The touchless kitchen faucets are one of the must-haves in any modern kitchen as they not only look good but are also easy to use, more hygienic and highly convenient.
With the best touchless kitchen faucets in your kitchen, you will also get to save a lot of water as some are known to be up to 70% more water efficient. And this is because water will only flow when your hands, cup or pot are under the spout.
Touchless faucets also minimize the risk of germs transfer, and they make life easier for children and the elderly as using them will not require them to turn still taps.
However, to get these and many other benefits that come with touchless or motion sensor faucets, you need to pick the best model. With our touchless kitchen faucet reviews and buying guide below, this should be easy.
What to Check Before Buying Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets?
To ensure that you pick a good touchless kitchen faucet for your kitchen, you need to watch out for the following things.
1. Compatibility
For a touchless kitchen faucet to work well for you, it first needs to be compatible with your current sink setup.
While most are universals and meant for installation on almost any sink type, a few of them are specifically meant for use with specific types of sinks.
Besides from the faucet being mountable on your sink, it should also complement the design and décor. Make sure that it does not look awkward or outplace on your sink by ensuring the finish rhymes with your sink’s finish and also the countertop style and color.
2. Battery Pack or Power
There are generally two types of touchless faucets when it comes to the power and these are the battery-powered ones and AC-powered models.
Both can still offer the benefits that you get from using motion-sensor kitchen faucets, but they have both pros and cons that you should know.
Battery Powered Touchless Kitchen Faucets: The battery-powered touchless kitchen faucets like BioBidet Flow Motionsense use AA or AAA batteries, and they are very convenient if you do not have a power outlet near the sink.
Also, you do not have to incur extra expenses to install sockets if you do not have them as you would when using the AC-powered types.
However, batteries will need to be replaced when they get drained out which can be inconvenient and means you have to incur extra cost to buy new batteries.
AC-Powered Touchless Kitchen Faucets: AC-powered touchless kitchen faucets like KOHLER K-72218-VS are the types that require plug-in into a socket to work, and this makes them quite convenient as you will never need to buy batteries.
However, if you do not have a socket near the sink, you will need to install one, otherwise, the faucet will not be usable. Also, you might not be able to use these kitchen faucets in case of a blackout.
Buying Advice: The best option is to buy a touchless kitchen faucet with that is both AC-powered and has a battery back as a backup in case of a blackout. But, if you live in an area where blackouts are rare, the AC-powered will be a good choice, and if the opposite is the case for you, the battery-powered touchless faucets are your best pick.
3. Flow Rate
The flow rate is the amount of water that the touchless kitchen faucet can dispense every minute. It is an important factor to consider as it will determine how much time it will take the faucet to fill up your pots or cups.
Touchless faucets with a high flow rate are often the best and most convenient ones. Although the flow rate will vary from one brand and model to the other, you should go for something with at least 1.5 GPM as this is often more than enough for most homes.
4. Sensor Accuracy
Sensor accuracy is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for the best motion sensor kitchen faucet, and this is because the sensor is what will start and stop the water flow.
A highly accurate sensor like what you get on the Moen 7185ESRS starts the water immediately your hands are close enough and stops it immediately it senses there is no movement. By doing this, it will ensure maximum convenience, ease of use and minimize water wastage.
An inaccurate sensor is often very annoying as it will start and stop the water when you do not need it like for example when you are just passing near the sink.
5. Ease of Use
Your touchless kitchen faucet needs to be easy to use for you and everyone else in your house. You should not have to get super close to the sensor or pass your hand across several times for the water to start flowing.
The accuracy of the sensor is one of the key factors that will determine how easy it will be to use. However, the ease of installation also matters.
Luckily most models are designed for easy DIY installation, and you will not even need prior plumbing experience to do it. But, before you buy one, it is still important to ascertain that you can install the faucet by yourself and without having to use any special tools.
6. Brands
Because touchless kitchen faucets are some of the priciest types, you cannot afford to go for something substandard that will not give you value for your money.
One way to make sure that you get something high-quality that will serve you well and for a long time is by buying from a highly reputable brand.
Some of the top brands that you can trust to have the best automatic kitchen faucets are Moen, Delta, Pfister, and Kohler.
Read More: Moen vs. Delta Kitchen Faucet
When it comes to choosing a good brand you will not only need to consider the design, quality, and features that come with the touchless faucet but also other perks that the brand has to offer such as warranty and money-back guarantee.
7 Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets of 2021 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Moen 7594ESRS (Best Overall) |
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2. Delta Faucet 9113T-AR-DST (Durable Bronze Faucet with Nice Flow Rate) |
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3. Moen 7185ESRS (Easy to Use with Highly Sensitive Sensors) |
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4. Boharers Touchless Kitchen Faucet (Highly Versatile) |
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5. BioBidet Flow Motionsense (Budget-Friendly) |
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6. KOHLER K-72218-VS (High Flowing with Unbeatable Sensor Performance) |
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7. Moen 5923EWSRS (Reliable Top Brand) |
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1. Moen 7594ESRS – Best Overall
- Flow rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
The Moen Arbor MotionSense is designed with two sensors to offer an exceptional hands-free performance, and they will allow for a simple hand movement water trigger.
This touchless kitchen faucet also makes use of power clean spray technology to deliver higher water spray than many other similar faucets.
It is equipped with a retractable reflex system that ensures easy movement and smooth operation of the spray head. The spray head also allows for two spray patterns to make this an even more versatile kitchen faucet.
With the duralock quick connect system, installing this touchless kitchen faucet is a quick and easy process. And it allows for flexible installation as it will work for both 1 and 3-hole sinks.
While there is no magnetic docking for the spray head, it will still retract relatively well provided you install the weights correctly. The absence of a way to adjust the flow rate is also not a big issue as it does not affect the performance and convenience of this kitchen faucet significantly.
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Pros:
- More convenient double sensors
- Relatively higher spray power
- Smooth spray head operation
- Flexible design works for both 1 and 3 holes
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Does not have a magnetic dock for the sprayer
- No way to adjust the flow rate
2. Delta Faucet 9113T-AR-DST – Best Durable with a Nice Flow Rate
- Flow rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Bronze
The 1.8 gallons per minute flow rate that this Delta touchless kitchen faucet delivers is one of the highest on our list. But, there is still more to it besides the high flow rate.
It is designed with a handy LED water temperature indicator light that ensures you can easily tell the water temperature from across the room.
Like most other high-quality touchless kitchen faucets, it also has a handy magnetic dock that makes the retractable spray head easy to operate. And it uses a patented diamond seal technology to make it highly durable and ensure leak-free service.
The installation is as straightforward as it can get as the manufacturer provides everything you need in the box, and you can mount it on both 1 and 3-hole setups. Cleaning the nozzles is made easy by their design as you will only need to wipe them clean.
Although this kitchen faucet still requires some touch to use, it is highly sensitive to make it easy to use. While the automatic water shutoff can sometimes be annoying, it is very useful in conserving water.
Pros:
- Highly durable no-leak bronze construction
- Higher flow rate
- Includes LED water temperature indicator
- Easy 1 or 3-hole installation
- Easy to clean spray holes
Cons:
- Still requires some touch to use
- Auto faucet shut off can sometimes be annoying
3. Moen 7185ESRS – Easy to Use with Highly Sensitive Sensors
- Flow rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
The highly sensitive sensors on this Moen touchless kitchen faucet are one of the key elements that make it a great buy as they ensure it will be easy and convenient to use.
Also, like many other top quality touchless kitchen faucets, it comes with a retractable spray head that uses a smooth retracting mechanism to make it easy to operate.
Installation is designed to be fast and easy thanks to the quick connect system, and it will take most people only a few minutes to get this faucet running.
And with the limited lifetime warranty that the manufacturer provides, you can have some confidence that this is a long-lasting kitchen faucet.
The batteries on this faucet seem to drain a little too fast, but this should hardly be a concern as they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Pros:
- Highly sensitive motions sensors
- Smooth retracting spray head
- Fast and secure installation
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Batteries seem to drain quite fast
4. Boharers Touchless Kitchen Faucet – Highly Versatile Kitchen Faucet
- Flow rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Brass
The touchless sensor on this kitchen faucet is designed to be highly sensitive to ensure you always get water fast and easily. And they are also designed to shut off automatically after being idle for 3 minutes to conserve water.
There is an infinitely maneuverable spray head that makes this a highly versatile faucet, and it will also retract to its original docking position automatically and smoothly.
With the 360-degree swivel, this kitchen faucet will make full sink access possible and although it is a battery-powered model, it comes with 4 AA batteries that can last up to 2 years.
This touchless faucet is the second most affordable model in our list, and it is backed by a lifetime limited warranty to give you some assurance that it will last.
Because there is no magnetic docking on the faucet, the hose might not retract completely, but this is an easy problem to fix, and you can also live with it as it is not a big deal. The plastic base should not be a concern as it is still quite sturdy and durable.
Pros:
- Infinitely maneuverable spray head
- 360-degree swivel
- Long lasting batteries
- Relatively affordable
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- Plastic base plate
- Hose does not retract completely
5. BioBidet Flow Motionsense – Budget-Friendly Battery-Operated Touchless
- Flow rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
BioBidet makes this motion sensor kitchen faucet in a battery-operated design to ensure that you will never have to do any complicated hardwiring.
Also, the kitchen faucet is made with a SmartLatch Retraction to ensure that the spray head will retract fluidly and quietly to make it easier and more convenient to use. This spray head will allow you to choose from two spray patterns for increased versatility.
With this top-rated touchless kitchen faucet, you will get to switch between the hands-free function and manual or regular faucet option easily. You can install it easily and conveniently using the included hardware.
This is our cheapest touchless faucet model, and so it will be a great pick if you are looking for something that will also save you some money.
Although the build quality is probably not as robust as other top brands, it is hard to getter better quality at the same price tag.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Battery-operation does not require any hardwiring
- Dual mode spray head
- Fluid and quiet spray head retraction
- Convenient quick installation
Cons:
- Build quality is not as robust as other pricier models
- Relatively quicker battery drain
6. KOHLER K-72218-VS – Best High with an Unbeatable Sensor Performance
- Flow rate: 1.8 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
Kohler K-72218-VS takes the top spot in our hands-free kitchen faucet review when it comes to the sensor performance. It has one of the most sensitive sensors as it will respond to a simple wave motion in just 20 milliseconds.
Apart from the high sensor sensitivity and accuracy, the water flow that you get is also good as you will get up to 1.8 gallons every minute.
This high-end touchless kitchen faucet also has a secure magnetic docking that makes the spray head easy to manage. And the spray head will allow for two water spray modes.
Other things like the battery-free operation, easy to clean spray face and auto shut off function helps to make this a great kitchen faucet.
Although the relatively higher price tag can be a put off for some people, the quality, convenience, and service that you get make this touchless faucet a bargain.
Pros:
- Relatively faster flow rate
- Highly sensitive sensors
- Secure locking magnetic docking head
- Easy to clean spray face
- Convenient battery-free use
Cons:
- Quite a pricey faucet
7. Moen 5923EWSRS – Reliable Top Brand Touchless Kitchen Faucet
- Flow rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Material: Metal
Another top quality touchless kitchen faucet by Moen that makes use of the power clean technology to deliver more spray power than what you get from many others in its class.
Besides being a top brand faucet, it also uses MotionSense with one sensor that you can easily activate with a single wave to turn the water on or off easily.
This motion sensor kitchen faucet comes with a more flexible hose that is maneuverable in infinite ways, and you can also choose from two spray modes to make it more suitable for a variety of cleaning applications.
With the high arc design of the kitchen faucet, you will get more sink clearance to clean or fill your larger pots and cookware. The installation is also made quick and easy thanks to the duralock quick connect system that allows you to install the faucet in both 1 and 3 holes.
Although it does not come with an escutcheon, this is not a dealbreaker as you can get one easily. And the relatively higher price tag is also an indication of the quality of the kitchen faucet.
Pros:
- Highly reliable top brand faucet
- Relatively more spray power
- Ultra-flexible hose
- Dual spray options
- High arc design to offer lots of clearance
Cons:
- Escutcheon not included
- Relatively pricier
How to Install a Touchless Kitchen Faucet?
Once you get that top quality touchless kitchen faucet, you still need to install it correctly to ensure that it will provide good and leak-free service.
While the installation process may vary from one model to the other, there are some key steps that you will need to follow to install most touchless kitchen faucets.
What You Will Need
- Touchless faucet with its included hardware
- Batteries (if it is a battery-powered model)
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Measuring tape
The Installation Process
Step 1: Turn off Water and Place the Faucet
Like with all types of kitchen faucets, the first step when installing a new one is to turn off the hot/cold water supply lines.
Once this is done you should now proceed to remove the existing faucet and then thread the cable, hoses, and shank to your new touchless faucet via the deck gasket.
Now you can align the new faucet with the bottom of the faucet body and then insert the cable, hose, and shank through the mounting hole on the base. But, if your sink has multiple holes, you will also need to install the deck plate.
Step 2: Secure your New Faucet
With the faucet correctly positioned, you should now go ahead and secure it in place. And to do this you will need to go under the sink and start by sliding the support plate over the cables. After this, you should mount the washer onto the shank.
Also, make sure that the cable and hoses are on the curve of the washer before you thread the mounting nut on the shank. Check whether the faucet is positioned correctly and then tighten the nut.
Step 3: Install Hose Bracket, Hose, and Supply Lines
The third step starts with the installation of the hose bracket. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when doing this. In most instances, you need to have it about 2 inches from the connecting hose’s end.
Also, you need to guide it to the faucet spout and connect it to the faucet using the quick connect lines.
Once the hose bracket is in place you can proceed to attach the hose and supply lines. When mounting them, you will need to identify their corresponding inlets on the control box.
Make sure that the hoses are securely in place and then connect the hot and cold water lines and secure them with the adjustable wrench.
Step 4: Mount the Control Box
To install the control box, you will need to snap it to the hose-guide nut. And if you want to mount it on the cabinet, you should make sure that it is in a location where the hoses and data cable can reach.
Step 5: Connect Spray Wand
The spray wand will be attached to the pull-down hose that goes through the faucet. To install it, you need to first remove the protective cover and ensure that both the screen and rubber washer are correctly positioned.
You should thread the spray wand on the pull-down hose and then use the adjustable wrench to tighten it. Make sure that you also do not over tighten it and once this is done, locate the white marking on the pull-down hose and install some weight just below it.
Step 6: Install Battery Pack and Plug-In Data Cable
Now you can install the battery pack if your faucet uses one. For the AC-powered ones, this step will only require you to plug in the cord. For those that use a battery pack, make sure that you install it in a location where the wires can reach it.
The other step is to plug in the data cable to the control box and make sure that everything aligns correctly. Also, you should use some zip ties to band the hoses and cables together (except the pull-down hose) for a neat look and to make them easier to manage.
You can now insert the wire coming from the battery pack to the control box to power up the system. Also, make sure that nothing is within the sensing range of the sensors (usually 3 feet) for a proper setup.
Now you can turn on the water to check whether everything is working correctly and to determine if there are leaks. If everything is working well, the touchless faucet is ready for use.
Conclusion
Touchless kitchen faucets are some of the most convenient and water efficient types. Also, they help create a more hygienic kitchen and enhance the overall look.
With our touchless kitchen faucet review for recommendations on the best brands and models to buy, finding the perfect one to add to your kitchen should be a quick and easy process.
While you cannot go wrong with any model on our list, the Moen 7594ESRS is our top recommendation as it excels in all aspects from sensor sensitivity to spray power.
In this post:
- What to Check Before Buying Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets?
- 7 Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets of 2021 Reviewed
- 1. Moen 7594ESRS – Best Overall
- 2. Delta Faucet 9113T-AR-DST – Best Durable with a Nice Flow Rate
- 3. Moen 7185ESRS – Easy to Use with Highly Sensitive Sensors
- 4. Boharers Touchless Kitchen Faucet – Highly Versatile Kitchen Faucet
- 5. BioBidet Flow Motionsense – Budget-Friendly Battery-Operated Touchless
- 6. KOHLER K-72218-VS – Best High with an Unbeatable Sensor Performance
- 7. Moen 5923EWSRS – Reliable Top Brand Touchless Kitchen Faucet
- How to Install a Touchless Kitchen Faucet?
- Conclusion