The faucet is the hardest-working fixture in your kitchen, so it's worth choosing well. Here's what actually matters when you're picking one.
Spray style: pull-down vs pull-out
Pull-down faucets have a tall arc and a sprayer that pulls straight down — great for deep sinks. Pull-out faucets have a lower profile and a sprayer that pulls toward you — better for filling pots on the counter and smaller sinks.
Touchless and sensor taps
Sensor faucets turn on with a wave or a touch, which keeps the handle clean when your hands are covered in raw chicken or flour. Once you've used one, going back feels primitive.
Finish
Stainless and brushed nickel are forgiving with water spots and fingerprints. Matte black looks striking but shows limescale more in hard-water areas. Match the finish to your other hardware for a pulled-together look.
Mounting and holes
Check how many holes your sink or counter has before buying. Most modern faucets are single-hole, but some setups need a deck plate to cover extra holes.
Valve and build quality
A ceramic-disc valve resists drips far longer than rubber washers. Solid stainless construction lasts longer than plated plastic.
Our pick of the range
Browse modern pull-out and sensor models in our Kitchen Faucets & Sinks collection — there's an option for every sink and budget.