When it comes to faucets, quality counts: it's the most in-demand fitting in the kitchen. For durability, look for faucets that are made of brass, and don't ignore what's under the hood. It's important that the innards have ceramic parts for long lasting, dripless functioning.
Some tips to keep costs in check: select a chrome finish (it's the least costly), skip the sprayer option (you can live without it), and consider two-handled faucets—they're often less expensive than single-handled designs. Also pay attention to warranties both for your own protection and as an indicator of manufacturer quality.
Here, our pick of 10 faucets that combine affordability with quality.
Above: Izabella went for a Grohe Concetto Faucet in her kitchen, featuring a dual-spray, pull-down faucet with a solid brass body and ceramic cartridges, a single lever handle, and a swivel spout; $335.82 from eFaucets. Available in super steel (as shown) and in polished chrome.
Above: At the high end of our selections, the Kohler Purist Single-Hole Kitchen Faucet (K-7507-CP) is the simplest version of the top-rated Purist line. It has an 8-inch spout that rotates 360 degrees with a 9.7-inch clearance; $332.14 in a polished chrome finish through Amazon.
Above: The Elements of Design Concord Two-Handle Faucet is made of solid brass with a ceramic cartridge. It has a 360-degree swivel spout and fits 8- to 16-inch-wide mounting holes; $213.91 at Wayfair.
Above: Another high-quality faucet with a brass body, the Grohe Essence Pull-Out Faucet features a pull-out spray head and swivel spout. It's covered by a lifetime warranty; $396.27 in chrome at Faucet Direct.
Above: The Tarnan Single-Lever Kitchen Faucet has a pull-out spout. It's made of chrome-plated brass with ceramic discs and comes with a 10-year warranty; $79.99 at Ikea.
Above: An affordable and practical commercial-style faucet, the Danze Parma Single Handle Pre-Rinse Faucet has a 22.75-inch-high, 10-inch-long spout with a spring-action wand that returns it to its place. Made of brass with a stainless-steel finish, it operates on spray and regular stream mode; $273.93 via Amazon.
Above: Julie uses the Chicago Wall-Mount Kitchen Faucet in her Mill Valley kitchen. With a double-jointed spout, it's well priced, well engineered, and offers a classic lab aesthetic; $249.36 at Consumer's Plumbing.
Above: The American Standard Two-Handled Wall Mount Faucet has all-brass construction, porcelain handles, and a gooseneck swivel spout; $209.19 at eFaucets.
Above: The wall-mounted budget choice: Elements of Design Two-Handled Wall Mount Faucet with brass construction, ceramic cartridges, metal lever handles, and a 7-inch spout reach; $68.97 at eFaucets.
Above: The lightest on the wallet is the Ikea Edsvik dual-handled faucet. Made of chrome-plated brass, it has ceramic discs, individual temperature control handles, and a 10-year warranty; $49.99.
Above: The Ikea Edsvik Faucet used in a Swedish loft spotted on Elle Interior Sweden.
More ideas? See Remodelista Editor's Favorite Kitchen Faucets.