time. Laura suggests choosing solid brass or stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability.

“Brushed finishes like matte black and brushed nickel are lower maintenance because they hide water spots and fingerprints,” she says. “Polished finishes are beautiful but can show every drip, so consider how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.”

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Are Faucets with Sprayers More Versatile?

Yes, says Laura—and they’re worth the consideration. “They allow you to reach further spots of the sink and fill large pots that wouldn’t fit under a standard faucet,” she explains. “They’re also great for deep cleaning tough messes.”

Trade professionals should note the installation setup—whether the sprayer is integrated or requires a separate hole in the countertop—when advising clients.

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Why Go Touchless?

Touchless faucets are more than just a tech trend—they’re a smart upgrade for any kitchen.

“They offer enhanced hygiene, water conservation through auto shut-off, and convenience if you have your hands full,” Laura says. “Some even have voice or motion control, which is great for accessibility.”

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Best Faucets for High-Use Kitchens

For families that rely heavily on their kitchen, Laura recommends combining features that simplify tasks and reduce cleanup.

“A pull-down spray, single lever, or touchless faucet is going to be ideal. You want something convenient, versatile, flexible, and easy to clean,” she notes. “And always opt for a high arc spout.”

She also encourages clients to check online reviews. “They give you a real-world glimpse into how a faucet actually performs.”

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When to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Common signs it’s time for a kitchen faucet replacement include:

• Leaks or drips
• Low water pressure
• Visible corrosion or rust
• Difficulty adjusting temperature or flow
• Outdated style or missing features

“Sometimes it’s just worth replacing, especially if you want to modernize or make life easier,” Laura says.

Basic models start around $100, while high-end or touchless faucets can exceed $1,000. Installation ranges from $150 to $400, depending on complexity and added features like hot water dispensers or soap systems.

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How Trade Pros Guide the Right Choice

Laura helps clients navigate the many kitchen faucet options by focusing on five essentials:

• Functionality: Consider lifestyle and cooking habits.
• Aesthetics: Match faucet finish and shape to your kitchen style.
• Lifestyle: Evaluate ease of cleaning and maintenance expectations.
• Installation: Account for counter space, hole configuration, and plumbing.
• Budget: Select something practical without sacrificing style.

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The ProSource Advantage

Laura works closely with the team at ProSource of Pensacola to help her clients visualize and source their kitchen upgrades.

“We can get so much done in one place—cabinets, countertops, faucets, tile. It helps my clients visualize everything together,” she says. “The ProSource team is reliable, responsive, and helps me keep projects on track.”

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Planning a Kitchen Remodel?

Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading a tired sink setup, your local ProSource Wholesale^® showroom is the best place to start. Explore finishes and faucet features in person, and get guidance from experts who understand your needs.

Need a pro? Use our Find a Pro tool to connect with trade professionals like Laura Lawrence who can help bring your vision to life.

Tagged: Kitchen Laundry Budget Kitchen Faucets Kitchen Sinks