Photo: Kraus
Your kitchen faucet is what dispenses water for cooking and for cleaning your food, hands, and dishes when in the kitchen.
These faucets will often dispense most of the water used in many homes, and they are also built to enhance the design of the kitchen. And so finding the best kitchen faucet for your home should be a top priority.
In this piece, we describe the different types of kitchen faucets in detail and highlight the important points to consider when choosing one. But, first, we review 10 top-rated kitchen faucets currently on the market.
In this post:
- 10 Best Kitchen Faucets – Review
- 1. Delta 9178T-AR-DST – Best Overall
- 2. Moen 7594ESRS – Exceptionally Convenient Hands-Free Faucet
- 3. Kraus KPF-1610SS – Heavy-Duty Commercial Style Kitchen Faucet
- 4. Moen 7185SRS – Powerful and Flexible
- 5. Kohler K-596 – Well-Built Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
- 6. American Standard 4175300.002 – Sturdy Brass Kitchen Faucet with Higher Flow Rate
- 7. Pfister G13310SS – Inexpensive and High-Performing Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet
- 8. WeWe A1001-02-01-BN – Best Budget Kitchen Faucet
- 9. Kohler K-72218-CP – Top Quality Touchless Kitchen Faucet
- 10. Kraus KPF-2620SS – Versatile and Easy to Use
- Types of Kitchen Faucets
- How to Buy the Best Kitchen Faucets
- Conclusion
10 Best Kitchen Faucets – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Delta 9178T-AR-DST (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Moen 7594ESRS (Exceptionally Convenient Hands-Free Faucet) |
| |
 | 3. Kraus KPF-1610SS (Heavy-Duty & Commercial Style) |
| |
 | 4. Moen 7185SRS (Powerful & Flexible) |
| |
 | 5. Kohler K-596 (Well-Built Pull-Down Design) |
| |
 | 6. American Standard 4175300.002 (Sturdy Brass Construction with Higher Flow Rate) |
| |
 | 7. Pfister G13310SS (Inexpensive & High-Performing Pull-Out Design) |
| |
 | 8. WeWe A1001-02-01-BN (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 9. Kohler K-72218-CP (Top Quality Touchless Faucet) |
| |
 | 10. Kraus KPF-2620SS (Versatile & Easy to Use) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Delta 9178T-AR-DST (Best Overall)
|
2. Moen 7594ESRS (Exceptionally Convenient Hands-Free Faucet)
|
3. Kraus KPF-1610SS (Heavy-Duty Commercial Style Faucet)
|
4. Moen 7185SRS (Powerful & Flexible)
|
5. Kohler K-596 (Well-Built Pull-Down Design)
|
6. American Standard 4175300.002 (Sturdy Brass Construction with Higher Flow Rate)
|
7. Pfister G13310SS (Inexpensive & High-Performing Pull-Out Design)
|
8. WeWe A1001-02-01-BN (Best Budget)
|
9. Kohler K-72218-CP (Top Quality Touchless Faucet)
|
10. Kraus KPF-2620SS (Versatile & Easy to Use)
|
1. Delta 9178T-AR-DST – Best Overall
Photo: Delta
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
The touch on/touch off operation is one of the key elements that will impress most people that use this faucet as it makes access to the water quick and easy even when your hands are full or dirty.
Also, it is designed to make it easy to check the water temperature even when you are across the room as it has a handy LED indicator light that will change the color according to water temperature.
And with the powerful magnetic docking, the sprayer will always stay in place when not in use without dropping like many other kitchen faucets.
The spray is powerful enough for most applications thanks to the SheildSpray technology. You will also never have to worry about leaks when using this kitchen faucet as it uses diamond seal technology to ensure a leak-free operation.
The sprayer might not sit as flush as some users might wish, but this should not be a big issue as you can solve it easily with a zip tie or just live with it as it is hard to notice for most people.
Pros:
- Easy touch on/touch off
- LED indicator light
- Leak-free operation
- Easy installation
- Powerful magnetic dock
Cons:
- Sprayer will not sit flush when retracted
- Relatively pricier
2. Moen 7594ESRS – Exceptionally Convenient Hands-Free Faucet
Photo: Moen
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
With the two sensors on this Moen kitchen faucet, you can be guaranteed of always getting exceptional and convenient hands-free operation.
However, there are still many other things that make this one of the best touchless kitchen faucets. And they include the power clean spray technology that will ensure that you always get high spray power.
This faucet allows you to choose from two spray patterns for increased versatility. And it has a reflex system that makes use of a 68-inch long for increased maneuverability.
Installing the faucet should also be a quick and easy process that will not require any professional help thanks to the quick connect installation system. And you can install it in both 1 and 3-hole sinks.
Although this is the second priciest item on our list, the quality and performance mean that it is even worth more than you pay for it.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Dual motion sensors
- Quick connect system for easy installation
- Smooth and easy movement
- High spray power
- Installable through both 1 and 3 holes
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
3. Kraus KPF-1610SS – Heavy-Duty Commercial Style Kitchen Faucet
Photo: Kraus
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
Kraus makes this top-rated kitchen faucet with user convenience in mind, and it is one of those things that you will never regret buying.
It is a heavy-duty brass commercial style faucet that comes in a compact 18-inch height to ensure that it can fit underneath almost any cabinet.
The faucet has a powerful dual function sprayer that will allow you to switch easily between a powerful spray and an aerated stream. And there is also a smooth retracting 20-inch hose that is highly maneuverable to make this an even more convenient and versatile kitchen faucet.
The smart single handle design is also a great feature as it ensures that you can easily control the water flow and temperature.
Cleaning the nozzles is also quick and easy as all it takes is a simple swipe with your finger, and you will be able to remove the minerals and limescale build-up.
The few shortcomings on this kitchen faucet include the fact that the head seems to hang a little lower than some people would like, but it still leaves more than enough space to use your sink comfortably. Also, the plastic sprayer head might not be as tough as metal ones, but it is still highly durable.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Durable heavy-duty construction
- Dual spray modes
- Smart handle design
- Smooth retracting and more maneuverable hose
- Easy clean nozzles
Cons:
- Plastic sprayer head
- Head hangs a little too low
4. Moen 7185SRS – Powerful and Flexible
Photo: Moen
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
This high-quality kitchen faucet by Moen is designed to deliver high spray power for all your cleaning needs in the kitchen. And it achieves this thanks to the power clean spray technology.
Also, it has a pull-down reflex system that makes use of a 68-inch long hose that provides infinite maneuverability for more convenience and versatility.
There are also two different spray modes to help make this an even more versatile and useful kitchen faucet as you can use it for everything from washing vegetables to heavy scrubbing.
Setting it up is quick and straightforward as it uses a quick connect installation system, and the manufacturer will back it with a limited lifetime warranty.
The plastic spray head and the relatively lower flow rate are some few shortcomings of this kitchen faucet. However, the sprays head is still quite sturdy and long-lasting and the 1.5 gallons per minute flow rate should still be more than enough for most applications.
Pros:
- Higher spray power
- Quick and easy installation
- Smooth operation and easy movement
- Dual spray modes
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Plastic spray head
- Relatively lower flow rate
5. Kohler K-596 – Well-Built Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
Photo: Kohler
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
Kohler K-596 is the best pull-down kitchen faucet in our list as it is not only well-built and convenient to use, but it also comes at a more affordable price when compared to others with similar capability.
It has a single handle which is designed to be convenient and easy to use so that water flow and temperature adjustment is a quick and easy process.
The kitchen faucet also comes with a three function spray head that has touch control to allow you to switch between the stream, sweep spray and boost modes.
There is a secure magnetic docking system on the spout that will lock the sprayhead securely in place when not in use. And the spray face is designed to resist mineral buildup for easy wipe cleaning.
While the faucet can drip a little when you turn it off in the sweep mode, this is not a significant issue as the dripping is only minor, and you can also solve it by changing the mode prior to turning it off.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Convenient pull-down design
- Three function spray head
- Secure magnetic docking
- Easier and more comfortable to use sprayer
- Easy to clean nozzles
Cons:
- Seems to drip a little when you turn it off at the sweep mode
6. American Standard 4175300.002 – Sturdy Brass Kitchen Faucet with Higher Flow Rate
Photo: American Standard
- Flow Rate: 2.2 GPM
- Material: Brass
With a flow rate of up to 2.2 gallons per minute, this American Standard pull-down faucet has the highest flow rate in our kitchen faucet review.
But besides the high flow rate, this is also a well-built and highly durable brass kitchen faucet with an equally durable metal handle.
It has an adjustable flow pattern that makes it possible to choose the flow pattern depending on the application, and it also has a pause feature. With the memory valve feature, you can maintain water temperature at your desired setting without having to adjust the handle.
Mounting this kitchen faucet is quite easy and quick, and you can do it with or without the included escutcheon.
This kitchen faucet does not have a magnetic docking, and so there can be issues with the retraction and keeping the spray head in place when not in use. However, you should not have any issues with the retraction if you install or position the weights correctly.
Pros:
- Sturdy brass overall construction and metal lever handle
- High flow rate
- Adjustable spray pattern and convenient pause feature
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- No efficient mechanism to hold the head in place when retracted
7. Pfister G13310SS – Inexpensive and High-Performing Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet
Photo: Pfister
- Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
For those that are on the market for a cheaper pull-out kitchen faucet, this will work well for you. It is the second most affordable item in our list, but it is still highly durable and designed to offer top-notch performance.
It comes with a dual function sprayhead that makes it possible to switch between two spray patterns depending on the application. With the high arch design, you will get extra clearance and reach so that you can still use your sink comfortably.
This kitchen faucet will install in both 1 and 3 holes which makes it more versatile as it means you can use it on almost any sink. And the installation is also a quick and straightforward process.
Although this cheap kitchen faucet does not come with the water lines and the baseplate is relatively smaller, these are just minor issues. For the lines, they are cheap and widely available while the baseplate is still large enough to provide sufficient cover.
Pros:
- Relatively more affordable
- Dual function sprayhead
- High arch for extra clearance and reach
- Compatible with both 1 and 3 hole installation
Cons:
- Smaller base plate
- Water lines not included
8. WeWe A1001-02-01-BN – Best Budget Kitchen Faucet
Photo: WeWe
- Material: Brass
Being the cheapest model on our list, this WeWe faucet is our best budget kitchen faucet. If you are looking for a good quality faucet and do not want to spend much, this is what you should go for.
Despite the small price tag, this is still a well-built kitchen faucet that comes in a sleek design that will complement almost any décor. It has 3-way spray settings which are the stream, spray and pause for easy operation and convenience.
It is a single handle faucet, but the handle has been designed to be super easy to use, and so the user will not have any difficulties toggling between cold and hot water or controlling the flow.
While there is no magnetic docking for the pull-down hose like in the more expensive faucets, the hose still remains in place when retracted.
Even with the installation instructions not being detailed enough, DIY installation is still quite straightforward and it will only take around 30 minutes.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Easy to use single handle
- 3-way spray setting
- Quick and easy installation
Cons:
- No magnetic docking
- Instructions are not detailed enough
9. Kohler K-72218-CP – Top Quality Touchless Kitchen Faucet
Photo: Kohler
- Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
Kohler K-72218 is a high-quality touchless kitchen faucet that uses advanced sensors for a reliable on/off operation. And it also has a precision activation window that helps to prevent false water starts.
The kitchen faucet features a premium metal construction for maximum durability. It also has dual-function sprayhead with touch-control for easy switch between the sweep spray and stream patterns. There is a metal docking system to keep the sprayer securely in place when not in use.
Because this is an AC-powered touchless kitchen faucet, you will never have to worry about buying or replacing batteries which adds to its convenience.
Although this is the priciest kitchen faucet in our list, for a touchless model the price is still quite fair, and this is more so when compared to other brands and models.
Pros:
- Reliable touchless operation
- Magnetic docking system
- Premium metal construction
- No batteries required
- Dual function sprayhead with touch control
Cons:
- Quite pricey
10. Kraus KPF-2620SS – Versatile and Easy to Use
Photo: Kraus
- Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
Krause KPF-2620SS is also among the cheapest items in our kitchen faucet review, but it is designed to offer the same level of service as you would get from other pricier models.
This pull-down kitchen faucet comes with a 14-inch retractable dual-function sprayer that allows you to choose between a powerful spray and aerated stream depending on what you are doing.
Operating it is also quite easy as it only has a single lever that you can use to conveniently adjust the water temperature or control the flow.
The high-arch design and 360-degree swivel ensure that you will always get complete access to your sink. And the quick dock drop-in base design will allow for quick and easy DIY installation.
The absence of a magnetic docking makes the pull-down sprayer a little hard to retract. But this is only so in the early days because you should not have any difficulties with the retraction once you get used to the faucet if you installed it correctly.
Pros:
- Dual function sprayhead for versatility
- High-performance aerator
- Convenient single-lever operation
- High arch and 360-degree swivel spout
- Easy DIY installation
Cons:
- Pull-down sprayer is a little hard to retract
- Swivels a little too much
Types of Kitchen Faucets
Photo: Moen
1. Touchless
The touchless or motion detection kitchen faucets are a modern type that is activated using hand motion or objects like cups and pots. These are easy to use faucets that do not require anying physical contact to dispense water.
Touchless kitchen faucets like Kohler K-72218-CP are also quite good-looking and some modern ones will use more advanced features such as integration with WiFi.
These faucets are mostly battery-powered which can be a shortcoming as it means more maintenance, and they are generally quite expensive.
2. Pull-Out
While the pull-out kitchen faucets are not as common as the pull-down types, they are still quite convenient, and this is more so for homes that have smaller sink space.
With the pull-out faucets, you can pull it out towards you, and you can also pull it to the sides and down for more flexibility.
Pull-out kitchen faucets like Pfister G13310SS make it easier and more convenient to fill pots in the vicinity and clean the countertop near and around the sink.
3. Pull-Down
Pull-down faucets like Delta 9178T-AR-DST are some of the most common and popular types. They are designed to allow you to pull the spray wand down straight into your sink.
The pull-down design makes it easy to bring the water closer to the pots that you want to fill or food that you wish to clean.
These kitchen faucets are very useful when you want to rinse something thoroughly or when you prefer to bring the water to the dishes rather than doing the vice versa.
4. Commercial Style
Commercial or fusion style kitchen faucets like Kraus KPF-1610SS are the kinds that you will get in commercial places like the restaurant kitchens.
They feature a high-pressure pull-out sprayer and with a super high arch which means that they will clean better than most other kitchen faucet types.
Many brands are now making smaller residential versions of the commercial kitchen faucets. The smaller versions not only look great in the kitchen but also offer enough power for almost any cleaning task.
The industrial design of commercial kitchen faucets also means that they are often more durable than most other types.
5. Separate Spray
Separate spray kitchen faucets are one of the older types and although its popularity has been on the decline as more advanced faucets come into the market, it can still be quite handy to have in your kitchen.
These kitchen faucets are more flexible as they use a separate handle with a trigger to activate a spraying motion inside the sink.
When not triggering the spray motion, you can still get the regular water flow from the faucet.
6. Single-Handle
With a single handle kitchen faucet, there is only one handle for triggering warm or cold water. The position of the handle lever is what dictates whether you get warm or cold water.
Installing these kitchen faucets is much easier than the traditional two handle types and they are also quite easy to use. Also, they take up relatively less space.
However, single handle kitchen faucets may not allow for precise temperature adjustment like the dual handle faucet as it takes longer to get the water to the temperature that you desire.
7. Two-Handle
Two-handle faucets are some of the most reliable kitchen faucets as they have two separate handles for cold and hot water which allow for more precise adjustment of water temperature.
These traditional kitchen faucet setups are generally more durable than many other types. While they are a bit harder to install than the single-handle types, you should still be able to figure it out by following the instructions that most manufacturers will provide.
How to Buy the Best Kitchen Faucets
Photo: Kohler
Because most modern kitchen faucet out there look good enough, you are likely going to have a hard time picking just one. However, this should not be the case if you keep the following factors in mind when shopping.
1. Compatibility with Kitchen Sink
The first thing that you need to ensure is that the faucet is compatible with your sink. Unless you are also willing to replace your kitchen sink, whatever faucet you pick needs to be compatible to be useful to you.
Most kitchen sinks will come with pre-drilled faucet holes which are in varying sizes, number, and configurations. You should make sure that you can install the faucet that you buy on these holes.
Besides the faucet being able to fit your sink, it should also be compatible with the style of the sink for a more aesthetically appealing setup. For example, if you have a stainless steel sink, a faucet with a stainless steel or chrome finish is often a good match.
2. Flow Rate
A kitchen faucet’s flow rate is the amount of water that your kitchen faucet will dispense every minute. It is also an important factor to consider as it will determine how long it takes to fill pots and other things.
The construction of the faucet determines the flow rate, and so some will have a high flow rate and others a slow or moderate flow.
The higher the flow rate the better, and to ensure that you get a good kitchen faucet you should pick one with a flow rate of at least 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute). But something with a 2.2 GPM flow rate like the American Standard 4175300.002 is even better.
3. Material
Like with all other kitchen fixtures, the material matters a lot when it comes to picking a faucet as it will determine everything from the appearance to durability.
The most common materials used to make kitchen sinks are brass, bronze, zinc alloy, stainless steel, copper, and plastic.
Each of these kitchen faucet materials has some pros and cons which you should know to ensure you make the right choice.
For example, stainless steel works with most sink types and comes in an appealing shiny finish that is easy to clean, but it also tends to scratch easily. Bronze, on the other hand, has a rusting appeal that can add a nice style to your kitchen, but it often requires a lot of polishing.
4. Finish
It is important not to confuse the finish with the material as they are not always the same thing. For example, there are brass kitchen faucets with chrome, bronze or stainless steel finish.
When it comes to the finish, it is all up to your tastes and preferences, the sink that you have and kitchen design that you want to complement.
The most popular kitchen faucet finish or color options are bronze, chrome, stainless steel, ivory, and matte black. Besides going for a finish that looks good and complements your kitchen, it is also important to make sure that it can withstand scratches and stains for long.
5. Durability
While the material used is the single most important factor that determines the durability of your kitchen faucet, it is not the only one. How the faucet is made also affects how long it will last.
When it comes to the construction, the most important thing to watch out for is how the different parts are joined to determine whether the faucet will stay intact for long or not.
For the material, most metals like copper, bronze, and chrome will last long enough but cheaper ones like plastic are not always very durable.
6. Brand
There are hundreds of companies if not thousands that make kitchen faucets but not all of them produce top quality products. Hence, you also need to consider the brand when choosing a kitchen faucet.
Some of the best kitchen faucet brands include Moen, Kohler, Kraus, Peerless, and Delta. These brands are famous for their superior quality support and great customer service to ensure that buyers get the best experience.
Conclusion
The kitchen faucet is one of the busiest fixtures not only in the kitchen but also in the entire home. Hence, you need to make sure that you get something high-quality that can handle the pressure and abuse that comes with regular use.
With these points in mind and our top 10 reviews above for recommendations, finding the best kitchen faucet for your home should now be a quick and easy process.
From the 10 models, the Delta 9178T-AR-DST is our best overall as it is not only well-built but also convenient, leak-free and offers a powerful enough spray.