Our expert review includes modern and traditional models, as well as a $60 option that competes with much more expensive models.
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The kitchen faucet is a frequently used element in every home. Many families use it dozens of times a day, thousands of times a year. It also serves as a striking accent, the finishing touch, as designers often say, to any kitchen.
All this makes choosing a kitchen faucet a critical decision during any renovation or replacement. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested over 30 kitchen faucets in recent years in our home improvement labs and in the homes of our experienced testers.
Our experts evaluate faucets based on a number of factors, including ease of installation, durability, maintenance, and functionality. This review features eight popular faucets from our recent reviews, along with a few less-than-ideal models that might be perfect for your next project.
This elegant Brizo faucet combines all the benefits of modern design at an affordable price. The single-lever faucet saves countertop space and provides convenient access to the desired water temperature. The curved spout swivels 360 degrees for maximum control. The compact pull-out spray features a magnetic base and extends nearly 25 cm.
“It easily reaches even the most difficult to reach places and returns to its original position every time,” says Lauren Matthews, executive director of digital content at Good Housekeeping, who has been testing and writing about home products for over 15 years. She chose a matte black finish to stay in tune with current kitchen trends and says the faucet requires regular wiping to keep clean, but regular soap and water do the trick.
Please note: Since this faucet’s spout is just under 9 inches tall, there is less space underneath than other models.
Faucet Style: Single-Lever | Sink Type: Single Hole | Faucet Height: 15.7 in. | Spout Height: 8.9 in. | Water Flow: 1.87 GPM | Finish Options: Polished Chrome (pictured), Stainless Steel, Matte Black
Kitchen faucets under $100 tend to be simple and functional, so our experts were eager to get their hands on the Forious faucet, which costs around $60. This single-handle faucet is similar to models five to six times more expensive, but has many of the same features, including a pull-out spray and a stain-resistant PVD coating.
We installed this faucet on a sink at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s lab in New York City, and the installation process was straightforward. Our technicians noted that the faucet is very lightweight (several pounds lighter than other faucets tested), which may indicate its high durability. However, so far, the faucet has performed well, providing a consistent water flow and smooth switching between the two spray modes.
Another potential drawback is the relatively low height of the nozzle, which can create problems when washing toothpaste jars and other large items. Although the retractable spray arm doesn’t have a magnetic mount, it does snap back into place after about the first 100 uses.
Our test faucet’s matte black finish showed water marks after cleaning, but that’s a small price to pay for such a great value.
Faucet Style: Single-Handle | Sink Type: Single or Three-Handle | Faucet Height: 14.76 in. | Spout Height: 6.7 in. | Water Flow: 1.8 GPM | Finish Options: Black and Chrome (pictured), Brushed Nickel, Black, Black and Brushed, Gold, Black and Gold
The best kitchen faucets are simple yet stylish. That’s exactly what our experts appreciate about this Hansgrohe arched faucet. “I love its slim profile and elegant design,” says Laurie Jennings, former CEO of Good Housekeeping magazine, who installed it during a recent kitchen renovation.
She says the installation was flawless, and the stainless steel finish she chose “doesn’t attract dirt, fingerprints, or smudges, so it looks like it’s just been washed, whether it was wiped down a day ago or two weeks ago.” Like other positive customer reviews, Jennings praises the magnetic element on the hose, which helps it return to its original position every time. Jennings’ only minor complaint is the lack of technical features in the faucet; for example, it doesn’t have a built-in rinse light or kitchen lighting.
Faucet Style: Single-Lever | Sink Type: Single Hole | Faucet Height: 15.375 in. | Spout Height: 8.25 in. | Water Flow: 1.75 GPM | Finish Options: Matte Black Chrome, Chrome, Matte Gold, Steel (pictured), Polished Nickel, Matte Black
Moen offers high-quality kitchen and bathroom products at competitive prices. The Arbor single-handle faucet is a prime example. Its minimalist and simple design complements any kitchen style, unlike some of our other recommendations, which feel more like decorative elements.
However, it packs a rich feature set, including a retractable sprayer with a 68-inch (190 cm) extended hose and multiple spray options, including a power boost for cleaning. It delivers 1.5 gallons (4.7 L) of water per minute, enough to earn WaterSense certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “For the price, the Arbor is surprisingly well-built, with a brass body, ceramic disc, and durable finish,” says Rachel Rothman, former chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Faucet Style: Single-Lever | Sink Type: Single Hole | Faucet Height: 15.5 inches | Spout Height: 8.25 inches | Water Flow: 1.5 GPM | Finish Options: Stainless Steel (pictured), Matte Black, Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze
The latest innovation in kitchen faucet design is touchless control, which allows you to turn the faucet on and off with a simple wave of your hand over the built-in sensor.
This technology can be a bit finicky (think airport restrooms), but we found the Kohler Crue’s motion sensor to be very responsive. It also still has a lever for those who prefer to open and close the faucet the old-fashioned way. The pull-out spray has a magnetic base and easily switches between three modes: aerated spray, circular spray, and powerful rinse. This faucet is solidly built, and our experts praise Kohler’s performance and reliability.
Looking for a traditional-style faucet with high-tech features? The Kohler Artifacts touchless faucet, a Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award winner, delivers the same flawless performance as its peers but with a more retro design. One tester, praising its lightning-fast response, said, “This faucet is a true treasure for the kitchen, boasting a timeless, classic style.” Just keep in mind that it requires an electrical connection.
Faucet Style: Single-Lever | Sink Type: Single Hole | Faucet Height: 17.9 in. | Spout Height: 8.5 in. | Water Flow: 1.5 GPM | Finish Options: Polished Chrome (pictured), Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Brushed Brass
Our experts say this Perrin & Rowe faucet’s combination of vintage elegance and superior quality makes it a great buy. “While the price exceeded my expectations, the design is very durable, and I’m sure it will look great in my kitchen for decades to come,” said one tester who chose the polished nickel finish.
While this faucet takes up more countertop space, its high bridge spout provides ample space for large potted plants. It also boasts all the hallmarks of premium design that our experts strive for, including durable brass construction, a ceramic drip-prevention plate, and a relatively long 47-inch water supply hose on the side spray, ensuring even water distribution throughout the sink. The dual-handle design allows for precise water temperature control.
Faucet Style: Two-Handle | Sink Type: Three-Handle with Side Spray | Faucet Height: 16.5 in. | Spout Height: 10.875 in. | Water Flow: 1.8 GPM | Finish Options: Polished Nickel (pictured), Polished Chrome, Raw Brass, Satin Bronze, Satin Gold, English Bronze, English Gold
The Delta single-lever faucet perfectly combines elegant design and sophisticated control. It’s a favorite of Monique Valery, Interior Design Director at Good Housekeeping. She admits that until she encountered the clean lines and crisp design of the Pivotal, “I never thought a kitchen faucet could be so beautiful.”
In addition to its striking design, this faucet features unique technology that lets you turn the water on and off with a simple touch of your wrist or forearm anywhere on the spout or handle—even if your fingers are covered in raw chicken. An LED indicator at the base of this battery-operated faucet glows blue or red depending on the water temperature, preventing accidents. The pull-out sprayer has a magnetic base and comes with a 140 cm (55 in) extended hose, making it easy to water nearby houseplants.
Faucet Style: Single-Handle | Sink Type: Single- or Three-Handle | Faucet Height: 16 in. | Spout Height: 9.3 in. | Water Flow: 1.8 GPM | Finish Options: Traditional Stainless Steel (pictured), Polished Chrome, Black Stainless Steel, Polished Nickel
A spacious, well-equipped chef’s kitchen with a powerful gas stove and built-in refrigerator requires an equally impressive faucet—like this professional faucet from Kohler. Its tall, curved spiral spout would look right at home on a restaurant counter, though it might not be aesthetically pleasing in every kitchen.
Its industrial-grade performance is combined with a sleek design featuring a sleek handle and round base. This touch-sensitive sprayer with a retractable lid has three modes, including a patented sweeping mode, which delivers a powerful jet of water ideal for removing stuck-on food residue from plates, cutting boards, or the bottom of the sink.
Faucet Style: Single-Handle | Sink Type: Single Hole | Faucet Height: 21″ | Spout Height: 7″ | Water Flow: 1.5 GPM | Finish Options: Polished Chrome (pictured), Matte Black, Stainless Steel, Brushed Brass
Our market-focused editors visit showrooms and trade shows like the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show to learn about the latest trends and innovations in faucet design. In this review, we focused on brands renowned for their reliability and performance, which have been tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute for decades. In total, we reviewed over 30 models.
Our top picks underwent months of evaluation in the Institute’s home and outdoor labs or in the homes of our experts, allowing for comprehensive technical reviews, as well as real-world performance and usability assessments.
Lab engineers first evaluate the overall quality of the design, checking for loose or brittle plastic parts, persistent dripping, or other signs that the faucet is not performing well after extended use.
During real-world testing, we primarily focus on the ease of operation of the faucet: turning it on and off, adjusting the temperature, and, if necessary, switching between spray and water flow modes. We also measure the faucet’s surface resistance to stains and scratches.
If you’re replacing an existing faucet, you’ll need to choose a configuration that fits your countertop: one-, two-, or three-hole, which may include holes for a side sprayer or soap dispenser. Consider the following factors.
✔️ Shape: While the spout shape is primarily a matter of style, it also impacts practicality. The cheapest faucets have straight spouts, which are unsuitable for large sinks. Faucets with a high bend offer more space, but this should be taken into account due to the risk of splashing. The size and configuration of your sink can serve as a guide; the faucet should be proportionate and cover a large area, especially if it doesn’t have a spout.
✔️ Spray: Faucets with pull-out or retractable spray arms have become a popular alternative to separate side sprayers because they save space, and many users find it more convenient to clean dishes or sinks by directing water from the top down. Extended spray hoses (such as 125 cm or longer) are convenient for cleaning larger sinks from the top down. Our experts also like faucets with convenient buttons that make it easy to switch from spray to jet mode. They also recommend choosing pull-out spray arms with a magnetic latch, which allows you to return the spray arm to its place and keep it securely in place.
✔️ Finish: Our experts have found that faucet finishes have become increasingly durable in recent years. Therefore, choosing a finish primarily comes down to personal preference. Stainless steel is the best choice, as it complements matching appliances. If you’re looking for a more striking design, polished chrome is a good option, but like stainless steel, it easily attracts fingerprints and stains. Softer finishes, such as brushed nickel and brass, are less shiny and more resistant to fingerprints and water stains. Matte black is a trendy shade that will add a unique touch to your kitchen, especially when paired with black appliances.
✔️ Construction: Faucets have become more reliable in recent years, but some low-quality products still exist. A durable brass construction and ceramic valve discs instead of washers are the hallmarks of a high-quality faucet. Faucets with durable materials, such as a brass interior, are stronger, more reliable, and better able to withstand daily use than faucets with low-quality plastic components. The most durable surface treatment is achieved by physical vapor deposition (PVD), making the faucet resistant to stains and scratches.
✔️ Water Flow: This metric is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and reflects the efficiency of a faucet’s water use. The maximum legally permitted flow rate is 2.2 GPM. To earn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense label, water flow must be less than 1.5 GPM. Improving efficiency by 30% can save thousands of gallons of water per year. The build quality of a faucet also impacts water efficiency, as according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually.
Kitchen faucets can cost anywhere from $60 to $1,000. The higher the price, the higher the overall quality of the construction, thanks to features like solid brass construction and a durable PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating.
Design options have expanded, with industrial faucets featuring high curves and powerful downward sprays, as well as elegant bridge faucets with sophisticated finishes. More expensive faucets also offer smart features such as touchless control and automatic temperature control.
Don’t forget to estimate the cost of installation. A skilled DIYer can install a standard kitchen faucet, but others may require professional help, which typically costs around $250.
I’ve been testing and writing about kitchen faucets for 25 years. During this time, I’ve studied all the major brands in the plumbing category. This includes visiting showrooms across the country and attending annual kitchen and bathroom trade shows. There, I always keep an eye on new finishes and innovative technologies, such as touchless technology and improved water efficiency.
As Director of Home Improvement and Outdoor Recreation at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I oversaw the latest round of lab testing for kitchen faucets, as well as ongoing consumer-based home testing that allows us to evaluate these devices in real-world conditions.
Dan (he/him) has written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles covering all aspects of homeownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations. He brings over 20 years of industry experience to his role as director of the Home Improvement and Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A former roofer and home remodeler, Dan now maintains his renovated Brooklyn home with his wife and children.
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Post time: Oct-27-2025
