To start your kitchen remodel or long-awaited upgrade, start by determining how many mounting holes your sink has—one to four is typical . Then choose a faucet that is compatible, keeping in mind that some faucets include a deck plate that covers unused holes. Beyond mounting holes, you may want to consider smart features and different finishes, which we cover in our What to Look for in a Kitchen Faucet section below. Touchless faucets have become more popular, for example, because they don’t require you to operate the faucet handle when you’re in the midst of filling up a large pot of water or cracking eggs for breakfast.
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Our favorite picks come in a variety of styles, including single-handle, double-handle, pull-down, pull-out, and wall-mounted. The type of faucet you choose will largely depend on your sink configuration, along with what features are important to you. Interior designer Allison Ruda notes that considering functionality and aesthetics is key. Part of that functionality is making sure your faucet is compatible with the style, size, and mounting holes of your kitchen sink. “The sink and the faucet have to ‘work’ together,” she stresses.
A kitchen faucet is a necessity for washing hands and doing dishes, but it's also a focal point in your kitchen which is why we spent over 210 hours testing 14 different options from brands like Kohler, Delta, Moen, Grohe, and BioBidet. We not only assessed each faucet’s performance in our kitchen, but we additionally factored in its design, functionality, and features, like touchless operation, hose length, and spray style.
Best Overall
BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet
PHOTO:
Amazon
$150 at Amazon
$294 at Wayfair
$160 at Home Depot
What We Like
Touchless design
Water turns on when you pull down the spray head
Automatically turns off after three minutes
Two powerful sprayer options
What We Don't Like
Batteries require maintenance every six months
Professional installation recommended
Kitchen faucets easily become an afterthought—a topic you don’t usually feel much enthusiasm for. However, the BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet is an absolute game-changer. It will have you raving about your faucet at family parties and get-togethers with friends, thanks to its flawless performance, convenient touch-free sensor, and attractive yet durable construction. Its price point sits right in the middle of the range for kitchen faucets too, at just under $250 at time of publish, making it a great overall value.
Throughout our weeks of testing, this touchless faucet stayed in pristine condition since the lack of contact makes it super easy to keep it smudge and scuff-free. You don’t have to worry about any germs lingering on it if you’re washing your hands after handling raw foods or other germ-filled materials as well—which, again, is why touchless faucets are becoming increasingly popular. In our testing, we also loved how, in addition to the motion-activated hand sensor, you can pull the spray head down and the faucet will automatically turn on. This makes rinsing dishes practically a one-step process: pull down the sprayer, clean off the plates or sink, and release the sprayer to automatically turn off the water. The two spray options are powerful, too. Melted cheese, for example, rinses right off of dishes.
The Spruce Home / Lisa Pezzuto
The Spruce Home / Lisa Pezzuto
You won’t need to hardwire this faucet since it relies on batteries (though, keep in mind that you will need to replace or recharge the batteries every six months or so, which is common with any touchless option). We did, however, find that the installation process wasn’t quite as smooth as others had mentioned. We were glad to have a plumber handle it. Anyone thinking about DIY faucet installation will want to be really sure they’re comfortable if any challenges arise. Though, once the faucet is up and running, we think you’ll love it as much as we do.
Material: Brass | Finish: Brushed nickel, chrome, or bronze | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 3 | Faucet Height: 15.5 inches | Spout Height: 15.5 inches | Spout Reach: 8.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
A way to measure the amount of water that travels through your faucet, flow rate is measured by gallons per minute (GPM). New kitchen faucets can have flow rates as high as 2.2 GPM, but all of our picks are between 1.5 and 1.8 GPM.
Best Value
Wewe Single-Handle Pull-Out Faucet
PHOTO:
Amazon
$66 at Amazon
$85 at Walmart
View on Wewe-faucet.com
What We Like
Attractive, modern design comes in a variety of finishes
Easy to switch between modes
Easy to change water temperature
Strong pressure is great for washing dishes
What We Don't Like
Fingerprints are noticeable, but easy to clean
A bit tough to pull sprayer down
If your priority is giving your kitchen an aesthetically pleasing update, and you’re not after the tech features offered by some of our other picks, look no further than the Wewe Single Handle High Arc Brushed Nickel Pull Out Kitchen Faucet. Its sleek and attractive design fits right in with most contemporary kitchen styles, and we found that it’s practical and versatile in performance.
With buttons on the nozzle to easily switch between stream, spray, and pause modes in a flash, you can zip through most kitchen chores. The stream and spray modes are great for cleaning—as evidenced by their performance on the protein powder residue in our bottles and the grease in the bottom of our pots. The pause mode is handy if you’re trying to avoid big splashes (or if someone is trying to talk to you over the sound of running water, like they do at my house!). The temperature adjustment lever is on the right of the faucet, and you can quickly make adjustments with one hand while the water is running. This feature is pretty sensitive, we found, so it rarely takes more than a tap on the lever to change the water temperature from hot to cold.
The Spruce Home / MIke Navarro
Installation was a breeze for an experienced kitchen installer who aided us in the process. The hose reach is up to 24 inches, which is great for filling pots (we used it with a 5-gallon jug meant for filling a cold plunge tub and had no trouble). We did feel a bit of resistance when it came to pulling the sprayer down, but not so much that chores were impeded. The sprayer additionally clicks back into place quickly and easily.
The one other note we have about this faucet is that some of the finishes, like the brushed nickel one we have, show fingerprints pretty easily. The flip side, however, is that the faucet’s components are easy to clean with a quick wipe. Overall, we think this is a great option for households that want a simple yet chic update for their kitchen, especially given the under-$100 price point.
Material: Stainless steel | Finish: 13 options including brushed nickel, chrome, gold, black | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 3 | Faucet Height: 15.7 inches | Spout Height: 8.5 inches | Spout Reach: 8.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Touchless
Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet With Voice Control
PHOTO:
Amazon
$350 at Amazon
$478 at Home Depot
$534 at Walmart
What We Like
Touchless operation
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Pull-down sprayer offers boosted water pressure
Digital temperature reading
What We Don't Like
Could be too high-tech for some
Batteries require maintenance every two years
The Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet is one of the most high-tech faucets on the market. It features a motion-activated sensor, and it also responds to voice commands or app control, so you can turn the faucet on or off from across the room or around the corner without ever touching the handle. There’s no need to get out measuring cups when you’re baking and making breakfast. You can say, “Hey Google, ask Moen to dispense a half cup of cold water,” and you’ll get just that—we tested this multiple times to confirm that the measurements are indeed correct. Of course, you can also use the lever or the touchless sensor, so other members of your household and guests will be comfortable stepping in to use the faucet, too.
To avoid surprises when using the touchless feature of this kitchen faucet, an LED indicator at the base of the faucet gives you a water temperature reading. The faucet is also equipped with Moen’s Power Boost technology, which gives you the option for increased water pressure when using the sprayer, so you can power wash the grime caked on pots and pans.
The Spruce Home / Jodi Espinosa
While it was smooth to install (we handled it without calling in any pros, thanks to the detailed instructions and pictures), it’s worth noting that any time you opt for a smart appliance, you risk it being too high-tech for your needs and are susceptible to motion sensitivity or app malfunction. Six D batteries supply this faucet with its power, but the manufacturer says you can expect up to two years of battery life, so you won’t need to recharge or replace them very often. In comparison, our best overall pick that’s also touchless requires battery maintenance about every six months.
Material: Zinc | Finish: Stainless steel, chrome, bronze, or matte black | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 3 | Faucet Height: 15.5 inches | Spout Height: 15.5 inches | Spout Reach: 7.88 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
Best with Pull-Down Sprayer
Delta Leland Single-Handle Touch Kitchen Sink Faucet
PHOTO:
Amazon
$313 at Amazon
$324 at Wayfair
$348 at Home Depot
What We Like
Handy touch feature performs really well
Auto-off mechanism
Light visuals for water temperature
What We Don't Like
Strong water pressure may be too much
Batteries require maintenance every 2 to 5 years
The Delta Faucet Leland Touch Kitchen Faucet is equal parts form and function, and we’re fully convinced it should be the standard for all faucets going forward. Every feature works just as we would like, and it has a stylish design to boot.
The faucet can be turned on and off in a few different ways. Like a traditional kitchen faucet, you can adjust the handle at the base, or you can touch anywhere on the handle or the neck. Do not be confused—this isn’t a touchless faucet, but it offers a lot of the same perks as one, since you can use your wrist or arm to turn the water on instead. This super convenient feature comes in handy when you're cooking, or just have messy or full hands in general, and don't want to dirty up the handle of your faucet.
Notably, the faucet isn't too sensitive or hard to trigger either—tap it about as hard as you would your keys on your iPhone when texting and it will turn on. After a while, the faucet will also turn off itself if it thinks it's been running for too long—almost as if to say, "Did you leave this on by accident? Are you still watching?" This comes in handy if by chance you are distracted on the far side of the kitchen, or if (like us!) you’re someone who wonders if you left your curling iron plugged in or turned off the oven. You don’t have to worry about this faucet.
The Spruce Home / Marisa Viglione
The Spruce Home / Marisa Viglione
When it’s on, you can use the handle to adjust the temperature, and a colored light at the base also signals what temperature the water is. It's blue for cold, purple for in-between, and red for hot. The handle also is really smooth, making for easy temperature adjustments. Like some of our other favorite pull-down options, the sprayer is just the spout detached. It’s a cinch to both detach it and move it around. On the back of the spout is a button that allows you to switch the sprayer between one of three different modes: shower, stream, and this circular-ish mode that we don't have much use for. The water pressure is very strong, so it may be more than some households need, but you can adjust accordingly. We found the sweet spot to be a medium-low setting.
All in all, there’s not a lot we would change about this faucet. It’s worth noting that, like some of our favorite touchless faucets, there is a battery pack powering the touch feature. The brand says to replace it every 2 years (if using the included AA batteries) or 5 years (if you use your own C batteries). Our plumber even suggested that the batteries could last longer, but time will tell. At over $300, this pick is also pricier than others we’ve tested and loved. However, we happily recommend it as a high-performing faucet with a smooth sprayer and exceptionally handy touch feature.
Material: Brass | Finish: Chrome, stainless steel, SpotShield stainless steel, bronze | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 15.38 inches | Spout Height: 14 inches | Spout Reach: 9.2 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Low Arc
Grohe Eurosmart Dual Spray Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet with Sprayer
PHOTO:
Amazon
$189 at Amazon
$146 at Wayfair
$146 at Home Depot
What We Like
Subtle design blends in well
Single handle operation
Single button toggle between spray and stream
Light temperature display
What We Don't Like
Lacks touch or touchless features
Water pressure could be stronger
With a sleek low profile, the Grohe 30306DC1 Eurosmart Dual Spray Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet makes an attractive and subtle choice for contemporary kitchens. It’s the only low arc pick on our list and, with a faucet height of 7.13 inches, it’s ideal for homes that have shelving or any window sills that prevent the installation of a taller model.
The straightforward design features a wide, flat lever that both turns the faucet on and off, as well as adjusts for water temperature, too. While we found the lever to be a bit stiff at first, it’s not overly sensitive to temperature adjustments, which we see as a perk. There’s also a light indicator (blue for cold, green for warm, and red for hot), which lowers your chance of being accidentally scalded by hot water or startled by cold.
The Spruce Home / Frances Crouter
The Spruce Home / Frances Crouter
To use the sprayer, you simply pull the faucet out toward you, and a single button on the handle controls the water flow. You can choose between a steady stream or rinse spray for washing all your dishes, your hands, or your sink. While the water pressure wasn’t the strongest, the spray easily reached into the corners of our sink, and the hose retracts smoothly and easily, too. The brushed steel finish was also a plus in our experience since it doesn’t show fingerprints, unlike our best value pick. The overall design of this faucet is nice and smooth too, and the entire unit is easy to clean since there aren’t many nooks and crannies that collect dirt or grime.
UVDF Product Page
While there could be more features with this faucet (we are big fans of touch and touchless models, if you couldn’t already tell), this is a practical and pretty choice for many households that don’t need the bells and whistles that some of our other picks provide.
Material: Brass | Finish: Brushed steel, chrome | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 7.13 inches | Spout Height: 5.5 inches | Spout Reach: 8.93 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM
Best Gold
Kraus Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
PHOTO:
Amazon
$270 at Amazon
$190 at Wayfair
$220 at Home Depot
What We Like
90-degree handle rotation
Adjustable flow rate
Silicone spray holes are easily wiped clean
Spot-resistant finish
What We Don't Like
Only single-hole installation
A matte gold kitchen faucet is an easy way to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic. The Kraus Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet is available in an antique champagne brass finish (among other finishes), which offers a sophisticated take on the gold fixture trend. But you’ll get more than good looks when you choose this kitchen faucet. It’s completely up to the task when it comes to regular kitchen usage like filling pots, spraying into the deep corners of your sink, and lifting food from your dishes.
To start, the pull-down sprayer is easy to maneuver, and it smoothly retracts when you’re done. It has a toggle switch to give you the option of stream or spray functions, and the lever for temperature control works just as intended; it’s intuitive and easy to adjust (“up” for cold and “down” for hot). The silicone spray holes are also easy to clean, and regular maintenance will keep mineral deposits from restricting water flow. The handle rotates forward 90 degrees, making this faucet a good choice if you have limited space between your kitchen sink and backsplash, as well. While this is a common feature among faucets it’s always appreciated.
The Spruce Home / Gabrielle Renslow
Since the gold finish of this kitchen faucet is designed to attract attention, it’s worth pointing out that Kraus uses its spot-free finish for this faucet. It helps to minimize the appearance of water spots, fingerprints, and fading—preserving the luster and beauty of this gold kitchen faucet for years to come. There is no deck plate included with this kitchen faucet, though; it’s only suitable for single-hole installation. Speaking of installation, we tried to DIY it, and ended up getting help with tightening the parts where the water was leaking out. So, we recommend having a pro help you from the start so you can skip any hassles and hiccups. Looking for a finish other than gold? The faucet does also come in stainless steel, matte black, and brushed bronze, among other finishes.
Material: Brass | Finish: Antique champagne brass, brushed bronze, stainless steel, chrome, matte black, brushed gold, or two-tone | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 16.63 inches | Spout Height: 8.75 inches | Spout Reach: 8.88 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
You may wonder whether it’s acceptable to mix-and-match finishes in your kitchen—for example, a gold kitchen faucet with stainless steel appliances. Interior designer Allison Ruda provides this advice: “I like to do no more than two finishes in a space. Take note of the finishes of your cabinet hardware and other fixtures, and either match the finish or choose one that complements it. When in doubt, match it.”
We Still Love
Kohler Sous Pro-Style Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet
PHOTO:
Amazon
$249 at Amazon
$246 at Home Depot
$238 at Walmart
What We Like
Easy to install
Powerful spray function, exposed spring spout
Sprayer head retracts reliably
What We Don't Like
No pause or lock feature for sprayer
Aerator had some debris at first
The Kohler Sous Pro-Style Sprayer Faucet is an all-around solid pick that gives you both a professional look and superior functionality. This type of faucet is known as a "pre-rinse faucet," because it features a high-arc spout with a distinct, exposed spring that gives you added flexibiity as you clean.
After weeks of usage, the professional-style kitchen faucet proved top-notch for its performance and function. All the little adjustments we make in our day-to-day routines, like changing water temperature, rotating the spout, switching from stream to spray (and back again), and regular off-on switching, all proved to be easy and smooth. The installation process is straightforward and simple—requiring just 20 minutes and a few tools (we had no sink installation experience, and didn't hit any snags with setting up this faucet in our kitchen).
The Kohler Sous Pro-Style faucet measures 22 inches high, which is taller than other picks on our list with a pull-down style, but on par for professional-style kitchen faucets. (Be sure you have enough clearance above your sink before choosing a tall kitchen faucet like this one!) The extra height houses a hose that looks and feels heavy-duty. We found it could easily reach every corner of a large, divided kitchen sink. When released, the hose quickly and securely retracts, thanks to a strong magnetic docking station.
The Spruce Home / Dave DeCarlo
The Spruce Home / Dave DeCarlo
The pull-down sprayer is the star of the show because it gives you a stream or sweep function with the push of a button. We were impressed by the sweep function, which dispenses a wide blade of water. We found this feature helpful for rinsing plates or "sweeping" debris from the sink. Our only complaint on the design and functionality of this faucet is that you have to hold down the trigger for the spray function. You can't use the spray mode for hands-free use—but that's just one slightly annoying quirk.
The one other hiccup we encountered was that the faucet aerator (a piece at the end of the faucet that adds air to the spray) was releasing some debris, and needed to be cleaner. It took several attempts to get to the aerator because the instructions weren’t super clear, but eventually we figured it out and we're now overall pleased with this faucet.
Material: Zinc | Finish: Stainless steel, chrome, brass, or matte black | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 2 (Can be fitted for 1 to 4) | Faucet Height: 22 inches | Spout Height: 7.5 inches | Spout Reach: 9 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
Kitchen sinks may have one, two, three, or four mounting holes. Usually, you’ll choose a kitchen faucet that matches the sink holes you already have. However, even single-handle faucets can be installed on sinks with more than one installation hole—you’ll just need to use a deck plate (or baseplate) to cover the unused holes. Another factor to consider when deciding whether a faucet will fit your kitchen sink includes the clearance between your sink and the backsplash, especially in the case of faucets with a handle that rotates to adjust water temperature and flow.
To find the best kitchen faucets on the market, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions, evaluating them on factors like setup, ease of use, performance, durability, quality, and value. We also spoke to Chio for her expert insight on what to look for when shopping for kitchen faucets, how to install them, and more.
“With how often you use a kitchen faucet, it’s a worthwhile investment to get the one you really want,” says Meghan Chio , senior merchant at The Home Depot. “A nice kitchen faucet adds value to a home by enhancing its appearance, functionality, and overall user experience.”
Considering how much time we spend in our kitchen, we need appliances that can withstand plenty of use. No kitchen fixture is used more often than the faucet, whether it’s for cleaning dishes, washing hands, filling pots, or doing countless other essential tasks.
Additionally, this faucet has powerful water pressure, a long-reaching hose, and a fingerprint-resistant make whether you pick the chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, or stainless steel finish. Our only complaints are the short but noticeable delay when you turn the water on and the slight resistance when you pull out the fabric-coated sprayer. But if you’re okay with those flaws and the faucet’s high price, you’ll love investing in such a helpful, time-saving device.
Installing this faucet takes minimal time, as does connecting it to the Moen app (which you can use to save your favorite settings and control the faucet remotely) and a smart home system. You can instruct the faucet to pour a specific amount of water and operate it hands-free with the touchless sensors. You can also tell the faucet to set the water to a temperature, and it comes with a light that indicates when the water is getting hotter.
Why opt for a traditional faucet when you can get a smart one like this fantastic Moen model? This voice-activated device has a paired app and can connect to a smartphone or smart home speaker, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
You can customize presets so that the faucet always pours out the exact amount of water you need.
The downsides we noticed were the higher-than-average price tag and that the aerator can be tricky to clean (if needed when the stream is blocked). But on the upside, the water pressure is quite strong, and the installation process is very doable thanks to clear instructions. The faucet also has a separate soap dispenser , and none of the finishes show noticeable fingerprints.
This faucet has a stylish high arch with above-average reach and flexibility. The long-reaching spout rotates easily and can get to all parts of the sink without issue, with a magnetic docking arm that keeps the spray head secure. You can switch modes from stream to sweep spray with the button and adjust the temperatures quickly via the single lever handle.
If you're all about aesthetics, you’ll love this gorgeous and eye-catching faucet from Kohler, which is made from metal, comes in four stylish finishes, and has a unique exposed-spring design that stands out from typical kitchen fare.
This isn’t the cheapest faucet on the market, and the brushed nickel finish does show fingerprints (although they come off easily). Also, the faucet’s neck wobbles slightly when the water is turned on and off, which can be frustrating. However, the style, tall neck, and impressive water pressure still make it a worthwhile choice.
The instructions for installing this faucet are easy to follow, and the handles are simple to operate and offer just the right amount of sensitivity. The faucet’s tall neck makes filling up big pots and pans a hassle-free experience, and we liked that it swings out of the way to prevent splashes. Additionally, the faucet’s water pressure is strong, and the 360-degree swivel head allows for helpful flexibility when washing and cleaning.
Dual-handle kitchen faucets have an old-school look that many people appreciate, and this option from Kingston will add some serious style to your kitchen . The sleek and high-quality brass faucet comes in a brushed nickel color and has handles on each side for temperature control and a separate sprayer attachment.
The neck wobbles when the water is turned on and off.
We wish the water pressure on this faucet was better, as it comes out more slowly than you’d expect during stream mode. That said, there’s so much else to love about this faucet, like its classic design, ease of use, and durable make.
Available in either chrome or steel (both of which are easy to keep clean), this faucet was simple to install and has an average price tag. It has a wide, flat single lever that you can easily hold and control, whether you’re switching modes from spray to stream or changing the temperature.
If you prefer the look of a low-arc faucet that doesn’t rise much higher than a kitchen backsplash , we recommend this great option from Grohe. The low-profile faucet is only 7 inches tall but has a flexible hose that’s long enough to reach the corners of the sink and retracts as needed. You’ll be able to fill all your pots and pans without issue, just like with a high-arc faucet.
This faucet also provides robust water pressure and has a separate handle for temperature control. Adjusting the neck angle and height is effortless, with the hose able to glide into any position. One downside we noticed is that the faucet can be complicated to install, but if you hire a professional, you should be good to go.
Made from durable nylon and available in a sleek chrome color, this faucet always looks pristine (especially because you rarely have to touch it and avoid smudges). It also has a high arc and curved spout to provide enough room for large items in the sink. The faucet’s sensitive technology activates and shuts off the water flow when the head is pulled down or returned, and you can easily switch between spray, stream, and pause modes as needed.
Nothing says convenience like a touchless kitchen faucet, which only requires a wave of the hand by its motion sensor to turn the water on and off. This single-handle option from Bio Bidet is an exceptional model, with an uber-accurate sensor that distinguishes between subtle hand gestures to save on time and effort.
Installing the faucet is relatively simple, and changing the intensity of the pressure (which can get very strong) requires minimal effort. Keep in mind, however, that this faucet does show fingerprints pretty noticeably, but luckily they’re easy to clean off with a bit of scrubbing. All in all, this is a great, low-budget pick that won’t disappoint.
One of our favorite things about this stainless steel faucet is how easy it is to change between temperatures and switch the modes from spray to stream. The nozzle has a long, 8.5-inch reach that, although slightly challenging to retract, helpfully clicks back into place with a lock. The faucet also boasts a convenient pause feature, which allows you to avoid splashes while multitasking in the sink.
If you want to keep costs down, check out this low-priced yet high-quality kitchen faucet from Wewe. The sleek, single-handle device comes in 13 different styles, ranging from gold to brushed nickel to matte black, and has a high-arc spout that makes cleaning large items a breeze.
This attractive faucet comes in nine colors and stains, including an elegant champagne bronze. It doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots easily and thus is very easy to keep clean. One downside is that it is pricier than many other kitchen faucets, but considering its style, functionality, and ease of use, we believe it’s worth the extra cost.
We found that installing the faucet was quick and simple, thanks to the clear instructions provided by the brand. It has a single, elegant handle that, at 17 inches, is tall enough to accommodate bigger pots and pans , with a button on the head that you can push to switch between stream and spray. Additionally, the faucet’s long hose reaches nearly 9 inches, retracts and swivels, and can adjust to almost any angle.
Of all the faucets we tested, this pick from Kraus impressed us with its stylish and easy-to-use design made from durable brass. During testing, it delivered powerful water pressure from its high-arc spout to tackle every type of kitchen task .
Final Verdict
We tested many great kitchen faucets, but the Kraus Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet earned our top spot for its ease of use, durable make, and stylish design. For a stellar lower-priced alternative, the Wewe Single-Handle High Arc Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet offers 13 style options, a high-arc spout, and a helpful pause feature.
Our Testing Process
To find the best kitchen faucets, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions, trying them in sinks of all different dimensions and types. During the installation process for each faucet, we noted how much time and effort it required and whether we needed professional assistance or could complete it alone. Then, we evaluated each faucet’s ease of use by noting how much force we needed to use to turn the faucet on and off, go between temperatures, switch from stream to spray modes, pull out and retract the hose, and fit large pots of water underneath. For touchless models, we also noted the sensitivity and accuracy of the motion sensor.
Afterward, we studied each faucet's water pressure, evaluating whether it was strong enough to rinse dishes well and complete other tasks. Then, we analyzed each faucet’s durability by checking to see if any scratches or fingerprints appeared. For the latter, we determined how easy it was to wipe them off. We also noted whether any dripping or clogging occurred during our testing and if the faucet neck squeaked or stuck during adjustments.
Finally, we determined each faucet’s overall value by examining its retail price and deciding whether we felt that the cost reflected its performance, style, and features.
Real Simple / Kimberly Souza
How to Shop for Kitchen Faucets Like a Pro
Type
The type of kitchen faucet you choose depends on how you use it on a daily basis, says Chio, whether you're “making that first cup of coffee in the morning, preparing meals, or entertaining guests.”
One common faucet type is a pull-down faucet, which will give you “more reach across your sink to easily clean the entire space,” Chio says. Other common types include single-handle and double-handle faucets, which are ideal for multi-tasking and precise temperature control.
When choosing a faucet type, you should also look into how many mounting holes your kitchen sink has (typically between one and four). Some faucets are designed for a specific number of holes, while others come with helpful deck plates to cover any extra holes.
Reach
“When shopping for a kitchen faucet, understanding the reach is an essential factor to consider for functionality and convenience,” says Chio. Most faucets have a spout reach between 8 to 9 inches, but it can vary. If you have a deep sink, look for a pull-down faucet with a longer than average spout reach, which will “allow you to rinse every surface of your sink,” Chio suggests.
Flow Rate
A kitchen faucet’s flow rate, or how many gallons of water per minute, is generally between 1.5 and 2 GPM. If you want a faucet with a strong flow rate, focus on ones with “a secondary spray setting with more power to make it easier to wash dishes,” recommends Chio.
Style and Finish
“When selecting a style and finish of your kitchen faucet, this is completely dependent on your own personal taste and the aesthetic of your home,” says Chio. Popular finishes include stainless steel, matte black, matte gold, bronze, and chrome. Chrome is easy to keep fingerprint-free and clean while gold or bronze can make for a stylish look. “There are many styles available with each finish, so you can seamlessly incorporate your desired finish within the style you’re going for,” Chio adds.
Don’t forget to consider the height of the faucet, too. "A taller faucet height can create a more dramatic aesthetic or make a statement in your kitchen,” Chio says. “Make sure you assess height options based on the size of your kitchen and if you have cabinets above your sink that may create a limited space for higher faucets.”
Additional Features
“Kitchen faucets have greatly evolved and now offer many exciting new features and enhanced functionalities designed to provide ease-of-use and years of trouble-free operation,” says Chio. Some popular options include motion sensors to provide a hands-free experience, smart technology to control the faucet via your voice or an app, and a side soap dispenser or sprayer.
More Kitchen Faucets to Consider
Questions You Might Ask
How much should you pay for a kitchen faucet?
“The cost of a kitchen faucet can vary widely depending on factors such as the brand, material, design, and features,” says Chio. That said, basic, single-handle faucets with few or no features tend to be under $150, while mid-range faucets can be up to $300, and high-end faucets made from premium materials and with eye-catching designs and features can cost over $1,000.
“Keep in mind that installation costs are separate, and you may need to factor in additional expenses if you plan to hire a professional for installation,” Chio notes.
Does upgrading a kitchen faucet increase home value?
Upgrading your kitchen faucet can increase home value, but usually not in an overly significant way, according to Chio. “Upgrading a kitchen faucet can contribute to the overall appeal and functionality of the kitchen, but its impact on home value is typically modest compared to larger-scale renovations,” she explains.
How do you install a kitchen faucet?
“Depending on the number of holes and the style of your kitchen sink, the process will vary but is still fairly easy,” says Chio. The first step, she says, is to shut the water off at the supply valves, then open up the faucet handles “to relieve any pressure in the lines.” After that, disconnect the water supply lines to the old faucet on both sides and stabilize the water pipe “to prevent compromising the connections behind the cabinets.”
Then, remove the old faucet and its connections, including its mounting hardware. If you have a faucet with a three-hole installation, use the included escutcheon plate to cover up the two outside holes and a gasket to seal the gap. “If there is a rubber ring on the bottom of the gasket plate, it can be effectively sealed," says Chio. "If not, it is recommended to apply with silicone sealant."
Installation for each supply line varies as it depends on the type of faucet. “Some faucet types have state-of-the-art supply lines called PEX tubing already installed as part of the hot and cold valves of the faucet," says Chio. "On other faucets, the hot and cold valves have a threaded nut, and you’ll need to attach your flexible supply lines."
Afterward, connect your mounting hardware to the shank below the deck to anchor the hot and cold valves, she explains. Lastly, connect each supply line to its corresponding water supply valve. “Once you’ve installed your new faucet, it’s a good idea to flush it out to remove any debris that may have accumulated in the lines,” adds Chio.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and many other publications. To compile this list, we tested many kitchen faucets in our Lab and evaluated them on set-up, ease of use, performance, durability, quality, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Meghan Chio, senior merchant at The Home Depot.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
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