When it comes to choosing the best bar sink faucet, there are a few things you need to consider. You can find standard bar sinks mostly within island counters. They are smaller, shallower, and made of stainless steel or copper.
There are two main types of bar faucets: single-hole and three-hole. Single-hole faucets are the most popular type because they are generally universally installed. Three-hole faucets are more traditional and can be used with various sink configurations.
Whereas the standard kitchen sink measures 22 to 33 inches wide, the average bar sink ranges from 9.5 to 18 inches in width. So, kitchen sink faucets installed within a bar follow suit concerning the size and are usually characterized by their compact size and design.
Our Top Picks for Best Bar Sink Faucet
Below are our top picks for the best bar sink faucet.
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Best Overall
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Runner Up
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Runner Up
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$220.39
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$85.98
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How We Made Our Best Bar Faucet Top Picks
My home inspection business tests hundreds of faucets each month. We examined numerous bar sink faucets and over10,123 customer reviews.
When selecting our top picks, we consider brand quality, durability, style, features, and pricing. When selecting our top picks, we look for bar sink faucets with at least a 4-star rating and at least 50 customer reviews. We look for at least 85% of all reviews with a 4-star or 5-star rating.
Available in Arctic Stainless, Chrome, Matte Black, and Venetian Bronze.
Delta Faucet Essa Bar Sink Faucet Brushed Nickel
The Delta Faucet Essa Bar Sink Faucet is a metallic faucet with a brushed nickel finish. That makes it strong and pretty durable. And its finish hides fingerprints and watermarks, making it easy to clean. In addition, its single-handle design makes it easy to operate and ADA-compliant.
The Delta Faucet is also designed to fit a single-hole center set configuration, making it easy to install. However, you can also install it using a three-hole deck plate. The ease of installation has also been improved by the integrated InnoFlex PEX supply lines that come with the product.
The InnoFlex PEX supply lines also reduce the leakage points, reducing water wastage. In addition, the product incorporates DIAMOND Seal Technology to reduce leaks further for the entire life of the faucet.
Also, the pull-down Delta Faucet includes a faucet spray wand that incorporates MagnaTite Docking. The powerful magnet within the faucet enables the sprayer to stay put when not in use so that it doesn’t begin to droop over time. But there’s also the stream function when you need less water, and the maximum flow rate is 1.8 GPM. And its high arc spout is capable of swiveling 360 degrees, while its hose reach spans 20 inches.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance product, the Delta faucet makes cleaning easy. It has Touch-Clean spray holes made of soft rubber that prevent mineral buildup since they can be easily wiped away.
You can use this product with an AC adapter. But if you live off-grid, 6 AA batteries with a two-year battery are included. Furthermore, the product has a lifetime limited warranty attached. And its price, which is just over $180, is still on the lower end of the average faucet cost range.
Available in Antique Champagne Bronze, Brushes Bronze, Chrome, and Matte Black.
Kraus KPF-2822SFS Oletto Single Handle Bar Sink Faucet
The Kraus Oletto Single Handle Bar Sink Faucet has a black and grey stainless-steel finish, making it strong, durable, lead-free, and highly resistant to rust. The spot-free finish is also resistant to marks and scratches, making it easy to clean and maintain. And the premium parts, including a ceramic cartridge, all help ensure there are as few leakages as possible.
In addition, it is also stylish and compatible with many contemporary designs. And with a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, this bar sink faucet is water-saving and eco-friendly, despite including a pull-down sprayer head and regular stream.
The KRAUS Oletto faucet has a single handle with comfort grip for easy operation. Its 12-inch height, the high-arc spout that swivels 360 degrees, and the handle that can operate at 90 degrees forward enhance its range of motion and clean your bar sink even in tight spaces.
Furthermore, the product utilizes a deck-mounted design that makes it easy to install and replace. It also incorporates a QuickDock mounting assembly, making it unnecessary to secure the bar sink faucet under the sink. And the included mounting hardware and pre-attached water lines make it an excellent option for DIY enthusiasts looking to avoid professional plumbers.
It is worth noting that many Kraus faucets also come with a limited lifetime warranty. And at slightly under $140, it is worth considering, especially since it falls under Amazon’s Choice category.
Available in Black, Brushed Nickel, and Chrome.
Crea Bar Sink Faucet with Pull Out Sprayer
The Crea Bar Sink Faucet with pull-out sprayer consists of brass and a brushed nickel finish, making it pretty strong, rust-resistant, durable, resistant to marks, and easy to clean. And the brass construction is also lead-free making it safe for use and more eco-friendly.
The eco-friendliness of the Crea bar sink faucet with sprayer is also enhanced by the Spanish Sedal brand ceramic disc valve, which helps to save as much as 30 percent water. Also, the product comes with three water-usage modes: spray, soft stream, and pause. You can easily switch from stream to spray by rotating the sprayer nozzle, depending on whether you want to do some heavy-duty cleaning or fill your pots and pans.
For easy installation, the Crea faucet incorporates the deck-mounted single-hole design. It also comes with a 20-inch flexible hose. So you won’t have to hassle to set it up.
Furthermore, the Crea faucet is easy to operate due to its single handle, which controls the pressure and temperature. And it’s cold-start technology ensures that the tap only produces hot water when the lever is pulled to the left to reduce energy wastage. Also, the pull-out detachable sprayer, which automatically retracts after you use it, makes cleaning the food or sink a breeze. And it can swivel 360 degrees for better maneuverability.
And to complete the package, the faucet comes with a five-year warranty. If you don’t like it for any reason, you can return it with no questions asked.
Others can’t beat the affordability of this product. You can get it at just over $85, making it well worth your money.
KOHLER 22034-VS Simplice Bar Faucet
The Kohler Simplice bar faucet is perfect for your next party. It has a universal design will match any decor, and its ergonomics and functionality are top-notch. Coordinate this faucet with a Simplice primary kitchen sink faucet for the complete look.
The faucet’s pull-down sprayer gives you one-handed water control and extended reach beyond the sink, making other kitchen tasks easier.
The 3-function spray head has stream, Boost, and Sweep Spray technologies. The ring is great for everyday cleaning, while Boost allows you to increase the flow rate by 30%. Lastly, Sweep Spray’s angled nozzles create a powerful water blade to quickly clean your dishes and sink.
These easy-to-install, flexible supply lines are perfect for anyone who wants an effortless installation experience. With the included escutcheon/deck plate, you can install this in 1 or 3 holes.
Docknetik is a secure docking system that smoothly glides and locks the spray head into place. It is located within the spout, so it’s always ready when you need it.
The Kohler Simplice bar sink faucet is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional bar faucet.
Also available in Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel, Chrome, and Grey Stainless Steel.
AguaStella AS1010MB Matte Black Bar Faucet with Single Handle
If you’re looking for a stylish bar faucet that will fit perfectly in your home, look no further than the Aguastella AS59MB Matte Black bar faucet. This elegant yet functional piece comes with a pull-out sprayer, making it easier to dispense beverages and clean up spills.
This bar faucet is designed to provide a comfortable grip, even for those who suffer from arthritis or joint pain. Its ergonomic design allows users to operate the spigot easily.
Its stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, and its matte black finish adds elegance to your space. So whether you’re looking for a classy bar sink or a simple bar sink, this is a perfect choice.
To ensure that this bar sink faucet lasts for years, it’s backed by a 2-year warranty on the spray head, a 3-year warranty on the motion hose, and a 5-year warranty on other faucet components and finishes. from the date of purchase. So whether you’re looking for a classy bar sink faucet for your kitchen or a great addition to your home bar, this is the one for you.
What to Consider When Buying a Bar Sink Faucet
Bar sink faucets come in a variety of styles to suit all manner of entertainment needs and preferences. So, you need to think carefully about what to buy and install. Below are some factors you should consider.
Faucet Cost
Even if you have a lot of money to spend accessorizing your entertainment space, that doesn’t mean you should spend it without thought. It’s always a good idea to shop for the best deal concerning the available bar and prep sink faucets.
Typically, a standard kitchen sink faucet will cost anywhere from $160 to $360 for materials and labor. However, higher-end products can cost as much as $500 to $1,000. However, bar sink faucets tend to be cheaper, ranging in price from $50 to $100. But luxurious brands may cost more than that.
Primary Faucet Function
You need to consider a faucet’s functionality if you want to get the ideal choice for your needs. What you need for food prep may not be similar to what you need for beverages. The different functionalities will determine the design.
For example, beverage faucets are used for cold water, which is why they are usually part of under-counter filtration systems. So, they need to be tall enough to accommodate long drinking glasses if the need arises. That is why many of these kinds of faucets have a gooseneck spout.
On the other hand, faucets meant for food preparation may have a detachable sprayer to handle heavy-duty cleaning tasks. So, you can maneuver it around foods with hidden dirt, such as cabbage leaves or artichokes. And others may be closer to the sink to reduce splashing.
Design Preferences
Your design preferences should also go hand-in-hand with the functionality of the bar sink faucets. So, what you want to install will affect the product you buy.
For example, if you want a lot of flexibility, you can opt for the pull-down faucet, which has a spray wand you can pull in a downward motion into the sink. Alternatively, you can opt for the pull-out faucet, which often consists of a gooseneck spout that moves straight around the sink. The single-handle arc spout bar faucet is an excellent example of the latter design.
You can also choose between a single lever handle that controls water pressure and temperature with one lever or a dual handle faucet with two levers that separate the hot and cold functions.
There is also the choice of deck-mounted and wall-mounted bar sink faucets. The first type of faucet rests on the deck of the bar sink counter, while the latter is installed on the wall. However, you cannot install wall-mounted faucets on island bars.
It is also worth noting that the design of bar sink faucets may vary depending on how their features control the water flow. First, we have the compression faucet, which requires a rubber washer to control how water flows. They tend to have two handles for temperature control. When you open one handle, its inner valve opens, and water flows. And when you close the handle, the valve closes and stops the water flow.
The ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc valve faucets are washerless since they don’t need neoprene or rubber washers to control water flow. But they differ in other ways.
Cartridge faucets are similar to compression faucets. However, they use one or two lever handles, not round valve handles. These levers are usually turned up or down to turn the water on or off, then left or right to control the temperature. Also, they make smoother turns during opening and closing, requiring less effort or pressure. And while it is usually more affected negatively by hard water, it’s fewer parts mean it requires less maintenance.
The ceramic disc faucet design consists of a wide cylindrical body on which a lever rests. The single handle controls water flow via internal ceramic discs that move up and down. However, the temperature is controlled by a side-to-side motion. And they rarely leak, but the discs will get eroded over time.
The washerless ball design consists of one handle and a ball at the bottom of the faucet spout. The movement of the handle determines water flow and temperature. Unfortunately, while it is readily available and affordable, it is quite leaky.
You can also pick a center set faucet whose handles and the main spout appear as one unit installed from one base plate. But you can also choose a widespread faucet whose handles and faucet arms are all unconnected and appear as three separate pieces.
Bar Space Theme
What kind of space your bar sink is located in is worth considering too
Your bar space theme will determine the type of bar sink faucet you can put in. The best faucet complements the interior design features within your space.
For example, if you opted for a contemporary style in the kitchen and installed a bar sink, stainless steel or matte black faucet would work well in that space. However, plastic faucets may not be as compatible, and brass or bronze may add more of a vintage feel.
Durability, Warranty, and Customer Service
Higher quality products tend to withstand wear and tear pretty well. As a result, the brand manufacturers are more willing to stand behind their products for longer. So, it helps to look into the warranty and customer service on offer. The longer and more comprehensive it is, the more likely the product will be high quality and durable. And that is great for you.
Eco-Friendliness
Water is a precious resource. So, you should consider the amount of water that flows through your faucet and the features that make them less likely to leak. Also, it would be best to prioritize the taps with moderate to low water flow rates for regular streams.
Generally, most taps have average water flow rates ranging from 1.0 to 2.2 pm (gallons per minute). So, the lower the maximum rate, the more eco-friendlier your faucet will likely be. A maximum flow rate of 1.5 GPM is often considered the cut-off point.
Ease of Maintenance
Wall-mounted faucets tend to be easier to clean than deck-mounted versions. However, other factors also come into play. For example, hard water tends to be hard on many materials, causing a higher rate of corrosion and deposit buildup.
So, you need to factor in the cost of repairs and replacement. In addition, you should think about how different materials resist scratches and marks. Also, you should factor in how various finishes last.
Materials
The materials used to construct bar sink faucets will affect their overall appearance, hygiene standards, durability, cost, and ease of maintenance. For example, the stronger the material, the higher quality it is likely to be and the more resistant it will be to wear and tear and rust. And that, in turn, affects its durability.
Stainless steel, copper, brass, and bronze are some of the more popular construction materials, with a price to match. But you can also get cheaper versions of plastic and zinc alloy, which are not as strong.
There are also different finishes, such as brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black. They all have their own pros and cons. For example, chrome finishes are cheaper and shinier but don’t last long. On the other hand, brushed nickel is muted but lasts longer. And matte black is easy to clean and great for introducing accents into a space.
Bar Faucet FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
How Tall Should a Wet Bar Faucet Be?
Due to the smaller and shallower nature of bar sinks, their bar prep faucets tend to be shorter. Many range from 8 to 13 inches to avoid excessive splashing when the water is turned on as you prep food or pour cold water into glasses. And their reach ranges from six to eight inches for similar reasons.
Where to Install a Bar Sink Faucet?
You can install a bar sink faucet on a deck plate on the bar countertop or the wall directly above the bar sink. It depends on whether you prefer the deck-mounted or wall-mounted faucet.
What is the Difference Between a Kitchen and Bar Sink Faucet?
Generally, bar sink faucets are smaller than kitchen sink faucets. And even if they have a similar height, they tend to have a shorter reach so the spout can stay well within the bar sink and prevent splashing.
What is the Difference Between a Beverage Faucet and Bar Faucet?
Beverage faucets tend to have one cold or hotline. The former is usually used within filtration systems. However, those meant for soups, tea, or coffee, will have one hotline that produces boiling water. On the other hand, a regular bar faucet is a smaller version of a standard kitchen sink faucet with both hot and cold lines.
What is the Price Range for Bar Faucets?
A stylish, high-quality bar faucet with a sprayer can cost $50 to $250 or more. At less than $200, the Delta Essa faucet has a lifetime warranty and costs less than the comparable Kohler Simplice, which also has a lifetime warranty. Our budget option, the Crea bar faucet with sprayer, costs less than $75 with a 5-year warranty.
Why Trust Home Inspection Insider
Home Inspection Insider has a team of experts who provide top-notch reviews and advice on anything related to your home, including kitchen or bathroom fixtures. Hubert Miles is a Certified Master Inspector with over 20 years of experience testing home-related products.
Conclusion
If price is your only consideration, choose the Crea faucet for your bar sink. But if you want the right faucet that addresses your needs and is still budget-friendly, the Kraus Oletta faucet gives you the best of both worlds. However, if money is not an issue and you want a stylish, highly functional, and eco-friendly faucet, the Delta Faucet with brushed nickel finish is our top choice.
