6 Best Kitchen Faucets of 2023

Once you figure out the type of faucet that’s best for your kitchen, here’s how to zero in on the perfect model.

✔️ Shape: Though it’s largely about style, the shape of the spout also impacts usability. The least expensive faucets have straight spouts that don’t leave a lot of room for large pots. Arced faucets have greater clearance, though you need to weigh that against a possible increase in splashing. The size and configuration of your sink can be a helpful guide; the faucet should be proportional and able to reach most of the sink, especially if it doesn’t have a sprayer.

✔️ Spray: Faucets with a pull-out sprayer have become a popular alternative to independent side sprayers since it saves space, and many users find it more convenient to spray down dishes or clean the sink. Our experts like faucets with finger-friendly buttons that make it easy to switch from spray to stream. They also say to look for a pull-out sprayer with a magnetic lock that will pull the nozzle back into its dock and hold it there securely.

✔️ Finish: Our experts have seen faucet finishes become much more durable in recent years. As a result, choosing a finish mainly comes down to style preference. “Stainless steel remains the top choice because homeowners delight in how it blends seamlessly with their appliances,” says Danielson. Polished chrome is nice if you want a little pop, though, like stainless steel, it shows fingerprints and smudges. More muted finishes like brushed nickel and brass have a duller shine which makes them more resistant to fingerprints and water spots. Matte black is a trending finish that brings a unique element to the kitchen, especially when paired with black appliances.

✔️ Construction: Faucets have become more reliable in recent years, but there are still some flimsy products out there. Solid brass construction and ceramic discs instead of washers are two signs of a quality faucet. “The heavier, the better,” adds Danielson. “A faucet made of internal solid materials such as brass will be more robust, more dependable and withstand day-to-day usage than one made of low-grade plastic components.” The most durable finishes are applied through a process called physical vapor deposition which makes them stain- and scratch-resistant.

✔️ Flow rate: Measured in gallons per minute (GPM) this tells you how water-efficient a faucet is. The maximum flow rate allowed by law is 2.2 GPM. To earn the EPA’s WaterSense label, the flow rate must be under 1.5 GPM. That 30 percent increase in efficiency works out to thousands of gallons over the course of a year. Construction quality impacts efficiency too since a dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year, according to the EPA.