Shopping for a Touchless Kitchen Faucet?
We can help you pick the right one!
A kitchen faucet is no stranger to germs, grime, and bacteria. Whether you are cooking or eating, you’ll find yourself using the faucet very often – which is why it is no wonder your faucet almost always ends up covered in sticky, oily marks.
This is where a touchless kitchen faucet is a great and healthier choice.
A touchless faucet not only improves kitchen hygiene, it also eliminates the hassle of constantly cleaning your faucet.
But what is the best touchless kitchen faucet for your home?
In this short buying guide, we’ll help you find out.
What’s in this Buying Guide
In this buying guide, we review the best touchless kitchen faucet available today, then we review each product in detail and list its pros and cons.
After the reviews we provide a buying guide that details what you should look for when purchasing a touchless kitchen sink faucet.
We also include some care and maintenance tips and a FAQ section to answer any questions you may have.
For our take on another popular type of kitchen faucet, check out our guide to the best pull-out kitchen faucets.
Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- Best Overall: Moen Align Motionsense
- Best Budget Faucet: FORIOUS Store
- Best Voice-Assisted: DELTA Trinsic VoiceIQ
- Most Luxurious: KOHLER Sensate
- Best Dual Mode: ARRISEA
- Best Dual Sensor: Moen Arbor Motionsense
- Most Versatile: badiJum
- Best for the Money: BioBidet Flow Motion
Best Overall: Moen Align Motionsense Touchless Faucet
Moen Align Motionsense Wave Touchless Faucet is one of the most luxurious options available today. It features a distinctive open coil look that gives it an industrial look.
The Moen Align features only one extremely accurate Motionsense wave sensor. It runs on 2 water flow modes: a powerful clean spray and a regular streamlined water flow. With a water flow rating of 1.5 GPM, Moeen Align is a water-efficient touchless kitchen faucet.
It gives you a comfortable washing experience. A simple wave at its Motionsense sensor is enough to get the water flowing. The sensor is conveniently located at the base of the spout.
The 21.75-inch high spout and the 10-inch spray head reach of the Moen Align allow you to clean in all directions. The powerful Power Clean spray technology provides 50% more spray power than other models, even in Moen’s own range.
The faucet is available in 4 finishes, each as elegant and beautiful as the other. The Moen Align is also spot-resistant, so it won’t show smudges any time soon.
Pros
- Extremely accurate sensor
- Spot resistance ensures its cleanliness
- Dual water flow modes
- Powerful spray head offers more reach
- Comes with lifetime warranty coverage
Cons
- Spray head is not metallic
- You have to buy the sink plate separately
Best Budget Touchless Kitchen Faucet: FORIOUS StoreTouchless
The FORIOUS StoreTouchless Kitchen Faucet resembles a traditional kitchen faucet, and you can operate it both manually and without touching it. A switch on the control panel allows you to choose the operation mode.
This FORIOUS model runs on four AA batteries. Plus, it is quite energy-efficient and lasts for up to 2 years on a single set of batteries.
The FORIOUS faucet comes in two variations. One has a sensor on the bottom front of the spout, while the other has a sensor at the side of the spray head.
This FORIOUS faucet is 16.54 inches high and offers a spray head reach of 8.43 inches, and has 2 water flow options: a stream or a spray.
Pros
- Rust-resistant brushed nickel finish
- Supports both touch and touchless operation
- Spray head activates as soon as it’s pulled out
- Battery-powered faucet
- Easy and simple installation
Cons
- Water supply hoses run short
- Vague installation instructions
Best Voice-Assisted Kitchen Faucet: DELTA Trinsic VoiceIQ
If you have a smart home, the Delta Trinsic VoiceIQ Faucet is a perfect addition. It supports voice commands over both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
With the Trinsic’s Voice IQ ability, you can simply ask it to dispense specific amounts of water or fill customized containers, and it will follow your commands.
Although the Delta Trinsic is a touch-sensitive model, the voice command support really makes this a touchless option too.
It also supports multiple power supply options. It comes with an AC adapter if you have an under-sink electrical outlet. And if you don’t, you can power it with 6 AA or 6 C batteries.
Delta Trinsic is an energy-efficient faucet that consumes less energy. It keeps your energy bills under check and allows the batteries to last long.
It also incorporates a LED temperature indicator. Plus, the Delta faucet is quite simple and easy to install.
Pros
- Voice commands for touchless operation
- Touch-sensitive spout and handle for manual operation
- MagnaTite docking keeps the spray head secured in position
- Patented diamond seal prevents leaks
- Supports both single and 3-hole configuration
Cons
- Expensive
- No sensors for touchless operation
Most Luxurious Touchless Kitchen Faucet: KOHLER Sensate
Kohler Sensate Touchless Kitchen Faucet is a popular product from the well-known brand. This luxurious unit packs nearly everything you can ask for in a kitchen faucet, from a motion sensor to a spray head.
Plus, it comes in 2 luxurious finishes (polished chrome and vibrant stainless, both with black accents) that make anyone glance back.
Kohler Sensate oozes luxury. It is made of high-quality metal with a nylon-lined internal hose to prevent rusting. The frontal movable portion of the Sensate is made with a ball joint that allows the faucet to move in different directions.
Kohler has incorporated the most accurate sensors in the Senate’s design. They are so responsive that the water starts flowing within 20 milliseconds of putting your hands down the hose. The faucet also comes with a precision activation window designed to prevent false activations.
Pros
- Sensors have a response time of 20 milliseconds
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Battery-free operation
- Ceramic valves included
- Nylon-lined internal hose
Cons
- Needs an AC supply to operate
- Auto-shutoff feature lags sometimes
Best Dual Mode Kitchen Faucet: ARRISEA Touch and Touchless Kitchen Faucet
The ARRISEA Touch and Touchless Kitchen Faucet is a 2-in-1 product. It features a touch-sensitive spout that turns on at the slightest touch of your hand or arm, while the touch-free sensor is equipped on the spout curve.
In the touchless mode, the ARRISEA faucet has a 3-inch motion sensing range. A simple swipe within this range is enough to turn on the water.
The ARRISEA faucet features high-quality stainless steel construction with a brushed finish. You can purchase this faucet in silver or matte black finish. Both of these are equally elegant and long-lasting.
The ARRISEA Touch and Touchless Kitchen Faucet comes with ceramic valves, 3 NSF-certified water hoses, and a stainless steel tube for better rustproofing. All these components ensure that the faucet does not leak due to internal rust within 10 years.
Plus, a special treatment is applied at every joint to keep it leakage-free.
Pros
- Supports both touch and touch-free operation
- 4 tips for better leak prevention
- 5-layer electroplated coating
- Special strong water flow mode increases 60% flow
- Comes pre-assembled with all installation parts
Cons
- Instructions lack a troubleshooting guide
- Touch feature can sometimes be inconsistent
Best Dual-Sensor Kitchen Faucet: Moen Arbor Motionsense Two-Sensor Kitchen Faucet
Moeen Arbor Motionsense Two-Sensor Kitchen Faucet is the best dual sensor kitchen faucet because of its two extremely accurate sensors. These trigger water with a simple movement and offer exceptional hands-free convenience.
The first sensor is incorporated into the base of the Moeen Arbor, while the second is on the top of the gooseneck. The sensor detects hand gestures and turns on a continuous stream of water with the swipe of your hand.
The Arbor Motionsense Kitchen Faucet comes in 4 stylish finishes: chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and spot resist stainless. It is constructed using durable steel alloy for a longer lifespan.
With its exceptionally high arc, the Moeen Arbor provides a good user experience. You can use the faucet as is or pull out the hose-connected spray wand at the end of the faucet. The Arbor spray wand is retractable and features an ergonomic design.
Pros
- Strong spray
- Long spray hose
- Durable and long-lasting
- Two accurate sensors
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- The spray mode doesn’t stay on for touchless use
- No magnetic docking to secure the spray wand in position
Most Versatile Touchless Kitchen Faucet: badiJum Touchless Kitchen Faucet
The badiJum Touchless Kitchen Faucet features a sleek design that incorporates an accurate motion sensor in the base. A slight wave in the direction of the sensor gets the water flowing.
You can choose from 3 water flow modes: a pause mode for intermittent flow, a continuous stream, and an aerated spray. Plus, the pull-out spray head automatically releases water when you remove it from its housing.
We also like the badiJum Touchless Kitchen Faucet for its aesthetic appearance. The curve of the high arch matches the smooth handle quite nicely. The overall look is quite a sleek fit for most kitchen decors.
Pros
- High arch kitchen faucet
- Suitable for 1- or 3-hole installation
- Patented easy push-fit design secures it tightly
- Complies with American Standard Certification
- Beautiful lines and elegant design
Cons
- Comes without batteries
- Short spray hose length
Best Touchless Kitchen Faucet for the Money: BioBidet Flow Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucet
Bio Bidet Flow kitchen faucet is an affordable and stylish modern faucet. It features a sleek and elegant design and comes in 3 finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze).
This BioBidet Faucet features sturdy metal construction with a brushed surface to keep up the gleam. The high arch goes well with most kitchens and offers a unique user experience.
BioBidet Flow Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucet features a single infrared motion-sensing eye at the center of the faucet base. A mere wave of the hand triggers it to start the water flow. Once you are done washing, wave your hand at the eye again to cut off the water.
This unit from BioBidet also allows you to choose between 2 water flow modes: a continuous stream or an aerated spray for a more powerful effect.
Pros
- Available in 3 finishes
- Very sensitive infrared-sensing eye
- Durable and efficient SmartLatch retraction system
- Braided back nylon hose prevents rusting
- Looks as elegant as other higher-end units
Cons
- Handle is susceptible to getting wet
- Sprayer creates a lot of splashing
Touchless Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
What Is a Touchless Kitchen Faucet – and How Does it Work?
A touchless kitchen faucet is a smart home appliance that uses motion-sensing technology to regulate its water flow. It is equipped with a motion sensor at the base or on the gooseneck. The water starts to flow when you wave your hand or a pan near the sensor.
Once you are done washing, you wave your hand near the sensor again, and the water turns off automatically.
So what is the mechanism behind it?
These sensors are actually infrared detectors paired with infrared light.
When you wave your hand or any other object in front of the sensor, the infrared light bounces off and reflects back into the detector, which signals the faucet to turn on. Similarly, when you trigger the sensor again, it signals the faucet to cut off the water flow.
Some faucets also feature ultrasonic field sensors. These create an ultrasonic field around them. When your hand moves towards the sensor, it disrupts the field, causing the faucet to turn the water on or off.
Why Buy a Touchless Kitchen Faucet vs. Other Kinds?
As mentioned above, the two big reasons for buying a touchless kitchen faucet are hygiene and faucet cleanliness.
While a touch faucet handle is one of the dirtiest places in your home because of the moist environment and constant contact with dirty hands, a touchless kitchen faucet is a hands-free alternative to reduce both the mess and the spread.
Here’s why you should buy a touchless kitchen faucet over other kinds.
Convenient
Like we mentioned earlier, a touchless kitchen faucet allows you to go hands-free.
No matter how dirty your hands are, a simple wave at the sensor will turn the water on so you can wash your hands without dirtying the handle or the faucet itself.
It even facilitates your regular kitchen cleaning tasks like doing the dishes or rinsing fruits and vegetables.
Help conserve water
Touchless kitchen faucets manufactured these days have a limited GPM output. This means they use less water than an average touch faucet, which uses about 2.2 gallons of water per minute.
They reduce water wastage by cutting off the water supply as soon as you move away. You’ll see the results of installing one of these when your next water bill arrives.
Hygienic
The moist and dirty environment of a kitchen faucet handle is a breeding ground for many infectious microbes. Everyone who touches that dirty handle is at the risk of catching infections.
Using a touchless kitchen faucet eliminates the need to touch the faucet or its handle to get the water flowing. A simple wave will turn it on or off without you needing to touch anything.
No drips or leaking
How many times have you had your kitchen faucet drip water because of a loose handle?
With a touchless kitchen faucet, a dropping or leaking faucet is no longer a problem. Most of these models have an automatic water cut-off feature that turns the water flow automatically after a set time limit.
So even if you forget to turn it off, you don’t have to worry about wasting gallons of water.
What to Look for in a Touchless Kitchen Faucet
Like regular kitchen faucets, touchless kitchen faucets also come in various shapes and styles. These smart appliances vary in finishes, power source, sensor style, and water-flow rate, making it impossible to settle on just any model.
Some aspects to look for in a touchless kitchen faucet are:
Compatibility
When looking at the different touchless kitchen faucets, the first thing you should consider is their compatibility with your kitchen sink.
For example, overmount or drop-in kitchen sinks usually don’t work with faucets that build into the counter, while an under-mount kitchen sink is not very compatible with a faucet with a built-in mounting plate.
Some kitchen sinks also have holes for faucet installation, and different faucets need these holes to be spaced out at specific ratios. So you should carefully measure and check the compatibility before settling for a particular model.
Quality
A high-quality touchless kitchen faucet ensures that you have satisfactory results and long-lasting service. Of course, a cheaply-made model cannot deliver that. It will lack in build materials and craftsmanship, causing it to corrode, leak, and break easily.
On the contrary, a high-quality touchless faucet is usually made out of sturdy materials like stainless steel or brass with excellent craftsmanship.
Some reliable manufacturers even have their products certified as safe and lead-free, which is another sign that the unit is of high quality.
Sensor accuracy
Since most touchless kitchen faucets work with motion sensors, you have to ensure their accuracy; otherwise, you’ll be left waving your hands at the faucet with no response.
Where an accurate sensor responds at the slightest deliberate movement, an inaccurate sensor takes a long time to start the water or turns it on over false signals.
The accuracy of a touchless kitchen faucet is also determined by the number of sensors it has. Many models have multiple sensors, which really improves their accuracy.
To find an accurate model, compare the number of sensors and the accuracy of the different models. This way, you’ll know which combination works the best for you.
Water Flow Rate
The water flow rate in plumbing fixtures is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. This rating helps you determine how water-efficient the faucet is – the lower the GPM, the more efficient the faucet.
Although the maximum water flow limit for kitchen faucets in the US is 2.2 GPM, it still depends on several other factors.
For example, aerated water flow helps conserve more water than streamflow. So choosing a water-efficient touchless kitchen faucet not only helps lower your water bills but also reduces your environmental footprint.
Power Supply
The sensors in a touchless kitchen faucet need electricity to work. For this purpose, you have two options: a battery or an AC supply outlet.
If you have a conveniently placed power supply outlet under your sink, you should go with a faucet that uses an AC supply. It will save you both from the cost and effort of buying and replacing batteries.
But if there is no electrical outlet nearby, you have no option but to settle for a battery-operated model. Such faucets tend to be high-maintenance, with some requiring battery replacements several times a month.
Although you can lower the cost by getting some rechargeable batteries, we still suggest you look into getting an energy-efficient faucet as these consume less power and don’t require frequent battery replacements.
Even in an electrically operated unit, you should go for an energy-conserving option to keep your power bills under check.
Pros and Cons
Where people originally evaded touchless kitchen faucets for the higher price tag, the fear of spreading germs and grime across the kitchen and home has coerced most homeowners to look into getting one.
But touchless kitchen faucets have some limitations, too.
Here are both aspects so that you can make the right choice:
Pros
- Conserve water with controlled water flow rates and leakage-free functionality
- Being touch-free, they allow you to entirely avoid messes and prevent the spread of germs
- Great for people who face problems in reaching or manipulating a traditional faucet
- Aesthetically-pleasing with elegant and fabulous looks
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than a regular kitchen faucet
- Need a power supply to work
- Somewhat high maintenance
Cleaning and Maintenance
Although a touchless kitchen faucet is safe from a high degree of dirt and grime, you still have to clean and maintain it from time to time to keep it in a good working condition.
Here are some tips to point you in the right direction:
- Make it a habit to wipe the bottom of the faucet. Doing so rids it of any food or debris that may have fallen into it.
- Use a hot water and vinegar solution to flush the faucet periodically. Doing so gets rid of scale build-up and mineral deposits from the faucet. Fill the sink with hot water and add two tablespoons of white vinegar. Let your faucet soak for ten minutes, then drain the sink and thoroughly rinse the faucet with fresh water.
- Use paper towels to dry the excess moisture and cleaning steaks from the faucet.
- Cover the faucet with a towel and let it sit overnight to dry leftover moisture.
- Check the faucet for signs of wear. Pay close attention to the sprayer button area and nozzle opening. If anything shows excessive wear, replace it with a new one.
- If your touchless kitchen faucet is not working properly, it might need battery replacement.
- Keep an eye out for other signs of damage like cracked and broken parts. Replace them to maintain the top working condition of your kitchen faucet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my touchless kitchen faucet dripping?
Although touchless kitchen faucets are quite resistant to dripping or leakages, they can develop drips because of loose parts.
If yours is dripping, check if the cartridge is broken or the cartridge nut is loose. If both are fine, check the washer and rubber seal if they are damaged. If the inlet hose is leaking, tighten it to stop the dripping.
If everything seems fine, but the faucet continues to drip, make sure each piece is clean and free from blockages.
Can a touchless faucet work manually?
Of course, a touchless kitchen faucet can work manually. All you have to do is manipulate its handle, and it will operate as a regular faucet.
In fact, some models allow you to turn off the motion sensors so you can use the faucet normally.
How do you reset a touchless faucet?
Resetting your touchless kitchen faucet is not a big problem. Some units have a reset button located on the battery compartment. Pressing it will restore the faucet into factory settings.
Others don’t have a reset button, and you have to rest them manually. To do so, first, disconnect the power supply cable (battery pack cable or the AC adapter).
Next, disconnect the data cable too and wait for 60 seconds.
Reconnect both the cables and turn on the faucet normally. Doing so will revert it back to the original settings.
How Long Do Touchless Kitchen Faucets Last?
As with any product, this depends on the making of the touchless kitchen faucet and the materials involved. Since it has a more complicated assembly than a traditional faucet, it might need repairs more frequently.
However, if the hardware itself is quite sturdy, your touchless kitchen faucet can last almost as long 10 years.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Touchless Kitchen Faucet?
After closely examining the latest models sold today, we believe the Moen Align Motionsense Touchless Faucet is the best option for most people due to its appearance and functionality.
DELTA Trinsic VoiceIQ Single-Handle Kitchen Sink Faucet also stands out for its touchless voice activation.
Meanwhile, the ARRISEA Touch and Touchless Kitchen Faucet is a great choice if you also want manual operation.