Faucets are available in many different designs, sizes, and forms. We always look for ones that complement the interior design and suit our needs.
If you’re not sure what to choose between a bar faucet and a kitchen faucet, we’re here to help.
We’re going to provide an in-depth “Bar Faucet vs Kitchen Faucet” comparison so you can choose better for yourself.
Let’s get started.
Pros of bar faucets
Compact center to fit any space
A bar prep faucet can come equipped with 4-inch centers that make them suitable for bar spaces and small sinks.
Spray attached handle
There is a spray head attachment with a pipe inside that you can pull out either towards you or right deep into the drain.
High clearance for glassware
Bar faucets have a high clearance that easily washes glassware and wine glasses. A tall j-spout will give you 8 ½ inch clearance.
Classic style
These faucets are classical fixtures and work well in mid-century homes or those with arrays of classic designs.
Voice command feature
Advanced models allow you to use voice commands to turn the wear off and on and to dispense the water amount you need. These also shut off automatically.
Helps fix a useless kitchen plan
It also helps lower traffic from the main kitchen when installed in a pantry or cupboard.
Works well as a drink center
You have a drinks bar in hand when this faucet is installed combined with a beverage fridge and glassware holder.
Filtered drinking water
A filter can be connected to the bar faucet to have filtered water every time you turn it on.
Direct hot water
You can connect a hot water machine to the tap to have hot water on demand.
Smaller size
They are usually smaller and more compact but their significance is no less than the main sink faucet.
Some people refer to bar faucets as “prep faucets” because they can be used to wash fruits and vegetables.
Cons of bar faucet
Not for every kitchen
Since this style takes up a lot of space and costs a lot of money, not every kitchen design suits it.
Pros of kitchen faucets
Projects further down into the sink
This means that the neck is lower into the sink, therefore, reducing the amount of water splashing out of the sink
Different price ranges
You’ll find attractive choices for your kitchen design, thanks to the many styles and finishes they offer. Budget and luxury types are available.
They look good with top-mount and under-mount sinks
It doesn’t matter whether you have a top or an undermount sink. This faucet will work with both.
Can purchase slimline or chunky designs
These types of faucets come in either slimline if you prefer them not to be seen as much, which are more preferred, or chunky if you wish to create a focal point.
Cons of kitchen faucets
Doesn’t work on bar sinks
A kitchen faucet is larger in size compared to a bar faucet.
Therefore, putting a kitchen faucet on a bar sink will give you too much water for the smaller sink and too much water spray.
Bar Faucet vs Kitchen Faucet: How They Differ
Key differences at a glance
| Comparing Facts | Bar Faucet | Kitchen Faucet |
| Size | Usually not higher than 13 inches | At least eight inches to over 13 inches |
| Faucets reach | 8 inches | 5.5 to 8 inches |
| Travel radius | 6 inches | 12 inches |
| Aim of water | Aim at what is normally over the drain. | Swings and directs its flow past the drain |
| Styles | Single- or two-handed style | Double or single styles |
| Sprayer | Pull-out or pull-down sprayer. | Pull-out sprayer. |
| Working space | Give enough space | Give enough space |
| Compatibility | Compatible with the same sinks | Compatible with the same sinks |
| Facilities | They can be connected to a cold water dispenser as well as a water filter | Generally, there are no such facilities |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper (available at different price ranges) |
| Space requirements | Take a lot of space | Take less space |
| Voice command | Advanced faucets have this feature | Do not have this feature |
Size
Bar faucet:
A bar faucet usually rises no higher than 13 inches away from the level of your sink. You can also find bar faucets with a nine-inch rise.
Kitchen faucet:
At least eight inches to over 13 inches is the standard height for a kitchen faucet.
This varies between brands and makes. You should match the faucet height to the sink height.
Faucet reach
Kitchen Faucet
5.5 inches is the average reach for sink faucets. However, it can go as high as 8 inches.
Bar faucet
Bar faucets have a reach of 8 inches and are usually 12 inches high
Travel radius
Bar Faucet
Bar sinks have smaller fixtures. If there is a swing arm, then the travel radius is 6 inches
Kitchen Faucet
You can expect to find a 12-inch travel radius on a regular kitchen faucet.
Where the water is aimed
Kitchen Faucet
A kitchen faucet swings and directs its flow past the drain
Bar faucet
Models of bar sinks are aimed at what is normally over the drain.
What are the similarities?
Single-handle and two-handle styles
Bar faucet
Bar faucets can be brought in either single- or two-handed style. These faucets can also come with a pull-out or pull-down sprayer.
Kitchen Faucet
These types can be found in either double or single styles and can be found with a pull-out sprayer.
Work underneath the faucet
The kitchen and bar sink faucets are tall, so there is enough space under the sink to work.
Compatible with the same sinks
The good thing about both faucets is they are compatible with the same sinks.
If you have a bar faucet installed but wish to change to a kitchen one, it will still be compatible with the sink.
When should you use a bar faucet?
A bar faucet gives you extra working space if that is important to you.
If you like fresh filtered water, they are also a good idea as they can be connected to a cold water dispenser as well as a water filter, so you always have a cold, fresh water at hand.
If you like very hot water when washing food or dishes, you can connect it to a hot water dispenser, so you have hot water right away whenever you need it.
When should you use a kitchen faucet?
Kitchen faucets are suitable to be used as the main faucet. Kitchen faucets work for areas where you do most of the washing up.
For example, if you are washing a lot of wine glasses, then the high spout is better suited.
If you have a top or under-mount sink, consider a kitchen faucet.
