I like the high-arc kitchen faucets that I often see in commercials – they seem professional and sleek. But I have been using low-arc faucets my whole life, and I don’t know if their convenience can be matched.
That is why I decided to do a high-arc vs. low-arc kitchen faucets comparison.
From the thorough comparison, it is evident that high-arc faucets are more suitable for commercial uses, and they are great for bigger sinks and pans. Whereas low-arc faucets are great for home use and are more suited for work that does not require high spray reach.
Of course, one would be more convenient for you than the other. And in this article, you are going to find out which one is that going to be.
High-arc Vs. Low-arc Kitchen Faucets – Comparison
Choosing between a high-arc and a low-arc kitchen faucet is always confusing.
That is why the best method is to compare the two in terms of different factors – and that is exactly what we will be doing here.
Material
The material of both high-arc and low-arc faucets is often ignored. However, it is an important distinction that you shouldn’t overlook if you want to get the perfect faucet for yourself.
Low-arc ones are usually made of copper or brass, which are more cost-friendly and rust-resistant.
On the other hand, high-arc kitchen faucets are usually made of stainless steel or brass.
Design
What sets both the high-arc and low-arc faucets apart from each other is their designs.
A low-arc faucet has a rise at a 45-degree angle, and it is also 8 inches from the deck. Therefore, it is not suitable for washing pots and pans.
A high-arc faucet contains more height, which allows it to be more flexible than a kitchen faucet. If you need to fill stockpots or use the faucet for similar purposes, then you will surely prefer the high-arc one more.
Temperature Control
You will be able to control the temperature with both high-arc and low-arc faucets, but the mechanism is different. For the former, you will find thermostatic mixing and temperature control valves.
And for the latter, you will see that short spouts sit near the faucet, which will allow you to control the temperature with precision.
Reach of Spray
Since the low-arc kitchen faucets are closer to the sink, they offer shorter spray reach. As a result, you will see that the faucet is spraying less water on the surface of the sink.
On the other hand, high-arc faucets are definitely long enough to have more reach on the sink. You will also get more spray of water as a result – making your work easier for you.
Size of Pans
If you are looking to fill smaller pans and need a faucet for your home, then going for the low-arc ones might be more convenient for you. They also tend to be rather practical, so you will be able to handle them more easily.
However, as a chef or for commercial purposes, you will need to fill up larger pots and pans. In those cases, you might want to go for high-arc faucets.
Sink Size
Not all sinks contain the same size or shape. Some tend to have more depth than others; some tend to have more curvature than others.
Now, the arc type that you choose will determine a lot of things – such as splashing, compatibility, etc.
The high-arc, alternatively called the gooseneck faucet, would be more suitable for bigger sinks. However, the low-arc faucets will do better with smaller kitchen sinks.
Finishing Differences
Both low-arc and high-arc kitchen faucets can contain the same finishing touches. But high-arc faucets are more likely to have a stainless steel finish, which is very durable.
Chrome finish is more popular among low-arc faucets, although they may not always complement your kitchen interior.
Cost Differences
Now, you can find both high-arc and low-arc faucets at a wide range of prices. But surprisingly, high-arc faucets tend to be cheaper than low-arc faucets. For instance, the starting price of high-arc faucets is $50.
Whereas the starting price of low-arc faucets is around $100. Although that isn’t a good enough reason to choose one over the other; so you can simply choose low-arc faucets that are reasonably priced.
Things to Consider When Getting Kitchen Faucets
Other than the style of the arc, there are a few other aspects you should consider when getting a kitchen faucet. In this section, I will explain those aspects briefly for your convenience.
Spout Style
When looking for kitchen faucets, choosing the right spout style is important.
There are a few to choose from – tall, raised U-shape, etc. Surely, each of the designs comes with its share of benefits, and they are related to the arc style as well.
Handle Style
Another aspect that you should never overlook is the handle style. You will mostly have to choose between the single or double handle.
With the latter, you can control the temperature more precisely.
If the Faucet Swivels
It would be very advantageous if the faucet could rotate and reach more spaces.
Many kitchens contain more than one sink, so if your chosen faucet swivels, then you won’t have to buy more than one.
Brand
The brand of faucet you are getting also makes a difference. Many brands offer warranties, discounts, and more security than others.
Hence, do some research on which brand you will be going for before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does high-arc mean on kitchen faucet?
The arc on a kitchen faucet basically stands for the neck of the faucet itself. If a faucet is high-arc, it means that it contains a neck that is 8 inches or taller, and it also refers to the degree of curvature of the neck.
2. What is a low-arc faucet?
A low-arc faucet is one that contains a neck between 5-8 inches tall, and the curvature of the neck is about 45 degrees. Low-arc faucets are primarily popular for smaller sinks as well as for filling and washing small-sized pots and pans.
3. What is the difference between faucet height and spout height?
The faucet height is measured from the base of the faucet to the highest point of it. On the other hand, the spout height is measured from the base of the faucet to the point from which the water leaves it.
4. Is high-arc faucets better?
That depends on why you will be needing the faucet. If you need it for commercial uses, then surely high-arc faucets are better. They are also cheaper so many people might prefer them more.
Final Words
After comparing the high-arc vs. low-arc kitchen faucets, which one are you going for? The key to deciding here is to determine which one would be more convenient for you.
Some would prefer one over the other for different reasons – so think about your own preferences solely.
