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.
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:
- Single-handle vs. two-handle: Single-handle faucets allow easier temperature adjustment with one hand. Two-handle faucets give you more precise control over hot and cold water flow.
- Washerless vs. compression washers: Washerless faucets like ball and ceramic disc have fewer parts and need less maintenance. Compression faucets require occasional washer replacement.
- Durability: Ceramic discs last the longest, followed by ball and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets have the shortest lifespan.
- Ease of use: Single-lever handles offer smooth flow control. Two handles provide more precise hot/cold adjustment.
- Style: Single-handle faucets have a more contemporary look. Two-handle compression or cartridge faucets suit traditional decor.
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:
- Deck-mounted faucets install through holes in the countertop with handles positioned on the sink deck.
- Wall-mounted faucets attach directly to the wall behind the sink.
- Sink-mounted faucets drop down over the sink's rear edge or ledge.
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:
- Traditional style faucets with two handles suit rustic or farmhouse kitchens.
- Sleek single-lever handles pair well with modern and contemporary designs.
- Metal finishes like chrome, bronze, or brushed nickel should complement your other fixtures.
- Colored handles can make a fun accent against neutral cabinetry.
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:
- Do you need to grip hot cookware at the sink? If so, choose a longer extended lever handle.
- Will you routinely need to fill large pots or vessels? Go for a high-arching swivel spout and easy-control handles.
- Are small children or elderly family members using the sink? Pick low-effort handles that are easy to turn on and off.
Testing handles firsthand at showrooms can prevent awkward function down the road.
Evaluate Durability and Longevity
Finally, consider how heavily your faucet gets used:
- In busy kitchens, opt for ceramic disc or ball faucets to withstand frequent use.
- For occasional use, compression handles offer a budget-friendly option.
- Larger households require more durable options than single occupants.
- Prioritize easy repairs if you'd rather maintain vs. replace faucets over time.
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:
- Brand reputation: Stick with faucet brands known for quality and performance.
- Warranty coverage: Many companies offer at least 10 years of warranty protection.
- Special features: Look for touchless activation or smart controls if desired.
- Professional installation: More complex faucet systems may require hiring a plumber.
- Budget: Prices range from $50 basic compression faucets to $500+ for high-end options.
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.