The 7 Best Kitchen Faucets of 2024, Tested by Real Simple

Including options in all styles and price points.

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The 7 Best Kitchen Faucets of 2024, Tested by Real Simple

Considering how much time we spend in our kitchen, we need appliances that can withstand plenty of use. No kitchen fixture is used more often than the faucet, whether it’s for cleaning dishes, washing hands, filling pots, or doing countless other essential tasks.

“With how often you use a kitchen faucet, it’s a worthwhile investment to get the one you really want,” says Meghan Chio, senior merchant at The Home Depot. “A nice kitchen faucet adds value to a home by enhancing its appearance, functionality, and overall user experience.”

To find the best kitchen faucets on the market, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions, evaluating them on factors like setup, ease of use, performance, durability, quality, and value. We also spoke to Chio for her expert insight on what to look for when shopping for kitchen faucets, how to install them, and more.

It’s easy to change the angle of water flow.

It’s on the pricey side.

Of all the faucets we tested, this pick from Kraus impressed us with its stylish and easy-to-use design made from durable brass. During testing, it delivered powerful water pressure from its high-arc spout to tackle every type of kitchen task.

We found that installing the faucet was quick and simple, thanks to the clear instructions provided by the brand. It has a single, elegant handle that, at 17 inches, is tall enough to accommodate bigger pots and pans, with a button on the head that you can push to switch between stream and spray. Additionally, the faucet’s long hose reaches nearly 9 inches, retracts and swivels, and can adjust to almost any angle.

This attractive faucet comes in nine colors and stains, including an elegant champagne bronze. It doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots easily and thus is very easy to keep clean. One downside is that it is pricier than many other kitchen faucets, but considering its style, functionality, and ease of use, we believe it’s worth the extra cost.

It has a pause feature that prevents splashes during multitasking.

If you want to keep costs down, check out this low-priced yet high-quality kitchen faucet from Wewe. The sleek, single-handle device comes in 13 different styles, ranging from gold to brushed nickel to matte black, and has a high-arc spout that makes cleaning large items a breeze.

One of our favorite things about this stainless steel faucet is how easy it is to change between temperatures and switch the modes from spray to stream. The nozzle has a long, 8.5-inch reach that, although slightly challenging to retract, helpfully clicks back into place with a lock. The faucet also boasts a convenient pause feature, which allows you to avoid splashes while multitasking in the sink.

Installing the faucet is relatively simple, and changing the intensity of the pressure (which can get very strong) requires minimal effort. Keep in mind, however, that this faucet does show fingerprints pretty noticeably, but luckily they’re easy to clean off with a bit of scrubbing. All in all, this is a great, low-budget pick that won’t disappoint.

This faucet has a motion-activated sensor to start the water flow.

It may be more complicated to install than a traditional faucet.

Nothing says convenience like a touchless kitchen faucet, which only requires a wave of the hand by its motion sensor to turn the water on and off. This single-handle option from Bio Bidet is an exceptional model, with an uber-accurate sensor that distinguishes between subtle hand gestures to save on time and effort.

Made from durable nylon and available in a sleek chrome color, this faucet always looks pristine (especially because you rarely have to touch it and avoid smudges). It also has a high arc and curved spout to provide enough room for large items in the sink. The faucet’s sensitive technology activates and shuts off the water flow when the head is pulled down or returned, and you can easily switch between spray, stream, and pause modes as needed.

This faucet also provides robust water pressure and has a separate handle for temperature control. Adjusting the neck angle and height is effortless, with the hose able to glide into any position. One downside we noticed is that the faucet can be complicated to install, but if you hire a professional, you should be good to go.

The wide, flat single lever is easy to push and manipulate.

The water pressure could be stronger.

If you prefer the look of a low-arc faucet that doesn’t rise much higher than a kitchen backsplash, we recommend this great option from Grohe. The low-profile faucet is only 7 inches tall but has a flexible hose that’s long enough to reach the corners of the sink and retracts as needed. You’ll be able to fill all your pots and pans without issue, just like with a high-arc faucet.

Available in either chrome or steel (both of which are easy to keep clean), this faucet was simple to install and has an average price tag. It has a wide, flat single lever that you can easily hold and control, whether you’re switching modes from spray to stream or changing the temperature.

We wish the water pressure on this faucet was better, as it comes out more slowly than you’d expect during stream mode. That said, there’s so much else to love about this faucet, like its classic design, ease of use, and durable make.

The water pressure is extremely strong.

The neck wobbles when the water is turned on and off.

Dual-handle kitchen faucets have an old-school look that many people appreciate, and this option from Kingston will add some serious style to your kitchen. The sleek and high-quality brass faucet comes in a brushed nickel color and has handles on each side for temperature control and a separate sprayer attachment.

The instructions for installing this faucet are easy to follow, and the handles are simple to operate and offer just the right amount of sensitivity. The faucet’s tall neck makes filling up big pots and pans a hassle-free experience, and we liked that it swings out of the way to prevent splashes. Additionally, the faucet’s water pressure is strong, and the 360-degree swivel head allows for helpful flexibility when washing and cleaning.

This isn’t the cheapest faucet on the market, and the brushed nickel finish does show fingerprints (although they come off easily). Also, the faucet’s neck wobbles slightly when the water is turned on and off, which can be frustrating. However, the style, tall neck, and impressive water pressure still make it a worthwhile choice.

The separate soap/lotion dispenser is useful for hand-washing.

The aerator is hard to clean.

If you're all about aesthetics, you’ll love this gorgeous and eye-catching faucet from Kohler, which is made from metal, comes in four stylish finishes, and has a unique exposed-spring design that stands out from typical kitchen fare.

This faucet has a stylish high arch with above-average reach and flexibility. The long-reaching spout rotates easily and can get to all parts of the sink without issue, with a magnetic docking arm that keeps the spray head secure. You can switch modes from stream to sweep spray with the button and adjust the temperatures quickly via the single lever handle.

The downsides we noticed were the higher-than-average price tag and that the aerator can be tricky to clean (if needed when the stream is blocked). But on the upside, the water pressure is quite strong, and the installation process is very doable thanks to clear instructions. The faucet also has a separate soap dispenser, and none of the finishes show noticeable fingerprints.

You can customize presets so that the faucet always pours out the exact amount of water you need.

There’s a short but noticeable delay after you turn on the water.

Why opt for a traditional faucet when you can get a smart one like this fantastic Moen model? This voice-activated device has a paired app and can connect to a smartphone or smart home speaker, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Installing this faucet takes minimal time, as does connecting it to the Moen app (which you can use to save your favorite settings and control the faucet remotely) and a smart home system. You can instruct the faucet to pour a specific amount of water and operate it hands-free with the touchless sensors. You can also tell the faucet to set the water to a temperature, and it comes with a light that indicates when the water is getting hotter.

Additionally, this faucet has powerful water pressure, a long-reaching hose, and a fingerprint-resistant make whether you pick the chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, or stainless steel finish. Our only complaints are the short but noticeable delay when you turn the water on and the slight resistance when you pull out the fabric-coated sprayer. But if you’re okay with those flaws and the faucet’s high price, you’ll love investing in such a helpful, time-saving device.

We tested many great kitchen faucets, but the Kraus Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet earned our top spot for its ease of use, durable make, and stylish design. For a stellar lower-priced alternative, the Wewe Single-Handle High Arc Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet offers 13 style options, a high-arc spout, and a helpful pause feature.

To find the best kitchen faucets, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions, trying them in sinks of all different dimensions and types. During the installation process for each faucet, we noted how much time and effort it required and whether we needed professional assistance or could complete it alone. Then, we evaluated each faucet’s ease of use by noting how much force we needed to use to turn the faucet on and off, go between temperatures, switch from stream to spray modes, pull out and retract the hose, and fit large pots of water underneath. For touchless models, we also noted the sensitivity and accuracy of the motion sensor.

Afterward, we studied each faucet's water pressure, evaluating whether it was strong enough to rinse dishes well and complete other tasks. Then, we analyzed each faucet’s durability by checking to see if any scratches or fingerprints appeared. For the latter, we determined how easy it was to wipe them off. We also noted whether any dripping or clogging occurred during our testing and if the faucet neck squeaked or stuck during adjustments.

Finally, we determined each faucet’s overall value by examining its retail price and deciding whether we felt that the cost reflected its performance, style, and features.

The type of kitchen faucet you choose depends on how you use it on a daily basis, says Chio, whether you're “making that first cup of coffee in the morning, preparing meals, or entertaining guests.”

One common faucet type is a pull-down faucet, which will give you “more reach across your sink to easily clean the entire space,” Chio says. Other common types include single-handle and double-handle faucets, which are ideal for multi-tasking and precise temperature control.

When choosing a faucet type, you should also look into how many mounting holes your kitchen sink has (typically between one and four). Some faucets are designed for a specific number of holes, while others come with helpful deck plates to cover any extra holes.

“When shopping for a kitchen faucet, understanding the reach is an essential factor to consider for functionality and convenience,” says Chio. Most faucets have a spout reach between 8 to 9 inches, but it can vary. If you have a deep sink, look for a pull-down faucet with a longer than average spout reach, which will “allow you to rinse every surface of your sink,” Chio suggests.

A kitchen faucet’s flow rate, or how many gallons of water per minute, is generally between 1.5 and 2 GPM. If you want a faucet with a strong flow rate, focus on ones with “a secondary spray setting with more power to make it easier to wash dishes,” recommends Chio.

“When selecting a style and finish of your kitchen faucet, this is completely dependent on your own personal taste and the aesthetic of your home,” says Chio. Popular finishes include stainless steel, matte black, matte gold, bronze, and chrome. Chrome is easy to keep fingerprint-free and clean while gold or bronze can make for a stylish look. “There are many styles available with each finish, so you can seamlessly incorporate your desired finish within the style you’re going for,” Chio adds.

Don’t forget to consider the height of the faucet, too. "A taller faucet height can create a more dramatic aesthetic or make a statement in your kitchen,” Chio says. “Make sure you assess height options based on the size of your kitchen and if you have cabinets above your sink that may create a limited space for higher faucets.”

“Kitchen faucets have greatly evolved and now offer many exciting new features and enhanced functionalities designed to provide ease-of-use and years of trouble-free operation,” says Chio. Some popular options include motion sensors to provide a hands-free experience, smart technology to control the faucet via your voice or an app, and a side soap dispenser or sprayer.

“The cost of a kitchen faucet can vary widely depending on factors such as the brand, material, design, and features,” says Chio. That said, basic, single-handle faucets with few or no features tend to be under $150, while mid-range faucets can be up to $300, and high-end faucets made from premium materials and with eye-catching designs and features can cost over $1,000.

“Keep in mind that installation costs are separate, and you may need to factor in additional expenses if you plan to hire a professional for installation,” Chio notes.

Upgrading your kitchen faucet can increase home value, but usually not in an overly significant way, according to Chio. “Upgrading a kitchen faucet can contribute to the overall appeal and functionality of the kitchen, but its impact on home value is typically modest compared to larger-scale renovations,” she explains.

“Depending on the number of holes and the style of your kitchen sink, the process will vary but is still fairly easy,” says Chio. The first step, she says, is to shut the water off at the supply valves, then open up the faucet handles “to relieve any pressure in the lines.” After that, disconnect the water supply lines to the old faucet on both sides and stabilize the water pipe “to prevent compromising the connections behind the cabinets.”

Then, remove the old faucet and its connections, including its mounting hardware. If you have a faucet with a three-hole installation, use the included escutcheon plate to cover up the two outside holes and a gasket to seal the gap. “If there is a rubber ring on the bottom of the gasket plate, it can be effectively sealed," says Chio. "If not, it is recommended to apply with silicone sealant."

Installation for each supply line varies as it depends on the type of faucet. “Some faucet types have state-of-the-art supply lines called PEX tubing already installed as part of the hot and cold valves of the faucet," says Chio. "On other faucets, the hot and cold valves have a threaded nut, and you’ll need to attach your flexible supply lines."

Afterward, connect your mounting hardware to the shank below the deck to anchor the hot and cold valves, she explains. Lastly, connect each supply line to its corresponding water supply valve. “Once you’ve installed your new faucet, it’s a good idea to flush it out to remove any debris that may have accumulated in the lines,” adds Chio.

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and many other publications. To compile this list, we tested many kitchen faucets in our Lab and evaluated them on set-up, ease of use, performance, durability, quality, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Meghan Chio, senior merchant at The Home Depot.

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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