Most of us have traditional faucets in our kitchens, where we use our hands to turn the handles. However, with technological advances, there’s an alternative solution. Touchless faucets are a standard in most public spaces, and now you can have this luxury in your own home. They allow you to clean your hands without the worry of transferring bacteria or grime on to the faucet. Motion-activated faucets also save you time—there’s less of a need to wipe down handles and spouts if you never have to touch them.
Touchless faucets are smart kitchen gadgets created to provide convenience and functionality to your life. It doesn’t hurt that they add a sleek and futuristic look to take your kitchen to a whole new level. If you’re on the hunt for the best touchless kitchen faucet, check out this list of our top picks—these highly-rated products will add the finishing touch to your hi-tech kitchen.
- BEST OVERALL: Moen Arbor Motionsense Wave One-Handle Kitchen Faucet
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Delta Leland Single-Handle Touch2O Kitchen Faucet
- UPGRADE PICK: Kohler Simplice Touchless Kitchen Faucet
- BEST TWO-SENSOR: Moen Brantford One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
- BEST VOICE-ACTIVATED: Delta Trinsic VoiceIQ Pulldown Touch2O Kitchen Faucet
- BEST WITH PULL-OUT SPRAY: Gimili Touchless Kitchen Faucet With Pulldown Sprayer
- BEST MODERN: Kraus Bolden Touchless Sensor Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
How We Chose the Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets
After we evaluated the key aspects of touchless kitchen faucets—spout design, spray functions, number and location of sensors, and special features like LED lights—we assembled this curated list that includes varied options to accommodate personal preference and budget.
Many of the top picks are designed with ample height and/or a retractable spout for flexible reach. Though some of the featured models have a steep price tag, these faucets also boast advanced features including smart home compatibility and voice activation. Every product was designed by a reliable brand known for producing high-quality kitchen faucets.
Our Top Picks
We’ve looked at the best touchless kitchen faucets to select five that meet the needs of homeowners’ budgets, design preferences, and finish options. We’ve also selected the best overall for performance and convenience.
Photo: amazon.com
Moen is known for its beautiful, high-caliber kitchen faucets. The Arbor Motionsense is a top seller because of its versatility and impeccable quality. The touchless faucet features two sensors over the spout, one on the top of the arc that you can activate with only a wave of the hand and the second is below it to pinpoint your motion as soon as you get your hands under the faucet. There’s an automatic shut-off to help conserve water. A retractable pull-down handle can reach every direction of your sink, and the PowerClean feature increases spray power by 50 percent.
The Arbor Motionsense is easy to install and comes in multiple finishes such as stainless nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black—all of which are resistant to fingerprints and water spots. The sensors are battery-operated, and the model comes with six AA batteries. It features a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM), and Moen offers an incredible 5-year warranty on digital components for peace of mind.
Product Specs
- Finish: Spot-resist stainless, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and chrome
- Flow rate: 1.5 GPM
- Power supply: 6 AA batteries or AC power adapter (sold separately)
Pros
- Stylish design in 4 colorways; suitable for many kitchen fixtures and designs
- Retractable handle looks sleek and modern and is easy to use and maneuver
- 2 touch sensors; activated from the arc and the spout for added flexibility
- Power spray feature suitable for heavy-duty use; great for washing pots and pans
Cons
- Batteries will need replacing over time unless purchasing the AC adapter separately
Get the Moen Arbor touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Home Plumbing.
Photo: amazon.com
As touchless faucets go, anything that comes in under $300 is a bargain, especially when a reputable manufacturer like Delta—known for its reliable and long-lasting products—makes it. Delta’s Leland faucet offers a classic style mixed with modern functionality.
Technically, this faucet is a touch-on (not touchless), which means you need to make minimal contact with the faucet to activate the water flow. With the Touch20 technology, tap anywhere on the spout (using a hand, wrist, or forearm) to start and stop the flow of water. The Leland includes a useful pull-down design which allows for greater flexibility and movement and two spray modes to tackle rinsing duties and fill containers quickly. Choose from four finishes to match your kitchen: brushed stainless steel, chrome, arctic stainless, and Venetian bronze.
If you had your heart set on a touchless, then the Leland isn’t the best pick. However, if you want a solid kitchen faucet that will last for years for less than $300, you can’t go wrong with a Delta. The Leland is a good entry-level faucet that taps into hands-free technology.
Product Specs
- Finish: Chrome, arctic stainless, SpotShield stainless, matte black, and Venetian bronze
- Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Power supply: 6 AA batteries, 6 C batteries (sold separately), or AC adapter (sold separately)
Pros
- Available in a sleek polished chrome finish or several other colorways
- Activates upon touching any part of the faucet; easy to use when hands are full
- 2 spray patterns suitable for light and heavy cleaning
- Built in LED light changes color to show the current water temperature
Cons
- Shorter spout may have less reach if installed in a large sink
Get the Delta Leland touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Home Plumbing.
Photo: homedepot.com
Kohler is another powerhouse in the home improvement industry, best known for its plumbing products and fantastic lifetime warranties. Kohler faucets do tend to be more expensive than Delta and Moen faucets due to the extended warranties that come with each one.
With an ergonomic and modern gooseneck design, the Simplice features a pull-down spray head with three functions: stream, boost, and sweep spray. For stuck dirt, there’s boost technology that increases the flow rate by 30 percent with the press of a button. The handle rotates 90 degrees forward to prevent contact with backsplash.
The faucet is easy to install and features an AC power adapter. A state-of-the-art motion sensor activates the water flow for reliable touchless performance. There’s an LED light indicator to let you know when the faucet is operational, and the temperature memory feature sets your desired temperature before using it. With a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, this faucet is water efficient. For around $500, this Simplice is a good investment when it comes to upgrading your kitchen.
Product Specs
- Finish: Polished chrome, vibrant stainless, vibrant brushed moderne brass, and matte black
- Flow rate: 1.5 GPM
- Power supply: AC adapter
Pros
- Features advanced water-saving capabilities; suitable for eco-conscious consumers
- 3 spray types match the needs of a variety of cleaning methods
- Several finish options; suitable for multiple kitchen types and designs
Cons
- Water-saving feature can result in lower—and sometimes disappointing—water pressure
Get the Kohler touchless kitchen faucet at The Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, or Kohler.
Photo: amazon.com
The Brantford features two sensors: one located at the back of the gooseneck faucet and the other at the top of the design, providing a greater range to activate the water. However, the faucet will continue to run until you step away from it or swipe over the top sensor. The motion sensor is powered by six AA batteries or an optional AC adapter with a power splitter.
The Brantford is a low-flow kitchen faucet, rated to deliver at just 1.5 GPM with an aerated stream for everyday cleaning. The high arc spout provides height and reaches to fill or clean large pots while the pull-down wand provides the maneuverability for washing or rinsing. There’s a power rinse for heavy-duty cleaning and a pause function that lets you conveniently stop water flow from the spray head.
Featuring a quick-connect system from Duralock, the Brantford is easy to install, eliminating the need to hire a plumber. The faucet features spot-resistant stainless steel, which reduces scale spotting from hard water on the fixture. Like all Moen faucets, the Brantford comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and digital components are backed by a 5-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Finish: Spot-resist stainless, oil-rubbed bronze, and chrome
- Flow rate: 1.5 GPM
- Power supply: 6 AA batteries or AC adapter (sold separately)
Pros
- Neutral matte finish works well with different decor styles
- 2 touch sensors allow more flexibility; easy to use when hands are full
- Power-stream feature; suitable for cleaning stuck-on foods and substances
- High spout for ample reach and space-saving convenience
Cons
- Finish material may start to peel or deteriorate over time if not cared for
Get the Moen Brantford touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Build With Ferguson.
Photo: amazon.com
If you already have smart, voice control technology in your home, the Delta Trinsic will fit right in. Featuring Delta’s proprietary innovation, the Trinsic uses Delta VoiceIQ Technology to sync up your faucet with existing devices like smartphones and smart speakers enabled by Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. The smart home devices field your voice commands and relay them to your Trinsic.
With a simple command, you can quickly turn the faucet on and off, warm water, and dispense one cup, six ounces, a gallon, or any other amount you could need. The faucet will dispense in ounces, cups, pints, quarts, gallons, liters, milliliters, and also monitors kitchen faucet water usage over time.
The faucet operates with a simple touch anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm. There’s also a hand wash feature that provides the proper timing for lathering, scrubbing, and rinsing your hands. You can check the water temperature from across the room with the TempSense LED indicator light that changes color to reflect water temperature. Powered by six AA or six C batteries and an AC wall adapter, it features a flow rate of 1.8 GPM. The biggest downside for the Trinsic is the price—around $530. It may be a worthwhile investment for a smart tech home.
Product Specs
- Finish: Arctic stainless, matte black, black stainless, champagne bronze, and chrome
- Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Power supply: 6 AA batteries, 6 C batteries, or AC adapter
Pros
- Smart-home compatible; can be operated using voice commands
- Sensors activate by touching anywhere on the faucet; suitable for use when hands are full
- LED light indicates water temperature; also convenient for use in the dark
- Arrives with preprogrammed settings for proper fluid measurement
- Available in multiple finishes; easily fits in with multiple kitchen designs and types
Cons
- Requires a deck plate for 3-hole installation (sold separately)
Get the Delta Trinsic touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Home Plumbing.
Photo: amazon.com
Those in search of a faucet capable of reaching all areas of the sink will want to take a look at this contemporary option from Gimili. Standing around 20 inches tall once installed, it provides users plenty of sink space for fitting larger items that would typically struggle to fit under a standard-size faucet. This faucet also pulls out to extend its 20-inch hose to reach all around the kitchen sink, which is great for filling up pitchers or stockpots.
It’s easy to avoid having dirty hands contaminate the faucet by using the touchless motion sensor at its base, which activates with the wave of a hand. The sensor is conveniently installed to the side instead of the front to avoid accidental activations while washing the dishes.
Product Specs
- Finish: Matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold, brushed nickel with matte black, and brushed gold with matte black
- Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Power supply: 4 AA batteries or AC adapter
Pros
- Pull-out hose is an impressive 20 inches long; provides plenty of reach around the sink area
- Installation instructions for this faucet are very easy to follow; ideal for DIYers
- Provides a high-end look and finish at a more affordable price compared to similar options
Cons
- Some users report the touchless sensor being overly sensitive while washing dishes
Get the Gimili touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Shoppers looking for a robust stainless steel faucet to add to their collection of smart kitchen appliances could consider this contemporary touchless design from Kraus. It features a flexible gooseneck with the hint of a cool industrial modern design and open coil springs that add a touch of interest to the sink area. The easy-retract pull-out spray head reaches a wide area with its swivel adapter, allowing users to flex, pivot, and reach all around the sink. The Kraus is ideal for spraying down heavy pots and pans or giving the sink itself a rinse.
The touchless sensor is located at the base of the faucet and can be activated with the simple wave of a hand—great when preparing food where users would prefer not to have to touch the faucet to activate it.
Product Specs
- Finish: Brushed brass, stainless steel, matte black, antique champagne bronze, brushed brass with matte black, stainless steel with matte black
- Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Power supply: 4 AA batteries
Pros
- Features a cool industrial design with open coils around the neck; adds interest to the sink area
- Sprayer’s reach technology and easy-retract hose reach all around the sink
- High arc spout allows more space for oversize items like tall pitchers to fit into the sink
Cons
- Some users report the switch for the sprayer is quite flimsy and can fall off after heavy use
Get the Kraus touchless kitchen faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Overstock, or Build With Ferguson.
What to Consider When Selecting a Touchless Kitchen Faucet
Like traditional faucets, touchless models come in different styles and sizes. They also vary in features, like their finish, water-flow rate, sensor style, and power source. Here are some considerations to take into account when choosing touchless kitchen faucets before replacing your old one.
Activation Feature
Touchless kitchen faucets use motion-detecting sensors to start and stop the flow of water. Both of these aspects can be affected by how many sensors and how accurate those sensors are. Some faucets have multiple sensors, which increases accuracy. The sensor should start immediately with the swipe of a hand or dish—you should not have to wave your hand around waiting for the sensor to activate. You also do not want the sensors to be triggered by any slight motion in the room, leading to wasted water. Compare the number of sensors and the accuracy of the different models of touchless faucets to find the best for you.
Power Supply
The sensors need a power supply to function. There are two options when it comes to the power supply: the battery or an alternating current (AC) transformer. Battery operated models are less expensive, but you will spend more money on replacing batteries. Some models need batteries replaced several times a month. Choosing a faucet that is energy efficient will help reduce costs in battery consumption.
If you have access to power in your sink cabinet, then choose a model that plugs into an outlet because it will save you money over time, and you won’t have to deal with swapping out batteries. However, if you don’t have an electrical connection under your sink, you won’t really have a choice and will have to go with the battery option. In this case, invest in rechargeable batteries to help ease the cost over time.
Finish
Like traditional faucets, touchless versions are available in multiple finishes and styles. Touchless options are available in chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, zinc alloy, and other materials. Choose a model with a design and finish that blends seamlessly with your decor.
Since they are touchless, a faucet with a shiny finish isn’t prone to fingerprints and other smudges. If you’ve always loved the look of high shine metal, but hated dealing with the smudges, this is an excellent opportunity to go for it!
Water Flow Rate
The flow rate of a faucet will tell you how much water the fixture uses. The standard of measurement for water flow in plumbing fixtures is gallons per minute (GPM). Knowing the flow rate will help determine the efficiency of the faucet before you buy it. The lower the GPM, the more efficient the faucet is with water. In the United States, the maximum flow rate for kitchen faucets is 2.2 GPM. This rate is more than sufficient for regular use in a kitchen.
Additional Features
As with most hardware and appliances, there are always extra bells and whistles you can get with certain models. When it comes to touchless faucets, the most noticeable additional feature is voice activation. Like other smart home devices, you can pair the faucet with your connected home device (Alexa and Google Assistant) to enable voice-activated features like metered dispensing.
Some models let you create custom presets. Once you “teach” or program the preset, you can set shortcut commands for activation. These faucets can also function without voice commands; you can turn the water by activating the sensors. These added features do come with some downsides; they are significantly more expensive and they have to be plugged into an electrical outlet since there isn’t a battery option.
The Advantages of Using a Touchless Kitchen Faucet
A touchless kitchen faucet is a smart appliance that uses motion sensor technology to activate the water flow. With a wave of your hand or a pan near the sensor, the water will turn on and off. This technology is commonly used in public restrooms to eliminate the need to touch handles.
Hands-free faucets are making their way into kitchens across the country due to their convenience and adaptability. They look just like conventional faucets and homeowners can install most without the help of a plumber. Additionally, touchless options are water efficient. A traditional faucet allowed to run continuously can use up to two gallons of water per minute, whereas a touchless version will only emit water if triggered. Here are some other benefits of using a touchless faucet:
- Hands-free activation requires no touching to turn on the water, which is very helpful, especially when your hands are full or dirty.
- It limits the spread of bacteria or germs, keeping the sink and faucet more hygienic.
- Touchless faucets are considered an upgrade and will add value to your home.
FAQs
Touchless faucets are typically more expensive than their traditional counterparts. So, getting to know how they work before you invest in them is an essential factor to consider before purchasing.
Q. How do touchless kitchen faucets work?
Touchless faucets consist of four main parts: a spout, sensor window, solenoid valve (a type of electromagnet), and power source. The sensor is activated when you place your hand or object near the sensor windows, and a signal is sent to the solenoid valve to open and allow water to flow through the spout.
Q. Does a touchless kitchen faucet require electricity?
Touchless faucets require a power source to control the sensors and solenoid valves. The power is typically in the form of batteries or AC transformers. Most touchless faucets are powered by batteries with an option to convert to a power outlet with an adapter.
Q. Can a touchless kitchen faucet work manually?
Most touchless faucets have a manual sensor override mode, which allows the faucet to function as a regular faucet during a loss of power. Adjusting the temperature of the faucet is usually done manually, while the touchless aspect is used to turn the faucet on and off.
Q. How long should a touchless kitchen faucet last?
As with any product, it depends on the brand, materials, and how often you use it. Touchless faucets have more moving parts than regular versions, which can lead to more repairs. The major faucet brands offer limited and lifetime warranties on touchless options for ease of mind.
Q. What are the best brands of kitchen faucets?
The top kitchen faucet brands are Moen, Kohler, and Delta as they excel in quality, customer service, and durability. These brands usually offer a wide selection of finishes that easily match a shopper’s existing kitchen hardware.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
