The Best Kitchen Faucets We Tested, in Every Style and Price (2025)

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.

Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

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.

Our Testing Process

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.

How to Shop for Kitchen Faucets Like a Pro

Type

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.

Reach

“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.

Flow Rate

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.

Style and Finish

“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.”

Additional Features

“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.

More Kitchen Faucets to Consider

• Delta 9178T-SP-DST Leland Single-Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet: This faucet has a convenient touchless feature and a flexible, high-neck design that offers several different modes. It depends on a battery pack for operation, though, which can present issues, and the water pressure may be too intense for some daily tasks.
• Moen 87233EWC Adler One-Handle High Arc Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet: This faucet is easy to operate, has strong water pressure, and has a stylish, smoothly retracting hose. However, the chrome finish shows fingerprints and watermarks, and the high arch can sometimes cause water to splatter.

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you pay for a kitchen faucet?

“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.

Does upgrading a kitchen faucet increase home value?

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.

How do you install a kitchen faucet?

“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.

Take Our Word for It

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.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

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.