How Much Should You Spend on a Kitchen Faucet?

A kitchen faucet is more than just an everyday item—it’s practically an "every hour" item. This means choosing the right one is crucial for avoiding potentially damaging leaks and the frustrations of ill-fitting hardware. 

There are a surprising number of features and fixtures to consider when buying a kitchen faucet. "The way you work in a kitchen, the look you’re after, and your budget will ultimately determine what fixtures are best," says Keren Richter of White Arrow, a New York design studio. "Price is driven by brand and style, but also by the finish you select. Chrome is the cheapest, and specialty finishes will add to your cost." 

At the lower end, a kitchen faucet costs around $150 to $300. Mid-range options, where you’ll find more style choices, start around $500 and climb to $1,000. At the top end, prices can creep toward thousands of dollars, although $1,500 is a good ballpark. Up here, you’ll find more unique designs, finishes, and customization options as well as superior quality. 

Quality of Internal Components 

When choosing a faucet, quality is the first thing to consider. "Why have a cute faucet that leaks?" says Delia Kenza of Delia Kenza Interiors, a Brooklyn-based interior designer. After all, water is one of the most destructive elements any fixture in your home will be subjected to. 

"The internal parts are more important than the external parts; look for solid brass valves and screws," she says. "Buy from a company that you can order missing parts from: a single screw may be all you need, and if you can’t get that screw, you may have to buy a new faucet. Many plumbing parts can’t be casually picked up at a local hardware store."

All-metal fixtures have long been considered the superior choice for faucets with brass being the most durable, die-cast zinc acceptable, and chrome-plated plastic the budget option. However, newer ceramic disk valves are increasingly popular as they’re considered extremely reliable and as the cost has started to creep down. 

The valve is what ensures you get water at the right rate and temperature and, there are four types: ball, disc, cartridge, or compression. Ceramic disk valves are the latest in faucet technology. Two disks control the flow, and seal when locked together. These are the most expensive, but also the most reliable. Cartridge valves are also good, with all-metal being preferable. Because it’s all one piece, if you do spring a leak, you simply need to replace the cartridge. Compression and ball valves are the cheapest, but are notoriously leaky. 

Style and Function

In a faucet, style and function go hand-in-hand. "There are a few questions we ask in terms of functionality (Does the client want a separate hand spray, or a single spout with a built-in spray?), but style is paramount," says Richter. "There are bridge faucets for more farmhouse looks; long, dramatic arched faucets, which can look graceful and sleek for contemporary kitchens; and more utilitarian faucets for industrial kitchens." 

With sinks often front and center in a kitchen, this is a trendsetting piece. "The silhouette, materials, and finish should all work together in concert," says Richter. "I do think choosing the right fixtures can really make or break a kitchen or bathroom design if all other decisions are on point."