Buying guide for best kitchen faucets
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If your kitchen is hopelessly out of date or ill-suited to your needs, turning it into a more functional space can be a laborious, and often expensive, endeavor. On the other hand, if your kitchen works well for you, but you want to make some kind of improvement, there are many reasonably priced, quick and even DIY ways to give it a makeover.
You can make a surprisingly big impact to your kitchen — and make it quite a bit more user-friendly — by changing the faucet in your kitchen sink. Although used many times each day, the faucet is often ignored by homeowners unless it springs a leak, or is replaced as part of a larger kitchen remodel. And while it’s true that it demands attention in either of those situations, it’s also true that sometimes, just replacing an old, ugly, or dated faucet with a newer model is all you need for a fresh take on your kitchen.
But choosing a new kitchen faucet can be difficult. There are many brands, models, and options available, and various configurations as well. To help get you started, we spent hours researching dozens of options to create our list of top picks, including our favorite, the Moen Arbor Spot-Resist Stainless One-Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet.
Editors’ picks
Moen Arbor Spot-Resist Stainless One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
Editors’ Favorite
Mounting Type: Deck-mount | Faucet Height: 15.50” | Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Stainless, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black | Pull-down Sprayer: Yes
Made by a top brand, the Moen Arbor faucet is designed for modern convenience. It’s a deck-mount model that can be installed with one or three holes. A single handle and 15.5-inch height make it simple to use and easy to fill and clean large pots, drinkware and more. The pull-down sprayer is made with proprietary Reflex technology that makes it almost effortless to operate.
We love that the Arbor has a Power Boost function that works with a simple button to add to the power of the water stream. This cuts down on the time it takes to fill pots, pans and other kitchen items.
Made of strong stainless steel, this faucet is built to last and comes in a choice of four finishes that are resistant to developing spots. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident about your purchase.
WEWE Single-Handle Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet
Great Value
Mounting Type: Deck-mount | Faucet Height: 15.7” | Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed stainless steel, polished chrome, gold | Pull-down Sprayer: Yes
Simple yet stylish, the WEWE Single-Handle Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet is an affordable option that’s easy to install in a one- or three-hole setup. It’s a deck-mount model that many DIYers with a little plumbing knowledge can install in minutes. And the surprisingly low price is ideal for consumers who are watching their budget.
The combination of the 15.7-inch height and pull-down three-way sprayer make it easy to fill large kitchen items and clean dishes, produce and more. The single handle is straightforward to operate and control the water temperature from, plus it gives the faucet a contemporary appearance.
This faucet is made of strong stainless steel that resists tarnishing. Although it’s value-priced, it’s available in a choice of six finishes so you are sure to find one that looks great in your kitchen.
Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Sprayer
Modern Design
Mounting Type: Deck-mount | Faucet Height: 14.8” | Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, stainless steel, gold, black and brushed, black and chrome, black and gold | Pull-down Sprayer: Yes
Installing the Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Sprayer isn’t overly difficult, plus it offers the versatility of a one- or three-hole pattern. Anyone with a little DIY know-how can install it in less than an hour. Once installed, you’ll enjoy its numerous features and user-friendly functions.
Made of durable stainless steel, it offers a 14.8-inch height. However, the pull-down design allows the sprayer to reach a total distance of 18 inches. To simplify cleaning, it also rotates and features three spray patterns for different needs.
This faucet has a stylish, modern appearance and single-handle operation. Despite its contemporary design, it’s available at a price that will fit most tight budgets. A choice of nine finishes make it possible to find the perfect one to match your kitchen decor.
Owofan Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Sprayer
Affordable Quality
Mounting Type: Deck-mount | Faucet Height: 18” | Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Brushed nickel, black, brushed gold, chrome, nickel and black | Pull-down Sprayer: Yes
A stylish design with user-friendly features make the Owofan Kitchen Faucet one the best on the market. It’s another inexpensive yet feature-packed option with an 18-inch height and pull-down sprayer with an 18-inch reach. The sprayer also swivels for ease of use when cleaning or filling kitchenware. These features make it a versatile option that’s perfect for modern kitchens.
Like similar models, this is a single-handle deck-mount faucet with one- or three-hole installation. DIYers can complete the installation task in about 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. This saves on the cost of hiring a professional.
When choosing the perfect finish to match your kitchen, this faucet comes in attractive options. You can pick from brushed nickel, black, brushed cold, chrome, nickel and black. What’s more, the manufacturer includes a lifetime technical support plus warranty to protect your investment.
JOOM Black Kitchen Faucet
Simple Yet Solid
Mounting Type: Deck-mount | Faucet Height: 18” | Material: Stainless steel | Finishes: Matte black, brushed chrome, matte gold, oil-rubbed bronze, gray | Pull-down Sprayer: Yes
An easy-to-install deck-mount option, the JOOM Black Kitchen Faucet stands out for its unique, high-end design that features an adjustable sprayer with aerated stream, powerful spray and wide waterfall functions. It also pulls down and swivels for versatility while cleaning at your kitchen sink.
Available in matte black, brushed chrome, matte gold, oil-rubbed bronze and gray finishes, this faucet is made of durable, spot-resistant stainless steel. It has a single handle that’s simple to operate to adjust the water temperature to the perfect setting.
In addition to being straightforward to install in a one- or three-hole configuration, this faucet is easy to afford. This makes it a good pick for DIYers who won’t want to spend a lot of money to give their kitchen sink an updated, modern look.
How we analyzed
We started with 36 kitchen faucets and spent nearly 40 hours researching them to select the best to create our curated list of the top options available. We factored in the types of mountings and the number of mounting holes to help consumers assess which type will work for them. We noted the different types of handles and spouts, explaining how they work and assessing their benefits. Pull-out, pull-down and bridge are common types of faucets, so we researched information about each variety. Finishes, faucet height, materials and extras, such as built-in filters and temperature settings, were also included in our research. Lastly, we checked out customer feedback to determine how faucets work for actual consumers.
Count your mounting holes
Assuming that you are not buying a new sink along with a new faucet, you need to know the number of faucet mounting holes in your existing sink. These are the holes – typically covered by some sort of base plate – for the faucet spout, taps, side sprayer, soap dispenser, and other mounted accessories.
Your sink will have anywhere from one to four mounting holes. Your new faucet can’t require more holes than those that already exist on the sink, although it can require fewer holes. For example, if your sink has three mounting holes, and you choose a faucet that needs one hole for the spout, one hole for the cold water tap, and one hole for the hot water tap, you’re fine. But that’s not the only option. You can work a variety of combinations for the existing holes; for example, you could install a single-hole faucet, side sprayer, and soap dispenser.
You can also choose a faucet that requires fewer holes than your sink offers, then cover the unused holes with a longer base plate. What you cannot easily do, however, is install a faucet that requires more holes than already exist in the sink.
Wall-mounted vs. deck-mounted faucets
An increasingly popular option is a wall-mounted kitchen faucet, which, as the name suggests, attaches to the wall right over the sink.
This isn’t an option in kitchens with a window over the sink, but these faucets do provide an uncluttered, open look to the sink area, and also make it easy to clean around the sink’s top.
If you’re switching from a deck-mounted faucet to a wall-mounted faucet, you’ll need to have the sink’s water lines brought up to the wall opening.
How many handles?
A traditional faucet has two handles: one for hot water, and one for cold water.
Many people prefer a single-handled faucet in the kitchen, however, which has one lever or knob that rotates toward the left to make the water hotter, and toward the right for cold water. The single lever makes it much easier to work the faucet with wet or slippery hands.
Today, you’ll also find faucets with no handles at all. These hands-free faucets are triggered by a wave of the hand or a light tap, and are very convenient for busy cooks.
Basic types of kitchen faucets
Gooseneck
Gooseneck faucets have a high, arching spout, and are excellent if you wash a lot of large pots and pans. They require a deep sink; otherwise they are prone to splashing.
Pot filler
You’ll usually find these hinged faucets near the stove, where they are used to fill large pots for cooking pasta.
Two-handle
Although more common in bathrooms than kitchens, there are still many kitchen sinks adorned with this traditional, one-tap-for-hot-water and one-tap-for-cold-water faucets.
Single-handle
This is probably the most common type of kitchen faucet, at least in older homes. It has one tap, usually mounted on the spout, which rotates left for hot water and right for cold water.
Pullout faucets
This very popular design has a built-in, retractable sprayer that pulls straight out, making it easy to fill pots, clean the sink, and wash produce and dishes. These are one-handle faucets.
Pull-down faucets
Like a pullout faucet, there is a built-in, retractable sprayer, but with this design, the faucet spout arches up and over the sink, and the sprayer pulls straight down. These are good for very deep sinks, and also have a modern appearance that some homeowners appreciate.
Bridge
This old-fashioned faucet is making a style comeback. It has separate hot and cold water taps, but they are connected to the spout by above-sink metal bridges, rather than underneath-the-sink connectors.
Faucet finishes
The choice of finish is purely a matter of aesthetics, so go ahead and choose the one you like best, or that matches other metals throughout your kitchen.
While chrome is the most common faucet finish, you’ll find many other options, including brushed metals, matte finishes, satin sheen, and copper or polished brass.
Faucet features to consider
Faucets are fairly basic, but there are still a few terms and features you should know about.
Built-in filter
No more buying bottled water when you can easily filter your tap water.
Hot water dispenser
Super convenient when you want a quick cup of tea or coffee, this is another extra that requires one of the holes near your faucet spout.
Spray/stream selector
A button that lets you switch between a stream and a spray of water. It’s usually on the top or the side of the faucet’s head.
Temperature setting
This high-end feature holds your temperature even after you turn the faucet off, making it easy to return to your faucet later.
Magnetic lock
A feature of many pull-down or pullout faucets, the magnetic lock holds the faucet head in place while retracted.
Side sprayer
Not so popular now that pull-down or pullout faucets have taken over, a side sprayer is a separate, hand-held sprayer that mounts next to your faucet spout.
Soap dispenser
Instead of a bottle of dish soap sitting near your sink, you just pump it out of this handy attachment, which installs in one of the mounting holes next to your faucet spout.
Tips
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The base plate, which is sometimes called the deck plate, covers any extra mounting holes on your sink. Deck plates can add a decorative touch to your kitchen, but they also add one more surface to clean.
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Ceramic valves are the top choice for preventing faucet drips. Other types of valves are usually drip-free for years, but they can’t match the long-term reliability of ceramic.
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Bronze faucets have a brownish tone and are often called “oiled” or “rubbed” bronze, but the surface is a coating (such as epoxy) rather than metal.
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Make sure your faucet head has enough swing to reach the entire inside of your sink.
Faucet prices
While you’ll find builder-grade faucets that are less than $80, you’re far likelier to have problems with these models than somewhat more expensive faucets.
Generally, a good kitchen faucet with desirable extra features will cost between $100 and $300.
