Faucets come in a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes to suit different purposes. You want to get the right one for your needs and one that will blend well with the design or theme of your space.
This article focuses on the difference between two common faucets — the regular kitchen faucet and the bar faucet.
The key feature that differentiates a bar faucet from a regular faucet is its size. Bar sink faucets are usually small because they’re installed in secondary sinks. Consider matching the bar prep faucet’s style and design with that of the main faucet.
While the main sinks are often larger, they are sometimes small. If that is the case in your kitchen, you can use a bar prep faucet as your main faucet. Read on to learn more about bar faucets vs. kitchen faucets.
Why Do You Need a Bar Prep Faucet?
Before we take a detailed look at bar prep faucets vs. kitchen faucets, let’s explore some of the benefits of installing a bar faucet:
- Additional sink space: Because of its small size, a bar faucet gives you extra working space. One of the best bar faucet installation ideas is to install it in your kitchen island, which provides you with an excellent place to wash and prepare your vegetables away from the unwashed dishes in your main sink. A second sink also allows another person to help you more easily in the kitchen.
- Instant hot water: You can install a bar sink and faucet and connect it to a hot water dispenser. That means you’ll have convenient access to hot water, so you don’t always have to heat the water whenever you need it.
- Filtered drinking water: You can connect a bar sink faucet to a cold water dispenser and water filtration system, giving you convenient access to cold, fresh drinking water. You might be tempted to connect your main kitchen sink to a water filter, but this will often reduce the water flow, which can be frustrating. Bar prep faucets are excellent for installing cold water dispensers because they deliver a small, steady water stream.
Bar Vs. Kitchen Faucet
The key similarity between bar faucets and kitchen faucets is that both allow you to work beneath the spout. But a kitchen sink faucet boasts a larger sink area. Kitchen faucets are considered “wide set” faucets because they feature a wide valve layout.
While a bar sink faucet is usually high like a kitchen faucet, it usually does not project as far thanks to the smaller sink bowl below it. This faucet type also features a narrower valve than the main faucet.
Bar prep faucets often have four-inch installation requirements. That means the cold and hot water valves are four inches apart. You should ensure the sink’s holes have the same spacing. Valves for the same model’s main faucet are usually eight inches apart.
Manufacturers understand that most homeowners prefer bar faucets that match the main kitchen sink’s design and style. Whether your kitchen is contemporary, traditional, or any other style, you can find a bar prep faucet that complements it.
Like main kitchen sink faucets, bar faucets come in single-handle and two-handle styles. You can also find bar faucets with a pull-down or pull-out spray spout. These bar faucets have a spray head connected to a hose inside the faucet’s spout.
To use a pull-down or pull-out spray bar sink faucet, you either pull the spout down into the sink or out toward you. Then, you can direct it anywhere you want to spray the water. Spray spouts usually feature fingertip controls, allowing you to regulate the water flow.
Final Thoughts
While bar sink faucets are generally smaller than the main kitchen faucets, they have several benefits. Bar faucets provide extra sink space and allow you to connect a hot water dispenser for instant hot water.
If you’re looking for more information about various types of faucets, be sure to check our comprehensive blogs and guides. We aim to provide you with valuable information to help you make informed decisions about faucets and other related accessories.