Your Guide to Choosing the Best Filtered Water Kitchen Faucet

Having instant access to filtered water from your kitchen faucet provides major convenience and improved drinking water quality. Kitchen faucets with built-in water filtration are growing in popularity due to the benefits they offer busy homeowners.

An integrated water filtration system allows you to skip the extra steps of installing under sink filtration or relying on water pitchers and fridge filters. With filtered water dispensed right from the faucet, you can cut down on plastic waste from bottled water while enjoying better tasting tap water.

Why You Should Consider a Filtered Water Faucet

There are several key reasons a filtered water kitchen faucet is worth investing in:

• Convenience of filtered water instantly at the sink
• Improves taste by reducing chlorine and chemicals
• Eliminates contaminants like lead and pesticides
• Saves counter space without separate filtration system
• Cuts costs of bottled water delivery and storage

Types of Contaminants Removed

Standard filtration built into faucets can treat for:

• Lead
• Chlorine
• Particulates like sediment and dirt
• Bacteria and other microorganisms
• Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals
• Calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hard water

Higher end water filtration faucets with multiple filter stages can handle an even wider range of contaminants for the cleanest and purest water.

Key Features to Look for in a Filtered Water Faucet

Filtration System

When evaluating kitchen faucet water filtration systems, look for:

• Number of filtration stages
• How long filters last before needing replacement
• Ease of accessing and changing filters

Typically more filtration stages mean better contaminant reduction. Filter life can range from 3-6 months up to 1 year depending on usage and water quality.

Faucet Design

In addition to the filtration system, the faucet design includes features like:

• Spray head functionality, such as pull-down spray wands
• Height and reach of arched faucets
• Soap dispensers or side sprays

Look for flexible spray heads that allow easy access to all areas of your sink. Bridge-style faucets can provide the needed height and reach in deep sinks.

Extra Features

Added functionality to look for includes:

• Motion sensor activation for touchless, hands-free use
• A separate spray mode that dispenses unfiltered water
• Smart home technology like voice commands and leak detection

Touchless faucets help reduce water waste, while a separate unfiltered stream lets you bypass filtration when not needed for cooking and drinking.

Finish and Style

Filtered water faucets come in finishes like:

• Polished and brushed chrome
• Stainless steel
• Matte black
• Oil-rubbed bronze
• Brass

Choose a contemporary or traditional style suited to your kitchen decor - from modern matte black to vintage bridge designs.

Installation Considerations

Installing your new filtered water kitchen faucet will go smoothest if you:

• Select a model that fits existing sink and counter cutouts
• Ensure accessible and uncomplicated supply line connections
• Determine if professional help is needed or DIY is feasible

In most cases, filtered water faucets use standard sink hookups and are designed for easy DIY installs. But for some situations, hiring a plumber may be your best option.

Top Brands to Consider

Leading manufacturers of kitchen faucets with water filtration include Moen, Delta, Kohler, Grohe, and American Standard. Review key models from each brand and compare:

• Filtration capabilities
• Special features
• Design and finish options
• Warranties
• Cost

Costs of a Filtered Water Faucet

Upfront costs include:

• Purchase price of faucet unit
• Additional expenses if professional install is needed

Ongoing costs are:

• Filter cartridge replacement every 3-12 months

Higher quality faucets with enhanced filtration come at a higher upfront cost but deliver benefits that can justify the investment.

Solutions for Different Kitchens

For the Eco-Conscious Kitchen

If your priority is top-notch water filtration, look for:

• Heavy-duty multi-stage filtration system
• Touchless activation to prevent water waste

For Farmhouse Style Kitchens

Achieve vintage styling with modern convenience through:

• Bridge-style filtered water faucets
• Arching gooseneck design
• Oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass finish

For Urban Lofts and Contemporary Kitchens

Complement a sleek modern aesthetic with features like:

• Matte black or stainless steel minimalist faucet
• Cutting-edge smart home technology
• Motion-activated, hands-free operation

Finding the optimal filtered water kitchen faucet involves factoring in:

• Your needs based on water quality and contaminants
• Special features and functionality you want
• Your budget for the faucet and ongoing filter replacements
• Faucet finish and style suited to your kitchen

The right filtered water faucet provides a convenient source of cleaner, better tasting water for all your cooking and drinking needs.