Although it may not be as exciting as choosing a new kitchen appliance, finding the right kitchen faucet deserves just as much effort, if not more; as after all without the faucet, we would not have easy access to a fresh water supply in our kitchen!
Current trends are for deck mounted high spout faucets which have a retractable hose, and in this article, we take an in-depth look at why these are now so popular. We also review a range of the best kitchen faucets, including those which utilize touchless technology, as well as consider the importance of aerators to help conserve water and provide some simple tips to keep your new faucet looking new.Best Pick
The Moen Arbor Motionsense kitchen faucet is our best pick of the kitchen faucets with its touch-free two sensor control and automatic hose docking.
Budget Pick
The Delta Leland faucet (9178T-AR-DST) is our budget pick with its Touch O2Technology for touch control water flow and water temperature LED indicator.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Kitchen Faucets
1. Moen 7594EC Arbor Motionsense Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
The Moen Arbor Motionsense kitchen faucet (7594EC) uses Power Clean spray technology for 50% more spray power compared to other Moen faucets without Power Clean. This faucet has two sensors to allow even easier activation of water flow with simple hand movements. Made from spot resistant stainless steel with a polished chrome finish, this faucet comes with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.
The retractable hose is 68" in length and with automatic docking through the Reflex system, it smoothly returns to its holding position. Using a Duralock Quick-Connect installation for easy and secure connecting to the water lines, you have the option to deck mount it through one or three holes. The escutcheon plate is also included.
The odd buyer has experienced problems with the sensor operation and like most sensor controlled faucets, this does not have a manual control option on it. It may also be more difficult to install on older sinks.Pros
Cons
2. Delta Leland Faucet
Highlighted Features
The singe handle Delta Leland faucet (9178T-AR-DST) has an arctic stainless finish and comes with Touch O2 Technology which allows you to touch anywhere on the spout or handle to turn the faucet on or off. You can also use the single handle to control water manually.
This contains an LED light at the base of the faucet which changes color as water temperature changes. This uses either six AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, which you may decide to buy separately as the batteries can drain quite quickly. This LED also indicates when batteries needs replacing.
This faucet is suitable for deck mounting in one hole or three and comes with all required parts. The ShieldSpray Technology contains a protective sphere to protect from splashes when using the 20" reaching retractable spray. It also has MagnaTite docking for the spray head to keep it securely in place and prevent it from dropping over time and the DIAMOND Seal Technology means it lasts twice as long as the industry-standard (based on 500,000 cycles).
This faucet comes with a five year limited warranty and some buyers have had to make claims on this, particularly around a solenoid issue. Like any sensor controlled faucet, you can turn water on or off inadvertently and it may occasionally turn itself off.Pros
Cons
3. Delta Essa Faucet
Highlighted Features
The single handle Delta Essa faucet (9113-AR-DST) utilizes MagnaTite docking to keep the spray head in place magnetically. This also prevents the spray head from dropping and the hose has a one-piece supply line to virtually eliminate any leaks. This is a deck mounted faucet which can be fitted as a single or triple hole, although a small number of buyers have experienced difficulty when converting it to single hole with the supplied escutcheon plate.
This ADA compliant faucet has an Arctic stainless finish which color-wise is more brushed nickel than stainless finish and this faucet is designed for easy wiping to remove lime and calcium build-up. Some buyers consider that the water stream on this is too narrow, which can cause some splashing when using.
The inner components of this faucet are plastic as well as metal, although it does incorporate DIAMOND Seal Technology which means that this faucet is designed to last twice as long as the industry standard of 500,000 cycles. This faucet also comes with a lifetime limited warranty.Pros
Cons
4. Kohler K-560-VS Bellera Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
The corrosion and tarnish-resistant stainless steel finish Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet (K-560-VS) has a three function spray head for sweep spray, stream and boost. The boost function allows flow rate to be increased by 30%, although some owners consider that the spray patterns can cause excessive splatters.
This is a single handle deck mounted faucet which can be installed with one or three holes and the escutcheon plate is included. The spray head uses a DockNetik magnetic docking system to keep it securely in place. A small number of owners have experienced this faucet developing a pinhole leak in the hose above the spray head and although replacement parts have been sent out to replace this under the manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty, some owners have struggle to replace the hose easily.
Pros
Cons
5. American Standard 4175300.002 Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
The American Standard Colony Classic (41753000.002) is a deck mounted faucet which will fit one or three holes. This is a single handle faucet with a retractable spray which has an adjustable pattern and a pause feature; although a small number of owners occasionally experience the ‘pause’ option not working properly. Also, at times, the hose may not always retract fully.
This faucet has an ADA approved handle and it also meets California’s Prop 65 lead requirements. Its finish is polished chrome which is tarnish, corrosion and scratch resistant and it has a brass swivel spout. This faucet also has a memory position valve which means you can turn the faucet on or off without accidently changing the temperature. In a small number of cases there can be a tendency for the hose to begin to leak over time, although this does come with a lifetime limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
6. Kraus KPF-1650SS Nola Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
The Krause Nola kitchen faucet (KPF-1650SS) is a single handle faucet with a retractable dual function hose which locks into place with magnetic docking technology. This is designed as a commercial style faucet, so some buyers will find that it is too big in the home kitchen.
This has a superior rust and corrosion resistant stainless steel finish. Although this has a GPM flow rate of 1.75 and does contain a high performance/low flow aerator; a small number of owners have experienced very low water pressure when using this faucet. This comes with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.Pros
Cons
7. Delta Faucet Kate Single-Handle Kitchen Sink Faucet
Highlighted Features
Available as a stainless or chrome finish, the Delta Kate faucet is a deck mounted single handle faucet with pull down sprayer and soap dispenser. Suitable for fitting in two or three hole sinks, the spray holes are soft rubber so you can easily wipe away any mineral build-up.
This faucet utilizes DIAMOND Seal Technology for a reduction in leak points and the ability to last twice as long as the industry standard. The arc spout is able to swivel 360° and the pull down sprayer has either a spray or stream function and docks through the magnetic MagnaTite Docking. This also stops it sagging over time. As well as being ADA compliant, it has a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.
There is a risk that the faucet handle can begin to leak soon after installation and over time, its ability to completely shut off the water supply may be reduced. The odd buyer has also found that the finish of the soap dispenser is noticeably different to that of the faucet.Pros
Cons
8. WEWE Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
With a pull down sprayer and single handle, the WEWE kitchen faucet offers stream, spray and pause water functions. Made from brass with a stainless steel spout and ABS plastic sprayer, this faucet has a brushed nickel finish and the arc spout is able to swivel 360°.
This faucet can be deck mounted in one or three holes and the escutcheon plate is included, along with the connectors to the water lines. There is a risk of this faucet starting to leak; especially around the connections to the water lines and although it comes with a five year limited warranty, owners have struggled to claim under it as there is no contact number, just an email address. It can occasionally be difficult to put the spray head back into the faucet.
Pros
Cons
9. APPASO Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
Highlighted Features
The APPASO kitchen faucet is made from 304 stainless steel and lead-free materials in certified compliance with lead-free regulations. This single handle deck mounted faucet has a 20" pull down spray hose with three functions – stream, spray and pause – and the spray hose utilizes self-retracting and fast docking installation technology.
Available with two colors of finish, this faucet has a PVD brushed finish and its nano material resists spotting and fingerprints. This is a single hole mount and comes with all connections although there is some confusion as to whether or not the escutcheon plate is included in the box or needs buying separately. This also has a 90 day satisfaction guarantee and a five year limited warranty.
Although this is a more budget-friendly faucet, a number of buyers have been unhappy with the quality of this faucet, especially when it has started to leak quite soon after installation. It can also be prone to leaking when using the stream function. Some buyers have also been a little disappointed with the color of the finish.Pros
Cons
10. Keonjinn Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucets
Highlighted Features
The single handle Keonjinn kitchen faucet is a one or three hole deck mounted faucet that comes with an escutcheon plate and connectors. This has a 360° rotating arc spout and the 20" pull down sprayer with spray, stream and pause functions uses a gravity ball to return to the holder after use.
Made from 304 stainless steel with a brushed nickel finish this has an ABS spout nozzle to prevent mineral build-up and support easy cleaning. The quality of this faucet may not be as expected when compared to similar faucets and there is a risk of it beginning to leak quite soon after fitting. Some buyers have also been not as keen on the finish of this faucet.Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Kitchen Faucet
The first thing to consider when buying a kitchen faucet is how it will mount on your existing or new countertop. Known as a deck-mounted faucet, these faucets best suit farmhouse and undermount sinks and are now the most common type in use today.
If you are replacing a deck mounted faucet, do measure to check there will be more than a finger width of space behind the new faucet to allow you to clean behind it.
If there is a mounting plate on your countertop then look underneath to see how many holes it is covering. Faucets are available as one, two, three or four hole versions and many are available with escutcheon plates to cover the spare holes.
You should avoid buying a faucet which has size dimensions close to, or even larger than your sink as not only will this make the sink area look disproportionate, but it will also increase splashing.
The spout of the faucet should be able to turn enough to allow you to easily fill the sink and you should also be able to fully turn the handle of the faucet without it hitting a wall.
If you are installing a new faucet on the sink and the holes for the faucet are close to the center of the sink, you will not have any restrictions, but some sinks may have the faucet mounted to the side which means the faucet, or its hose will have to be long enough to reach the opposite basin of a double sink.
Do take a look at the size of your water line and the type of shutoff valves. If your existing valves are ½" then you will probably also need to change the valves as most new flex lines are ⅜". It can actually be good to replace the valves anyway alongside the faucet - even if they are the correct size - as this can reduce the risk of an old valve failing when you need to shut off the water.
Many faucets now have a retractable hose which offers more flexibility and different spray modes for different tasks such as preparing food and washing dishes. Multiple spray modes allow you to alter the pressure as needed and the spray head may also have a ‘pause’ function which allows you to temporarily turn the water off and then back on again without needing to touch the handle of the faucet.
These hose sprays can also be less likely to leak and generally more reliable than side sprayers. Retractable hoses are usually set within a high arched or gooseneck spout, so you need to look at how high the spout will sit, especially if you do not have much available space around the sink area or have wall shelves or cabinets above.
Faucets with hoses usually only have one handle. A single handed faucet usually allows you to control water flow by moving the handle up or down and the temperature by moving it from side to side. Unlike a traditional two or dual handle faucet though, it can be more difficult to achieve a precise water temperature.
Retractable hoses can also begin to droop over time and may not always full retract. Magnetic fittings can help keep the hose locked in place once it has been retracted and help prevent it drooping.
Traditional dual handle faucets usually need a minimum of three holes for mounting as they have separate hot and cold. A typical four hole mounting will be a dual faucet with separate hot and cold and a hand sprayer to the side. Dual handle faucets do offer easier control over water temperature and unlike a single handle, if the hot or cold water starts leaking on a dual faucet, you can usually shut it off and still obtain water from the other handle.
Extra Faucet Features
Just some features available on modern faucets include touch activation, where water flow is activated through touching the faucet, or sensor control which requires you to place your hand in front of a sensor.
Both of these can support better hygiene and more efficient working when preparing foods and they can also be helpful for younger children, as well as those who may struggle turning the handle of a regular faucet due to arthritis or other infirmities.
Automated touchless faucets were first introduced back in the 1950s and used in public restrooms until around the early 1980s when they began to be produced for home kitchens.
These types of faucets usually require a power outlet nearby as although many can run on batteries, these can drain quite quickly, so connecting an AC adapter will maintain power to the faucet. These faucets usually still have manual water control through the handle, which means you can still use the faucet if there is a power outage.
Sensor or touch control will only turn the water on or off though; both of these types still need the handle to adjust the flow rate and temperature.
Other faucets may have built in water filters or an auto shut off function which will turn off the water after a certain length of time – ideal if there are people in the household who tend to leave water running!
Some touchless faucets also have a temperature memory. This function means that when you activate the water to flow, it will adjust to the temperature that it was last run at.
If you are considering a touchless rather than a touch control faucet, then look for one which has the sensor on the neck near the spout. Not only will this give the most accurate sensitivity, but you may find that sensors located elsewhere on the faucet are more likely to activate if you are working around the sink area.
Choosing a Faucet Finish
There are many faucet finishes available, such as brass, polished brass, chrome, stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, colored and more. Although finishes may have the same name across different manufacturers, do compare them carefully before making your final selection as they will often differ.
Chrome is often the most durable finish for faucets and still remains popular in commercial as well as home kitchens as it is easy to keep clean.
Stainless steel, stain or brushed are usually nickel finishes and these will have a dull shine to them. Although they are durable finishes, they can be prone to (water) spots and fingerprint smudges which means more care to keep them clean. Some nickel finishes are coated to improve their fingerprint and spot resistance but there can be a risk of the coating beginning to wear over time.
Bronze, oil-rubbed and colored finishes usually have epoxy coatings over the metal, which although tough, can scratch and chip more easily than chrome or other metals.
When choosing a finish for your faucet, do consider existing accessories such as the sink hole cover, soap dispenser, countertop finish, and even the cabinet handles, as choosing a faucet finish which does not blend in with these will mean that the faucet looks out of place.
Choosing a faucet which is functional as well as pleasing to the eye is also essential; an expensive and highly contemporary faucet which looks great but does not work very well will always be a poor investment.
Pros and Cons of Premium and Budget Faucets
A solid brass faucet will usually last the longest and need the least care, particularly in hard water areas. However, solid brass faucets do come at a premium price. The next best option is a stainless steel faucet which will be more durable and if you are considering buying one of these, look for one that has more metal components within it than plastic.
Faucets which use ceramic disc valves to control water flow can not only help improve life of a faucet, but they are less likely to drip over their lifetime. Ceramic valves are now replacing the use of the old style rubber valves which although these do offer a good seal, once they become damaged, or the rubber starts to perish it means they have to be replaced.
Lower priced faucets can be an advantage if you are able to replace them yourself or fit replacement parts, but if you have to call a plumber in to fix your faucet, then budget faucets can soon end up costing more than an expensive, yet more reliable, faucet.
Choosing a Faucet to Conserve Water
Estimates suggest that we consume between 81 and 100 gallons of water per person, per day, per household! Faucets can use around 1.5 to 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) of water when washing dishes which means we can waste as much as 27 gallons of water when washing dishes by hand.
Avoiding letting water run excessively and using a faucet with an aerator can reduce the amount of water run through it. An aerator not only limits the flow of water running through it, but as it also directs it, this means that although less water flows through the faucet, the pressure is actually increased.
Aerators are classified as to their flow rate and also the type of flow or spray that they produce. An aerator has a housing which contains the mesh filter to limit the water flow and a rubber washer to maintain the seal. Most aerators can be removed for deep cleaning and de-scaling and then be easily re-attached to the faucet.
A sensor controlled faucet can also help reduce water waste, especially for children and for those who may forget to turn the water off after washing their hands, or even struggle to do so.
Keeping in control of leaks is also important to conserve water. A faucet that drips every six seconds means that up to 1.9 gallons of water a day or 694 gallons a year are being wasted!
Keeping Your New Faucet Looking New
Depending on the finish of your faucet, the manufacturer may have specific instructions to keep it looking its best, however, mild dish soap, water and a soft cloth will take care of most of the daily grime. Pay special attention to the underneath of the spout, the back of the faucet and where the faucet and countertop or sink meet as this is where grime tends to accumulate. An old toothbrush will help to remove any build-up of debris around the base of the faucet.
If you buff the faucet dry with a soft cloth this will help maintain its shine and for a chrome faucet, a polish with a small amount of baby oil on a cotton ball will revive its shine.
A 50:50 mix of water and white vinegar will remove fingerprints and water spots and a non-abrasive cleaner will also help remove any lingering marks. Do test these on an inconspicuous area of the faucet first if you are unsure as to whether these cleaning solutions will affect the finish of the faucet. Some mild glass and surface cleaners may also be suitable to remove stubborn stains. Avoid using an abrasive or scrub sponge as this may damage the finish.
Some faucets do have what is known as a living finish, designed to age and develop a patina. If anything other than water is used to clean a living finish, it will take off some of the patina.
If a faucet is looking cloudy, scummy or stained, this is more likely from a build-up of minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water. Known as limescale, this build-up develops over time, leaving a hard and scaly deposit. A vinegar and water mix may remove some limescale, or you may need to apply neat vinegar or a paste of vinegar and baking soda for tougher stains. A vinegar and baking soda paste mix can be applied and left on for up to 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Likewise, lemon or lime juice can be used to dissolve limescale on brass, chrome or copper faucets and once the lime is removed, the faucet can be rinsed well and then dried off with a soft cloth.
If the faucet has an aerator, then remove the insert, flush through any debris and use the toothbrush to scrub off any loose deposits. If the aerator is coated with mineral deposits, then soak in vinegar for 30 minutes or so and rub off the deposits. The aerator can then be rinsed and replaced.
Try to keep limescale build-up to a minimum as if it gets that bad that you will need to use a commercial product to remove it, there is a chance that you may void the warranty as most warranties will include exclusions around the use of strong or corrosive cleaning products.
Conclusion
When choosing a new kitchen faucet, there are several things to think about, look at and even measure before you start deciding on the best style and finish of faucet for your kitchen. Faucet features such as an aerator are important to conserve water, and a sensor or touch control faucet will not only help conserve water, but also bring convenience to your tasks.
We hope you have enjoyed our article on kitchen faucets and if you are looking to replace an old leaky one, or are having a new sink fitted, then we trust that our reviews of the best kitchen faucets have helped you to make the right choice not only for the sink itself, but also for the needs of everyone living in your home.
I just went back to a side sprayer after having a leaking single spraying faucet. IMExperience the side sprayers are more reliable.