The 5 Best Kitchen Faucets of 2024

In four years, my husband and I renovated two kitchens—I’m talking about major renovations that brought both rooms down to their studs. During this process, we had the freedom to choose everything including the finishing fixtures like the kitchen faucet—the latter of which is extremely important to me as an avid cook and the mother of four very young children (I’m basically a short-order cook!).

Needless to say, I’ve seen dozens of kitchen faucets up close and personal, browsing thousands of inspirational photos, reading pages of specs and hundreds of reviews, and even testing my top contenders in a range of showrooms. As a general contractor, my husband has installed hundreds of faucets over the years and was able to point me toward the most reliable brands, which gave me added confidence in my decision.

This is important because there are options abound, and not all are created equal. Some have a more traditional aesthetic; others are sleek and modern with tech features like motion sensors. There are all kinds of finishes, too. You have your standard chrome, brass, and matte black, but you can also find Champagne bronze, vintage nickel, and more. Most kitchen faucets are single-hole, but you’ll also spot some widespread options. What type you go with largely comes down to personal preference, but there are a few key features to look out for when choosing the best kitchen faucet for your space.

Our Top Picks

My Top Pick:

Delta Trinsic Kitchen Faucet at Amazon $330

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Best Budget:

Kohler Jolt Kitchen Faucet at Amazon $109

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Best with Pull-Down Sprayer:

SALE

Wewe Single-Handle Pull-Out Faucet at Amazon ~~$91~~ $50

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Best Touchless:

Moen Align Single Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet at Amazon $440

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Best Gold:

SALE

Kraus Oletto Kitchen Faucet at Amazon ~~$300~~ $250

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My Top Pick

Delta Trinsic Kitchen Faucet

Amazon Delta Trinsic Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

PHOTO: Amazon

$330 at Amazon $404 at Wayfair $451 at Home Depot

Why It’s Great: Comes in five finishes; great flow rate; swivels; has a pull-down sprayer

Grain of Salt: On the expensive side

The Delta Trinsic Kitchen Faucet is my top pick because it’s beautifully designed yet highly functional. The height is one of the first things you notice about this faucet. At 15.69 inches, it’s taller than many others. I love this for two reasons: The Champagne bronze faucet really stands out as a decor piece in my kitchen, plus it makes it so much easier to wash big pots and pans and a large number of dishes—ideal for my big family.

At 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM), the faucet has a great flow rate, too. I have no trouble getting the power I need to scrub. My husband likes the pull-down sprayer, using it to tackle any trouble spots on dishes in a flash. The whole thing also swivels, which is helpful if you don’t want a direct flow of water in a certain area of the sink.

The chrome does tend to show fingerprints and the matte black is prone to water spots, but I don’t notice either of those things being a problem with the Champagne bronze finish in my kitchen. In fact, I love this faucet so much that I chose it for both of our most recent renovations.

The Details: 15.69 inches in height; 1.8 GPM; 1 hole; finish options: Arctic stainless, black stainless, Champagne bronze, chrome, matte black

Delta Trinsic Kitchen Faucet in gold with the tap on — Allrecipes / Brigitt Earley

Best Budget

Kohler Jolt Kitchen Faucet

Amazon Kohler Jolt Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet

PHOTO: Amazon

$109 at Amazon $136 at Wayfair $109 at Home Depot

Why It’s Great: From a reputable brand; easy to control water volume and temperature; ideal for small spaces and sinks

Grain of Salt: Low arc; not as design-forward

Even if you have a limited budget, experts I spoke to said it’s important to choose plumbing fixtures, including kitchen faucets, from reputable brands like Kohler. That’s because these brands use high-quality, durable materials, plus have great warranties should anything go wrong. This single-handle faucet is one of Kohler’s more modestly priced kitchen faucets, and while it’s not the most design-forward of the bunch, it gets the job done.

The faucet is fixed and doesn’t include a sprayer, but for slightly more, you can opt to add the side spray unit. It is on the shorter side, which works best in kitchens with limited clearance above the sink. You might even consider this faucet for a compact kitchen, like in an RV or weekend cabin.

At 1.5 GPM, the flow rate is comparable to other models. I like that the faucet is outfitted with a ceramic disc cartridge, which is generally regarded as the best for controlling a faucet’s flow. The single handle adjusts easily whether you’re controlling temperature or flow. Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly pick for anyone who doesn’t mind the low arc.

The Details: 6.5 inches in height; 1.5 GPM; 1 hole; finish options: polished chrome, vibrant stainless

Best with Pull-Down Sprayer

Wewe Single-Handle Pull-Out Faucet

Wewe Single-Handle High-Arc Pull-Out Faucet

PHOTO: Amazon

Orig. $91 $50 at Amazon $85 at Walmart View on Wewe-faucet.com

Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly; comes in a wide range of finishes; rotates a full 360 degrees

Grain of Salt: The handle is very sensitive

Another very budget-friendly pick with plenty of functionality, the WEWE faucet has an attractive curved shape and a tall 15.7-inch height that makes it stand out, especially when compared to other faucets at this price point.

I love that it comes in a wide range of finishes, so just about anyone can find something that suits the style of their kitchen. Choose from standard finishes like gold, brushed nickel, or matte black—or, opt for something a little more unique like matte gray or a combination of chrome and matte black. No matter which aesthetic you choose, the faucet can be installed into a single hole or with the baseplate that extends across three holes. It also rotates a full 360 degrees to make cleaning easier—especially if you’re trying to maneuver large pots and pans in your sink basin.

The single-handle faucet also has a pull-down sprayer to direct the water wherever you need it most, which is perfect for when you accidentally baked-on food. On the downside, users say the handle is so sensitive that it’s easy to turn the water pressure too high. Similarly, it can be hard to pinpoint the right temperature.

The Details: 15.7 inches in height; 1.8 GPM; 1 or 3 hole; finish options: Brushed nickel, gold, matte black, chrome and black, matte gray, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome

Best Touchless

Moen Align Single Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

Moen Moen 7565EVC Align Single Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

PHOTO: Amazon

$440 at Amazon $531 at Wayfair $531 at Home Depot

Why It’s Great: Tons of smart features; high height; powerful pull-down nozzle

Grain of Salt: Very expensive

If you want all of the latest and greatest tech in your home, you may want to swap out your current kitchen faucet for this smart option from Moen. It’s a favorite brand among our Allstars, with Brenda Venable, Rosanne Robinson, and Vicki Lanzendorf all choosing Moen faucets throughout their homes. Both Brenda and Vicki love the sleek designs of their faucets, but Rosanne’s selling point was the ease of cleaning a spot-resistant finish.

I’m sure they’d all love this beautifully designed, high-arc faucet—it sits at over 15 inches!—which can be controlled in a variety of ways to suit the modern household: via a compatible smartphone app, a motion sensor, your voice, or the traditional handle. You can even save presets for any tasks you do regularly, say filling up a water bottle or a pot for pasta water. It even has pre-programmed commands like "wash my hands" to deliver water at the optimal temperature for handwashing. You can use the app to monitor water usage, too.

Of course, the Align Smart Faucet still operates like any other kitchen faucet might. It has the standard 1.5 GPM flow rate and a handle that makes it easy to control both temperature and water volume. It also has a pull-down nozzle with a feature called “Power Boost” which the brand claims cleans 50 percent faster than the regular spray.

This kitchen faucet is truly futuristic and the price reflects that, so make sure you’ll use all of these features before springing for this faucet. And if something goes wrong, Vicki can attest that Moen’s customer service is fantastic.

The Details: 15.64 inches in height; 1.5 GPM; 1 hole; finish options: brushed gold, chrome, matte black, spot-resist black stainless, spot-resist stainless

Best Gold

Kraus Oletto Kitchen Faucet

Amazon Kraus Oletto High-Arc Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet

PHOTO: Amazon

Orig. $300 $250 at Amazon Orig. $300 $250 at Home Depot Orig. $300 $250 at Lowe's

Why It’s Great: Comes in a wide range of finishes including multiple gold options; rotates 90 degrees; has a pull-down sprayer

Grain of Salt: At over 20 inches tall, it may be too tall for some

Gold kitchen faucets have become very popular in recent years and seem to be just as common as their more traditional stainless steel counterparts. If you’re on the hunt for an attractive gold version for your own home, it’s hard to go wrong with the Kraus Oletto. Not only does it come in a standard brushed brass, but it also comes in a muted Champagne bronze and a two-tone brass and matte black for even more design possibility.

I covet this sink for more than its good looks, though. It has plenty of functionality, including a tall height that makes washing large dishes easier, a single handle that’s simple to operate, and a pull-down sprayer. The handle also rotates 90 degrees for those with limited space. It also has a slightly stronger flow rate, which makes it a great option for avid cooks concerned about their water usage.

If the height is a bit too high for your liking, this does come in a 17-inch-high version, which flares out a bit more. And if you have any other hesitations whatsoever, it’s worth pointing out that Kraus offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products.

The Details: 20.38 inches in height; 1.8 GPM; 1 hole; finish options: spot-free antique Champagne bronze, brushed brass, chrome, matte black, spot-free black stainless, brushed brass and matte black, spot-free stainless steel

My Takeaway

For the best kitchen faucet overall, you really can’t go wrong with the Delta Trinsic Kitchen Faucet. It has a sleek design that suits a wide range of decor styles, comes in a variety of finishes, and operates flawlessly. Consider the Kohler Jolt Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet for a more budget-friendly option from a very reliable brand, or the Moen Align Smart Faucet if you want a smart faucet that operates on motion sensors.

Using the sprayer on the Delta Trinsic faucet, in a white sink — Allrecipes / Brigitt Earley

How I Picked the Right Kitchen Faucet

Choosing the best kitchen faucet will usually come down to personal preference (some people will buy a kitchen faucet for its sleek design, for example, while others may be beholden to a spec like a single hole vs. a widespread faucet), but there are a few factors that I specifically look for:

Single-Hole or Widespread

Standard kitchen faucets come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit both any space constraints and your personal taste. I tend to gravitate towards single-hole kitchen faucets with a high arc and sleek lines since these tend to look the best in more contemporary spaces. You can also find widespread faucets with two handles and bridge faucets—options with two handles and a spout suspended between them—though these tend to skew a bit more traditional.

Material

Brass and stainless-steel kitchen faucets are more durable than plastic and zinc alloy options. The finish is more of an aesthetic consideration based on your personal taste, but chrome is typically regarded as the most durable. It does, however, show fingerprints more than a matte option. Just keep in mind that darker matte options may show water spots, especially if you have hard water. My top overall pick is a great option since it has a matte finish that doesn’t show fingerprints and comes in a Champagne bronze that doesn’t readily show water spots either.

Height

The height of the faucet is important because it determines how much room you have to maneuver dishes when washing them inside the sink. Low faucets may be as short as 3 to 8 inches above the countertop, while high faucets can reach anywhere from 8 to 12 inches above the countertop. I have a large sink and prefer a high faucet, which allows me to wash larger pots and pans without getting water everywhere. But if you have low cabinets or a window above your sink, a high faucet may interfere.

Spout Reach

The reach, or how far the spout extends into the sink, is just as important, but the right reach depends on the size of your sink. Spouts that don't reach far enough may make it awkward to rinse dishes, while spouts that are too far forward can cause splashing water. The ideal reach is centered on your sink basin. Measure from the center faucet hole to the center of your drain to figure out what measurement is right for your setup.

The Leftovers: Other Kitchen Faucets Worth Considering

If you’re someone who wants it all: style, function, and even some techy features at a fair price point, the Moen Adler Single-Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet is a worthy contender that’s well-built and offers ease of use. For those who want a real workhorse and don’t mind more of a commercial look, the KRAUS Spot Free Bolden 18-Inch Commercial Kitchen Faucet is a highly-rated single-hole faucet that’s great for large families. And if you like the traditional look of a bridge faucet, Kingston Brass makes the beautiful and highly functional Heritage Bridge Faucet, which is available in more unique finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and vintage brass.

Common Questions

What is the best material for kitchen faucets?

Generally, kitchen faucets are made out of brass, stainless steel, plastic, or zinc alloy. Solid brass and stainless steel options are the most durable, but stainless steel tends to show more fingerprints than brass. Plastic and zinc alloy, which is a lighter metal, aren’t as durable but they are less expensive. If you live in an area with hard water, it’s especially important to choose a kitchen faucet made of brass or stainless steel.

How do you replace your kitchen faucet?

Unless you’re embarking on a complete overhaul of your kitchen that includes replacing the countertops, it’s easiest (and more cost-efficient) to select a faucet with the same mounting type, configuration, and amount of installation holes as your current faucet. Once you’re ready to get started, use the shut-off valves underneath the sink to turn off the water supply, then clear the line by letting the water run until it turns into a slow drip. (If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to turn that off and unplug it, too.)

Now, you can grab a wrench and use it to loosen the fastening nuts. Lift your faucet up and out of its mount, clean the counter, then follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing the new one.

How do you know what size kitchen faucet you need?

If you're replacing an existing faucet, you can make things simple by measuring the overall height, spout height, and spout reach of the faucet that’s currently mounted and choosing a replacement with comparable measurements. However, if you want something a little different or are starting from scratch, first check the mounting setup. If the current faucet has more than one hole, make sure to measure the distance between the holes and compare it with the new faucet’s specs to ensure your selection will fit.

If there is a wall behind your faucet, you should also measure the distance from the center of each mounting hole to the wall. Also, if there are windows or any cabinetry present, measure upward from the center mounting hole to find the maximum overall height. In terms of spout reach, measure from the center mounting hole to the center of your sink.

Why Take Our Word for It?

Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including hardware like kitchen faucets. To curate this list, Brigitt thoroughly vetted each product based on her own experience in the category. She also tapped her husband, a general contractor who has installed hundreds of faucets, for information on reputable brands and installation. She also read hundreds of reviews and visited numerous showrooms to test some of her top picks in person.