If you’re on the hunt for the best kitchen faucet for hard water, you must consider its handles, materials, and mount style, among others. To help you shop, I’ve rounded up some of the top faucets for hard water in the kitchen, as rated by many homeowners.
And if you wish to look at other options, I’ve also included a handy buying guide. In this article, I’ll go over things to look for when buying a new hard water faucet, as well as which ones are the best.
Ever noticed that white chalky buildup around your faucet? Hard water can stain your fixture. While itr doesn’t pose a significant risk on your health, it can have an impact on your kitchen faucets and anything else that comes into touch with it.
Over time, you’ll notice visible signs of its corrosive effect. Your kitchen sink may become stained, and your faucet can start to look outdated. If you don’t have a suitable faucet for hard water, it’s time to replace your existing fixture.
But first – what is hard water?
It’s basically water with a high mineral deposit level. The high mineral deposit is generally a result of water passing through mineral heavy material like limestone or chalk, which results in the crusty and white buildup called limescale.
Aside from creating buildup on your faucets, sinks, and pipes, hard water can impact the efficacy of your detergents. You can easily scrub away buildups, but for busy kitchens, this might not be ideal. The simple solution is getting a specialized faucet for hard water.
A Quick Glance at My Top Picks..
| Image | Product | Features | Check | |
| Best Overall |  | Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet | – 7.5-inch spout height – 9.2-inch spout reach – Pull down, 3-function spray head – ShieldSpray technology – Magnetic docking – Diamond seal technology – Made of brass, brushed nickel finish | Check price |
| Runner Up |  | Delta Faucet Essa Bar Faucet | – 9.66-inch spout height – 9.38-inch spout reach – Pull down, 2-function spray head – Touch-Clean spray – Magnetic docking – Diamond seal technology – High arc spout swivels 360 degrees – Made of metal, chrome finish | Check price |
| Best for Convenience |  | Moen 7594EWSRS Arbor MotionSense Kitchen Faucet | – 15.5-inch spout height – 7.78-inch spout reach – MotionSense wave sensor – Pull down sprayer – Power Clean technology – Reflex technology – Made of metal, spotless stainless steel finish | Check price |
| Best Bang for the Buck |  | Kraus KPF-2620SFS Oletto Kitchen Faucet | – 7.63-inch spout height – 8.75-inch spout reach – Pull down, 2-function spray head – High arc swivels 360 degrees – Made of brass, spotless stainless steel finish | Check price |
| Best for Commercial Use |  | Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden Kitchen Faucet | – 6.38-inch spout height – 8.75-inch spout reach – Pull down, 2-function spray head – Handle operates with 90 degree forward rotation – Made of brass and stainless steel, spotless stainless steel finish | Check price |
| Premium Choice |  | Kohler K-99259-VS Artifacts Kitchen Faucet | – 17.63-inch spout height – 8.5-inch spout reach - Pull down, 3-function spray head – DockNetik – magnetic docking – ProMotion technology – MasterClean – Made of metal, tarnish-resistant stainless steel finish | Check price |
| Budget Pick |  | KINGO HOME Farmhouse Spring Kitchen Faucet | – 3.7-inch spout height – 8.6-inch spout reach – Pull down, 2-function spray head – High arc swivels 360 degrees – Touch-Clean technology – Made of brass and stainless steel, brushed nickel finish | Check price |
The Best Kitchen Faucet for Hard Water Reviews
Kitchen faucets come with a range of features and capabilities. And this can make selecting the right fixture stressful. So I did my research and spent hours reading first-hand testimonies from actual users. I’ve also compared each product based on its set of features and functionalities.
Some of these hard water faucets are in the higher price range. But I’ve also included mid-range to low-cost options to meet different budgets. And without further ado, here are the best kitchen faucets for hard water.
Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet – Best Overall
One of the best things about kitchen faucets is that they aren’t just utility, but they can also serve as a centerpiece in your kitchen. I especially appreciate the silhouette of the Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet as it has the perfect blend of vintage and modern. Its brushed nickel finish even adds to the vintage charm.
But there’s more to this hard water kitchen faucet than meets the eye. It comes with a range of features including a patented Diamond Seal Technology. This lowers leak points and can last twice as long as the industry standard, offering leak-free operation.
I also find the MagnaTite docking features very handy. It is a sturdy built-in magnet that perfectly snaps and keeps your faucet spray wand in place. So when you’re not using your faucet, the wand remains docked and won’t droop with time.
The ShieldSpray technology, which is a forceful spray within a protected sphere of water, helps remove debris with an average of 90 percent less splash than a regular spray head. And unlike other pull-down faucets with only two spray options, this one has three. You can choose from a steady stream, powerful spray, or ShieldSpray technology.
Mineral buildup from hard water can be a real eyesore. This kitchen faucet solves this problem, owing to it to the touch-clean spray holes. These are soft rubber spray holes designed to easily wipe away mineral residue.
With its one-piece supply lines and a diamond-embedded ceramic disc, the Diamond Seal Valve virtually prevents leaks and minimizes seal damage. This faucet also allows easy installation—thanks to its Duramount feature!
Pros
• Beautiful vintage design
• Three spray functions
• Easy to clean spray holes prevents mineral buildup
• Comes with handy features
• Easy installation
Cons
• Some users find the faucet dripping after a few months
Delta Faucet Essa Bar Faucet – Runner Up
Soft yet elegant, the Delta Faucet Essa Bar Faucet incorporates a contemporary twist on Euro aesthetics. As well as all the features you’d expect from the brand. This kitchen faucet has one of the most seductive curves that can definitely transform your kitchen.
It’s not just all about aesthetics, though. but it also comes with a range of useful features—something that many Delta faucets have in common. This kitchen faucet features a diamond-embedded valve that keeps the faucet working like new for years.
The flexibility of the spray wand also makes this faucet easy to use. It has a hose that extends, and the magnetic docking system retracts the wand back in place without a point of friction.
One of the advantages of installing this faucet lies in the touch-clean spray. These are soft rubber spray holes that allow you to easily wipe away the mineral buildup from hard water.
This kitchen faucet is my second spot since it only offers a two-function spray wand. The pull-down sprayer lets you adjust from spray to stream mode quickly and ergonomically. The high arc also swivels 360 degrees.
Since this faucet is intended for a bar or prep sink, you can’t expect it to be as large as a standard kitchen sink faucet. But overall, I think it’s still a wonderful kitchen faucet with the vital components of a pull-down faucet.
Pros
• Elegant design
• Touch-clean spray holes prevent mineral buildup
• Comes with handy features
• Offers easy installation
Cons
• Small-sized faucet
• Some users find it tricky to install
Moen 7594EWSRS Arbor MotionSense Kitchen Faucet – Best for Convenience
When it comes to convenience, the Moen 7594EWSRS Arbor MotionSense Kitchen Faucet could be a great option. This kitchen faucet also has nice curves and an overall elegant design. But the MotionSense wave feature is what makes this model worth considering.
Got dirty hands? No problem. Its MotionSense technology activates the flow of water depending on simple hand signals. This hands-free, handy feature not only makes it easier to complete daily chores but also provides higher efficiency.
You can also control the operation using the Moen app and voice commands, and this adds a touch of tech-savvy to your kitchen. This is especially ideal if you have little children at home since they are the ones who tend to turn off the faucet.
This faucet’s PowerClean spray technology offers 50 percent more spray power, which makes it easier to remove those hard, sticky stains from your dishes. Also, the spout’s high arc helps you to fill large pots while preventing water from flooding your kitchen.
One of the features I appreciate about this faucet is its self-retracting hose that allows for smooth operation and snug docking. And best of all, it comes with three spray functions: aerated stream, clean power spray, and pause.
You can power the motion sensor with batteries or an AC power adapter. However, some users claim that the batteries are insufficient to power the sensor and suggest using an adapter instead.
Pros
• Touchless; detects simple hand movements
• Self-retracting hose
• Three spray functions
• Sleek and elegant design
• Offers app control and voice command options
• Easy to install
Cons
• A bit pricey
• Some users find it tricky to activate with the Moen app
Kraus KPF-2620SFS Oletto Kitchen Faucet – Best Bang for the Buck
The striking streamlined yet functional design of the Kraus KPF-2620SFS Oletto Kitchen Faucet makes it one of the best value for money. Aside from its simplistic design, I appreciate how compact it is, making it ideal for tiny kitchens.
This heavy-duty kitchen faucet has a durable ceramic valve that prevents leaks and drips. It comes with a flexible hose and a swivel adaptor. And these simple functionalities allow you to pull it down and rotate it around your sink for greater reach.
Much like other Kraus faucets on the market, this faucet has a dual-function sprayer. You can choose from an aerated stream and powerful spray to suit various applications.
The buildup of limescale from hard water can easily clog a faucet nozzle. And this can result in dramatically reduced water pressure. But, cleaning this faucet is simple as you can easily remove the buildups—all thanks to the silicone nozzle! It allows you to remove the buildup with your finger alone, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals.
I think the downside of this kitchen faucet is that you must continuously depress the button if you want to activate the powerful sprayer. But, given that’s how the faucet works, I think it’s just a minor design flaw.
If you’re concerned about such a small nuisance, then you may want to have a second thought about getting this faucet.
Pros
• Compact design makes it easy to fit in small kitchens
• Elegant and streamlined
• Offers leak-free operation
• Minimizes limescale buildup
Cons
• Powerful spray entails continuously depressing the button
Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden Kitchen Faucet – Best for Commercial Use
If you’re looking for a hard water kitchen faucet to help you accomplish things in your commercial kitchen, then you may want to consider the Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden Kitchen Faucet. It has the design and functionality of a professional kitchen faucet, yet it is designed for home use.
This model has some of the best features you could ask for in a faucet. Equipped with a dual-function spray and stream pull-down spray head, you can easily switch modes depending on your application. The aerated spray allows you to fill large pots, while the powerful pre-rinse spray allows you to remove tough residues.
Its lengthy hose allows you to use the faucet outside of your sink, which I find convenient whenever you have a lot of dishes clean or if you need to multitask. And since neither of the spray modes makes a splash, you can be confident that it will reach your target spots.
The handle also rotates at 90 degrees forward, which adds to the convenience. But, as you swivel it, the middle bar that holds the hose moves with it. Users thought it would be preferable if these components could move separately. Just a thing to keep in mind here.
Pros
• Lends an industrial touch to any kitchen
• Offers splash-free operation
• Extractable hose for multitasking
Cons
• Center bar moves when you swivel
Kohler K-99259-VS Artifacts Kitchen Faucet – Premium Choice
The Kohler K-99259-VS Artifacts Kitchen Faucet may be expensive, but it’s priced higher than other faucets on my list for good reasons. This faucet’s quality, durability, and dependability make it a top option for many high-end users. But, it’s the vintage, antique look of this kitchen faucet that I love.
This pull-down kitchen faucet allows you to switch between three spray modes: a sweeping spray, an aerated spray, and a water-based berry soft spray. The berry soft spray is ideal for washing soft items such as fruits and vegetables. It cleans fruits gently by spraying soft water on them.
You can also customize the spray mode to your liking. Whenever you need a more refined spray, you can activate the aerated spray mode, and it will fill your pot or kettle effortlessly. When you choose the sweep spray mode, you’ll have a wide spray of high-pressure water that efficiently rinses dishes.
It features DockNetik, which is a magnetic docking mechanism within the faucet’s body. This docking system allow you to lock the spray-head in place when you’re not using the faucet, preventing drooping over time. It also allows you to use the pulldown feature easily.
With its swivel ball joint and braided hose, the ProMotion technology makes handling the spray-head easy and ergonomic. This feature also protects the hose from twisting. Its MasterClean feature protects your faucet against the accumulation of mineral deposits.
When you’re looking for a reliable faucet for hard water, the most essential factor to keep in mind is the function of the master clean spray face feature. This makes cleaning faucets with a dry cloth easy.
Another feature I love about this faucet is the 360-degree rotating head. This feature allows you to turn it in all directions to make greater coverage of sink space.
Pros
• Vintage/antique and elegant design
• Comes with handy features
• Customizable spray modes
• Ergonomic spray head
• Easy to clean
Cons
• Expensive
KINGO HOME Farmhouse Spring Kitchen Faucet – Budget Pick
As you can already tell, hard water kitchen faucets can get so expensive. But if you’re looking for a reliable kitchen faucet without breaking the bank, then you might check out the KINGO HOME Farmhouse Spring Kitchen Faucet.
One of its best features is the ceramic valve, which is an important component in dealing with mineral buildup. With the flick of a switch, you can effortlessly go from a splash-free aerated stream to a powerful pre-rinse spray. The pull-out hose with a high arch and 360-degree swivel nozzle allows you to reach every corner.
Its nozzle is equipped with Touch-Clean technology for simple cleaning, and it minimizes mineral buildup. Like any good hard water kitchen faucet, this one also has a stream and spray function. The single handle design allows for simple regulation of water temperature and flow volume.
Some first-hand users complained about drips and leaks. The water handle is also quite touchy. You have to work with it a lot to reach your desired temperature and water pressure.
Pros
• Powerful spray
• Fights mineral buildup with ceramic valve
• Offers easy and convenient sink coverage
Cons
• It drips and leaks
• Sensitive handle
A Buyer’s Guide in Finding the Best Kitchen Faucet for Hard Water
Whenever you shop for a product, you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth. Before investing in a new hard water kitchen faucet, it’s worth looking into various factors. Doing diligent research will help you to decide which faucet best meets your demands.
To make shopping easier for you, I’ve curated a handy buying guide below to help you narrow down your options.
Handles
You should first think about how you prefer to use your faucet. Hard water kitchen faucets can have more than one handle, some models even offer touchless operation.
You can pick from a single handle for cold water and another for hot water, or both. Single handle faucets are a more popular option than double handles partly due to aesthetics. Double handles faucets are also cumbersome, particularly in tiny kitchens.
Touchless faucets often have sensors that won’t require you to operate it manually. While pricey, touchless faucets are a great option if you want maximum convenience.
Materials
It is crucial to evaluate the material construction of your preferred kitchen faucet. Some manufacturers will market their product as durable, but the quality of construction just won’t withstand hard water and repeated use.
Since you are looking for a hard water faucet, then you might as well pick one made of durable materials. Most durable faucets are made with metals like brass and stainless steel. Some models even have a combination of the two materials.
Finishes
Your faucet’s finish is just as important as the material construction. Since your faucet needs to deal with hard water deposits, it is important to look for a finish that resists water marks and fingerprints.
Both polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes are ideal for resisting harsh water marks and stains. These finishes also add elegance to your kitchen faucet. You may also opt for a spotless stainless steel finish for a more refined look.
Mount Style
Kitchen faucets can be mounted into a wall, deck, or sink. Wall-mounted kitchen faucets require professional help from a plumber, so I do not suggest this option. Deck and sink-mounted faucets are the most common and preferable since they are easier to install.
Deck-mounted kitchen faucets are installed on your countertop and are ideal if you have a small space. Sink-mounted faucets are the easiest to install since your sink already has a hole. Whichever mounting style you choose, make sure it will be convenient for you to install.
Number of Mounting Holes
It is critical to know for sure where to put the kitchen faucet in terms of avoiding compatibility concerns. As I’ve mentioned above, kitchen faucets come in wall and deck-mounted fixtures, with the majority of hard water faucets situated on the deck.
If you opt for a sink-mounted faucet, make sure it matches the number of holes your existing faucet has. It wouldn’t make sense to go for a double handle faucet when your sink only has one hole. You will need to hire a plumber for this, which can add up to the overall cost.
Sprayer
Sprayers are handy and offer flexibility. Most hard water kitchen faucets have a sprayer, but the functions vary. Some faucets offer three spray modes while others have two.
Depending on the type and model, a sprayer can give you better sink coverage, reaching all corners at ease such as a pull-down sprayer. You can also opt for faucets with fixed, pull-out, and side sprayers. These will give you more possibilities based on your kitchen sink.
However, if the purpose of your faucet selection is to minimize mineral build-up, a side sprayer is generally not the ideal choice. A pull-down or pull-out faucet, however, would be a more preferable choice since you’ll be using them frequently and are likely to accumulate a lot of mineral buildup and residue.
Soap Dispenser
This feature is optional. Some hard water kitchen faucets feature a soap dispenser, which you can typically purchase separately. The soap dispenser is situated right next to the faucet and it comes in handy for storing dish soap and hand soap.
Filter
The filter is one of the most crucial factors to consider.
A high-quality filter is designed to eliminate minerals from hard water. Kitchen faucets with single-piece filters are preferable to multi-piece filters. This is because multi-piece filters can easily get broken over time due to mineral deposits. They’re also more difficult to clean than a single-piece filter.
Faucet Design
Obviously, the faucet design you go for is entirely up to you. While putting functionality over the looks is important, it’s nice to have a faucet that adds elegance to your kitchen. Vintage-looking faucets like the Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet and the Kohler K-99259-VS Artifacts Kitchen Faucet are sure to make a striking statement piece.
If you want a more streamlined design, a faucet like the Kraus KPF-2620SFS Oletto Kitchen Faucet lends a modern, refined look to any kitchen. For a more industrial look, spring faucets like the Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden Kitchen Faucet and the KINGO HOME Farmhouse Spring Kitchen Faucet could be the best choices.
Whichever faucet design you choose, make sure it still does the job. It still should be durable enough to withstand the daily use of hard water. A pretty faucet with no use is not worth it.
Price
Hard water kitchen faucets can vary widely depending on their features, brand, and model. Some of my recommended products are more expensive than others, but they include useful features that make them worthwhile.
It’s always a good idea to plan ahead of time and choose a faucet that suits both your budget and your needs. Picking a dependable faucet with a high upfront cost is preferable to a cheap faucet that malfunctions. However, not all pricey faucets will live up to your expectations.
The bottom line is that you should check that your faucet has all of the features you need.
Top Reasons to Own a Kitchen Faucet for Hard Water
A hard water kitchen faucet contains particular elements, including a filter and ceramic coated surface. These features make it almost impervious to the potential damage hard water might create. So, it’s important to pick the best kitchen faucet for hard water to protect not just your faucet but also your sink.
But some people might still be on the fence about getting such a specialized faucet. Here are some of the most important advantages of installing a dependable faucet.
Prevents Damage from Water Stains, Rust, and Buildup
Hard water carries minerals that dissolve into residue, and this can cause buildup that streaks your sink. It can leave that white, chalky buildup that can turn into blue and green stains and can become brown rust over time.
Stains are very difficult to remove, needing the use of professional solutions to break through and eliminate any crusty deposits. The accumulation of residue might clog your faucet, reducing the quantity of water you can get out of it or even leaking.The mineral buildup can also harm the rubber washers that seal your faucet.
But the good thing is that you can avoid these problems by using a kitchen faucet designed for hard water. Kitchen faucets for hard water are built to last and defy stains, making them ideal for any kitchen sink. Plus, they also save you money on cleaning supplies and fixes.
Best Kitchen Faucet for Hard Water FAQs
What is a hard water faucet?
The term “hard water” refers to a freshwater source that includes relatively high levels of natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It often leaves a white chalky residue on the faucet. This indicates that you have hard water rather than soft water.
How does a faucet for hard water work?
The best kitchen faucet for hard water is one that is specifically designed to handle hard water. These faucets are built to avoid mineral build-up and stubborn residues. While you can use water softeners as a preventative approach, it is not enough. And it is ineffective in coping with hard water deposits.
How can you stop buildup from hard water on fixtures?
To avoid buildup, you may clean fixtures on a regular basis with a half and half mixture of water and white vinegar. If there is an existing buildup on the fixtures, you can use a specialized limescale cleaner for removal.
Is Delta or Moen better?
Delta offers a range of faucets that are more budget-friendly than Moen. This is because Moen often incorporates additional high-end features such as soap dispensers, water filtration, and touchless operation. Delta also has been in the business since 1954, but Moen isn’t far behind Delta.
If you’re looking for smart faucets, Moen would be a great option. But if you prefer reliable faucets that are easier in the pocket, then Delta would be a brand to go for.
What is the most durable faucet?
Brushed nickel is undoubtedly the most durable finish you can get. One of the best things about brushed nickel faucets is that they don’t retain water spots or fingerprints. But it doesn’t go well with brushed stainless steel fixtures. You should also wipe it on a daily basis.
Which is better: pull out or pull down kitchen faucet?
Pull-out faucets require far less headroom than pull-down faucets. And this makes them an excellent choice if you have limited cabinet space over your sink. With pulldown faucets, the likelihood of heavy splashing is less. This is because the spray head is often smaller than the hand sprayers.
Is brushed nickel hard to keep clean?
Brushed nickel is quite a durable material, and it keeps its finish for a longer than chrome does. It also does not display fingerprints or water marks as prominently and is easy to clean.
Conclusion
My favorite is the Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet because it’s reasonably priced with all the handy features you would want in a hard water kitchen faucet. This faucet features a beautiful vintage design, with three spray functions. It has easy-to-clean spray holes that prevent mineral buildup.
Another one of my favorites is the Delta Faucet Leland Kitchen Faucet. This kitchen faucet has an elegant design. Much like the Leland, it also features touch-clean spray holes that help prevent mineral buildup.
But if you’re looking for convenience, the Moen 7594EWSRS Arbor MotionSense Kitchen Faucet may be your viable option. I love this faucet because it offers touchless operation. Its motion wave sensor detects simple hand movements. Which is convenient if you have dirty hands.
The Kraus KPF-2620SFS Oletto Kitchen Faucet features a streamlined, functional, and compact design that makes it easy to fit into small kitchens. This kitchen faucet offers leak-free operation and minimizes limescale buildup.
For homeowners looking for a commercial faucet for hard water, the Kraus KPF-1610SFS Bolden Kitchen Faucet could be a great choice. It lends an industrial touch to any kitchen, and it offers splash-free operation with an extractable hose for multitasking.
If you don’t mind splurging, you couldn’t go wrong with the Kohler K-99259-VS Artifacts Kitchen Faucet. This vintage yet elegant faucet boasts a wealth of features like customizable spray modes.
But if you want something affordable, the KINGO HOME Farmhouse Spring Kitchen Faucet might be a good option. This powerful spray fights mineral buildup with a ceramic valve. It also offers easy and convenient sink coverage.
I hope you’ve found the best kitchen faucet for hard water from my list. Make sure to check out the latest prices and discounts on these fantastic faucets. Good luck!
