Types of kitchen and bathroom sink faucets: which one should you buy?

Choosing the right types of kitchen or basin faucets depends mainly on the installation type (deck-mounted or wall-mounted) and operating mechanism (single-handle, dual-handle, thermostatic or electronic). 

Knowing your bathroom and kitchen faucets inside and out lets you optimize the working space around the sink or basin, cut water consumption by up to 50% with water-saving systems, and ensure compatibility with your water pressure and plumbing connections.

Key factors to consider before buying a faucet

Choosing the right faucet model is not just an aesthetic decision; it is also part of the technical planning required for larger projects, such as renovating a bathroom, where the layout of the water connections determines the placement of the fixtures and shower screen.

• Daily use and needs: the freedom of movement varies considerably between kitchen faucets designed for filling large pots and basin faucets intended for personal hygiene.
• Mounting and installation system: check whether the water connection requires deck mounting or a wall-mounted installation.
• Available pressure and flow rate: check that your home's water pressure is suitable for installing thermostatic systems or single-handle faucets with a built-in aerator.
• Water efficiency and savings: choosing mechanisms with cold-start functionality or flow restrictors can reduce water and energy consumption by up to 50%.

What types of faucets are available on the market, and how are they classified?

The main types of faucets are classified by their operating mechanism (single-handle, dual-handle, thermostatic and electronic) and by their installation location (deck-mounted or wall-mounted). 

Understanding which type of faucet is best suited to each space is essential for improving water flow, ensuring ceramic cartridges last as long as possible and guaranteeing compatibility with existing plumbing connections.

Classification by opening mechanism: single-handle, dual-handle and thermostatic

The type of mechanism determines how easily you can adjust the temperature and the amount of water flowing from the spout:

• Single-handle faucets: feature a single lever for adjusting water pressure and temperature quickly and easily.
• Two-handle faucets: feature two separate handles (one for cold water and one for hot), making them ideal for classic or rustic settings.
• Thermostatic faucets: feature two controls for separately adjusting the exact temperature and the flow rate while maintaining a constant flow.
• Timed or electronic faucets: activated by a push button or infrared sensor, minimizing water waste during everyday use.

Classification by installation type: deck-mounted or wall-mounted

The exact location of your water supply lines is what matters. It determines how easy it will be to fit the vanity and ensure the finished result looks good, with no pipes in sight:

• Deck-mounted faucets: this is the most common option, with the faucet body mounted directly on the countertop or through the fixture’s mounting hole.
• Wall-mounted faucets: the connecting pipes and internal body are concealed behind the wall tiles, leaving only the spout and handle visible.

Guide to kitchen faucet types: functionality and convenience at the sink

The main types of kitchen faucets are high-spout, pull-out, fold-down, and faucets with a separate outlet for filtered or osmosis water. 

Choosing the right faucet for the sink area depends on the sink size, the height of the pots you use every day, and the presence of obstacles such as fold-down windows above the countertop.

High-spout, pull-out faucets with an extendable hose

The height and mobility of the spout determine the range of movement when handling large kitchenware:

• High-spout faucets: provide ample clearance above the bottom of the sink, making them ideal for filling large pots and pitchers without hitting the faucet structure.
• Pull-out faucets with a shower hose: feature an extendable hose that lets you direct the water stream outside the basin to clean the edges of the countertop.
• Low- or medium-spout faucets: recommended for small or shallow sinks, reducing splashes in tight spaces.

Fold-down window faucets and models with osmosis technology

If your pipes are in awkward places or you want to hide a water filter under the sink, there are accessories designed to make life easier without having to do any construction:

• Fold-down or folding faucets: their neck folds forward to allow windows directly above the sink to open.
• Two- or three-way faucets for reverse osmosis: they have a separate channel for dispensing filtered water, so there's no need to drill the countertop to install a second spout.

Main types of bathroom sink faucets

The main types of bathroom sink faucets include low- or mid-spout models for inset sinks, high-spout models for vessel sinks, and wall-mounted faucets. 

Unlike kitchen faucets, when choosing a bathroom model, you need to match the water flow height to the basin depth. This prevents splashing outside the sink and saves water with every use.

Low-, mid- and high-spout faucets for vessel sinks

The spout height relative to the sink is essential for comfortable handwashing and to prevent water from splashing outside the vanity:

• Low-spout faucets: designed for sinks integrated into the countertop or shallow basins.
• Mid-spout faucets: they offer greater clearance for semi-recessed sinks, making handwashing easier without taking up too much visual space.
• High-spout faucets: the essential technical solution for vessel sinks mounted separately on the countertop.

Recessed wall-mounted faucets and electronic solutions with presence sensors

Advanced bathroom installations help clear the wash area and maximize hygiene:

• Wall-mounted faucets: they completely free up the countertop by extending directly from the tiled wall, making the vanity easier to clean.
• Automatic electronic faucets: they feature infrared presence sensors that turn on the water only when you place your hands nearby.

Find the ideal faucet type in Brikum's specialist catalog

In our online store, you'll find the best types of kitchen and bathroom faucets, along with the plumbing tools and accessories you need for a flawless installation. 

Whether you're looking to upgrade your kitchen sink area with the latest types of kitchen faucets or need to update your bathroom by choosing from various types of basin faucets, working with a specialist supplier of professional power tools and hardware ensures highly durable components, precision ceramic cartridges, and expert technical advice to help you make the right purchase.

A variety of faucet models with water-saving and water-efficiency systems

Our selection brings together modern designs tailored to today's water-efficiency and comfort requirements:

• Cold-start systems: prevent the boiler from switching on automatically when you open the handle in the central position, reducing energy use.
• Aerators and flow restrictors: built into every type of faucet to mix air with water and maintain a full stream while reducing consumption by up to 50%.
• Highly durable finishes: chrome, matte black, or brushed nickel faucets with anti-corrosion treatments that make cleaning easier and prevent limescale marks.

Hardware tools and accessories for a quick, safe installation

Buying your new faucet together with the exact parts you'll need is the trick to making the replacement easy to do yourself, whether it's on the sink or the wall:

• Pipe wrenches and plumber's pliers: tools you can pair with an power tool kit to speed up tightening the mounting nuts in tight spaces under the sink.
• Flexible connection hoses: stainless steel hoses with reinforced braiding to connect water supplies with a completely watertight seal.
• Teflon tape and thread sealants: essential accessories for ensuring watertight joints and preventing leaks at fittings.

Frequently asked questions about the different types of faucets

Clearing up any questions before choosing between the different types of faucets ensures compatibility with your plumbing connections, maximizes water savings, and prevents installation problems on the countertop or leaks.

Which type of faucet is most durable and easiest to repair at home?

Single-handle models with a ceramic cartridge are the most durable and easiest to repair, as their internal discs resist wear and limescale. 

Unlike traditional washer faucets, they reduce drips and let you replace the cartridge by removing only the handle trim. 

Their key advantages are:

• Wear resistance: ceramic discs maintain a watertight seal without deforming through continuous use.
• Easy maintenance: replacing the cartridge requires DIY power tools and standard hardware store replacement parts, without any renovation work.
• Smooth control of the mix: adjust the temperature and flow smoothly and precisely.

How can I tell if a wall-mounted faucet is compatible with my plumbing?

To confirm that a concealed faucet is compatible, measure the distance between the water connections (usually 15 cm) and check the wall thickness for wall-mounted basin or kitchen faucet types. 

Measurements to check:

• Distance between the water connections: check that the spacing matches the faucet's mounting plate.
• Depth of the wall recess: make sure there's enough space in the wall to house the inner body.
• Length of the spout: make sure the stream falls in the center of the basin or sink to prevent splashing.

What's the difference between a faucet with an aerator and a conventional one when it comes to saving water?

The aerator mixes the water flow with air, maintaining perceived pressure while reducing consumption by up to 50%, unlike conventional faucets, which use more liters and cause splashing. 

That's why modern kitchen and bathroom faucets come with one as standard, offering these benefits:

• Direct reduction in water consumption: reduces the flow rate from 12 to between 6 and 8 liters per minute. If you're looking to save water in the garden too, you can install homemade drip irrigation systems for your plants.
• Gentle, splash-free spray: the microbubbles soften the water flow to prevent splashing while washing.
• Easy limescale cleaning: the silicone nozzles let you remove limescale buildup by rubbing them with your finger.

Conclusion: choose according to your household’s needs

Knowing how each type of faucet works is key to making the right purchase. This ensures comfortable use, enhances the room’s appearance, and keeps your water bill in check. 

Whether you opt for the versatility of pull-out kitchen faucets for the sink or choose a high-spout or wall-mounted option from the range of basin faucets, the key to selecting the right faucet is to assess the available space, daily use, and compatibility with the plumbing connections.

Investing in quality faucets ensures precise operation, prevents unwanted leaks, and completely transforms your home’s functionality.

Final criteria for choosing your faucet based on style, space, and use

To make choosing your new faucet easier before installation, keep these key points in mind:

• Clearance and dimensions: measure the distance between the countertop and upper cabinets or shelves to avoid obstacles when operating the handle or moving the spout.
• Ergonomics and daily habits: prioritize pull-out or high-spout models if you handle large containers in the kitchen or countertop sinks in the bathroom.
• Maintenance and replacement parts: choose faucets with standardized ceramic cartridges to make future repairs easier if they wear down due to limescale.
• Water efficiency: always look for models fitted with aerators or cold-start handles to optimize water and energy consumption.

Buy your faucet with a full guarantee and expert advice at Brikum

If you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom faucets with the peace of mind of choosing leading brands at competitive prices, you’ll find everything you need at Brikum. 

In our online store, you’ll find everything you need to renovate your bathroom or kitchen without the headache. From the faucets themselves to the hoses and the exact plumbing parts you need to make installation a breeze and get a great result on the first try.