When it comes to purchasing a new kitchen faucet, many people find themselves asking which is better to have; a single handle or two handle kitchen faucet. In this guide we are going to focus on the dual, or two handle kitchen faucets, and why they are a great option when installing new faucets in your kitchen. We will also look at the pros and cons of each of the 10 best two handle kitchen faucets to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to buy one.
Contents
How We Assess And Evaluate Two Handle Kitchen Faucets
Our assessment process started with looking at the products available on the market today. Once we found our top 10, we gathered a group of expert testers who went from installation to usage of these faucets to see how easy they were to use. We also spoke to customers who have used these two handle kitchen faucets to see what they liked or disliked about them, as well as spend many man hours going through reviews.
We've gathered all of the data for this guide to present you with an unbiased and thorough review to help you make the most informed decision before you hit the shops to buy your new kitchen faucet. Here's what we have found.
Top 10 Two Handle Kitchen Faucets
| Product | Weight | Size | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moen S713 Waterhill Two Handle Kitchen Faucet | 14 lb | 20.6 x 14.6 x 3.6 in | $$$$ | |
| Moen CA87004SRS High-Arc Kitchen Faucet | 4.25 lb | 3 x 8 x 9 in | $$$ | |
| Delta 21996LF Windemere 2-Handle Kitchen Faucet | 3.55 lb | 19.2 x 11.7 x 2.5 in | $$ | |
| Peerless P299578LF Two Handle Kitchen Faucet | 4 lb | 20 x 3 x 12 in | $ | |
| Kingston Brass KS1278TXBS | 8.95 lb | 13 x 8.8 x 8 in | $$ | |
| KOHLER K-16111-4 Revival | 7 lb | 18.5 x 9.8 x 3.8 in | $$$ | |
| KOHLER K-10445 Forte Widespread | 5 lb | 26 x 10.5 x 3.5 in | $$ | |
| Moen CA87888 High-Arc | 2 lb | 3 x 8 x 9 in | $ | |
| Peerless P288LF Choice Two Handle Bar-Prep | 2.2 lb | 5 x 6 x 11.3 in | $ | |
| Peerless P299305 Choice Two Handle Wall Mounted | 5.5 lb | 2.7 x 11.4 x 16.7 in | $ |
Top Recommendation
1. Moen S713 Waterhill Two-Handle High-Arc Kitchen Faucet
Out of all of the two handle faucets we assessed, the Moen Waterhill is our top recommendation. The faucet itself has an elegant looking gooseneck style with an aerated water stream for your day to day tasks. It also comes with a matching side sprayer that gives you a bit more of an extended reach when tackling heavier cleaning jobs. It's Duralock Quick Connect system makes it easy to install with a standard mounting design that will fit on just about any countertop or sink.
Looks wise, the Moen Waterhill has a traditional old fashion charm to it and was made to be paired with other Waterhill products in this range. The faucet comes in 4 colors; chrome, wrought iron, classic stainless steel, and oil rubbed bronze.
Features
- High arched faucet allows for more room
- Two-Handle levers with hot and cold indicators
- Single function side sprayer that can be installed separately
- Deck mount design
- Duralock Quick Connect system
- 2.0 gpm maximum water flow rate
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
Easy to install
Is part of a matching range
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
Expensive
There is the risk of leaking that you get with any two handled kitchen faucet.
Final Verdict
The Moen S713 Waterhill is the top choice for a reason, and though it is priced a bit on the higher side, most of the people we spoke with absolutely loved the faucet. Add to this the fact that most found it very easy to install, this looks like a real winner for your two handle kitchen faucet needs.
Second Pick
2. Moen CA87004SRS Kitchen Faucet
Our 2nd top pick is also part of the Moen range of double handle kitchen faucets that has a traditional look to it, with its spot resistant stainless steel finish and arched faucet. The faucet has an aerated stream for easy everyday cleaning and comes with a separate sprayer. Moen's Duralock Quick Connect system also means easier installation.
The look of this faucet is sleek and clean, helped by the spot resistant finish, so you won't see many water spots or fingerprints. It has a standard design that mounts on either a sink or countertop. It also complies with ADA specifications.
Features
- Premier finishing process meant to resist tarnishing and corrosion
- High arched neck provides more room under the faucet
- Double handles rest on ¼ turn valves
- Side spray for reaching more areas
- 180-degree swivel spout
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
All necessary hardware needed comes in the kit
Easy to follow installation instructions
In the lower price range bracket for a quality faucet
Cons
We weren't able to find any complaints with this particular model of faucet so far.
Final Verdict
In all, this seems like a really good faucet at a good price. Buyers were pleased that it worked well with their kitchen setup and was quite easy to fit and use.
Third Pick
3. Delta Windemere 2-Handle Kitchen Faucet w/ Matching Side Sprayer 21996LF-OB
The Delta 21996LF-OB is part of their Windemere Series and comes in 3 finishes; stainless steel, chrome, and oil rubbed bronze. It has a nice high arc that leaves a lot of room under the spout and comes with a side (vegetable) sprayer that matches and has a retractable hose. The faucet swivels 360 degrees and is made of durable metal construction.
This is another faucet that has a traditional country charm to it and would look great in rustic kitchens, as well as modern ones. Installation seems pretty straightforward
Features
- Vegetable sprayer with a retractable hose
- High arc 360-degree swivel spout
- ADA Compliant
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
Easy to install
Durable finish means fewer water spots
Long arched neck leaves plenty of room under the faucet
Cons
Handles and sprayer are made of plastic
Faucet radius is a bit smaller than other versions of faucet
Some felt the water flow rate was a bit restricted
Final Verdict
The Delta Windmere overall seems to have a smooth glide when using it and many felt it looked a lot more expensive than it actually is. There were some nit-picky things that some didn't like, such as the plastic sprayer, but in all, it comes up as a good two handle kitchen faucet.
Best Value
4. Peerless Choice Two Handle Kitchen Faucet P299578LF-SS
This Peerless faucet has a stainless steel finish that makes it fingerprint and water stain resistant. Its handles and faucet are deck mounted and water output is 1.8 gpm. Even though its made or metal, it is still a lightweight faucet.
The Peerless Choice kitchen faucet has clean, modern lines and sits well between the handles. It also rotates to allow for filling and cleaning larger pots. The handles have an ergonomic design to them, also adding to its ease of use. You get a side sprayer with this model that sits nicely at the side and doesn't get in the way, as well as makes it easy to rinse around the sink area.
Features
- ADA Compliant
- High arc, rotating spout
- Ergonomic blade handles offer easier control
- Matching side sprayer for easy pot filling and clean-ups
- 4-hole sink application
- Stainless, a neutral, low-gloss finish
Pros
Handles are easy to clean and install
Water efficiency
Affordable price
Accessible to disabled people
Cons
Quite a few of the models are a bit too short for deeper sinks
May not deal as well in hard water areas
Final Verdict
This is an economical kitchen faucet that is Eco-friendly and has a simple but aesthetic look to it. The ergonomic handles make it a good choice for those who have difficulty with their hands. It does the job its meant to do and is an overall good faucet in the two handle range.
Also Good
5. Kingston Brass French Centerset Kitchen Faucet with Brass Sprayer KS1278TXBS
The Kingston Brass French Country range faucet is made of brass with a muted nickel finish. It has cross handle designed hot and cold handles and a spout that swivels to offer simple use. With its 11.5” height, you can fit pretty much anything under the faucet, and it has a flow rate of 1.2 gpm.
This faucet is perfect for that country kitchen look, and one of its unique design features are its downward sloping cross handles. It's a faucet that blends a traditional design with a bit of a modern twist.
Features
- Solid Brass Construction
- 1/4 Turn Ceramic Disc Cartridge
- Spout Reach: 8-3/4″
- Spout Clearance: 10″
- Includes matching brass side Sprayer
- Victorian Style Swivel Spout
Pros
Durable solid brass construction
High-end design
Separate sprayer can be replaced on its own
Part of a matching range
Reasonably priced
Cons
The cross handles can take a bit of getting used to
Can be a bit hard to clean between the faucets, sprayer, and spigot
Final Verdict
The Kingston Brass French Country two handle kitchen faucet looks rather nice and will fit in well with traditional and old country kitchen styles. The price is affordable for the high-end look, and its part of a range that lets you match kitchen and bathroom.
Also Good
6. KOHLER K-16111-4-CP Revival Kitchen Sink Faucet
This Kohler model has a classic polished chrome look, scroll lever handles that are ADA compliant, and a 12” swing spout. It comes with a matching side spray The solid construction ensures it will last quite long. The water flow rate is 2.2 gpm and connections are flexible for easy installation.
The overall look of this kitchen faucet is classic and timeless, and it would fit in with just about any kitchen design. It also has ergonomic handles that make them easier to control. The high arch gooseneck design makes it easier to fill large pots easily.
Features
- Lever handles are ADA-compliant
- The one-piece ceramic valves resist buildup from debris and hard water
- Ergonomic handle rotation with ¼ turn
- Solid brass construction ensures years of reliable performance
- 360-degree spout rotation
- Matching side spray
Pros
Has a high, wide reach
Easy to clean
Easy to install
Cons
Some felt it was poorly designed for repair purposes because it only disassembles from under the sink
On the expensive side
Final Verdict
The Koehler Revival faucet has a nice, simple look to it, is easy to operate, and many found it was easy to install. What many are put off by is the price and the fact that it hookups from below the sink, so making repairs or changing out parts can be a bit hard.
Also Good
7. KOHLER K-10445-BN Forte Widespread Kitchen Faucet
The Kohler Forte faucet has a widespread mount and ceramic disc valves for greater longevity. The fluid design makes it easy to clean and the handles come pre-assembled on the valves, making installation much easier. The maximum flow rate for this faucet is 2.2 gpm. The finish on the faucet is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, and it comes with a matching side sprayer.
In all, this faucet has a very versatile design to it with a vibrant finish that would look good in most kitchens. The two levers are designed for ease of use and allow you to find your optimal water temperature.
Features
- Fitted with easy-to-install and leak-free UltraGlide™ valves for durability
- Kohler brand ceramic disc valves ensure longevity and a lifetime of durable performance
- Finish that resists corrosion and tarnishing
- Fluid design allows for easier cleaning
- Handles come pre-assembled to the valves making installation simpler
Pros
One-piece ceramic disc valve crushes and removes debris
High-temperature limit stop keeps the temperature at a safe level
Easy installation
Mid-range price
Cons
Some buyers reported leaks after a short time of use
Final Verdict
Kohler itself is a decent brand to buy and, for the most part, this faucet seems to tick all the boxes. Its mid-range in price, which may be a bit expensive if you're on a tight budget. The issue with leaking after a short period of time hasn't been determined if it was user error in installation or not.
Also Good
8. Moen CA87888 High-Arc Kitchen Faucet from the Caldwell Collection
Moen's Caldwell Collection of kitchen faucets is a nice range, and the CA87888 design works with any style of decoration you have in your kitchen. It has a highly reflective chrome finish, features the duralock quick connect system that makes installation quite easy, and a matching side sprayer is included in the setup. The high arc faucet makes it easy to clean larger pots and the flow rate on this faucet is 1.5 gpm.
The Caldwell design has simple curves and the finish on this faucet is made to resist corrosion and tarnishing, even with everyday usage. The spout has a 180-degree swivel, allowing you to access more of your sink.
Features
- Faucet body made of metal ensures durability
- Limited lifetime warranty for residential installations. 5-year limited warranty for commercial installations
- Double handle operation - handles rest on 1/4 turn valves
- Side spray with hose
- ADA compliant
- All hardware needed for mounting is included with faucet
Pros
Can be sink or countertop mounted
Easy to install
Not expensive
Cons
Some felt sprayer was too stiff when trying to pull out
Doesn't seem to be a stop inside spout, which means it swivels all over and can make a mess if you're not careful
Final Verdict
Buyers were pleased with the sleek design of this faucet and the ease in installing it. The biggest issue buyers had was that the spout over swivels due to there not being a stop in it, Its an overall good faucet for a low price.
Also Good
9. Peerless P288LF-SS Choice Two Handle Bar-Prep Faucet
The Peerless Choice two handle kitchen faucet has a high arc and rotating spout, ergonomic blade shaped handles for easy control, and a 1.80 gpm flow rate. You need to bear in mind that it's a bit smaller in design because it was made for a bar or prep sink area. The design itself is very stylish and it's easy to install.
Features
- High arc, rotating spout
- Ergonomic blade handles
- 3-hole sink application
- Water Efficient Product meeting CALGreen standards
- Low Lead Certified
- ADA Compliant
Pros
Buyers loved its simplicity
Easy to installation
Reasonably priced
Cons
Some buyers felt it wasn't a high-quality faucet
Doesn't come with hoses
Doesn't use standard threads
Final Verdict
This is an overall good faucet and seems to be best used in bar/prep sinks, cabins, wet rooms, garage sinks, and any other place where you need to have room in a small area. There do seem to be some complaints regarding a discrepancy on the site and what you receive, with many saying it is listed as a 2 hole installation but was only for a 3 hole installation.
Also Good
10. Peerless P299305LF Choice Two Handle Wall Mounted Kitchen Faucet
This Peerless faucet is different in that it is wall mounted rather than sink/counter mounted. It's a great option if you don't have a lot of room to play with. Its constructed of brass with a chrome finish and would fit in with many kitchen styles. It has a flow rate of 1.5 gpm, making it both economical and attractive. The outlet neck of the faucet swivels and the goose-neck design allows you to fit larger pots under the faucet.
Features
- High arc, rotating spout
- Ergonomic blade handles
- Wall mount installation
- ADA compliant when installed properly
- Faucet and Finish Lifetime Limited Warranty
Pros
Easy to installation
Low price
Makes use of Reflex Technology
Cons
Some found the valves became loose over time because the valve bodies are plastic
Buyers have reported fitting that come with faucet are not correct
Has an irregular thread pitch
Final Verdict
While this particular faucet looks great with its simple design and seems very affordable, many buyers found it to not be of that good a quality for their needs, where others found it worked fine. There seem to be some issues with not getting the right parts or missing an adapter in the kit.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of A Two Handle Kitchen Faucet
The type of kitchen faucet you choose is partly a matter of preference. A two-handle kitchen faucet does have some benefits. For a start, it offers more control than your average one handle faucet, which allows you to adjust your water temperature more effectively. You are also able to control the rate of water flow easily, as well as being able to set you hot and cold temperatures to your liking. Handles are very well marked with “Hot” and “Cold”, so you are less likely to accidentally scald yourself.
Another benefit of two handle kitchen faucets is that should one of the handles spring a leak, you can easily turn the shut-off valve off for the leaking handle, while still being able to use your faucet until the leak gets fixed.
There are a couple of downsides with two handle kitchen faucets. For a start, some of them can be a bit harder to install because they require 3 holes to be made in the countertop you are setting them in. Also, having two handles can increase the chances of an eventual leak in the handle.
Other than that, two handle kitchen faucets are a great choice for any kitchen and we will go over how to install them later in the article. So, let's have a look at the 10 best two handle kitchen faucets of 2018.
FAQ
Q. 1 Two handle kitchen faucet leaking at base
Ans: A damaged O-ring or rubber seal won't seal properly inside of the spout, causing a leak. Replace the O-rings for your spout.
Q. 2 Two handle kitchen faucet repair
Ans: It will depend on the issue you are having. Once you have determined the issue, such as a leaky faucet, or loose handles, you may need to purchase replacement parts. The best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer for parts and some advice. Or, you could get a plumber in to do the repair for you.
Q. 3 Delta two handle kitchen faucet diverter repair
Ans: Once you have your replacement diverter, uninstall the neck of the faucet. Carefully unscrew the diverter and pull it out from the middle section. Make sure the o-ring on the old diverter hasn't been left in the tube. Screw the new diverter in then replace the neck of your faucet.
Q. 4 Moen two handle kitchen faucet cartridge replacement
Ans: First turn off your water supply and open the faucet handle to drain the water lines. Remove the trim and cartridge - Unthread the set screw to detach the handle. Remove the cartridge nut with an allen wrench. Pull out the cartridge with pliers.
Q. 5 Peerless two handle kitchen faucet repair
Ans: If your Peerless faucet has a leak or the temperature from the spout is inconsistent, you can fix this quite easily. Peerless can supply you with a full repair kit to get started.
First, turn off your water supply. Using the edge of a knife, take the cover off of the handle by inserting the edge under the covers edge. Carefully pry it up. Under the cover is a small screw that you will need to unscrew.
Take the handle off of the base of the faucet. Unscrew the washer that sits under the handle (this is what holds the cartridge in place).
Remove the washer and cartridge and then insert your new washer and cartridge. Replace the washer that was sitting under the handle and tighten it. Re-install the handle.
Q. 6 Moen two handle kitchen faucet repair
Ans: For a faucet that is leaking at the base and top of the faucet neck, you will need to replace the O-ring and washer bearings.
Author Bio
Sherry MacBeth has worked in the plumbing industry for many years and is an expert at home & kitchen repairs and installations. She also volunteers her time to give basic “How-To” DIY classes.
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