SINKS & FAUCETS · BUYING GUIDE

Best Touchless Kitchen Faucet

Updated

The best touchless kitchen faucets: motion-sensor and touch faucets from KOHLER, Moen, GROHE, Delta and American Standard, compared by sensor type, power source, reach and warranty.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
Best overall 8.6 Check price
Moen Essie MotionSense One-Handle High Arc Single Sensor Pulldown Kitchen Faucet Metal construction (spec sheet); Spot Resist stainless finish
Best budget 7.6 Check price
GROHE Zedra Single-Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Triple Spray 1.75 GPM (6.6 L/min) with Touch Technology SuperSteel InfinityFinish (GROHE StarLight coating); body material not stated
Best premium 7.4 Check price
Delta Essa Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology in Arctic Stainless Arctic Stainless finish; diamond-coated ceramic cartridge (body material not stated)
Best touch control 7.6 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Activation & sensor30%
  • Power source20%
  • Sprays, docking & fit30%
  • Electronics warranty20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    KOHLER Simplice Touchless pull-down kitchen sink faucet with three-function sprayhead

    KOHLER · K-22036-VS

    KOHLER Simplice Touchless pull-down kitchen sink faucet with three-function sprayhead

    8.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Activation
    9.0
    Power
    8.0
    Spray & fit
    9.0
    Warranty
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Activation & sensor · 9.0
    Response motion sensor under the spout; wave of hand or sweep of a pan
    Power source · 8.0
    120 V AC, no batteries; needs unswitched outlet within 5 ft of control box
    Sprays, docking & fit · 9.0
    Stream, Sweep and Boost sprays, DockNetik docking, 1 or 3 holes, 9 inch reach
    Electronics warranty · 8.0
    Lifetime Limited Warranty; electronics terms not itemized on spec sheet

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forBusy cooks who want reliable wave-on control without changing batteries

    KOHLER's Response motion sensor sits beneath the spout and turns the water on or off with a wave of your hand or the sweep of a pan, and it runs on household AC power rather than batteries. You also get the full Simplice spray set (stream, Sweep spray and a 30 percent Boost), DockNetik magnetic docking and temperature memory.

    Strengths

    • AC-powered motion sensor, so no batteries to replace
    • Three sprays with Boost; DockNetik magnetic docking

    Weaknesses

    • Needs an unswitched 120 V outlet under the sink, within 5 ft of the control box
    • 1.5 gpm maximum flow outside Boost

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Overall height 16-9/16 in, maximum spout reach 9 in
    Material
    Premium metal construction; Vibrant Stainless finish
    Power source
    120 V AC (plug-in, unswitched outlet below the sink; 60 in power cord); no batteries
    Flow rate
    1.5 gpm (5.7 lpm) max at 60 psi
    Mounting holes
    Single-hole or three-hole (escutcheon plate included)
    Warranty
    KOHLER Faucet Lifetime Limited Warranty

    Details checked against the kohler.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best budget
    Moen Essie MotionSense One-Handle High Arc Single Sensor Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

    Moen · 87014EWSRS

    Moen Essie MotionSense One-Handle High Arc Single Sensor Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Activation
    8.0
    Power
    7.0
    Spray & fit
    7.5
    Warranty
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Activation & sensor · 8.0
    MotionSense Wave sensor on the base; lever handle still works normally
    Power source · 7.0
    6 AA batteries, or optional AC adapter with power splitter
    Sprays, docking & fit · 7.5
    Power Clean spray, pause, soap dispenser, 1 to 4 holes; 7.84 inch reach
    Electronics warranty · 7.5
    Limited lifetime trim warranty; digital components covered 5 years

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forBudget-minded kitchens that want wave-on convenience and a soap dispenser

    The Essie uses Moen's MotionSense Wave sensor on the base, so a wave of the hand turns the water on and off while the lever still works normally. Moen's spec sheet lists metal construction, Power Clean spray, a pause button and a soap dispenser in the box.

    Strengths

    • Wave sensor plus manual handle; soap dispenser included
    • Fits 1 to 4 holes; Spot Resist stainless finish

    Weaknesses

    • Runs on 6 AA batteries unless you add the optional AC adapter
    • Electronics are covered for 5 years, not lifetime

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Spout height 15.86 in, spout reach 7.84 in
    Material
    Metal construction (spec sheet); Spot Resist stainless finish
    Power source
    6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter with power splitter
    Flow rate
    1.5 gpm (5.7 L/min) max
    Mounting holes
    One to four holes (deckplate included)
    Warranty
    Limited lifetime trim warranty; 5 years on digital components

    Details checked against the shop.moen.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best touch control
    Delta Essa Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology in Arctic Stainless

    Delta · 9113T-AR-DST

    Delta Essa Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology in Arctic Stainless

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Activation
    7.5
    Power
    7.0
    Spray & fit
    8.0
    Warranty
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Activation & sensor · 7.5
    Touch anywhere on spout or handle; TempSense LED; not a true motion sensor
    Power source · 7.0
    Batteries included; AC adapter sold separately
    Sprays, docking & fit · 8.0
    MagnaTite docking, 9-3/8 inch reach, deck plate included; two-function wand
    Electronics warranty · 7.5
    Lifetime limited for parts and finish; 5 years on electronics, batteries excluded

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forPeople who prefer tapping the faucet with a wrist or forearm over waving at a sensor

    Delta's Touch2O lets you start and stop the water by touching anywhere on the spout or handle, at the temperature where the handle is set, and a TempSense LED changes color from blue to magenta to red as the water warms. It keeps Essa's DIAMOND Seal valve and MagnaTite magnetic docking.

    Strengths

    • Touch anywhere on spout or handle; TempSense LED shows water temperature
    • MagnaTite magnetic docking; deck plate included for 3-hole sinks

    Weaknesses

    • Touch-activated rather than a true motion sensor
    • Batteries (or an optional AC adapter sold separately) required

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Overall height 15-3/4 in; spout reach 9-3/8 in (spec sheet)
    Material
    Arctic Stainless finish; diamond-coated ceramic cartridge (body material not stated)
    Power source
    6 AA batteries (included) or 6 C batteries, or optional 120 V AC adapter EP102157 (sold separately)
    Flow rate
    1.8 gpm @ 60 psi
    Mounting holes
    1 or 3-hole, 8" centers (deck plate RP47274 included)
    Warranty
    Lifetime limited (parts and finish); 5 years on electronic parts; batteries not covered

    Details checked against the deltafaucet.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04
    American Standard Southport Touchless Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Spray Kitchen Faucet 1.8 GPM/6.8 L/min

    American Standard · 7441381.075

    American Standard Southport Touchless Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Spray Kitchen Faucet 1.8 GPM/6.8 L/min

    7.1/ 10
    Editorial score
    Activation
    8.0
    Power
    7.5
    Spray & fit
    6.5
    Warranty
    6.0
    Why this score?
    Activation & sensor · 8.0
    Selectronic infrared sensor, 4-minute auto shut-off, can be disabled for cleaning
    Power source · 7.5
    4 AA batteries included with low-battery reminder; optional AC adapter
    Sprays, docking & fit · 6.5
    Two sprays plus pause, no boost; soap dispenser and deck plate included
    Electronics warranty · 6.0
    5-year warranty only, shorter than lifetime coverage on most picks

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forTransitional kitchens that want a hands-free faucet with a soap dispenser and deck plate in the box

    The Southport Touchless uses American Standard's Selectronic infrared sensor: wave a hand within about 2 inches to turn the water on or off, and it shuts off by itself after 4 minutes. The spec sheet lists a metal body, brass swivel spout and metal lever handle, and a soap dispenser and deck plate are included.

    Strengths

    • Selectronic sensor with 4-minute automatic shut-off; sensor can be disabled for cleaning
    • Deck plate for 1, 2 or 3 holes and soap dispenser included

    Weaknesses

    • 5-year warranty, shorter than the lifetime coverage on most picks
    • Two spray modes plus pause, with no boost

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Height 16-1/2 in, spout reach 8-9/16 in (spec sheet)
    Material
    Metal body, brass swivel spout and metal lever handle (spec sheet); Stainless Steel finish
    Power source
    4 AA batteries (included) with low-battery reminder, or optional AC adapter (sold separately)
    Flow rate
    1.8 GPM
    Mounting holes
    Single-hole; deck plate included for 2 or 3-hole sinks
    Warranty
    5-year warranty

    Details checked against the americanstandard-us.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best premium
    GROHE Zedra Single-Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Triple Spray 1.75 GPM (6.6 L/min) with Touch Technology

    GROHE · 30205DC2

    GROHE Zedra Single-Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Triple Spray 1.75 GPM (6.6 L/min) with Touch Technology

    7.4/ 10
    Editorial score
    Activation
    8.0
    Power
    7.0
    Spray & fit
    8.0
    Warranty
    6.0
    Why this score?
    Activation & sensor · 8.0
    Tap activation, 60-second auto shut-off, 8-second cleaning mode; not motion-sensing
    Power source · 7.0
    6 V CR-P2 lithium battery included
    Sprays, docking & fit · 8.0
    Stream, shower and blade spray plus pause; single-hole only, 9-3/16 inch reach
    Electronics warranty · 6.0
    5 Year Limited Warranty per spec table

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forDesign-focused kitchens that want touch control and a blade spray

    The Zedra Touch turns on and off when you tap it with a hand, wrist or arm, shuts off automatically after 60 seconds, and has a cleaning mode you activate by touching the faucet for 8 seconds. Its three-function spray head adds a powerful blade spray and a pause button, and it runs on an included lithium battery.

    Strengths

    • Touch activation with 60-second auto shut-off and cleaning mode
    • Three sprays including blade spray, plus pause

    Weaknesses

    • Touch-activated rather than motion-sensing
    • Single-hole installation only; body material not stated

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Faucet height 16 in, spout reach 9-3/16 in, aerator height 8-9/16 in
    Material
    SuperSteel InfinityFinish (GROHE StarLight coating); body material not stated
    Power source
    6 V lithium battery, type CR-P2 (included)
    Flow rate
    1.75 gal (US)/min
    Mounting holes
    1 hole; max deck thickness 2-3/8 in
    Warranty
    5 Year Limited Warranty (spec table)

    Details checked against the grohe.us product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
KOHLER Simplice Touchless pull-down kitchen sink faucet with three-function sprayhead Busy cooks who want reliable wave-on control without changing batteriesOverall height 16-9/16 in, maximum spout reach 9 inPremium metal construction; Vibrant Stainless finish120 V AC (plug-in, unswitched outlet below the sink; 60 in power cord); no batteries
Moen Essie MotionSense One-Handle High Arc Single Sensor Pulldown Kitchen Faucet Budget-minded kitchens that want wave-on convenience and a soap dispenserSpout height 15.86 in, spout reach 7.84 inMetal construction (spec sheet); Spot Resist stainless finish6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter with power splitter
Delta Essa Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology in Arctic Stainless People who prefer tapping the faucet with a wrist or forearm over waving at a sensorOverall height 15-3/4 in; spout reach 9-3/8 in (spec sheet)Arctic Stainless finish; diamond-coated ceramic cartridge (body material not stated)6 AA batteries (included) or 6 C batteries, or optional 120 V AC adapter EP102157 (sold separately)
American Standard Southport Touchless Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Spray Kitchen Faucet 1.8 GPM/6.8 L/min Transitional kitchens that want a hands-free faucet with a soap dispenser and deck plate in the boxHeight 16-1/2 in, spout reach 8-9/16 in (spec sheet)Metal body, brass swivel spout and metal lever handle (spec sheet); Stainless Steel finish4 AA batteries (included) with low-battery reminder, or optional AC adapter (sold separately)
GROHE Zedra Single-Handle Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Triple Spray 1.75 GPM (6.6 L/min) with Touch Technology Design-focused kitchens that want touch control and a blade sprayFaucet height 16 in, spout reach 9-3/16 in, aerator height 8-9/16 inSuperSteel InfinityFinish (GROHE StarLight coating); body material not stated6 V lithium battery, type CR-P2 (included)

How we chose

We compared motion-sensing and touch-activated kitchen faucets from KOHLER, Moen, Delta, American Standard and GROHE using the makers’ product pages and spec sheets. We looked at how each one is activated, its power source, spray modes and docking, spout height and reach, mounting options, stated materials and how the warranty treats the electronics.

What to look for in a touchless faucet

Choose motion or touch. Motion sensors let you start the water without touching anything, which helps when your hands are covered in raw food. Touch faucets respond to a tap from a wrist or forearm and are less likely to switch on when you simply reach past them.

Plan the power supply. Battery models install anywhere but need fresh batteries now and then. Plug-in models need an outlet under the sink, and some require an unswitched outlet, so check before you buy.

Check the manual override. A faucet should still work with its handle if the batteries run down or the sensor misbehaves. Look for a way to turn the sensor off for cleaning or when filling the sink.

Look at auto shut-off and indicators. An automatic shut-off prevents overflowing if the water is left running, and an LED can show that the sensor is ready or that the battery is low.

Read the electronics warranty. The faucet body often carries a lifetime warranty while the sensor, control box and wiring are covered for a shorter period. Compare those terms, not just the headline warranty.

Frequently asked questions

How are touchless kitchen faucets powered?

It depends on the model. The KOHLER Simplice Touchless plugs into a 120 V outlet under the sink and uses no batteries, the Moen Essie runs on 6 AA batteries, the Delta Essa Touch2O takes 6 AA or 6 C batteries, the American Standard Southport Touchless uses 4 AA batteries, and the GROHE Zedra Touch uses a 6 V CR-P2 lithium battery. Moen, Delta and American Standard also sell optional AC adapters.

What is the difference between touch and touchless faucets?

A touchless faucet uses a motion sensor, so you wave a hand (or, on the KOHLER Simplice, a pan) to start the water; the Moen Essie and American Standard Southport Touchless work this way too. A touch faucet such as the Delta Essa Touch2O or GROHE Zedra Touch turns on when you tap the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm.

Can I still use the handle on a touchless faucet?

Yes. All five faucets here keep a regular lever handle for setting temperature and flow, and Moen describes the Essie as controllable by the wave sensor or the familiar handle. The American Standard Southport sensor can also be disabled for cleaning, and the GROHE Zedra Touch has an 8-second cleaning mode.

Are the electronics covered by the warranty?

Usually for less time than the faucet itself. Moen covers digital components for 5 years with a limited lifetime trim warranty, Delta gives 5 years on electronic parts (batteries excluded), and American Standard lists a 5-year warranty on the Southport Touchless. GROHE's specification table lists a 5 Year Limited Warranty for the Zedra Touch, and KOHLER refers buyers to its website for full terms.

What is the best touchless kitchen faucet?

The KOHLER Simplice Touchless is the best overall pick: its motion sensor turns the water on and off with a wave of your hand and runs on household AC power, so there are no batteries, but it needs an unswitched 120 V outlet under the sink. The Moen Essie MotionSense is the budget pick and its lever still works normally. If you prefer tapping to waving, the Delta Essa with Touch2O responds to a touch anywhere on the spout or handle.