Kitchen faucets are grouped in two overlapping ways: by how the spray works (pull-down, pull-out, side spray or fixed spout) and by how the valve and body are arranged (single-handle, two-handle, bridge, wall-mount, touchless). A faucet usually belongs to one group of each: a “single-handle pull-down” or a “two-handle bridge with side spray”. This guide explains each type, what it suits and what it needs from your sink. It is based on manufacturer specifications and installation documents, not on our own product testing.
Types by spray design
| Type | How it works | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull-down | Spray head pulls straight down from a tall, usually arched spout | Deep single-bowl sinks, filling large pots, rinsing the whole sink | Needs vertical clearance under cabinets or windows; can splash in shallow sinks |
| Pull-out | Spray head pulls out towards you from a lower, shorter spout | Shallow or double-bowl sinks, filling pots on the counter, low cabinets above | Hose reach is usually longer; spout is less tall for big pots |
| Side spray | Separate sprayer in its own hole beside the faucet | Sinks with an extra hole; keeping the main spout fixed | Needs an extra hole; separate hose to maintain |
| Fixed spout | No pull-out hose | Simplicity, prep sinks, fewer parts | No spray for rinsing the sink |
Pull-down and pull-out models use a hose that runs through the spout, often with a weight under the sink to retract it and a docking mechanism to hold the head in place. One manufacturer’s pull-down specification sheet, for example, lists magnetic docking and a three-function wand. Our pull-down and pull-out sections go deeper.
Types by handle and body
Single-handle
One lever controls both temperature and flow through a cartridge, usually ceramic disc in modern faucets. It is the most common kitchen layout because you can adjust water with one hand, or with a wrist when your hands are messy. Single-handle faucets are often designed for one-hole mounting, with an optional deck plate (escutcheon) to cover a three-hole sink. Check the side or back clearance the lever needs when fully open. See single-handle faucets.
Two-handle
Separate hot and cold handles give fine control of temperature and suit traditional designs. They usually need a three-hole sink with handles a set distance apart, often 8 inches centre to centre (called “widespread”), or a single base that spans the holes. They take two hands to adjust temperature and flow at once. See two-handle faucets.
Bridge
A bridge faucet joins the hot and cold valves with a horizontal “bridge” above the deck, with the spout rising from the middle. It is a classic look for farmhouse and traditional kitchens. Most bridge faucets need a specific hole spacing, and many pair with a separate side spray, so check both the spacing and the number of holes. See bridge faucets.
Wall-mount
The valve and spout come out of the wall above the sink, leaving the counter clear. Wall-mount faucets suit some farmhouse sinks and pot-filling stations, but they need supply pipes and a valve inside the wall at the right height, so they are usually planned during a remodel rather than as a simple swap. Spout reach must match the distance from the wall to the drain. See wall-mount faucets and the installation notes in wall-mount installation.
Touch and touchless
Electronic faucets start and stop water with a tap on the spout or a hand under a sensor. They reduce handle contact with messy hands. They need power, usually a battery pack, a plug-in adapter or both, plus a solenoid valve under the sink. Most still have a manual handle for temperature and for use when the power runs out. Check where the battery box mounts, how long the maker says batteries last and whether the faucet can be switched to manual mode. See touchless faucets.
Comparing the main types
| Single-handle pull-down | Single-handle pull-out | Two-handle / bridge | Wall-mount | Touchless | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical holes | 1 (deck plate for 3) | 1 (deck plate for 3) | 3 or 4 | None in the sink | 1 (deck plate for 3) |
| Height above the sink | Tall | Low to medium | Medium to tall | Set by the wall position | Varies |
| One-handed use | Yes | Yes | Limited | Depends on handles | Yes |
| Installation complexity | Standard swap | Standard swap | Standard swap if spacing matches | Needs work inside the wall | Standard swap plus power |
| Extra parts to maintain | Hose, docking | Hose | Two valves, side spray hose | Valves inside the wall | Batteries, solenoid, sensor |
What every type has in common
- Flow rate. Kitchen faucets list a maximum flow, for example 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi on one Delta specification sheet. Lower flow saves water but fills pots more slowly. The EPA does not currently label kitchen faucets under WaterSense. Features are compared in kitchen faucet features.
- Lead-free construction. Since September 2023, the EPA requires manufacturers and importers to certify plumbing products as “lead free”, defined as a weighted average of no more than 0.25% lead across wetted surfaces.
- Standards. Specification sheets usually list compliance with plumbing standards such as ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
- Supply connections. Many faucets use 3/8-inch compression connections to the shut-off valves; check yours before buying.
Which type should you choose?
- If you have a deep single bowl and open space above: a pull-down is usually the easiest daily faucet.
- If cabinets or a window sit low over the sink, or the sink is shallow: a pull-out or low-arc design.
- If your sink has three or four holes and you want a traditional look: a two-handle or bridge faucet with matching spacing, possibly with side spray.
- If you are remodelling and want a clear counter: a wall-mount faucet planned with your plumber.
- If you often cook with messy hands: consider a touch or touchless model, accepting the extra electronics.
Finish choices are covered in kitchen faucet finishes compared and the full decision process in how to choose a kitchen faucet. All type guides are listed under Kitchen Faucet Types.
