The 7 Best Kitchen Faucets of 2024, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

After testing over a dozen faucets, the Moen 7594EVC Arbor Smart Faucet Touchless Pull Down Sprayer is our pick for the best kitchen faucet overall. It earned five stars across all six categories we evaluated, we found it easy to install and use, and it can be operated manually, via voice activation, or using its app for maximum convenience.

Our Testing Process

To find the best kitchen faucets, we tested 14 models and had our testers install the faucets themselves in their own homes. We then used the faucets daily and evaluated each option for a number of factors, including ease of installation.

The faucets were used to fill large pots, which informed us of the faucet clearance and whether it was hard to maneuver around the faucet itself. We also washed produce and dishes and used the faucets to clean the kitchen sink itself. During these tests, we evaluated the faucets for ease of use, temperature range, and water intensity. We also switched from streaming to spraying water and back again, plus we evaluated how well and how far the sprayer hose reached. 

We recorded how easy or difficult it was to change temperature and how sensitive the faucets were to temperature changes, how easy it was to rotate the faucet, and whether the faucet squeaked or became stuck. We took note of whether the faucets dripped or leaked and whether buildup accumulated on the spout. Faucets were observed for fingerprints and scratches as well any cracks or breaks from normal use after the two-week testing period.

We’ve continued to use our top picks in our homes after our initial testing, and we will keep this article up to date with any long-term findings.

What to Know About Kitchen Faucets Before Shopping

Material

When it comes to material, Kris Brumley, design consultant at Ultra Designer Center, notes that “99% of faucets are made of brass and maybe 1% are made of stainless steel.” If you’re planning to install a faucet in an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to opt for stainless steel faucets because they “won’t rust or tarnish.”

Kelly adds, “Kitchen faucets are available in various materials, including stainless steel, chrome, brass, and even copper. In addition to energy efficiency and sustainability, consider your kitchen's style and maintenance preferences–stainless steel offers durability and a modern look, while brass and copper provide a timeless, antique charm.”

Finishes

Brumley tells us, “Depending on the manufacturer, there may only be few choices, but if this is a high-end faucet, there are usually up to 27 finish options.” Brett La Hay, kitchen designer, Inspire Kitchen Design Studio, adds, “We no longer match all metal finishes throughout a home.” Instead, she recommends drawing inspiration from other items with metal finishes in your home because mixing metal finishes can help your faucet “look more custom and high-end.” 

La Hay also says you should take into account how you prefer to live and work in your kitchen when selecting the best kitchen faucet for your home. “For example, in a kitchen, if you're constantly cooking with messy hands, then maybe a touch faucet is your answer,” she says. “If you want a less machined perfect esthetic, an unlacquered/living finish is a perfect option for you. Everyone has their personal preference; it comes down to making selections for you as an individual.”

Installation

Alicia Molenaar, CKD, Kitchen Fair, says if you’re replacing an existing faucet, it’s important to be aware of how many holes exist because that will impact the type of faucet you’ll purchase. For instance, Molenaar explains if your existing faucet has three holes but you’d like to buy a faucet with only one handle, the faucet you select needs to include a plate (called an escutcheon) to cover the two holes you won’t be using. However, she adds, “If the homeowners are getting all new countertop and sink, then they usually have the luxury to select how many holes and placement of the holes.” 

We were able to install many of the kitchen faucets we tested ourselves, especially for those with plumbing backgrounds or DIY experience. In general, more complex models with touchless features took more time to set up. Brumley advises, “There are many parts and pieces involved, and I always recommend hiring a professional plumber where running water is concerned.”

Sprayer Type

There are two primary types of kitchen faucet sprayers: integrated sprayers and separately installed side sprayers. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, Molenaar says “sprayers that are integrated into the faucet are worth the price.” Brumley adds, “Side sprayers are still available but will limit your options and have really gone out of style.” The only option we tested with a side sprayer was the Kingston Brass KS1278ALBS.

As for integrated sprayers, Molenaar explains that you’ll have the option of a pull-out or a pull-down sprayer. She explains, “Pull out typically refers to a faucet with a low or no arch because the action to use the sprayer is to pull it out of the faucet. Pull down would be on a higher arch faucet–here you pull the sprayer down to remove it from the faucet.”

Brumley adds, “The most popular is the pull-down sprayer, and I think they are very necessary for cleaning items easily and being able to point the water where you want it.”

Faucet Height

Molenaar explains, “Higher arched faucets could potentially lead to more splash.” However, higher-arched faucets also allow more clearance so you can easily fill a pot with water or wash up big, cumbersome items like large platters and pans. 

Brumley notes, “Most faucets are pull-down and average around 13 to 15 inches tall, however there are many that are taller and it is really personal preference.” La Hay adds, “Depending on the application, the heights vary; bar faucets, butler's pantry, and prep sink faucets can sometimes be shorter. Keep your faucet in scale with the surroundings.”

The highest arc on our list is the Kraus KPF-2820SFACB at over 16 inches tall, and the lowest is the Grohe 30306DC1 at just 5.5 inches.

Flow Rate

Flow rate refers to how many gallons of water a faucet uses in one minute, known as gallons per minute (GPM). As of 1994, all kitchen faucets made in the United States can use a maximum of 2.2 gallons each minute. “Most kitchen faucets are 1.8 GPM,” according to Brumley. However, you’ll want something closer to 1.5 GPM if you’re after a more “eco-conscious option,” she adds.

Other Kitchen Faucets We Tested 

Bio Bidet by Bemis Flow Motion Activated Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet

Though we appreciated the touchless Bio Bidet by Bemis Flow Motion Activated Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet for its ease of use, water pressure, and convenient automatic activation, we had too many issues with installation to give it a spot on our best kitchen faucet list.

Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer Modern Grifos De Cocina

The Forious Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer was sleek and appealing to modern palettes, plus its LED temperature indicator light and high arch all made it a tempting pick. But there was a squealing noise when water was running. 

Ufaucet Modern Best Commercial Cen Grifo De Cocina

We found the Ufaucet Modern Best Commercial Cen Grifo De Cocina easy to use with good water pressure and a scratch-free finish. However, we found the installation instructions to be difficult to navigate, preventing it from landing on our best-of list. 

Your Questions, Answered

What kitchen faucet styles are timeless?

Picking a timeless faucet can be challenging, simply because trends and tastes change over time. Molenarr explains, “Just like clothing fashion is constantly evolving, so are items like home décor, cabinetry, and cabinet hardware finishes … even faucets.” She encourages her clients to pick out what they like: “Because at the end of the day, they are the ones living and using the items. They look at it every day, and I want that item to bring them joy. They shouldn’t be focusing on what’s going to look good for the one day they might sell their home.” 

“Timeless faucet designs have clean lines and tend to be transitional or classic modern,” La Hay says. “Any trendy finishes (gold/bronze/matte black), embellishments (knurling), or eclectic shapes will eventually be out of style and show the age of your faucet.”

How long do kitchen faucets last?

According to Molenaar, “I truly believe that this is where the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is true.” She notes that brands like Delta are typically favored by plumbers “because parts are readily available, and they carry a great lifetime warranty, should anything go wrong.”

Brumley adds, “Faucets can last for 20 years or longer with proper maintenance.  Depending on the hardness of the water in their area, new cartridges will be necessary every three to five years, but the faucet can hold up for many years.”

How much does it cost to install a kitchen faucet?

It’s a good idea to get a quote directly from a plumber if you’re looking for some help installing your faucet because many factors go into installation. Molenaar says installation costs will vary depending on each situation and type of home. She elaborates, “If it is in a newer home and all the valves and pipes are good, the labor cost would be minimal. But sometimes in older homes, there may be a need to update pipes or fittings in order to swap the faucet out.”

Who We Are

Brittany VanDerBill is a Better Homes & Gardens contributor who has written about several home appliances, including water softeners and humidifiers. To find the best kitchen faucets, she evaluated insights from testers who scored each faucet based on ease of use, quality, durability, value, installation, and performance.

Brittany also consulted Alicia Molenaar, CKD, Kitchen Fair, Kris Brumley, Design Consultant, Ultra Designer Center, Brett La Hay, kitchen designer, Inspire Kitchen Design Studio, and former chair of ASID’s (American Society of Interior Designers) National Board, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS for additional insights.