Welcome to our guide on the top 10 best kitchen faucets on the market right now. The kitchen is often the focal point of any busy home and you want to make sure you have the best kitchen faucet possible. This is to ensure it looks good but also does the job you need!
We’ve put together the key information you need to consider when purchasing a new kitchen faucet, along with reviews of the top 10 on the market right now.
Our top 10 kitchen faucets are broken down into five pull-out and five pull-down faucets, to enable you to pick from as wide a variety of options as possible. Each one includes a brief overview, along with the pros and cons, so that you can make an informed buying decision.
First on our list is this impressive model from Pfister, perhaps offering the most for your money right now!
Design:
Starting with the design and build quality, it has been stylishly made to fit in with most kitchens and the pull-out handle is made from metal, making it far stronger than many other models.
Features:
You would struggle to notice it is a pull-out model, thanks to the faucet head blending in with the rest of the system. However, it is a pull-out faucet and offers two modes, spray and stream. The spray offers 1.8 GPM, more than sufficient for your needs.
Installation:
There really are minimal downsides to choosing this model, but it is important to make sure you have the space between the sink and cabinets above, as the faucet is 12 inches tall.
Pros
Cons
Stylish design and sturdy construction
Installation is easy and you get everything you need in the box
Fantastic value for money
The faucet is 12 inches high so it may be too large for some smaller kitchens
We really do like this stylish pull-out faucet and despite it being listed as an RV faucet, it can be installed in any home kitchen as well.
Design:
At 7 inches tall, it is more convenient than some other models and will suit smaller kitchens.
Features:
Being smaller hasn’t meant you lose functionality, with a swivel feature and the two usual settings (spray and stream). The manufacturer has also thought about durability, using metal in its construction, so you can rest assured its a purchase that will last for many years.
Controls:
Some customers may be concerned by the single lever control, which can make it hard to get the right temperature, as well as a supply line that isn’t very long and may need extending.
Pros
Cons
A smaller faucet at 7 inches tall
Made from quality materials
Lower priced when compared to other faucets on the market
It has a single lever for turning on and off
The supply line is approx 6-8 inches and it may require extending
We are talking luxury with this next pull-out kitchen faucet from Delta and you will soon see why we rate this one so highly.
Features:
To start with, it uses a magnet to hold the faucet head in place and features impressive technology that reduces the chances of any leaks. It’s Diamond Seal Technology claims to prevent any leaks for as many as 1 million cycles.
Performance:
Another impressive feature is the hose length, at an impressive 24 inches and so with the spout included, you can reach up to 32 inches away from the unit. This is far more than most other models and allows for greater flexibility.
Pros
Cons
Stylish design, with five colours available to choose from
Magnetic docking means the head won’t fall down
No leaks thanks to its impressive seal technology
Weight – Due to its stainless steel body, it can be heavy to carry and move around.
This kitchen faucet is at the more budget end of the market but still offers fantastic value for money. If you want a faucet which does the job, is practical and easy to use, then you need to look no further.
Installation:
The faucet head doesn’t require its own supply line and the deck plate will cover three existing holes, even though the unit is a 1-hole faucet.
Hose:
Furthermore, the faucet head is connected to a 24-inch hose, allowing you plenty of freedom to do the dishes or fill up large pots.
Suitability:
Whilst it is advertised as a kitchen faucet for RVs, you can install this in any kitchen but be prepared for a simple, plain-looking design that won’t win any awards for looks.
Pros
Cons
Fantastic value for money
Well built and mainly made from metal
Will fit in both RVs and standard kitchens
Not a stylish faucet, or packed with fancy features
Another pull-out kitchen faucet from Delta and again, one on our list that features a magnetic spout. Add in the Diamond Seal Technology to stop leaks and a limited lifetime warranty, and you end up with another fantastic product.
Design:
Stylishly made in either chrome or stainless steel, it features only lead-free materials to stop any contamination of your water and the disk valves are ceramic. Unfortunately, you can’t choose any other colour options or designs, so for those wanting to move away from the metallic look, you won’t have much luck.
Installation:
We do like the fact that you can install this faucet on almost any sink surface, even plastic ones, making it a great choice for most households.
Pros
Cons
This faucet includes a magnetic spout and Diamond Seal Technology to prevent leaks
It can be installed any almost any sink, even plastic ones
Built with lead-free materials
Only available in chrome or stainless steel and so can mark easily
The first of the pull-down kitchen faucets on our list now and this is one of the most luxurious, quality faucets on offer.
Design:
It has been built using aluminium, stainless steel and glass, creating a quality feel and improving the performance of its temperature control feature.
Temperature Control:
On the topic of temperature, it has a handy little digital display to help choose the temperature you want the water to come out as.
Maintenance:
Sadly, it would appear that the quality feel doesn’t correlate that well into durability or longevity, as we feel potential poor manufacturing of certain parts will fail over time. So whilst it will give you great, clean water, you may find it doesn’t have the lifespan of other models.
Pros
Cons
High-quality performance and long-lasting
You can choose from a touchless sensor option
It is definitely value for money despite its high cost
If you want a 3-hole installation, then you will need to buy a separate deck plate
One of our favourite features on this pull-down kitchen faucet is its design, that hides the hose inside the faucet body.
Design:
This makes it look like a more traditional kitchen faucet, whilst still looking stylish and having the extra functionality that a pull-down faucet offers. Whilst it has been designed well and feels relatively well-made, it is important to note that the spray head is made from plastic, which might put people off.
Features:
As usual, it offers both the spray and stream modes, but as an added extra this one comes with a pause button. This is a nice touch for those wanting to stop the flow of water for a moment without having to put something down or reach for the lever.
Pros
Cons
It has a pause option to temporarily stop the flow of water
Easy installation and the water supply lines can be replaced with others
The hose is hidden inside the faucet body
The GPM on this model is around 1.2, which isn’t the best
8. Delta Faucet Essa Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer
Delta Faucet has once again produced a stylish and sleek kitchen faucet that impressed us enough to make it onto the list.
Design:
This pull-down option has the magnet technology for holding the head in place and is built using Diamond Seal Technology to prevent leaks.
Maintenance:
Furthermore, to clean this model you just have to pull it down and brush the faucet, making it easier to maintain than other models on the market.
Size:
Unfortunately, there are minor downsides to this model and it’s to do with the size. Firstly, it is 14.5 inches tall, making it unsuitable for some smaller kitchens and with a reach of 6.6 inches, it isn’t the most versatile.
Pros
Cons
A magnetic seal that holds the head in place
Diamond Seal Technology that prevents leaks
Stylish design and well-made
One of the more expensive models
It is a tall faucet and doesn’t have a great reach, only going as far as 6.6 inches
If you want a high-end, stylish kitchen faucet with the option of adding a touchless sensor, then this pull-down faucet from Moen is the way to go. It definitely isn’t at the cheaper end of the list but you are certainly buying a quality product.
Design:
You can choose from an array of colours including matte black, a one or two sensor unit and the usual Moen Power Clean technology.
Performance:
One big annoyance for kitchen faucets is leaking and you will be pleased to know that when you turn this faucet off, it will stay off, without dripping.
Installation:
It is another faucet which is on the tall side, standing at 15.5 inches tall, so you need to make sure it fits with your kitchen cabinets.
Pros
Cons
A high-quality product that is manufactured in the USA
Optional motion sensor
A range of stylish colour options
It is 15.5 inches tall and so may not fit in smaller kitchens
The last product on our list is definitely not the least, with this stylish pull-down faucet coming with an impressive touch system that allows you to turn it on just by touching the unit. This is super helpful when you’re already holding something.
Features:
You are certainly paying a little more for this model but it has some added features such as a power spray, which makes a big difference in trying to clean tough surfaces.
Design:
It has been finished to prevent fingerprints from being visible and the lever requires minimal movement, taking up less space than expected.
Installation:
The only real downside here is that it doesn’t come with a deck plate and so if you want one of these, you will have to buy one separately, adding to the overall cost.
Pros
Cons
A touch on/touch off system that is really easy to use
Stylish design with the spray head made from metal
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best kitchen faucets on the market right now. We have tried to provide you with the best in pull-down and pull-out kitchen faucets, to help you understand what options there are and find one that perfectly fits your personal requirements.
Which type is best?
The first thing to get out of the way is deciding on which type of kitchen faucet to go for, either a pull-out faucet or a pull-down one. Ultimately, one isn’t simply better than the other, as it is purely about personal preference and the individual requirements of each household.
You will find a brief overview below for each type, in order to help you make a decision.
Pull-out faucet
We start with the less popular of the two types, the pull-out faucet. The main reason these are not as popular is that they’re often less attractive and stylish than pull-down versions.
However, there are some key benefits to choosing this style and the first is saving on space. If you have a small kitchen with minimal clearance around your sink, the reach of this faucet isn’t reduced at all. Furthermore, they often look like traditional faucets and so blend in with traditional kitchens well.
Pull-down faucet
The most popular choice for many looking at non-traditional faucets is the pull-down faucet. Firstly, this type of faucet is very much on-trend right now and the designs are popular with most who have modern, stylish kitchens.
What is important to note is that whilst the long neck allows you to fill up large pots or even multiple sinks, you do need to make sure you have the space to take advantage of this kind of unit. It is always best to measure up your sink area beforehand and see whether the dimensions fit.
Key Considerations
Aside from the obvious choice or pull-down or pull-out, there are some other considerations to reflect on, prior to making a purchase.
Touch or Touchless
Some may think the option of touch or touchless contact faucets is a bit of a gimmick, compared to the traditional levers. However, they do offer convenience for those busy cooks who have their hands full.
A touch contact faucet often refers to the ability that you can turn the water on and off by touching the faucet anywhere on its body. A touchless one goes another step and has a sensor that you can simply wave your hand in front of and it will start the water. Obviously, these kinds of features increase the price tag, so do bear that in mind.
Single-lever or Multi-handle
This is very much based on preference, whether you prefer a single-lever to control the temperature or a multi-level that controls hot and cold separately. Both offer the same result but many people do prefer the multi-handle to help get the mix of water just right.
You also have the potential with a single-handle that if it goes wrong, you don’t have access to even a single stream of water.
Filters
More and more people are thinking about the quality of the water they use and unfortunately, very few of these types of faucets will include water filters built-in. So you need to consider whether you have a filtration system already in place, such as a whole-house one at the point it enters the house.
If you don’t, you will need to research how these single-point filters connect to the faucet and check that won’t cause any problems.
Extra features
Modern kitchen faucets are so much more than simply providing tap water. Kitchen faucets come with an array of exciting and useful features that may just be the thing you need to transform your kitchen experience.
The most common ones include multiple spray configurations which are great for tackling tough, hard to remove stains. Likewise, you can get a boost of water to speed up the process and minimise water waste.
If you choose to go for a touchless faucet, then you will likely see features including auto-shutoff, to ensure that it doesn’t just run continuously, as well as smart sensors that stop you from accidentally turning the water on.
Some other features that you may wish to go for include temperature indicators and controls, smart seals and intelligent docking support using magnets.
Installation
The vast majority of kitchen faucets that you buy are easy to install thanks to improved technology, improvements in the manufacturing process and a relatively uniform approach to design.
Each will come with instructions and many manufacturers now offer online support in the form of video guides and customer service departments. We always suggest reading our expert reviews and customer reviews to see if they mention the installation process.
Where complications can appear, is the mounting holes required by the kitchen faucets and how these map to your existing sink. We have a small section below which discusses this but ultimately, a faucet and sink may have anywhere from 1 to 4 holes, depending on the features and designs. So it is important that these match up, otherwise you will have to drill new holes, adding to the installation process.
Style and finish
You are certainly looking for a new faucet at the right time because there are some beautiful, stylish designs available, whether you go for a basic single handle faucet or the latest touchless sensor faucet.
Some of the faucets on our list come with the option of choosing different colours or finishes, with the most common being chrome or stainless steel. Some people prefer more traditional designs for their kitchens, so look out for bronze shades.
As with all things, the better materials, nicer designs and modern finish will mean higher prices but as this is going to be in the focal point of your home, then we think it’s worth getting the right style.
Budget
Never a fun consideration but an important one to have on your list. Kitchen faucets range in price a great deal, with the more basic ones coming in at $40 to $50. These basic models will increase in price as you start to go for better quality materials, such as stainless steel.
When you start going above the $100 mark, up to $200-$300 then you are in the realm of high-quality materials, stylish designs and multiple features such as sensors and pull-down hoses.
If your individual requirements mean you need to go above this price point, or perhaps you want the very latest systems, then feel free to explore those but be aware that you don’t get a great deal more except for some style changes.
As with every decision, think about what you need and what works best and how this compares to your budget expectations.
Water Flow Rate
This is an interesting factor to consider because normally, we would suggest that the higher the flow rate the better. However, when it comes to faucets then there is a strong argument for choosing a lower flow rate because of how it helps minimise water waste and protects the environment.
If you can aim for a flow rate under 2 gallons per minute (GPM) then you won’t see a drastic difference in performance but will certainly save a lot of water. Remember that this will also mean you save money on your water bill which everyone loves to do!
Making sure the faucet fits your sink
The majority of people purchase a new faucet as they are relatively easy to install and you won’t often wish to replace your sink or counters. This means it is important to keep in mind the design of your sink, in particular, how many holes it has in it for faucets.
You may choose a faucet for your kitchen that offers the option of multiple configurations, but this isn’t that common. The number of holes required will range from 1 to 4 and a brief explanation of each is below:
A 1 hole faucet is likely to be used for basic faucet models and not multiple feature options or commercial-style faucets.
A 2 hole faucet will use one for the main spout and another for any accessories that may be attached.
A 3 hole faucet is one of the most common types as it allows for the spout and accessories, whilst coming with a deck plate.
A 4 hole faucet is more focused on commercial and industrial kitchens as it is likely to have a dispenser or sprayer attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about kitchen faucets, along with our answers in the hope that it helps you navigate your way to the best kitchen faucet for your home. You may find other questions that you wish to ask, in which case please do not hesitate to explore our in-depth guides or get in touch with our experts.
How much do they cost?
This depends on a number of factors including the type of faucet, design, materials used, features, the manufacturer and more. They start from as little as $50 but that will be for a basic single handle kitchen faucet with no extras. In reality, you will be looking at a price between $100-$250 for a stylish faucet from one of the top-rated kitchen faucet brands.
If you want to go for one that is has a hands free operation, or designed with a stylish brushed nickel effect, then all of these things add to the cost.
Is a touchless faucet better?
A touchless faucet is a fantastic idea for many homeowners and it goes way beyond the idea of just not wanting to use an ordinary tap handle.
They are a fantastic idea for those who are worried about germs when cooking with raw meat and don’t want to spend all their time cleaning up the faucet after use. Likewise, if you spend time in the garden, work on a farm or perhaps it is a commercial environment then a touchless faucet will minimise you needing to touch the surfaces of your kitchen.
One area not often considered is the benefit to those households with young people or someone with a disability. It may be a challenge to reach the handles or use them correctly and a touchless one that uses a sensor takes all of these problems away. It will make it safer and allow for greater freedom.
What is the best flow rate to go for?
This is an interesting aspect of faucets because for most other water filters and water systems, we talk about the higher the water flow rate, the better. However, with a kitchen faucet, it is important to understand that if you lower the water flow rate a certain amount then you will gain certain benefits.
The majority of kitchen faucets will have a water flow rate around the 2 to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). If you can find ones that are below 2, then you can reduce your water bills by being more economical with your water usage. This has an extra benefit of being good to the environment, which we should all think about when buying a new product.
If you aim for a flow rate around the 1.5GPM mark then you won’t see much of a drop in performance but significant savings to your water bill.
Are they easy to install?
Yes, the vast majority of the systems on the market right now are easy to install, very quickly getting you set up with a new source of hot and cold water. Always take a moment to look at customer reviews and the manufacturing guidelines on installation, plus check to see whether they provide extra guidance in the form of a call centre or video guides online.
If you feel it necessary to get professional assistance, make sure you build this into your budget as it may not be a cheap way to do it and will make an alternative product more suitable.
Are they easy to maintain and keep clean?
In most cases yes, they are easy to maintain and keep clean by using warm soapy water regularly. Some of the more high-tech options may require additional steps, such as removing and replacing a filter if it includes one.
Some kitchen faucets will be made with mark-resistant materials to minimise fingerprints and grease stains, which are great for those wishing to keep cleaning to a minimum. Likewise one of the best options for you would be to choose a touchless model so that you barely touch it whilst using it.
Should I choose a pull-out or pull-down faucet?
Both types offer a very similar feature when compared to the older style of fixed neck taps. A pull-out faucet often has a shorter spout and is a great option for smaller, household kitchens who have one sink to clean dishes in.
A pull-down faucet is the ones you often see with long necks that are detachable and come with a long hose. This is perfect for commercial kitchens as well as larger households who maybe have two sinks.
No matter which one you go for, you will have far greater flexibility and freedom than a traditional faucet and most of the top-rated kitchen faucets will be either of these options.
Do I need to get a water filter as well?
This depends if you have one installed in your home already and the quality of the water supply entering into your home. If you have a whole-house filtration system that cleans all of your hot and cold water then no you don’t need to worry. Likewise, if you have an inline filter built into the pipe feeding to your sink then it’s fine.
If you haven’t got a filter in place yet, then we most definitely recommend it. Even the most highly treated and advanced regions will still find their water has some contaminants and harmful materials. Some of the faucets will have a filter built it but it is unlikely, so you may wish to explore this separately.
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