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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A kitchen faucet is a necessity for washing hands, doing dishes, and dispensing water, but it's also a focal point in many kitchens. “When choosing a faucet for your home, it’s important to consider two things: functionality and aesthetics. The right faucet should be practical for your needs and look amazing," says interior designer Allison Ruda. We researched and tested the best kitchen faucets based on mount type, style, finish, and features like touchless operation or attached soap dispensers.
The ideal option for your kitchen will depend on your sink configuration and faucet type.
Below, the best kitchen faucets for any type of sink.
Best Overall
Kohler Sous Pro-Style Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet
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Amazon
Performed well in our testing
Easy to install
Powerful spray function for clearing debris
Sprayer head retracts reliably
No pause or lock feature for sprayer
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 an exposed spring, making it durable and easy to use.
In order to evaluate its installation and effectiveness, we tested this pull-down faucet in a real-life home setting. We found the installation process to be straightforward and simple—requiring just 20 minutes and a few tools. (Our product tester had no sink installation experience, and she didn't hit any snags with installing this faucet in her kitchen.) After a month of use, the professional-style kitchen faucet earned just short of a perfect score for its performance and function.
The Kohler Sous Pro-Style faucet measures 22 inches high, which is taller than other pull-down models 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, and we found that 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 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 spray, which dispenses a wide blade of water. We found this feature helpful for rinsing plates or "sweeping" debris from the sink. Our only complaint about the design and functionality of this professional-style kitchen 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 of a faucet that we think performs very nicely overall.
Price at time of publish: $279
Material: Zinc | Finish: Stainless steel, chrome, brass, or matte black | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 2 (can be fitted for 1-4) | Faucet Height: 22 inches | Spout Height: 7.5 inches | Spout Reach: 9 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
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The Spruce / Deanna McCormack
Best Budget
Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer Brushed Nickel
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Amazon
Pull-out sprayer with three functions
Finish looks high-end and resists fingerprints
Available in many colors, including two-tone options
Some buyers report wear and tear
Contrasting buttons
If you're on the hunt for a wallet-friendly option, the Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer offers the style and function of pricier models but costs significantly less. A best-selling model that is also budget-friendly, this fingerprint-resistant faucet measures 16 inches high, providing plenty of room for filling large pots or pitchers. It features a pull-out spray function, and it sets itself apart from other budget kitchen faucets by offering stream, spray, and pause features using the buttons on the spray head. Usually, these features are seen on high-end kitchen faucets, so this functionality adds to the value of a relatively affordable model.
We wish the front-facing black buttons on the spray head didn't contrast so obviously with the monochrome finishes, but that criticism is easy to overlook when keeping the price in mind. While some users have experienced issues with installation or leaking, according to reviewers, the company has a record of a prompt response. For the price point, this kitchen faucet offers great value for property renovations or as an affordable upgrade for your kitchen.
Price at time of publish: $80
Material: Stainless Steel | Finish: Black, black & brushed nickel, black & chrome, black & gold, gold, chrome, brushed nickel, gray, or bronze | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 3 | Faucet Height: 14.76 inches | Spout Height: 6.69 inches | Spout Reach: 8.27 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Splurge
Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet With Voice Control
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Amazon
Touchless operation
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Pull-down sprayer offers boosted water pressure
Digital temperature reading
Battery-operated
Too high tech for some
A smart kitchen faucet doesn’t come cheap, but the Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet might be worth the splurge. Not only does this faucet feature a motion-activated sensor, but it responds to voice commands or app control. You can turn the faucet on or off from across the room or around the corner without ever touching the handle. It’s one of the most high-tech faucets on the market, so it’s no surprise that it costs significantly more than a standard faucet.
One of our favorite features of the Moen Arbor Smart Touchless Kitchen Faucet is the ability to use popular voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to dispense precise measurements of water from your faucet at the temperature you request. For instance, while making your morning oatmeal you can say, “Hey Google, ask Moen to dispense a half cup of cold water.” There’s no need to get out your measuring cups or adjust the water temperature using the faucet’s handle.
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. Six D batteries supply this faucet with power, but the manufacturer says you can expect up to two years of battery life—meaning you won’t need to recharge or replace them very often.
While it seems like there aren't any downsides to this faucet, 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.
Price at time of publish: $430
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 Pull-Down
Moen Adler Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet
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Amazon
Pull-down sprayer offers boosted water pressure
Easy to use one-handed
Spot-resistant finish
Lacks touchless operation
The Moen Adler is a pull-down faucet that features a single-handle design, which allows for one-handed adjustment of water temperature. The included deck plate is optional and can be used with one-hole or three-hole sink installations.
Moen equipped this kitchen faucet with Power Clean technology, which gives the faucet 50 percent more water pressure. A button on the sprayer switches the water from the typical, aerated flow to Power Clean mode—ideally for spraying off dirty dishes or deep-cleaning the sink. The spout measures 14.6 inches high and has a 7.5-inch reach, and the braided hose gives the sprayer some additional reach. When you’re done using the pull-down faucet, release it, and the hose automatically retracts.
A stainless steel finish ensures that the Moen Adler blends in with most modern kitchen designs, and the spray head button is more discrete than those on the more budget-friendly Forious Kitchen Faucet. It's also spot-resistant, so you can have more peace of mind that this kitchen faucet won’t show every water spot or fingerprint. If you’re looking to customize the look of your kitchen faucet, you can also choose the Moen Adler in bronze, chrome, and matte black finishes. Unlike our best splurge pick, this one doesn't feature touchless operation.
Price at time of publish: $169
Material: Zinc | Finish: Stainless steel, chrome, bronze, or matte black | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 3 | Faucet Height: 14.6 inches | Spout Height: 8.3 inches | Spout Reach: 7.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
Best Touchless
BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet With Motion Sensor
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Amazon
Ideal for keeping the faucet handle clean when you have messy hands
Water turns on when you pull down the spray head
Water automatically turns off after three minutes
Batteries require regular replacement or recharge
Short range of activation
Avoid spreading germs in your kitchen by opting for a touchless faucet. Using a motion-activated sensor, these faucets give you the ability to start the flow of water without ever touching the faucet’s handle. Busy bakers or cooks will appreciate using this feature to quickly and easily clean up without making a bigger mess on the faucet’s handle.
The FLOW Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet With Motion Sensor is our top pick for a touchless faucet, since it offers a balance of innovation and value. It doesn’t include other bells and whistles (like voice control) found on some touchless kitchen faucets, but this FLOW faucet does include its fair share of user-friendly features and functions. For instance, in addition to the motion-activated hand sensor, you can pull down the spray head, and the faucet will automatically turn on. This makes rinsing dishes a true one-step process—pull down the sprayer, clean off the plates or sink, and release the sprayer to automatically turn off the water. It’s intuitive and easy to use. Plus, you won’t need to hardwire this faucet since it relies on batteries. Keep in mind that you will need to replace (or recharge) the batteries regularly, but most households can expect to go about six months before needing to insert new batteries.
The biggest drawback to this touchless kitchen faucet is the somewhat short range of activation. You’ll need to wave your hand within 4 to 5 inches of the sensor to activate the flow. If you have a small sink, you may find that the forward-facing sensor is easily triggered when washing pots or pans in the sink. To avoid this, the manufacturer provides instructions for an alternate installation that places the sensor on the left side of the faucet rather than facing outward.
Price at time of publish: $229
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
Best for Large Pots and Pans
Grohe Veletto Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Sprayer Kitchen Faucet
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Home De Pot
9.75-inch spout height
Pull-out sprayer with two functions
Spot- and scratch-resistant finish
Constructed of solid brass
No pause or lock feature for sprayer
Limited finish options
Pull-out kitchen faucets have become increasingly popular as more people feel comfortable experimenting in their kitchens. Mimicking the functionality of a commercial-grade pre-rinse faucet, these faucets have been adapted for use in everyday kitchens and make it easy to rinse dirty dishes or reach every corner of the sink. A standout characteristic feature of this faucet is the high-arc spout, which houses the hose for the sprayer but also means that these faucets are better equipped to fill tall pots with water (and clean them when you're finished).
Engineered in Germany, Grohe has a reputation for well-designed and long-lasting kitchen fixtures. The Veletto is a single-handle faucet with a pull-down sprayer capable of stream and spray functions. It measures 16.3 inches tall and has a spout height of 9.75 inches, which offers plenty of clearance for filling a water pitcher or doing dishes in the sink. The faucet itself is made of brass—except for the pull-out sprayer, which has plastic components. There is no magnet to retract the sprayer, but Grohe uses its own EasyDock system to smoothly retract the hose and sprayer. The brushed stainless finish looks good in virtually all kitchens and is coated to resist scratches and water spots. This model is also available in chrome, but other popular finishes, like matte black, gold, and satin nickel, are not offered.
Price at time of publish: $229
Material: Brass | Finish: Stainless steel or chrome | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 16.31 inches | Spout Height: 9.75 inches | Spout Reach: 6.63 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Gold
Kraus KPF-2820SFACB Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
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Amazon
Sleek look for modern kitchens
Adjustable flow rate
Silicone spray holes are easily wiped clean
Spot-resistant finish
Only for one-hole installation
An easy way to update your kitchen aesthetic? Install a matte gold kitchen faucet. The Kraus Oletto is available in an antique champagne brass finish, 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 also offers some of the most sought-after functions, such as a single handle and pull-down sprayer. The handle rotates forward 90 degrees, making this faucet a good choice if you have limited space between your kitchen sink and backsplash. The pull-down sprayer has a toggle switch to give you the option of stream or spray functions. The silicone spray holes are also easy to clean, and regular maintenance will keep mineral deposits from restricting water flow.
Since the gold finish of this kitchen faucet is designed to attract attention, it’s worth pointing out that Kraus uses its All-Brite 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. The solid brass construction and premium internal components are indicators of a long life of service, so it’s no surprise that Kraus backs this faucet with a limited lifetime warranty. There is no deck plate included with this kitchen faucet; it’s only suitable for single-hole installation.
Price at time of publish: $270
Material: Brass | Finish: Antique champagne brass, brushed bronze, stainless steel, chrome, matte black, brushed gold, or two-tones | 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 to 2.2 GPM
Best Single-Handle
Delta 101-DST Classic Single-Handle Standard Kitchen Faucet in Chrome
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Amazon
Budget-friendly, basic operation
All-brass fittings
Spout swivels 180 degrees
Limited lifetime warranty
No sprayer
Only available in one finish
A single-handle kitchen faucet takes up minimal space and offers a streamlined design. The Delta Classic Single-Handle Standard Kitchen Faucet is frills-free but easy to use. The single handle gives you a quick way to turn the faucet on and adjust the water temperature. There is no pull-down sprayer, but the spout has 8.7 inches of reach and can be swiveled 180 degrees.
This model is designed for one-hole sinks, and installing this Delta faucet is straightforward in most situations. The flow rate is 1.8 GPM, which has proven to be plenty of flow for most households. You can also minimize your worries about a leaky faucet since this single-handle faucet utilizes Delta’s Diamond Seal technology and all-brass fittings. A limited lifetime warranty provides further peace of mind.
Price at time of publish: $76
Material: Metal | Finish: Chrome | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 8.38 inches | Spout Height: 4.94 inches | Spout Reach: 8.69 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Dual-Handle
Moen CA87888 Caldwell Chrome 2-Handle High-Arc Kitchen Faucet
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Amazon
Spout swivels from side to side
Dual-handled for precise temperature regulation
Includes side sprayer
Limited lifetime warranty
Only available in one finish
If you’re searching for a kitchen faucet with separate handles to control the flow of hot and cold water, consider the Moen Caldwell 2-Handle High-Arc Kitchen Faucet. This option has a classic design and fits three-hole sink installations, or four-hole sinks if you plan to use the included side sprayer. The spout of this kitchen faucet features a high arc and can be swiveled from side to side, so it's ideal for use with double sinks. It’s only available in a chrome finish but has a traditional design that will work in a wide range of kitchen designs.
Many people find that dual-handle kitchen faucets offer more precise temperature regulation, since you can turn on the hot and cold water supplies independently. Plus, it’s easier to avoid accidentally cranking the water temperature up way too high. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to manually adjust the water temperature using two handles, which can be inconvenient when cooking or cleaning in the kitchen.
Price at time of publish: $86
Material: Not listed | Finish: Chrome | Number of Handles: 2 | Number of Holes: 3, 4 | Faucet Height: 11 inches | Spout Height: 11 inches | Spout Reach: 9 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
Best with Side Sprayer
Kohler K-R72508-VS Mistos Single Handle Kitchen Faucet With Side Sprayer
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Amazon
Easy to operate one-handed
Spout swivels 360-degrees
Limited lifetime warranty
Limited finish options
If your sink configuration is already set up for a faucet with a side sprayer, you might prefer to stick with the same layout. A side sprayer mounts in a separate hole and gives you excellent flexibility and reach for cleaning the sink or dishes from just about any direction. If you're looking to install a kitchen sink sprayer along with your faucet, the Kohler Mistos is a great option with a single handle, and it can be mounted in three-hole sink installations.
The included side sprayer stands ready to provide high-pressure spray for cleaning debris from dirty dishes or giving the sink a total clean from corner to corner. Since it's designed as a single-handle faucet, the Mistos is easy to turn on and off with one hand (or with the back a messy hand during meal prep), and it looks great in most modern kitchens. The faucet’s 11.75-inch height is lower than many other options you'll find on this list, but it still provides plenty of clearance for everyday use. Plus, it keeps the look of this kitchen fixture simple and understated. Additionally, the spout of this kitchen faucet swivels 360 degrees so you can rotate it to one side of the sink when you need extra clearance for washing large items like pots and pans.
Both the kitchen faucet and side sprayer are finished in brushed stainless steel to resist corrosion and tarnishing, and they are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $103
Material: Zinc | Finish: Stainless steel or chrome | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 3 | Faucet Height: 11.75 inches | Spout Height: 6.25 inches | Spout Reach: 8.5 inches | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
Best for RVs
Dura Faucet DF-NMK852-SN RV Pull-Out Swivel Kitchen Sink Faucet
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Amazon
Lightweight, compact design
Pull-out sprayer with two functions
Made specifically for use in RVs
Water lines may be too short
Plastic body with zinc lever
Make the kitchen sink of your RV more stylish and functional by upgrading the faucet. Many faucets may be compatible with RVs, but some will require various modifications to adapt to the installation needs of a home on wheels. If you’re looking for a kitchen faucet for RVs specifically, check out this pull-out model from Dura Faucet.
Dura Faucet is in the business of supplying faucets designed for RV installation. The designs are typically more lightweight when compared to residential kitchen faucets, since the body of the faucet is plastic. The exception in this pull-out faucet is the solid zinc handle, which gives a sturdy feel when turning the water on or off. A ceramic disc valve helps to ensure smooth, leak-free operation.
For an RV kitchen faucet, this model is reasonably easy to install. However, some users have reported that the included water supply lines were too short for their RV configuration. Be prepared to make some adaptations to properly install this kitchen faucet in your specific travel trailer or motor home. However, once installed, you’ll find the aesthetics and functionality of this pull-out Dura faucet to be worth the effort.
Price at time of publish: $111
Material: Plastic | Finish: Brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or white | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1 | Faucet Height: 7.3 inches | Spout Height: Not available | Spout Reach: Not available | Flow Rate: 2 GPM
Best with Soap Dispenser
Glacier Bay Paulina Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet
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Amazon
Spout swivels 360 degrees
Users report easy installation
Dispenser can be used for dish or hand soap
Nozzle may not always fully retract
The Glacier Bay Paulina Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet with Soap Dispenser has the kind of design that'll remind you of your good taste every time you wash your hands. The set looks sleek and high-end, but it is fairly priced and easy to install, so it won't put stress on your wallet or on you (or whoever happens to install it). The versatile faucet fits sinks with between one and four holes, and there are also six different finishes to choose from. The included dispenser adds a bit of coordinated convenience, and you can use it to dispense dish or hand soap—whichever you prefer.
In addition to aesthetics, this set boasts some more functional features, like a swiveling spout, which means you'll be able to reach the corners of your sink and fill pots with ease. We did see some reports that the nozzle doesn't always fully retract, so that's something to watch out for. A few buyers also reported that the material feels a bit lightweight. If you prefer something more robust-feeling or are looking for a faucet to match a more industrial decor aesthetic, you may want to keep looking. But for a contemporary set that's practical and pretty, it's a great choice.
Price at time of publish: $99
Material: Stainless Steel | Finish: Chrome, black stainless, black matte, matte gold, matte white, or stainless steel | Number of Handles: 1 | Number of Holes: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Faucet Height: 16.54 inches | Spout Height: 8.3 inches | Spout Reach: 9.04 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Best Wall-Mounted
Peerless Claymore Chrome 2-handle Wall-mount High-arc Kitchen Faucet
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Amazon
360-degree spout swivel
Stylish, high-arc design
High-quality parts
Smooth installation
No sprayer
Faucets don't exactly count as clutter, but there's still something oh-so-satisfying about using a minimalist, wall-mounted version. Plus, a wall-mounted faucet can make it easier to clean around your sink on a routine basis. From Peerless, this elegant two-handled design manages to be both classic and stylish—it's hard to go wrong with a gooseneck design, and the chrome finish easily blends in with most kitchens.
This attractive faucet offers a fairly precise user experience, so if you're after a swiveling, high-arc design in classic chrome, it's an excellent choice. We're confident in the quality and build of these pieces based on our research, too. Like all two-handled designs, it's especially useful for precise water temperature control, since you can adjust the flow of both your hot and cold water independently. Take note, however, that this model doesn't feature a sprayer.
Wall-mounted faucets are not interchangeable with deck-mounted faucets (the more common style that's typically attached to your countertop or to the sink itself). If your kitchen isn't already plumbed for one, it's more of a remodel than a simple, swap so you'll need to consult with a professional.
Price at time of publish: $142
Material: Brass | Finish: Chrome | Number of Handles: 2 | Number of Holes: 2 | Faucet Height: 9.38 inches | Spout Height: 10.8 inches | Spout Reach: 8 inches | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
Our "best overall" pick is the Kohler Sous Pull-Down Kitchen Sink Faucet, which earned high marks for its professional look and functionality. For a more affordable option that is still stylish and functional, we recommend the Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, our "best budget" pick.
What to Look for in a Kitchen Faucet
Faucet Type
Kitchen faucets come in a variety of types—including single-handle, double-handle, pull-down, and pull-out faucets, along with wall-mounted styles, too. Other specialized types of kitchen faucets include bridge faucets, bar faucets, or pot fillers. The type of faucet you choose will largely depend on your sink configuration, along with what functions or features are important to you. For example, a single-handle faucet makes it easy to adjust water temperature using just one hand, but double-handle faucets can provide more precise temperature control.
Sink Configuration
Be sure to factor in the style, size, and mounting holes of your kitchen sink before choosing a kitchen faucet. As Allison Ruda, an interior designer, points out, “The sink and the faucet have to ‘work’ together.” Start by determining how many mounting holes your sink has; one to four holes are typical. Then choose a faucet that is compatible, keeping in mind that some faucets include a deck plate that covers unused holes.
Don’t overlook proportion, either. Sinks come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, so you need to determine what type of faucet will complement your sink. As an example, if you have a large farmhouse sink, a taller faucet with a pull-down sprayer would look great and provide balance.
Style and Finish
When it comes to the style of the kitchen faucet you choose, there are options for just about any design style. You can find fixtures that complement traditional, modern, farmhouse, or industrial spaces. It’s important to choose a style that fits your taste and decor, since the faucet is often a focal point in the kitchen. "Chrome is a durable finish and easy to keep clean, so it’s a popular choice and great if your kitchen gets heavy use," says Ruda. "Other finishes like gold look great but can be prone to water spots and be harder to clean, so that’s something to keep in mind when deciding,"
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. 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.”
You’ll also need to decide between low- and high-spout kitchen faucets. Ruda stresses that choosing a low- versus a high-spout style depends on the look you like best and the available space. “You might have a window sill or cabinet that a tall spout may not fit under. You also want to make sure the spout can reach the whole sink bowl so that it functions well," she adds.
Additional Features
Additional features can enhance the function of your kitchen faucet. Some of the most innovative faucets are touchless, using a sensor—or even your voice—to start and stop the water flow. You might also consider a faucet with a pull-down sprayer to make cleaning your sink or dishes more efficient. Additional accessories mounted next to the faucet, like a side sprayer or soap dispenser, are also practical choices if you have a sink with multiple installation holes.
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How much does it cost to install a kitchen faucet?
The main factors that determine your installation cost are what type of sink you purchase and whether you hire a professional to do the installation. Countertop fabricators and plumbers often charge per hole drilled and how widespread the faucet is. The more labor and technique required to add all of the sink's components, the more expensive your final installation bill may be.
When installing your new kitchen faucet, "keep in mind that every installation has its challenges," advises Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Epstein has had experience installing faucets from almost every major manufacturer, and he recently replaced his high-end Rohl with a Kohler—the same brand our best overall pick comes from. "My most recent challenge with this replacement was the thickness of the granite countertop and the hardware Kohler gives you to secure the faucet." He had to make some adjustments, extending the overall installation and setup time.
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Can any kitchen faucet fit my sink?
Kitchen sinks may have one, two, three, or four mounting holes. Usually, you’ll choose a kitchen faucet that matches the sink holes you have for installation. 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 to cover the unused holes.
Other factors to consider when deciding whether a faucet will fit your kitchen sink include 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.
Finally, you should check the size of your water shutoff valves. Most faucets have 0.37-inch water supply tubes, so if you have an older home with 0.5-inch water shutoff valves, you may need to install new 0.37-inch valves to fit a new kitchen sink faucet.
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How do you fix a leaky kitchen faucet?
If your faucet has sprung a leak, it may be a fairly simple fix. Most kitchen sink faucets leak because of a worn sink cartridge. To fix a leaky kitchen faucet, you’ll need to replace this part. Keep in mind that sink cartridges are specific to each brand and model of faucet. The process to replace the sink cartridge involves unscrewing the faucet handle, removing a retaining nut that holds the cartridge in place, and inserting the replacement cartridge before re-installing the handle. Keep in mind that you should also turn off the water supply before starting any plumbing repairs.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by home product expert Erica Puisis. To find the best kitchen faucets, she researched the most popular faucets on the market from top brands like Moen, Kohler, Delta, American Standard, and more. Options for single-handle, double-handle, pull-down, and pull-out faucets were all considered, and individual faucets were evaluated based on their installation type, features, and finishes. We also tested a top-rated industrial-style model, the Kohler Sous Pro-Style Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet, in the home of a product tester, who evaluated the faucet based on its ease of installation, user-friendly features, and aesthetics.
Puisis spoke with interior designer Allison Ruda to learn more about selecting a kitchen faucet that is compatible with your space and suits your style. She offered advice on sink configuration, faucet type, and choosing a finish that will look good for years to come. Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, also shared his first-hand installation experience as background for this roundup.
Dena Ogden, a commerce writer at The Spruce, contributed additional research and updated this piece to include additional product picks. She has been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022, where she specializes in appliances, cleaning, and organizational topics.