The kitchen sink faucet is arguably the most important appliance in your house. The whole family relies on it and uses it every day – from preparing and washing food, to rinsing dishes to filling up water glasses, the kitchen sink is an essential part of the home.
The kitchen has always been the hub of the home, and in today’s technically-advanced era it has been revolutionized and is now more convenient than ever before.
One of the major technological advancements paving the way for innovative home design is kitchen faucets with touch technology.
Here, we outline the benefits of touch technology faucets as well as the best touch faucets on the market. For information on other faucet, types visit this page.
Our Best Touch & Touchless Kitchen Faucets
- Delta Faucet 9113T-AR-DST: My favorite touch-activated faucet – superior docking station, led lighting, simple to install
- KOHLER K-596-VS Simplice: Kohler quality with ceramic disc valves made to last, corrosion-resistant finish, vibrant stainless
- Moen 7594SRS Arbor: Spot resistant finish with power boost stream for faster and cleaner water, lifetime warranty
- Delta 9178-AR-DST: Diamond seal technology reduces leak points, very strong sprayer, simple to install, and good warranty
- Kohler K-560-VS Bellera: Easy installation, beautiful classic look with many finish options, tarnish and corrosion resistant
Comparison Chart:
What is a touch activated kitchen faucet?
With touch sink faucets, you can turn the water stream on effortlessly by lightly tapping the spout or lever with your fingers, wrist or even forearms.
This makes for increased ease when using the appliance. For example, if you’re carrying a pile of dishes, heavy pans or even some vegetables that need to be rinsed to the sink, you can simply brush the faucet with what you can – your elbow maybe – and the water will start running. This is much more efficient than having to put everything down on the counter so that you can have a free hand to turn the lever on.
What’s more, if you have particularly messy hands from food prep or baking, you can save getting your faucet dirty by activating the water with your arm instead.
It’s important to note that with touch faucets the temperature of the water that comes out of the spout needs to be preset before activating it. So, to be safe (especially if there are children around) it’s sensible to change the temperature back to its cold setting before turning it off, so there are no nasty surprises for the next user. However, this may take a little getting used to.
Difference Between Touch and Touchless
Touch kitchen faucets can be turned on by the user touching any part of the appliance – spout or handle – whereas touchless versions use a motion sensor and require no physical contact whatsoever. We created a buyer’s guide dedicated to finding the best touchless kitchen faucet.
Touch Kitchen Faucets Brand & Models
One brand that has mastered touch technology is Delta. Their Touch2O technology is a cut above the rest, namely because of its Delta TempSense LED light which changes color to indicate to the user what temperature the handle is set at. This way, when you go to activate the water with your hand, wrist, elbow or forearm, the faucet will warn you if the water is too hot, so you can eliminate the possibility of scorching yourself or anyone else.
The Delta models that feature the Touch 2O technology include the Trinsic Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, which is available in champagne bronze, chrome, matte black and arctic stainless finish.
Another example is the Cassidy Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, available in Venetian bronze, arctic stainless, chrome, polished nickel and champagne bronze.
Both are impressively stylish and modern, and the finishes available with them means there is one that will coordinate with any kitchen interior.
Another brand that offers touch-activated technology (also known as one-touch kitchen faucets) is Hansgrohe. Their collections Talis Select and Metris Select feature a Select button on top of each faucet, which can be turned using your hand, elbow, wrist or arm.
The inspiration behind this design is to minimize mess – whether you have dirty hands from handling food, you’ve been baking with your little ones, or your kids have come in from outside with mud all over them. Plus, pressing buttons is human nature (we push buttons all day) light switches and mobile phone buttons, for instance – so these models satisfy that innate temptation.
With the Hansgrohe Select button models, you can control the temperature of the water with a simple turn of the dial, and this means you can do everything with one hand, adding simplicity and ease to your everyday life.
Value & Price
Touch faucets typically come with a big price tag, but if you want a life full of ease, smoothness and convenience they are worth every penny. You’ll please your family and impress your guests with your high-tech kitchenware, and the kitchen will become the hub of the home where you’ll both cook and entertain.
What’s more, you won’t have to worry about the price of having to replace the appliance if it breaks, as almost all faucet models come with a lifetime warranty, so long as you care for it properly.
Are touch activated faucets for you?
If you’re deliberating whether touch faucets are for you or not, these pros and cons might make your decision easier.
PROS
The future of kitchen appliances: Touch sink faucets have transformed the way we use our kitchens and have made turning on the water smoother and easier than ever.
It will turn off automatically: The Delta Touch2O models have an intelligent automatic shut off feature, which means if the faucet is turned on accidentally, it will turn itself off after four minutes.
CONS
Some are more sensitive than others: Some models can be activated by the lightest brush, which can be frustrating when you accidentally turn it on.
Touch activated faucets are battery powered: Touch-on kitchen faucets are powered by batteries, which can cause inconvenience of re-purchasing and re-charging batteries.
Product Reviews
Touch kitchen faucet reviews are very positive; users have expressed great enjoyment from only having to brush the appliance to activate the water and have recommended them to all their friends.
Can’t decide if touch kitchen faucets are for you and want to access other options? You can get all the information about the latest faucet technology and best brands on the market at Mr. Kitchen Faucets.