What are the best kitchen faucets available today? The best kitchen faucets 2024 are generally defined by a mix of modern features like touchless operation, superior build quality using solid brass, excellent water flow rates, and long-term reliability backed by strong warranties.
Choosing a new kitchen faucet can feel like a big job. Your sink faucet is used many times each day. It needs to look good and work perfectly. We have checked many models to bring you the top choices. This guide will help you pick the right one for your kitchen.
Deciphering Faucet Styles: What You Need to Know
Faucets come in many shapes and sizes. Your choice often depends on your sink setup and how you use your kitchen. Picking the right style makes your daily tasks much easier.
Single Handle Versus Double Handle Faucets
The handle setup changes how you control the water.
Single Handle Kitchen Faucet Reviews
Single handle kitchen faucet reviews often praise these for their ease of use. You use one lever to control both water temperature and flow. This is great when your hands are full.
- Pros: Simple operation, takes up less counter space, modern look.
- Cons: Precise temperature setting can sometimes be tricky.
Double Handle Faucets
These faucets have separate handles for hot and cold water.
- Pros: Offers precise temperature control, classic aesthetic.
- Cons: Requires two hands to adjust temperature and flow, takes up more space.
Reach and Height: High Arc and Standard Options
The height of the faucet matters for sink clearance.
High Arc Kitchen Faucets
High arc kitchen faucets are very popular now. They give you lots of room under the spout. This makes filling tall pots simple.
- Benefit: Excellent clearance for large cookware.
- Check Point: Make sure they fit under your cabinets.
Low Profile Faucets
These sit lower to the sink deck. They work well in kitchens with low-hanging shelves or windows directly above the sink.
Essential Faucet Functionality: Sprayer Types
How the water comes out is a major factor. Do you want a fixed spout or a flexible sprayer?
Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Recommendations
Pull down kitchen faucet recommendations frequently highlight convenience. The spray head pulls down directly into the sink. This is ideal for rinsing the sink basin or large items.
- Features: Usually offer two spray settings (stream and spray).
- Note: They often require a counterweight under the sink to retract smoothly.
Pull Out Faucets
These spray heads pull straight out toward you. They are common in smaller sinks because the hose is shorter.
Side Sprayers
These are separate units mounted next to the faucet base. They offer great reach but need an extra hole drilled in your sink or counter.
Touchless Kitchen Faucets: The Modern Choice
Best touchless kitchen faucets use motion sensors to turn water on and off. This feature is great for hygiene and convenience.
- How They Work: A simple wave of the hand starts the water.
- Why People Love Them: Keeps the faucet clean when handling raw food. Saves water because you don’t leave the water running accidentally.
Top Picks for the Best Kitchen Faucets in 2024
We have sorted through many options to find the very top-rated kitchen faucets. These models stood out for quality, features, and user satisfaction.
Premium Picks: Best Overall Performance
These faucets offer the best combination of materials, features, and longevity. They often represent the best kitchen faucet brands.
| Model Example | Style | Key Feature | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Leland Pull-Down | Single Handle, High Arc | MagnaTite Docking | Stainless Steel | High |
| Moen MotionSense Touchless | Touchless, Single Handle | Voice Control Ready | Spot Resist Stainless | High |
| Kohler Purist Pulldown | Sleek Design | Minimalist Aesthetic | Solid Brass | Premium |
Best for Modern Convenience: Touchless Champions
If technology is your main focus, these are great options.
- Kohler Sensate: Known for fast, reliable touchless activation. Excellent flow rate.
- Moen Align: Often rated highly in single handle kitchen faucet reviews for its smooth handle operation when not using touchless mode.
Value Picks: Affordable Kitchen Faucets
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a reliable faucet. These are affordable kitchen faucets that still offer good performance.
- VIGO Edison: Provides a commercial-style look without the high price tag. Good water pressure.
- Pfister Weller: Offers simple, durable construction perfect for rentals or budget renovations.
Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide: Materials and Finish
The material determines how long your faucet lasts. The finish affects how it looks and how easy it is to clean.
Faucet Construction Materials
The inside matters most for durability.
Solid Brass
The gold standard. Brass resists corrosion very well. Faucets made mostly of brass last for decades. Look for this in premium models.
Stainless Steel
Very durable and highly resistant to rust. Often used for pull-down spray heads.
Zinc and Plastic Components
Common in very affordable kitchen faucets. These parts wear out faster than brass. Check where the moving parts are located; handle joints should ideally be metal.
Interpreting Faucet Finishes
The finish protects the faucet and matches your decor.
- Chrome: Shiny, easy to clean, and usually the least expensive. Shows water spots easily.
- Brushed Nickel: Has a soft, matte look. Very good at hiding fingerprints and water spots.
- Stainless Steel (Finish): Matches stainless steel appliances perfectly. Often very durable against scratches.
- Matte Black: Trendy and striking. Hides smudges well, but some very cheap versions might chip over time.
Installation Considerations: Making the Job Easier
A great faucet can be frustrating if installation is hard. Check the requirements before you buy.
Faucet Hole Configuration
Your sink deck has pre-drilled holes. Count them!
- One Hole: Perfect for most single handle or touchless models.
- Two Holes: Can support a single handle faucet plus a side sprayer or soap dispenser.
- Three or Four Holes: Allows for double handle setups, separate side sprayers, or soap dispensers.
If you buy a single handle faucet but only have three holes, most good faucets come with an optional deck plate (escutcheon) to cover the extra holes.
The Importance of Cartridge Quality
The cartridge controls water flow inside the faucet body. This is crucial for leak prevention.
- Ceramic Disc Cartridges: These are the best kitchen faucet brands use. They are extremely hard and resist wear better than older rubber washers. They prevent drips reliably.
Kitchen Faucet Installation Tips
If you are replacing an old faucet, here are some quick tips.
- Shut Off Water: Always turn off the hot and cold water valves under the sink first.
- Clear the Space: Remove everything from under the sink. You need room to work.
- Use Plumber’s Putty (If Needed): Use putty or silicone sealant where the base meets the sink deck for a watertight seal, depending on the gasket provided.
- Check the Supply Lines: If your new faucet does not come with supply lines, buy new, braided stainless steel lines. They are much more reliable than old plastic lines.
Following good kitchen faucet installation tips can save you a call to the plumber. Many modern faucets are designed for easy DIY setup.
Performance Metrics: What Flow Rate Means
Flow rate measures how much water comes out per minute (GPM).
- Standard Flow: Most modern faucets operate around 1.8 GPM. This is efficient.
- High Flow: Some commercial-style faucets might offer 2.2 GPM. Check local regulations, as some states limit the maximum flow rate. Higher flow feels more powerful when rinsing.
Long-Term Ownership: Warranty and Support
A good warranty shows the manufacturer trusts their product. When looking at single handle kitchen faucet reviews, always check the warranty details.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: The best companies (like Moen or Delta) offer this. It usually covers leaks and finish defects for as long as you own the home.
- Parts Availability: Ensure the best kitchen faucet brands have readily available replacement parts, especially cartridges, should you need them years down the line.
Comparing High Arc vs. Standard Reach
The height difference is more than just looks; it affects splash-back.
A very high arc kitchen faucet sometimes causes more splashing onto the counter behind the sink if the water stream hits the sink bottom too directly.
Tips to Reduce Splash in High Arc Faucets:
- Ensure the spout tip is positioned directly over the drain, not too far forward.
- Choose models with aerators that create a softer, less turbulent stream.
Faucet Maintenance Made Simple
Keeping your new faucet looking great is easy with simple care.
- Daily Wipe Down: Use a soft cloth to wipe off water spots after use.
- Cleaning Finishes: Use mild soap and water for almost all finishes. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, especially on matte black or bronze finishes.
- Dealing with Mineral Deposits: If the water flow becomes weak, the aerator (the tip of the spout) might be clogged. Unscrew the aerator and soak it in white vinegar for a few hours to dissolve mineral buildup.
Final Thoughts on Selecting the Best Fixture
Deciding on the best kitchen faucets 2024 involves balancing features, budget, and style. Do you prioritize the hygienic touchless experience, or is the classic reliability of a high-quality single-handle pull-down more important to you? Reviewing top-rated kitchen faucets across categories helps narrow the field. Remember to factor in long-term costs like efficiency and warranty support when making your final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are touchless faucets worth the extra cost?
A: For many users, yes. They offer superior hygiene, especially when cooking, and help conserve water by preventing accidental runoff. If you cook often or have children, they are a worthwhile investment.
Q: What is the standard lifespan of a quality kitchen faucet?
A: A well-made faucet from one of the best kitchen faucet brands, especially those with ceramic disc cartridges, can easily last 15 to 20 years or more with basic care.
Q: Can I replace a three-hole faucet with a single-hole faucet?
A: Yes, you usually can. Most single-handle faucets include a deck plate (escutcheon) that covers the two extra holes, allowing for a clean, modern look even on older sinks.
Q: How do I know if a pull-down hose will fit under my sink cabinet?
A: The main concern is the weight. Pull-down faucets use a counterweight on the hose under the sink. Ensure there is enough vertical space (usually 8 to 12 inches below the faucet base) for the weight to move freely without hitting pipes or garbage disposals.
Q: What finish resists fingerprints the best?
A: Brushed nickel or stainless steel finishes are excellent at hiding fingerprints and water spots compared to polished chrome or glossy black finishes.