Once you open the door to the world of kitchen faucets, you’ll be flooded with hundreds of styles, designs, finishes, brands, and price points. With seemingly limitless options, choosing the perfect kitchen faucet can be overwhelming. So, perhaps you decide to start browsing through different categories and come across the realm of high-arc faucets.
Before you commit to one, you decide to do some extra research. After all, you don’t want to be saddled with a faucet you hate. So, are high-arc faucets any good?
Let’s find out.
In This Article:
What Is A High Arc Faucet?
As the name implies, a high-arc faucet features a tall, arched profile. These taps mimic the appearance of those often found in commercial settings, as the high arch provides plenty of space for washing larger dishes. They’re easy to use and don’t get in the way, making them a go-to choice for commercial kitchens.
However, they’re becoming more common in residential settings, especially in modern-designed kitchens. High arc faucets designed for residential use may have technological features, such as a touchless or voice control feature.
On average, these taps are approximately 10 inches in height, although this may fluctuate from one model to the next. Any fixtures around or above this height are considered high-arc faucets.
Pros Of High Arc Faucets
- Beautiful, modern design: These faucets feature a stunning design that flows beautifully with modern and contemporary kitchen layouts. The high arc creates an elegant appearance that stands out in the space, adding an attractive element to the area.
- Widely available: High arc faucets are widely available – you can find them in various styles, designs, colors, finishes, brands, and price points, so there’s something to meet every budget and aesthetic preference.
- Plenty of space for larger dishes: The high profile of these faucets provides ample clearance for washing larger dishes. When paired with a deep kitchen sink, you have the perfect combination for effortlessly washing that clunky, oversized roasting pan.
- Versatile: Although these faucets complement modern aesthetics, they work well with almost any design theme. So, even if you prefer traditional appearances, you can still find models that incorporate a high arc spout.
Cons Of High Arc Faucets
- Not ideal for small kitchens: A high-arc faucet probably isn’t the best choice if you have a small kitchen or bathroom. Although these faucets don’t consume much horizontal space, they require quite a bit of vertical space, so they might not work in a small space.
- May interfere with cabinets and shelves: If you have cabinets or shelves directly above your kitchen sink, a high-arc faucet might not work. The high-profile design may bump against low cabinets and shelves, potentially interfering with their function.
- May splash: Given the distance water needs to travel from the spout to the bottom of the sink, splashing can be an issue with these faucets. If you have a deep kitchen sink, splashing isn’t as much of a problem, as the water shouldn’t splash out of the sink. However, if you have a shallow kitchen sink, water could splash out of the sink and end up on surrounding surfaces.
What To Consider When Buying A High Arc Faucet
Before you commit to a high-arc faucet, there are a few vital things you’ll need to consider. Here’s what you should note before purchasing the faucet you have your eye on:
Faucet Spout Reach
A faucet’s spout reach is essential to consider before you purchase the model. This is especially important if you’re buying a swiveling high-arc faucet, as it needs to reach far enough to direct the water spray into the sink.
A faucet’s spout reach is essentially how far the spout extends from the center of its base. This piece of information will tell you whether the water will fall into the sink or miss it entirely. If the spout reach is too shallow, filling large pots sitting in the sink might be tricky. Washing your hands or rinsing fresh produce could result in a mess, as the water could splash on the back of the sink deck.
Generally speaking, it’s best to have the spout reach about the middle of the sink bowl. If it has to be closer to the front or back of the sink, it’s best to have it closer to the front. This way, you can avoid messy and awkward pot filling, hand washing, and produce rinsing.
Surrounding Cabinets And Shelves
If cabinets and shelves surround your kitchen sink, be sure to note the distance between the bottom of the cabinet or shelf and the sink. Tall faucets may interfere with the opening and closing of cabinet doors or bump into the bottom of low-set shelves, so measuring this space before buying a faucet is essential.
Ensure there’s plenty of clearance for the faucet to function without bumping into nearby surfaces.
Pre-Drilled Holes
Many kitchen sinks come with pre-drilled holes to make the faucet installation easier. So, if you’re planning on purchasing a high-arc faucet, be sure to note the number of holes in your kitchen sink deck.
High-arc faucets often come with a single-hole design, so multiple drilled holes are unnecessary. Since you probably don’t want random exposed holes in your sink, check to see if the faucet brand offers escutcheon covers. Sometimes, they provide escutcheons that match the faucet so you can cover extra holes in the sink deck.
Popular High Arc Kitchen Faucets
If you’re sold on a high-arc faucet for your kitchen, your next step is to pick the perfect model. To simplify your search, we collected a few of the best, most highly-rated high-arc faucets on the market. Here are a few of the best high-arc kitchen faucets:
- Moen 7185ESRS Brantford High Arc Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
- Kohler K-10430-CP Forte Kitchen Sink Faucet
- Hansgrohe Talis S Kitchen Faucet 14877801
- Delta 9178T-SP-DST Leland Touch20 High Arc Kitchen Faucet
Are They Worth It?
So, are high-arc faucets worth the hype? For some folks, these faucets might be well deserving of their spotlight, but for others, they might seem overhyped. For example, if you appreciate a low-key, traditional-styled kitchen or bathroom, there might be better options than a high-arc faucet. They tend to draw the eye and have an impressive profile, so they might not match your preferences.
On the other hand, if you appreciate bold, modern appearances in a kitchen or bathroom, a low-arc faucet might not cut it. So, you might decide to go with a beautiful, high-arc kitchen faucet to create the vibe and aesthetic you’re going for.
Ultimately, you’re the only one that can answer this question. Aesthetic preferences vary from person to person, so while these faucets might work perfectly for some folks, they might clash with someone else’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Tall Faucets Splash More?
Generally, high-arc faucets splash more than their low-arc counterpart. This is primarily due to the distance the water travels before hitting the bottom of the sink, so splashing is usually more of an issue with high-arc faucets.
However, if you have a deep kitchen sink, you might not notice issues with splashing, as the water is unlikely to splash out of the sink. With shallow sinks and high-arc faucets, this is more of a problem.
Do High-Arc Faucets Drip?
There are a few complaints with specific high-arc faucet models regarding dripping. However, this issue isn’t widespread across every high-arc faucet model, so not all high-arc faucets drip. That said, if there is residual water inside the spout and past the arc when you turn it off, it will slowly drip out of the faucet due to gravity.
Other than that, a persistent drip or leak from your faucet is usually the result of mineral buildup in the spout, a faulty cartridge, or a poorly seated handle that isn’t closing all the way.
How Much Do High Arc Kitchen Faucets Cost?
On average, high-arc kitchen faucets cost between $100 and $500+. Specific pricing depends on the model, brand, and finish, but most faucets fall within this range. High-quality kitchen faucets with sturdy construction and durable components usually err on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
These products can be pricier than other styles, so if you like the look of a high-arc faucet, you might end up paying more.
What Is The Difference Between A High-Arc And Low-Arc Faucet?
The primary difference between high-arc and low-arc faucets is the height of the faucet. Low-arc faucets are no taller than 8 inches off the sink deck and usually extend from the faucet at a 45-degree angle. High-arc faucets are taller than 8 inches and usually extend at a 90-degree angle (or straight up).
Low-arc configurations are usually best suited to smaller, more compact spaces, as they don’t consume very much vertical space. High-arc faucets work best in larger areas, as they require quite a bit of vertical space and can look out of place in cramped settings.
