The 7 Best Kitchen Faucets Our Editors Recommend

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We evaluated 14 kitchen faucets for performance, ease of use, durability, and more to find the best options

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Cathy Fallone

Kitchen faucets are used nearly every day, so it’s important to choose one that works well. The way you use your faucet, your design preferences, and various features like touchless activation or a powerful sprayer should all play a role in your decision.

“When selecting a kitchen faucet, focus on both form and function to find the perfect fit for your space,” advises former chair of ASID’s (American Society of Interior Designers) National Board, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS.

“Prioritize quality materials, consider your kitchen's style, and think about your daily needs to ensure a faucet that not only looks great but also works seamlessly in your culinary haven," Kelly says.

Each faucet was installed in our own homes either by ourselves or a professional. We evaluated the models based on ease of use, performance, durability, and quality. For more on how we tested kitchen faucets, see our testing process below.

This faucet earned perfect ratings across all six categories, was easy to install and use, and can be operated manually or via voice activation features.

We observed a very slight delay in water flow when turning on the faucet.

Our pick for "best overall" goes to this Moen model for its outstanding performance across all six categories we evaluated. Earning a perfect five stars across the board, this faucet is not the most affordable option around. Though you can operate it manually, it’s a touchless faucet that follows commands given via Alexa, Google’s assistant, or its smartphone app. When testing the smart features, it measured out just the right amount of water when we asked Alexa to have the faucet dispense 2 cups of water for us.

The installation instructions were detailed and the faucet was easy to install. Using the faucet was just as simple with an easy-to-operate lever that controls temperature and a light to indicate whether the water is hot or cold. We observed a slight delay in turning the water on, which isn’t a deal breaker but something you may want to keep in mind.

We found it easy to switch from stream to spray and had no trouble filling up a large stock pan. The water pressure was adequate, which helped us scour away mess from dirty dishes. The brushed metal finish didn’t show scratches or fingerprints, requiring less cleaning. We had no issues with the faucet squeaking, sticking, dripping, or leaking, though we felt the sprayer could have a smoother feel when being pulled out.

Product Details: Material: Plastic, metal | Finishes: Four: oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, chrome, and spot resist stainless | Number of Holes: One or three | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 15.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM | Features: Sprayer, touchless, voice activated

This is a no-frills faucet that’s easy to use and provides good water pressure without leaks or drips.

This faucet does not have a touchless option, and we found the temperature lever more sensitive than most.

We were impressed with this budget-friendly faucet from Wewe, which we rated highly in all six categories. Installing the faucet was easy thanks to the included instructions, and once installed, we found it a snap to operate by sliding the handle up for hot water and down for cold. However, the temperature control is highly sensitive, and we inadvertently switched the faucet over to hot water simply by accidentally bumping it. Be mindful of this if you have little ones at home since that could lead to potential burns.

We like the clicking sound the sprayer makes when retracted so we know it’s firmly in its place, but it’s a bit difficult to pull the sprayer out. Switching from stream to spray is a cinch with the two buttons, and we appreciated the pause feature while we were multitasking because it cut back on messy splashes. The sprayer has great reach at 24 inches long, and we found it easy to fill a 5-gallon jug with water, even though it’s not the tallest faucet on our list at 8.5 inches.

Because it’s a no-frills option, this faucet doesn’t have a touchless operation option. It does have strong water pressure to power away grease from pots and pans. The brushed nickel finish (one of a generous six finish options) showed some fingerprints, but it’s simple enough to wipe them away with a cleaning wipe. We liked that the faucet moved easily without sticking or squeaking, and we didn’t observe any dripping or leaking.

Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Six: brushed nickel, gold, matte black, matte gray, oil rubbed bronze, and polished chrome | Number of Holes: One or three | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 8.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Features: Sprayer

Better Homes & Gardens / MIke Navarro

This faucet didn’t show any fingerprints, and we loved its touchless operation for easy clean up.

The sprayer is a little tough to pull out and retract, plus installation took about 45 minutes because of multiple parts.

The Moen Arbor MotionSense Wave One may be a higher-priced model, but it boasts many features. Though installing the faucet took about 45 minutes for us due to its multiple parts, the instructions were helpful. Once installed, we found the water temperature changed quite drastically with a small adjustment of the handle, although we noticed a delay of around five seconds when changing from hot to cold and vice versa.

Because the faucet can be moved to either side of the sink and is 15.5 inches tall, it’s never really in the way and makes filling large pots a simple task. We adored the touchless feature (after an initial learning curve) because there’s no need to touch the faucet after handling raw foods or other messes. Plus, using the touchless feature means fewer fingerprints, which saves time spent on cleaning.

No scratches appeared on the spot-resistant stainless steel model when we used it. There were no issues with the faucet leaking, but we spotted a couple of drips now and then after using the touchless on/off feature. Though powerful, the sprayer is mildly challenging to pull out and retract, but that’s not a deal breaker. Ultimately, we loved the powerful sprayer and the sensitivity of the temperature control.

Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Four: chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and spot resist stainless | Number of Holes: One or three | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 15.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM | Features: Sprayer, touchless, Power Clean

We appreciated the smooth sprayer retraction and easy-to-move temperature control.

The chrome finish showed fingerprints and water marks, plus the high arc caused more water to splash out onto the surrounding counter.

Washing up after handling raw meat used to be tricky but not anymore. We found this touchless option from Moen perfect for washing up after preparing chicken and other meats. Though the lever needs to be manually moved forward for cold water and back for hot, we found it easy to do with a quick press of the wrist.

Pulling out the sprayer was “dreamy” because the hose retracted so smoothly. Filling pots was equally appealing because the high spout height of over 14 inches leaves plenty of room to maneuver bulky pots back out of the sink once full. However, that high arc also meant a few more splashes on the surrounding counters, so you may need to wipe things down more often after filling a pot or washing dishes.

We noted fingerprints and water marks were visible on the chrome model, but they were also easy to wipe away with a damp sponge. We didn’t observe any dripping and didn’t hear any squeaks, so overall this is a sleek model if you’re after a touchless option.

Product Details: Material: Metal | Finishes: Four: chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and spot resist stainless | Number of Holes: One or three | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 14.6 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM | Features: Sprayer, touchless

The water’s temperature changed more gradually than we experienced with other faucets.

We couldn’t give this a five-star rating for quality because the faucet neck moves slightly whenever the water is turned on.

Some people prefer their kitchen faucet to have two handles, and this pick from Kingston Brass is a great option. This four-hole faucet allows room for both a hot and cold handle, which gives it more of a traditional look and feel. We found it easy to install and use, although it took a day or two to get the hang of how to find just the right water temperature using the two handles. We appreciated the fact that the faucet changes temperature more gradually, unlike single-handle faucets which tend to go from frigid to nearly scalding without much movement.

The faucet switches seamlessly from streaming to spray, and the sprayer itself is separate from the faucet head and mounted to the side of the faucet. It has great water pressure, so it cuts back on elbow grease needed for scouring sinks or dirty dishes. The faucet is over 13 inches tall, making it easy to fill up large pots and swing the faucet to the side to lift a full pot onto the stove.

We tested the stainless steel finish, which didn’t scratch but did show fingerprints. Overall, we were impressed with the quality but couldn’t hand out a perfect five because the faucet neck wobbles slightly when the water is turned on.

Product Details: Material: Brass | Finishes: Six: Brushed nickel, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, satin brass, vintage brass | Number of Holes: Four | Number of Handles: Two | Faucet Height: 13.13 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Features: Side sprayer

If you don’t need a high arc and prefer a simple design that blends in with just about any type of kitchen.

The water pressure is on the low side, so it takes more time to fill up large pots.

The Grohe Eurosmart Dual Spray Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet is simple to operate, with one lever to turn it on and off as well as control the water temperature. The lever is wide and flat, so we rated its ease of use a full five stars and noted it’s not ultra-sensitive when changing water temps.

Meant to have a low arc, the sprayer hose retracts beautifully and has enough length thanks to the 32-inch hose to scour the corners of the kitchen sink. Even though it’s not a tall option (at just 5.5 inches tall), we found it easy to fill a large pot. However, the water pressure wasn’t super strong, and it was slow going to fill the pot.

It’s easy enough to install thanks to the instructions, plus the brushed steel finish made cleaning the faucet a snap—even though it doesn’t collect a lot of fingerprints in the first place.

Aesthetically speaking, this faucet will fit with a variety of kitchen types. Some people may not love how short the faucet is, as it doesn’t reach beyond the height of most backsplashes, but that comes down to personal preference.

Product Details: Material: Brass | Finishes: Two: chrome and super steel | Number of Holes: One | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 5.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Features: Pull-out sprayer

This faucet is a sleek option with plenty of aesthetic appeal thanks to the nine available finishes.

The price is a bit higher than some of the more budget-friendly options out there.

When choosing the best kitchen faucet, appearance definitely factors into the decision. If you’re after a modern vibe, consider this model from Kraus, which comes in an impressive nine finishes, including the eye-catching, spot-free antique champagne bronze we tested. Though we required some assistance in fully tightening the faucet, installation was a breeze overall and only took about 20 minutes.

Moving from stream to spray is seamless with a touch of the faucet’s side button. We found the sprayer easy to pull down and retract, plus it reached all areas of the sink, making for a quick clean up after meal prep. We filled large pots with no trouble and minimal mess since water splashes were contained within the sink. Water pressure is strong but can be adjusted if you’d rather not have a stream of water come out at full force—especially great if you have little ones around.

Fingerprints didn’t collect on the faucet, and we didn’t see any scratches. Plus cleaning up only entailed a quick wipe down, and there were no visible leaks or drips. Overall, the faucet felt durable to us and worth the slightly higher price. It moved freely without squeaking or becoming stuck in position, too.

Product Details: Material: Brass | Finishes: Seven: brushed brass/matte black, brushed brass, chrome, matte black, matte black/black stainless steel, antique champagne bronze, stainless steel | Number of Holes: One | Number of Handles: One | Faucet Height: 16.63 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Features: Pull-down sprayer

Better Homes & Gardens / Gabrielle Renslow

After testing over a dozen faucets, the Moen 7594EVC Arbor Smart Faucet Touchless Pull Down Sprayer is our pick for "best overall." It earned five stars across all six categories we evaluated, we found it easy to install and use, and it can be operated manually, via voice activation, or using its app for maximum convenience.

To find the best kitchen faucets, we tested 14 models and had our testers install the faucets themselves in their own homes. We then used the faucets daily and evaluated each option for a number of factors, including ease of installation.

The faucets were used to fill large pots, which informed us of the faucet clearance and whether it was hard to maneuver around the faucet itself. We also washed produce and dishes and used the faucets to clean the kitchen sink itself. During these tests, we evaluated the faucets for ease of use, temperature range, and water intensity. We also switched from streaming to spraying water and back again, plus we evaluated how well and how far the sprayer hose reached.

We recorded how easy or difficult it was to change temperature and how sensitive the faucets were to temperature changes, how easy it was to rotate the faucet, and whether the faucet squeaked or became stuck. We took note of whether the faucets dripped or leaked and whether buildup accumulated on the spout. Faucets were observed for fingerprints and scratches as well any cracks or breaks from normal use after the two-week testing period.

We’ve continued to use our top picks in our homes after our initial testing, and we will keep this article up to date with any long-term findings.

Better Homes & Gardens / Lisa Pezzuto

When it comes to material, Kris Brumley, design consultant at Ultra Designer Center, notes that “99% of faucets are made of brass and maybe 1% are made of stainless steel.” If you’re planning to install a faucet in an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to opt for stainless steel faucets because they “won’t rust or tarnish.”

Kelly adds, “Kitchen faucets are available in various materials, including stainless steel, chrome, brass, and even copper. In addition to energy efficiency and sustainability, consider your kitchen's style and maintenance preferences–stainless steel offers durability and a modern look, while brass and copper provide a timeless, antique charm.”

Brumley tells us, “Depending on the manufacturer, there may only be few choices, but if this is a high-end faucet, there are usually up to 27 finish options.” Brett La Hay, kitchen designer, Inspire Kitchen Design Studio, adds, “We no longer match all metal finishes throughout a home.” Instead, she recommends drawing inspiration from other items with metal finishes in your home because mixing metal finishes can help your faucet “look more custom and high-end.”

La Hay also says you should take into account how you prefer to live and work in your kitchen when selecting the best kitchen faucet for your home. “For example, in a kitchen, if you're constantly cooking with messy hands, then maybe a touch faucet is your answer,” she says. “If you want a less machined perfect esthetic, an unlacquered/living finish is a perfect option for you. Everyone has their personal preference; it comes down to making selections for you as an individual.”

Alicia Molenaar, CKD, Kitchen Fair, says if you’re replacing an existing faucet, it’s important to be aware of how many holes exist because that will impact the type of faucet you’ll purchase. For instance, Molenaar explains if your existing faucet has three holes but you’d like to buy a faucet with only one handle, the faucet you select needs to include a plate (called an escutcheon) to cover the two holes you won’t be using. However, she adds, “If the homeowners are getting all new countertop and sink, then they usually have the luxury to select how many holes and placement of the holes.”

We were able to install many of the kitchen faucets we tested ourselves, especially for those with plumbing backgrounds or DIY experience. In general, more complex models with touchless features took more time to set up. Brumley advises, “There are many parts and pieces involved, and I always recommend hiring a professional plumber where running water is concerned.”

There are two primary types of kitchen faucet sprayers: integrated sprayers and separately installed side sprayers. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, Molenaar says “sprayers that are integrated into the faucet are worth the price.” Brumley adds, “Side sprayers are still available but will limit your options and have really gone out of style.” The only option we tested with a side sprayer was the Kingston Brass KS1278ALBS.

As for integrated sprayers, Molenaar explains that you’ll have the option of a pull-out or a pull-down sprayer. She explains, “Pull out typically refers to a faucet with a low or no arch because the action to use the sprayer is to pull it out of the faucet. Pull down would be on a higher arch faucet–here you pull the sprayer down to remove it from the faucet.”

Brumley adds, “The most popular is the pull-down sprayer, and I think they are very necessary for cleaning items easily and being able to point the water where you want it.”

Molenaar explains, “Higher arched faucets could potentially lead to more splash.” However, higher-arched faucets also allow more clearance so you can easily fill a pot with water or wash up big, cumbersome items like large platters and pans.

Brumley notes, “Most faucets are pull-down and average around 13 to 15 inches tall, however there are many that are taller and it is really personal preference.” La Hay adds, “Depending on the application, the heights vary; bar faucets, butler's pantry, and prep sink faucets can sometimes be shorter. Keep your faucet in scale with the surroundings.”

The highest arc on our list is the Kraus KPF-2820SFACB at over 16 inches tall, and the lowest is the Grohe 30306DC1 at just 5.5 inches.

Flow rate refers to how many gallons of water a faucet uses in one minute, known as gallons per minute (GPM). As of 1994, all kitchen faucets made in the United States can use a maximum of 2.2 gallons each minute. “Most kitchen faucets are 1.8 GPM,” according to Brumley. However, you’ll want something closer to 1.5 GPM if you’re after a more “eco-conscious option,” she adds.

Though we appreciated the touchless Bio Bidet by Bemis Flow Motion Activated Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet for its ease of use, water pressure, and convenient automatic activation, we had too many issues with installation to give it a spot on our list.

The Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer was sleek and appealing to modern palettes, plus its LED temperature indicator light and high arch all made it a tempting pick. But there was a squealing noise when water was running.

We found the Ufaucet Modern Best Commercial Cen Grifo De Cocina easy to use with good water pressure and a scratch-free finish. However, we found the installation instructions to be difficult to navigate, preventing it from landing on our best-of list.

Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Schaubroeck

Picking a timeless faucet can be challenging, simply because trends and tastes change over time. Molenarr explains, “Just like clothing fashion is constantly evolving, so are items like home décor, cabinetry, and cabinet hardware finishes … even faucets.” She encourages her clients to pick out what they like: “Because at the end of the day, they are the ones living and using the items. They look at it every day, and I want that item to bring them joy. They shouldn’t be focusing on what’s going to look good for the one day they might sell their home.”

“Timeless faucet designs have clean lines and tend to be transitional or classic modern,” La Hay says. “Any trendy finishes (gold/bronze/matte black), embellishments (knurling), or eclectic shapes will eventually be out of style and show the age of your faucet.”

According to Molenaar, “I truly believe that this is where the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is true.” She notes that brands like Delta are typically favored by plumbers “because parts are readily available, and they carry a great lifetime warranty, should anything go wrong.”

Brumley adds, “Faucets can last for 20 years or longer with proper maintenance. Depending on the hardness of the water in their area, new cartridges will be necessary every three to five years, but the faucet can hold up for many years.”

It’s a good idea to get a quote directly from a plumber if you’re looking for some help installing your faucet because many factors go into installation. Molenaar says installation costs will vary depending on each situation and type of home. She elaborates, “If it is in a newer home and all the valves and pipes are good, the labor cost would be minimal. But sometimes in older homes, there may be a need to update pipes or fittings in order to swap the faucet out.”

Brittany VanDerBill is a Better Homes & Gardens contributor who has written about several home appliances, including water softeners and humidifiers. To find the best kitchen faucets, she evaluated insights from testers who scored each faucet based on ease of use, quality, durability, value, installation, and performance.

Brittany also consulted Alicia Molenaar, CKD, Kitchen Fair, Kris Brumley, Design Consultant, Ultra Designer Center, Brett La Hay, kitchen designer, Inspire Kitchen Design Studio, and former chair of ASID’s (American Society of Interior Designers) National Board, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS for additional insights.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.