Two handles or one lever, oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel…. There's one thing that bar faucets have in common that distinguishes them from all others: that elegant, arched, swanlike neck. Even more modern, segmented faucets echo the traditional style seen in these faucets since their creation.

Compared with their more commonplace counterpart, the kitchen faucet, bar faucets are smaller simply so that they are easier to work with at the bar or prep sinks they are usually paired with. It could be especially useful to have a bar faucet with a corresponding sink next to the stove, and could even tie in with a pot filler.

Mounts

Bar faucets can utilize anywhere from one to four holes depending on the design, and are often matched in style to the kitchen faucet. The following are the types of faucets offered most commonly on the market today:

• Single Handle: When you're juggling things at the sink, this is one of the best faucets to have on hand! The single handle makes it easy to adjust the temperature while you hold on to a piece of fruit or a heavy pan. They are usually ADA compliant.
• Two Handle: Traditional style and total control make the two handle faucet option a popular one.
• Side-Mount Sprayer: These faucets feature a separate retractable head mounted to the side. They will always require one extra hole for installation.

Another important detail to note is spout reach. Water should be able to go directly from the spout into the center of the sink; a faucet too small for your needs could spell disaster, and a large faucet might be a bit messy... not to mention get in the way.

Valves

Four different valve types used in the construction of faucets today. While they won't make much of a difference in your day-to-day use, some are easier to repair than others.

• Ball: These were the first type of washerless faucets. These valves use a slotted, rotating metal or plastic ball for flow regulation and have the unfortunate tendency to leak more than other faucet types. They are durable and reliable, but can be used with single-handle faucets only.
• Cartridge: Easy to repair, the cartridge valve uses rubber o-rings inside a cylindrical cartridge to control water flow. They are as long-wearing as the ball valve, but can be used in single or two-handle faucets.
• Ceramic Disk: While the most expensive option by far, this method uses two fire-hardened ceramic disks - the upper moves and the lower is fixed - that move against one another to sheer the flow of water. within a cylindrical body. To offset the cost, they are maintenance-free and come with excellent warranties. They can also be used with single and two-handle faucets. These are very responsive and work well for people with arthritis.
• Compression: These feature rubber (or similar) washers to stop the flow of water, but they eventually wear out and can start to drip over time. On the flip side, washers are really cheap to replace! Some newer types actually lift the washer vertically instead of grinding it against the valve seat, so it will generally last longer.

Finishes

The sheer variety of finishes available makes it very easy to find something to coordinate with your current décor. Brass, the rust-resistant alloy, is the material most commonly used to create faucets in modern times, but that's just the basic material. Here are a few of the more popular options available:

• Brass: While it may scratch, tarnish or corrode, a clear-coat will go a long way to keeping your brass fixtures looking beautiful and easy to clean. Also offered in polished and antique sub-finishes. Believe it or not, these faucets are coated with nickel plating before another layer of brass is then applied.
• Chrome: Brushed, matte or polished, chrome is both durable and economical, as well as being gorgeous and highly versatile. Unlike brass, chrome does not need a clear coat protection to be easily maintained.
• Gold: Leaning towards the expensive side, gold will not tarnish, but being a softer material it is not as durable as some of the cheaper alternatives.
• Nickel: This easy-to-clean finish is not only durable but stylish, offered most often in satin and brushed styles.
• Stainless Steel: As the name implies, one of the largest draws for stainless steel is its ability to keep water spots from sticking around. On the other hand, they do tend to need special cleaning due to repeated smudging by hands. One of the more moderately priced options.