When designing or updating your kitchen, you might not pay as much attention to your faucet in favor of the more showy appliances, like your refrigerator or stovetop, but don’t take it so lightly. Take a minute to consider everything you use the kitchen faucet for in a single day, and it’s easy to see how important it is to have one that functions well and looks good. Rinsing fresh produce and cleaning up after your meal are just a few everyday uses for your kitchen faucet.
Kitchen faucets don’t need to be replaced often, so you’ll want to purchase one you love. That said, consider your current sink configuration, the type of faucet you want, and your style preference. To help make things easier for you, we’ve researched the best kitchen faucets on the market. Read on to learn about all our top picks.
Best Overall
Delta Faucet Leland Single-Handle Touch Kitchen Sink Faucet
Pros: This faucet has a long-lasting, leak-free construction with many beneficial features.
Cons: It can sometimes be tricky to find the preferred temperature setting.
Sitting at the top of our favorites, we have the Delta Faucet Leland Touch. Made with durable brass and patented technology that reduces leaks, this kitchen faucet has valuable features that help it stand out from others on the market. We like that it has a pull-down sprayer since that increases the usability of a faucet. But more than that, this sprayer has an extra capability: You can keep the water as a concentrated stream, change it to a spray, or activate the ShieldSpray technology, which makes a powerful “shield” of water to get rid of stubborn food debris without splattering all over the place. Anything that cleans up a mess without making a mess is a win.
It’s normal for faucets to get some kind of calcium or lime buildup over time, but this kitchen faucet’s design allows you to wipe it away with your finger thanks to its touch-clean spray holes. And speaking of touch: This faucet can be turned on and off with a simple touch anywhere on the spout, so if your hands are messy from cooking, you can conveniently use your wrist, back of your hand, or forearm to get the water going. That’s a thoughtful addition that cooks of any skill level will love.
Price at time of publish: $335
- Height: 15.38 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Stainless steel, bronze, and chrome
Best Value
Wewe Single-Handle High-Arc Pull-Out Faucet
Pros: It’s inexpensive and has three sprayer settings to help you with every task.
Cons: It might not feel as sturdy as other models.
One of the best things about this kitchen faucet is its affordable price, but that’s not the only thing we love. This model has a retractable pull-out spray with three different settings. You can keep the stream setting on if you’re trying to fill up a bowl or pot with water, and you can use the spray mode for rinsing and washing. Then, there’s the handy pause setting when you need to stop the water flow when moving the spray around (better than constantly wiping messes with your dish towel).
With some of the more affordable faucets, you may have to sacrifice style for budget-friendliness. This one, however, has seven different finishes, ranging from shiny gold to contemporary matte black. The only con is it may feel lighter or flimsier than some of its high-end counterparts, but certainly not to the point that it feels cheap.
Price at time of publish: $137
- Height: 15.7 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Brushed nickel, chrome and black, gold, matte black, matte gray, oil-rubbed bronze, and polished chrome
Best Value, Runner-Up
Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer Brushed Nickel
Pros: It’s a low price for three faucet settings, many finish options, and easy installation.
Cons: The quality won’t give you that many years of usage.
This kitchen faucet is such a great value pick that we had to add it as a runner-up. First off, the price is extremely attractive not only when compared to other faucets on this list but also for its convenience and functionality. This faucet has three modes: stream, spray, and pause, so you can easily adjust whether you’re filling a pot of water for pasta, cleaning up after dinner, or moving the spray nozzle from one place to another. That kind of movement is easy due to the 360-degree swivel pull-down sprayer, which gives you greater flexibility regardless of the depth of your sink.
Another plus is how easy this faucet is to install. The “Quick Connect” hose design means even DIY newbies can hook this faucet up quickly. The manufacturer also includes an optional deck plate if you have a three-hole configuration instead of a single-hole. Plus, there are nearly 10 different finish options, ranging from subdued (nickel brushed) to attention-grabbing (gold). No, this faucet isn’t one that’ll last you decades, but it’ll get the job done if you’re working with a small budget.
Price at time of publish: $60
- Height: 15.27 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Black, black and brushed, black and chrome, black and gold, chrome, gold, gray, nickel brushed, and orb
Best Splurge
Delta Trinsic Touch Kitchen Faucet
Pros: This high-quality faucet is well-constructed with several user-friendly smart features.
Cons: There can be some splashing with high pressure.
Delta is one of the leading brands for faucets, and if you’re willing to make a higher investment, we recommend this one from their Trinsic collection. Sleek and modern, the faucet is designed with Delta Touch2O Technology, which means you can touch anywhere on the spout or handle to turn the water on and off. Anyone who has found themselves with dirty hands from their prep work will appreciate being able to keep the hardware hygienic while washing up since a tap with your wrist or your forearm works.
That’s not the only feature that makes this faucet one of the future. An LED light on the front changes from blue to red depending on the water temperature, so you won’t get shocked or scalded when the water pours out. We also love how the pull-down sprayer snaps right into place thanks to magnetic docking, ensuring a snug fit every time. One thing to keep in mind is that when using the spray mode with the water on high, you might experience some splash back — but that’s manageable as you get used to how much water flows out.
Price at time of publish: $616
- Height: 15.69 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Arctic stainless, Champagne bronze, matte black, black stainless, and chrome
Best Touchless
BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet With Motion Sensor
Pros: It’s great being able to go hands-free with this well-priced faucet that has spray and stream modes.
Cons: It can be annoying changing out the batteries due to their compartment location.
There are many reasons why people choose touchless kitchen faucets. They prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination, provide extra convenience when washing large pieces of cookware, and help you save water (and money). Touchless faucets can easily cost a few hundred bucks, but this one offers those capabilities at a very reasonable price. This faucet’s motion sensor lets you simply wave your hand to turn the water on and off. Not only can you avoid dirtying up the faucet with your food-covered fingers, but you also don’t even have to extend a wrist or arm to get things flowing. The caveat is that the motion sensor is powered by four AA batteries, so just be prepared to have to go under the sink to replace them every so often.
Going touchless is a game-changer, but you get more than that with this faucet. There’s SmartLatch technology here, which means that when you pull down the faucet head, the water automatically starts, and when you put it back into place, it stops on its own. Like many other modern faucets, this one has spray, stream, and pause functions.
Price at time of publish: $239
- Height: 16.63 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Chrome, brushed nickel, Champagne, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze
Best Professional
Kohler Sous Pro-Style Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet
Pros: This tall, flexible faucet features an effective sweep spray mode.
Cons: The design may not be to everyone’s taste.
Whether you’re outfitting your industrial kitchen or want your home kitchen to take inspiration from professional kitchens, this faucet is worth considering. Firstly, it’s an extra tall faucet, so you won’t have trouble cleaning large dishes like those tall stockpots. Secondly, it has that signature exposed spring design often seen in professional kitchens. There for more than just aesthetics, this design gives you lots of flexibility when moving the faucet up and down and side to side compared to other pull-down faucets that only adjust from the spray head. If you want to keep the head in place, there’s also an arm with magnetic docking to keep it secure for regular faucet usage.
Another fantastic feature of this faucet is the sweep spray mode, which turns the flow into a powerful wall of water that can handle tough, stuck-on debris on your plates and rinse down your sink faster. You can do one-, two-, three-, or four-hole installation with this faucet, meaning it’ll work in various kitchen set-ups. Some people love the industrial-looking design, and others may not, but at least you have four finishes to match your interior design.
Price at time of publish: $279
- Height: 22.25 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Matte black, polished chrome, stainless steel, and vibrant brushed modern brass
Best Dual-Handle
Kingston Brass Heritage Bridge Kitchen Faucet
Pros: It’s beautiful and built to last.
Cons: You need a four-hole sink configuration for it to work.
Some people prefer their faucets to have separate handles for hot and cold temperatures, whether due to usability or aesthetics. With a distinct vintage design, this dual-handle kitchen faucet is constructed with solid brass, adding to its durability and longevity. Plus, the spout swivels, so you can easily work within a double-basin sink.
Not only do you get dual handles, but the faucet also includes a side sprayer, so you don’t have to sacrifice the main faucet’s look to get that spray functionality that makes cleaning dishes, and even the sink itself, easier. Because of this addition, you will need a sink configured with four mounting holes to accommodate all the hardware. Keep it simple with finishes like brushed nickel, or go glamorous with a choice like polished brass. If you choose the living finish option (the oil-rubbed bronze), it’ll eventually develop a patina over time, giving it a unique, aged look that adds character.
Price at time of publish: $440
- Height: 13.13 inches
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Brushed nickel, antique brass, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, polished chrome, and polished nickel
Best Low-Arc
Ufaucet Modern Stainless Steel Single Lever Kitchen Sink Faucet
Pros: This affordable faucet has a 20-inch sprayer hose with two functions.
Cons: Not as user-friendly as high-arc models.
A low-arc kitchen faucet is when the spout is only 3 to 8 inches from the sink. While many people prefer high-arc kitchen faucets because they give them more room, some people may need a low-arc faucet if they have a cabinet hanging above their sink, a window view they don’t want to block, or a small sink they want to match visually. This kitchen faucet is a good choice for anyone in those categories. With an overall height of nearly 8 inches and a spout height of 5.5 inches, it falls into the taller range of low-arc faucets, so you still feel like you have a good amount of room under the spout.
The other great thing about this faucet is that it has a pull-out sprayer, so even if you’re limited height-wise, you can always take out the sprayer to fill and wash things that might not fit fully in the sink under the spout. The sprayer has two functions that allow you to toggle between a more powerful, centered stream and a lighter, wider spray. Given its low price, it’s an even better value considering you get those extra features that other low-arc faucets don’t have. There’s only one finish, but it’s a classic look that works in many kitchens.
Price at time of publish: $60
- Height: 7.9 inches
- Flow Rate: 2 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Brushed nickel
Best Pot Filler
Delta Traditional Oil-Rubbed Bronze Pot Filler Faucet
Pros: Easy to maneuver and control, it’s a convenient addition to any kitchen.
Cons: The pot filler is a more expensive investment.
For many people, a pot filler is one of those wishlist items for their dream kitchen. With a pot filler placed above your stove, you can fill up your pots with water right then and there instead of having to lug things back and forth from your sink. This model from Delta offers a lot of range with its swing design, dual joints, and 24-inch reach. You even have two shut-off valves (one close to the wall and one close to the spout,) so it’s easy to control however you have the appliance arranged. Whenever you’re not using the pot filler, you can push it flush against the wall so it’s not in your way.
This pot filler does its job fast — its flow rate is basically double your standard kitchen faucet. Simple but not boring-looking, this pot filler could work well in both traditional and modern kitchens, especially considering the wide range of finish options.
Price at time of publish: $550
- Height: 10.06 inches
- Flow Rate: 4 gallons per minute
- Finish Options: Stainless, arctic stainless, Champagne bronze, chrome, nickel, and Venetian bronze
Our Favorite
The Delta Faucet Leland Touch is our best overall pick because of its unique features and durable, attractive design. It has a high arc, comes in multiple finishes, and features innovative technology that lets you turn it on with a simple wrist tap.
Factors to Consider
Faucet Type
The two main types of kitchen faucets are single- and dual-handle. Single-handle faucets take up less space and are easy to install and use, while double-handle models offer greater water temperature control. There are also pull-out and pull-down faucets that have integrated sprayers you can take out for a wider range of usage. Then, there’s the whole assortment of high-tech touchless faucets, too. It’s important to choose a faucet that will be the most beneficial for you and your kitchen’s needs and to match your sink configuration.
Sink Configuration
Before deciding on a kitchen faucet, check how many holes you have in your current sink configuration. It’s common to find sinks with anywhere from one to four mounting holes, so it’s best to find a kitchen faucet that will be compatible with the number you currently have unless you’re preparing for a big renovation. Additionally, if you’re working with a double basin sink, Audrey Scheck, the founder of Audrey Scheck Design, says you’ll want to make sure that the spout swivels in the correct direction. She explains, “Regardless of whether you go with single or multiple handles, you’ll need the spout to adjust to direct water into either basin.”
Style
Whatever your personal taste or kitchen design may be, there’s a kitchen faucet to match your style. You’ll find some that look more elegant and vintage, others that look more streamlined and modern, and everything in between. Once you choose a specific style, you may also be able to choose from a range of finishes like brass, chrome, bronze, and stainless steel. Aside from the difference in look, Scheck says you should consider how some finishes are more difficult to keep clean. “Polished chrome, satin nickel, and bronze finishes are durable and will maintain their finish for years to come,” she says. “Brushed and satin finishes with a dull shine can be more difficult to keep clean because they have a coating that isn’t as durable as metal. Certain brass finishes will also require more maintenance such as polishing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to install a new kitchen faucet?
There can be a difference of hundreds of dollars in the cost of installing a new kitchen faucet depending on several factors, like what type of faucet you choose and whether or not you’re hiring a professional to do the installation. “The biggest factor to take into consideration is how many holes you’ll need to drill in your countertop stone to properly install the hardware,” Scheck says. “Most countertop fabricators will charge more for a widespread faucet which requires more holes to be drilled.” And don’t forget about the plumber’s role in the installation. Scheck adds, “Most of them will charge more for widespread faucets because of the additional labor required to connect multiple levers and outside components, such as detached sprayers.”
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Which is better: One- or two-handle faucets?
There’s no universally agreed upon winner between kitchen faucets with one handle and those with two. It really comes down to personal preference in terms of functionality and aesthetics. That said, Scheck says that most of her clients prefer single-handle faucets for a few different reasons. “They are easier to use because the water temperature and pressure are both controlled by one single lever,” Scheck says. Her clients also like them because “they tend to be easier to keep clean,” and “they only require one hole to be drilled in your countertop stone compared to the multiple holes, which are needed for widespread faucets.”
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How long should a kitchen faucet last?
Quality and maintenance make or break the lifespan of your kitchen faucet. Scheck says, “Most faucets can last well over a decade if installed correctly and properly maintained.” On top of that, the kind of water you have in your home will also affect your kitchen faucet’s longevity. She explains, “Hard water may cause more sediment to build up and deteriorate the valve, which will require a replacement.”
Our Expertise
This piece was written by Cindy Brzostowski, a freelance writer and avid home cook who has previous experience in cookbook publishing. Her work has been published in Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell among others. She used her background in food (and her many hours spent in the kitchen) as well as the expert insights from Audrey Scheck, the founder of Audrey Scheck Design, to determine the best kitchen faucets.
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