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Choose the Best Faucet Handles for Your Kitchen Remodel

When remodeling your kitchen, one of the most important decisions is choosing new faucet handles. The handles you select can make a major impact on the style, functionality, and user experience of your sinks. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which faucet handles are best for your needs.

In this post, we'll explore the four main types of faucet handles--ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, and compression--and discuss the key factors to weigh when upgrading your kitchen fixtures. Read on to learn how to evaluate handle mounting, ergonomics, durability, and compatibility to find handles that perfectly suit your decor, lifestyle, and budget.

types of faucet handles

Different Types of Faucet Handles

Faucet handles come in a range of designs, each with distinct features and internal mechanisms. The handle style dictates the motion and flow control of your faucet. Here's an overview of the most common options.

Ball Faucet Handles

Ball faucets have a single handle that is attached to a rounded cap sitting directly on the faucet spout. Inside the faucet body is a plastic or metal ball that rotates as you move the handle from side to side. This ball controls the water flow by redirecting ports that open and close inside the faucet mechanism.

Ball faucet handles are common in kitchen settings because their simple washerless design allows smooth, precise flow control. The single-handle operation also allows you to easily adjust temperature with one hand. Limitations include potential leakage over time as the ball seal wears down.

Cartridge Faucet Handles

Cartridge faucets feature two handles that control the hot and cold water flow separately. Inside is a plastic or metal stem cartridge that moves up and down to regulate the flow. Unlike ball faucets, cartridges do not rotate. You can identify them by the straight up-down motion of the handles.

The two-handle design offers very precise control over hot and cold water mixing. Cartridge faucets hold up well over time but do require periodic replacement of rubber washers and cartridge seals. They work best in traditional kitchen spaces.

Ceramic Disc Faucet Handles

Ceramic disc faucets have a single handle atop a wide, cylindrical faucet body. Inside is a cylindrical cartridge containing stacked ceramic discs. As the handle turns, the discs raise and lower to control water flow while side-to-side motion adjusts temperature.

Ceramic discs last longer than rubber washers, so these faucets are very durable with a lifespan over 20 years. Their single-lever design is easy to use. But repairs require specialized expertise as the discs are built into an enclosed cartridge.

Compression Faucet Handles

One of the oldest faucet designs, compression faucets have separate hot and cold handles that operate rubber washers to control water flow. As the handles turn, they compress the washers against valve seats inside the faucet body.

Compression faucets have a classic look but require more maintenance. The rubber washers wear out over time and must be replaced every 5-10 years. While inexpensive, repairs can involve many small parts.

Key Differences Between Faucet Handle Types

With so many handle options available, it helps to directly compare the key characteristics that set each type apart:

Weighing these factors will help narrow down the handles best suited for your kitchen.

How to Choose Faucet Handles for Your Kitchen

Selecting new faucet handles involves more than just style preferences. You'll also need to evaluate your existing setup and priorities for functionality.

Consider Your Current Faucet Mounting

The way your faucet mounts to your sink or countertop affects handle compatibility:

In most cases, you'll need to match new handles to the existing mounting structure. So take note of how your current faucet attaches before shopping.

Match Handle Style to Your Kitchen Decor

Be sure to choose handles that coordinate with your kitchen's aesthetics. Considerations include:

Handles should harmonize with your overall look rather than seem arbitrarily chosen.

Prioritize Ergonomics and Ease of Use

How you interact with your faucet also matters. Assess what will best suit your needs:

Testing handles firsthand at showrooms can prevent awkward function down the road.

Evaluate Durability and Longevity

Finally, consider how heavily your faucet gets used:

Your lifestyle habits should guide decisions between easy fixes or lifetime fixtures.

Additional Key Factors to Consider

Beyond the handle type, a few other considerations can guide your selection process:

Taking the time to carefully evaluate your options will ensure you choose handles that check all the boxes for style, ergonomics, durability, and ease of use.

Upgrading your kitchen faucet handles is a visible change that can make a big difference in functionality and aesthetics. As you remodel, carefully consider the faucet mounting, handle type, design style, ergonomics, and durability factors outlined here. Comparing your needs against the key characteristics of ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, and compression faucet handles will lead you to the perfect fit.

With the right handles installed, you'll be able to enjoy a lot more. Be sure to browse our extensive selection of handles and faucets to find options that match your taste, lifestyle, and budget.