Our Picks
What is the best kitchen faucet overall?
If you don't love the look of your kitchen faucet or are frustrated by its weak water pressure, then it's likely you're in need of an upgrade. Your faucet is one of the most frequently used items in the kitchen, so picking the right one can make everyday tasks easier. However, with so many different options out there, this decision can be tricky. You have brushed brass, stainless steel and even touchless faucets to choose from, as well as several other varieties of faucets -- but which one is the best? And it's not just about the aesthetics. Do you want features like a swivel range or a powerful water flow? Or something else entirely? You'll be using your faucet daily for multiple purposes, so make sure you get precisely what you need and want.
Our experts at CNET have carefully curated an extensive list of the finest kitchen faucets, highlighting an array of styles ranging from sleek and contemporary designs to charming, rustic farmhouse aesthetics. Every faucet has been tested thoroughly, meaning we've chosen nothing but the best here. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a practical solution, our selection caters to all tastes and requirements.
But before you proceed, we must clarify one thing: do not cut corners when picking your kitchen faucet. We understand the importance of affordability. However, it's essential to choose reputable brands recognized for their quality and reliability so you don't end up with a faulty faucet.
Brands such as Moen, Delta and Kohler came up time and again as the most highly-rated options, reflected in our picks below. (Other brands such as Grohe, Klaus and Elkay also proved popular among rankings.)
But faucets aren't one-size-fits-all, and there are many important aspects to consider in terms of size, functionality and installation requirements. (See our buying guide at the end for a rundown of various options.) With all that in mind, we bring you the five best kitchen faucets for 2025.
Best kitchen faucets for 2025
Best overall kitchen faucet
Pros
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Sleek design
- Powerful spray options
- Spot-resistant finishes
Moen is one of the top brands for kitchen fixtures, creating attractive, durable products that are easy to install, have a high degree of functionality, and come with a lifetime limited warranty. Among kitchen faucet options, single-handle, high-arc and pull-down models are the most common and represent most of our picks. This Moen Adler model takes top honors for its simple but sleek design that includes a beautiful deck plate that can work in any kitchen, paired with an extra powerful spray option, while still maintaining a very friendly price tag. (See our Buying Guide below for all the variables that go into faucet choices.)
Retailing for about $129 on Amazon including a spot-resistant finish, its overall value given its features and the quality of the brand puts it ahead of the field. At 1.5 gallons per minute, the flow rate of the Moen Adler qualifies as low-flow while still maintaining a robust stream, meaning that you might catch a little savings in water usage compared to other models as well.
The Arbor was another highly rated Moen model with a slightly different look, and both the Adler and Arbor are available in several different formats including pull-out, low-arc, smart-enabled and touchless options. (Note that smart-enabled and touchless models may also require either batteries or an AC hookup for installation, which adds to the degree of difficulty and also the price.)
Another excellent option
Pros
- Magnetic docking feature
- On par with top performer
Cons
- Pricey
Delta's products were neck-and-neck with Moen when it came to which ranked highest among multiple best kitchen faucet lists. A longtime leader in faucet manufacturing, the Delta Leland model offers a slightly more romantic silhouette than the Moen Adler for a somewhat higher price tag, but its features and functionality are otherwise on par with our top pick.
Many users commented on its flawless magnetic docking technology, which makes the pull-down spray head look especially like an integrated part of the faucet. Its flow rate is slightly higher than the Moen Adler, at 1.8 GPM, which provides a stronger stream while not in spray mode but also utilizes more water. As above, the Delta Leland is available in various formats and also includes the possibility for voice or motion activation. Other highly ranked Delta models include Trinsic and Essa.
Best budget faucet
Pros
- Cheaper and high user rating
- Easy installation
Cons
- Lightweight
Of all the faucets highlighted on any lists that I consulted, this Wewe model was the most consistent in terms of its placement as the absolute top option for those on a budget. As Amazon's best-selling faucet — period — it has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 score based on more than 40,000 user ratings. Depending on the finish of your choice, the model will cost between $50 and $120, making it a tremendous value for how much user confidence it inspires.
Functionally, it is a single-handle, gooseneck-style faucet with a pull-down sprayer. Its simple, tulip design is nearly as elegant as any of the higher-end models on this list, with the only exception being that the spray setting buttons (stream, spray, pause) are visibly situated on the top of the sprayer nozzle, rather than hidden behind.
Its cost savings largely have to do with its lighter-weight nature, but Wewe has a reputation for making quality, low-cost products. Users frequently noted its easy installation and nuanced temperature control functionality. With a generous 1.8 GPM stream, it's a powerful, value-driven option that will easily be able to handle your dish-washing needs without setting you back hundreds.
A good low-profile faucet
Pros
- High rating for installation and functionality
- Low cost
Cons
- Low style rating
- No pull-out / pull-down sprayer
Not every kitchen sink space is equipped for a high-arching faucet, so for a lower-profile, not to mention budget-friendly option, we like this Delta Classic Single-Handle Faucet model. Delta products inspire user confidence, and this is no exception, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. (Ease of installation and functionality both typically got higher marks, with "style" scoring lower on average than the gooseneck models on this list, but that can't be helped when considering a lower profile option.)
Despite not having a pull-out or pull-down sprayer, the neck is able to swivel 180 degrees, and the flow rate is a sturdy 1.8 GPM, making it feel a little more robust than some of the lower-flow but higher-end models here. Chrome is the only finish available, but there's no denying it's a classic look and a top-notch brand.
Best professional kitchen faucet
Pros
- Control over nozzle movement
- Magnetic docking handle
- Marginally higher price
Cons
- More clearance required
- Installation limitations
You will recognize "professional" kitchen faucet models by their coiled gooseneck design, which allows complete control over the movement of the nozzle, making it easy to fill or wash industrial-sized pots and pans. A magnetic docking handle keeps the gooseneck arm locked when not in use, and if I may? The overall effect is kind of badass. Whether or not you need such a model in your life, at a price only marginally higher than most of the other faucets on this list, this Kohler Pro-Style model is one worth considering if "badass" is the energy you're trying to bring to your kitchen.
At 22.25 inches, you'll need a bit more clearance to accommodate this model, which should be fine so long as your sink isn't mounted under any cabinetry. A soap dispenser is also included, which means your corresponding sink must have at least two holes for faucet installation. Despite its professional appearance, which may be intimidating to some, most users reported that installation was easy. The Kohler Sous Pro-Style is one of Home Depot's best sellers, with an overall 4.5 rating out of over 3,000 reviews.
How we evaluated the best kitchen faucets
Our list of kitchen faucets was compiled from numerous review sites among those models that were most frequently mentioned, as well as best-selling and top-rated models at major retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot and Lowe's. I researched the kitchen faucets in this list by analyzing specs and user reviews, diving deep for mentions of persistent issues, and considering the available features and functionality compared to price as a measure of each model's overall value. I focused primarily on those models which had extremely high user ratings, typically 4.5 and above with at least 1,000 unique ratings.
Kitchen faucet buying guide
While faucet design is likely going to be a big factor in your kitchen faucet decision, the functionality of kitchen faucets comes down to five major components.
Mounting
Assuming you are purchasing a faucet for a pre-existing sink, you will first have to know how many holes are available for installation: one, two or three. If you have as many as three you can more or less choose whatever faucet you wish, as additional holes can be easily plugged if not used, but you can't install a faucet that requires more holes than your sink basin has. The number of handles on the faucet, as well as whether there are additional features such as a separate sprayer, soap dispenser or hot water filler all require additional holes.
There are a number of important considerations to make before buying a new faucet.
Neck
Gooseneck faucets are common, but even among them there are lower arc and higher arc options, and you should take measurements in your space to make sure you're not choosing something that exceeds the height of what's available. Straight faucets take up less vertical space and are generally less expensive, but leave less room in the basin for doing dishes or filling up pots.
Reach
Your faucet's ability to easily reach every corner of your sink also comes down to a matter of how it's intended to work. Pull-down faucets are the most common and consist of a sprayer mounted on a hose that can be pulled down from the arched neck, or remain locked in the arm of the faucet when not in use. Pull-out faucets are typically found in models with a lower profile, and pull forward from the base, rather than down, and usually include a longer hose. Stationary spouts, such as those in most straight-neck models, often include a separate sprayer attachment that is mounted on the side of the sink.
This professional faucet from Kohler gives you more reach than a standard model.
Handles
Single-handle faucets are the most common and contain only one handle for adjusting the water temperature. They are the easiest to install but can be tricky to adjust to your perfect temperature every time. Touchless or smart features, where available, are typically aligned with single-handle models. Double-handle faucets include separate handles for hot and cold water, allowing you more nuance to adjust the temperature to your liking and giving a more old-fashioned or farmhouse look. Double-handle faucets are tricky to install and require additional holes in the corresponding sink.
There is a huge variety of kitchen faucet styles and finishes to choose from.
Finish
Many faucets offer spotless or fingerprint-proof finishes, which usually consist of a brushed metal look, rather than a shiny look. Nickel, chrome, matte-black and stainless steel are the most common finishes, with bronze, gold and pewter as occasional options.