The 8 Best Two Handle Kitchen Faucets to Suit Your Budget in 2026
By Julian Gill Updated · 12 min read
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In this article
- Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Comparison of the 8 Best Two Handle Kitchen Faucets
- Best Two Handle Kitchen Faucet Reviews
- Delta Windemere 21996LF
- Peerless P299578LF
- Peerless P299305LF
- Moen Caldwell CA87888
- Kingston Brass KS1278TXBS
- Peerless P288LF
- Kohler Forte K-10445-BN
- Moen Waterhill S713
- How to Choose a Two Handle Kitchen Faucet
- Deck mount or wall mount
- Deck mount
- Wall mount
- Single handle vs two handle
- Installation
- Frequently Asked Questions
A two-handle kitchen faucet gives you a separate valve for hot and cold, fine temperature control and a classic look that suits country and traditional kitchens. It is also a smart choice when your sink already has three or four holes. Below are the 8 I would pick, from a do-it-all Delta to a compact bar sink faucet.
Quick answer
The Delta Windemere 21996LF is the best two-handle kitchen faucet for most homes. It has a high arc 360-degree spout, a matching side sprayer, metal construction and a limited lifetime warranty. On a budget, look at the Peerless P299578LF; for a wall-mounted faucet, pick the Peerless P299305LF.
In my experience as a plumber, the first thing to check is your sink deck. Count the holes and measure the spacing before you shop. A faucet that matches your existing holes installs in an afternoon; one that does not can mean a new sink or countertop.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best overall Delta Windemere 21996LF
- Best budget Peerless P299578LF
- Best wall-mount Peerless P299305LF
- Best for any decor Moen Caldwell CA87888
- Best brass construction Kingston Brass KS1278TXBS
- Best for bar sinks Peerless P288LF
- Easiest to keep clean Kohler Forte K-10445-BN
- Best versatile design Moen Waterhill S713
Comparison of the 8 Best Two Handle Kitchen Faucets
| Product | Best for | Weight | Flow rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Windemere 21996LF | Overall | 3.34 lb | 1.8 GPM | Check Price |
| Peerless P299578LF | Budget | 3.75 lb | 1.8 GPM | Check Price |
| Peerless P299305LF | Wall mount | 4.77 lb | 1.5 to 1.8 GPM | Check Price |
| Moen Caldwell CA87888 | Any decor | 4.4 lb | 1.5 GPM | Check Price |
| Kingston Brass KS1278TXBS | Brass construction | 8.95 lb | 1.2 GPM | Check Price |
| Peerless P288LF | Bar sinks | 2.2 lb | 1.8 GPM | Check Price |
| Kohler Forte K-10445-BN | Easy cleaning | 5 lb | 2.2 GPM | Check Price |
| Moen Waterhill S713 | Versatile design | 11.6 lb | 1.5 to 2.0 GPM | Check Price |
Best Two Handle Kitchen Faucet Reviews
The 21996LF is part of Delta's Windemere series and comes in three finishes: stainless steel, chrome and oil-rubbed bronze. Its high arc leaves plenty of room under the spout, and the spout swivels a full 360 degrees. The body is durable metal.
A matching side sprayer on a retractable hose handles rinsing and cleanup. The design has a traditional country charm but works in modern kitchens too. It is a 4-hole installation, ADA compliant, and backed by Delta's limited lifetime warranty. Buyers say the handles glide smoothly and that it looks more expensive than it is.
- Finishes
- Stainless, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze
- Spout
- High arc, 360-degree swivel
- Sprayer
- Matching side sprayer, retractable hose
- Sink holes
- 4
- Flow rate
- 1.8 GPM
- Certification
- ADA
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable finish that shows fewer water spots
- Tall arched spout with lots of room underneath
- Backed by a brand with easy-to-find parts
Cons
- Spout reach is a bit shorter than on other versions of this faucet
- Some buyers find the flow a little restricted
- The sprayer is plastic
This Peerless faucet has a neutral, low-gloss stainless finish that resists fingerprints and water spots. It is deck-mounted, made of metal yet light, and flows at 1.8 GPM. The clean, modern spout sits neatly between the handles and rotates so you can fill and clean large pots.
The ergonomic blade handles are easy to operate, which makes the faucet a good choice for anyone with stiff hands. The matching side sprayer sits out of the way and makes it easy to rinse around the sink. It is ADA compliant and fits a 4-hole sink.
- Finish
- Stainless, low gloss
- Spout
- High arc, rotating
- Handles
- Ergonomic blade
- Sprayer
- Matching side sprayer
- Sink holes
- 4
- Flow rate
- 1.8 GPM
- Certification
- ADA
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy-to-use, easy-to-clean blade handles
- Water-efficient flow
- ADA compliant
Cons
- The spout can be a bit short for deep sinks
- May not cope as well in hard water areas
This Peerless is different: it mounts on the wall instead of the sink or counter. That makes it a great option when deck space is tight, and it works well over a basement, laundry or utility sink. It is made of brass with a chrome finish that fits many kitchen styles.
The gooseneck spout swivels and leaves room for large pots, and the blade handles operate ceramic cartridges in the hot and cold valves. It is ADA compliant when installed correctly and carries Peerless' limited lifetime warranty on the faucet and finish.
- Mounting
- Wall
- Body
- Brass, chrome finish
- Spout
- High arc gooseneck, swivel
- Cartridges
- Ceramic
- Certification
- ADA when installed correctly
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime, faucet and finish
Pros
- Very easy to install where the supply pipes come out of the wall
- Low price for a good-looking faucet
- Ceramic cartridges in both valves
- Arc size suits a basement or utility sink
Cons
- Some buyers found the valves loosened over time because the valve bodies are plastic
- Some received the wrong fittings or were missing an adapter
The CA87888 comes from Moen's Caldwell collection, and its simple curves work with almost any kitchen decor. The highly reflective chrome finish resists corrosion and tarnish, even with daily use. The high arc spout swivels to reach more of the sink and makes it easy to clean big pots, with a 1.5 GPM flow.
Moen's Duralock quick connect system makes installation easy, and all mounting hardware is included. The handles operate quarter-turn valves, the body is metal, and a matching side spray comes with the faucet. It is ADA compliant, with a limited lifetime warranty for homes and a 5-year limited warranty for commercial use.
- Finish
- Chrome
- Body
- Metal
- Valves
- Quarter-turn
- Install
- Duralock quick connect, hardware included
- Sprayer
- Matching side spray
- Flow rate
- 1.5 GPM
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime (home), 5-year (commercial)
Pros
- Mounts on the sink or the countertop
- Easy installation with quick connects
- Smooth-moving parts
- Affordable
Cons
- Some found the sprayer stiff to pull out
- Some buyers report the spout has no stop, so it can swing past the sink and drip on the counter
This faucet from the Kingston Brass French Country range is made of solid brass with a muted nickel finish. Its downward-sloping cross handles are the signature detail: a traditional design with a modern twist that suits a country kitchen.
The Victorian-style spout swivels and stands 11.5 inches tall, with 10 inches of clearance and an 8-3/4-inch reach, so large pots fit easily. Quarter-turn ceramic disc cartridges control a 1.2 GPM flow, and a matching brass side sprayer is included. It belongs to a wider range, so you can match your kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
- Body
- Solid brass
- Finish
- Muted (brushed) nickel
- Height
- 11.5 in
- Spout clearance
- 10 in
- Spout reach
- 8-3/4 in
- Cartridge
- Quarter-turn ceramic disc
- Flow rate
- 1.2 GPM
- Sprayer
- Matching brass side sprayer
Pros
- Durable solid brass construction
- High-end look at a reasonable price
- Separate sprayer can be replaced on its own
- Part of a matching range
Cons
- Cross handles take some getting used to
- Harder to clean between the handles, sprayer and spout
This Peerless is smaller than the others because it was designed for a bar or prep sink. It has a high arc rotating spout, ergonomic blade handles and a 1.8 GPM flow. The design is stylish, and installation is straightforward.
It fits a 3-hole sink, is low lead certified, ADA compliant and meets CALGreen water efficiency standards. Note that it does not come with supply hoses and does not use standard threads, so plan for the right connectors before installation day.
- Use
- Bar or prep sink
- Spout
- High arc, rotating
- Handles
- Ergonomic blade
- Sink holes
- 3
- Flow rate
- 1.8 GPM
- Certifications
- CALGreen, low lead, ADA
Pros
- Simple, compact design
- Easy installation
- Reasonably priced
- All-metal construction
Cons
- Less precise control than larger faucets
- Supply hoses not included
- Non-standard threads
The Kohler Forte is a widespread faucet with a smooth, flowing design that is easy to wipe clean. Its finish resists corrosion and tarnish, and a matching side sprayer is included. The maximum flow rate is 2.2 GPM.
Inside are Kohler's UltraGlide ceramic disc valves, built for long life and leak-free use; the one-piece valve design helps clear debris. The handles come pre-assembled on the valves, which makes installation simpler, and a high-temperature limit stop keeps the water at a safe level.
- Mounting
- Widespread, deck
- Valves
- UltraGlide ceramic disc
- Finish
- Brushed nickel, corrosion-resistant
- Sprayer
- Matching side sprayer
- Flow rate
- 2.2 GPM max
- Safety
- High-temperature limit stop
Pros
- Ceramic disc valves that clear debris
- High-temperature limit stop
- Handles pre-assembled for an easier install
- Mid-range price
Cons
- Some buyers reported leaks after a short time
The Waterhill has an elegant gooseneck spout with an aerated stream for everyday tasks. Its lever handles carry hot and cold indicators, and a single-function matching side sprayer gives you extra reach for bigger cleaning jobs.
Moen's Duralock quick connect system and a standard deck-mount design make it easy to install on just about any sink or countertop. The look has old-fashioned charm and pairs with other Waterhill products. It comes in four finishes: chrome, wrought iron, classic stainless and oil-rubbed bronze, with Moen's limited lifetime warranty.
- Spout
- High arc gooseneck
- Handles
- Levers with hot and cold indicators
- Sprayer
- Single-function side sprayer
- Mounting
- Deck
- Install
- Duralock quick connect
- Finishes
- Chrome, wrought iron, classic stainless, oil-rubbed bronze
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime
Pros
- Easy to install
- Four finishes and a matching range
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Priced higher than most faucets here
- Two valves mean two places that can eventually leak
How to Choose a Two Handle Kitchen Faucet
A good kitchen faucet gets used dozens of times a day, so small details matter. Here is what I check before I recommend one.
Key takeaways
- Match your sink holes: most two-handle faucets need 3 holes, plus a fourth for a side sprayer.
- Check the spout height: a high arc or gooseneck spout makes room for tall pots, but measure under your cabinets or window.
- Look for ceramic cartridges: they last far longer than old rubber washers and rarely drip.
- Pick the right handle: lever and blade handles are easiest for stiff hands; cross handles look traditional but take more grip.
- Choose a brand with parts: Delta, Moen, Kohler and Peerless sell replacement cartridges, which keeps repairs cheap.
Deck mount or wall mount
Most common
Deck mount
The faucet sits on the sink or countertop and uses the existing holes. Seven of the eight faucets here are deck-mounted, which makes replacement simple.
Saves deck space
Wall mount
The faucet comes out of the wall above the sink, like the Peerless P299305LF. It frees up the counter and suits utility sinks, but it needs supply pipes in the wall at the right spacing.
Single handle vs two handle
A single-handle faucet is quicker to use with one hand, which some cooks prefer. A two-handle faucet gives finer temperature control and a classic look, and if one cartridge fails, you still have water from the other side. If your sink has three or four holes, a two-handle faucet often fits without a deck plate.
Installation
Most two-handle faucets are a DIY job with an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench and some plumber's tape. Our guide on how to install a two handle kitchen faucet walks through each step. If the shut-off valves under your sink are old or stuck, replace them first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best two handle kitchen faucet?
For most kitchens, the Delta Windemere 21996LF. It has a high arc 360-degree spout, a matching side sprayer, metal construction, ADA compliance and a limited lifetime warranty.
Why do faucets have two handles?
Each handle opens its own valve, one for hot and one for cold. That gives fine control over the temperature and a classic look. It also has a practical side: if one valve fails, the other still works until you fix it.
Is a single handle or two handle kitchen faucet better?
A single handle is quicker to use with one hand. Two handles give finer temperature control and a traditional look. Choose based on your sink holes, your kitchen style and how you cook.
Do two handle kitchen faucets leak more?
They have two valves instead of one, so there are more parts that can wear. With ceramic disc cartridges, like most faucets on this list, leaks are rare, and a cartridge swap usually fixes them. If yours leaks at the base, see our guide on a two handle kitchen faucet leaking at the base.
How many holes do I need for a two handle kitchen faucet?
Usually 3 for the spout and handles, plus a fourth for a side sprayer. The Delta Windemere and Peerless P299578LF are 4-hole faucets, the Peerless P288LF needs 3, and wall-mount models like the Peerless P299305LF need no holes in the sink at all.
For most kitchens, the Delta Windemere 21996LF is the two-handle faucet I would install: smooth, durable and backed by a brand with parts. On a budget, the Peerless P299578LF covers the basics, and for a wall-mount or bar sink, Peerless has you covered too. Count your sink holes, measure your clearance, and you are ready to order.