Some things get better with age and one of those things is Kohler.
Kohler Co. is almost 150 years old, but the faucets that they offer are better than ever. That sort of history and reputation is reassuring when shopping for a new faucet, so it’s no wonder that many homeowners choose to go with Kohler.
But even if you’ve narrowed your options down to Kohler, Kohler has such a wide selection of faucets that the choices can still be overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to choose the perfect Kohler faucet for your kitchen.
We’ll start by talking a bit about Kohler’s history, the types of faucets they offer, and what makes Kohler’s faucets different from faucets from other major companies, like Delta or Moen.
That way, if you’re still on the fence about Kohler, you can make a more informed choice.
Once you’re sure about whether or not a Kohler kitchen faucet is right for you, we’ll talk about how to choose the perfect Kohler kitchen faucet for your home and lifestyle.
Finally, we’ll finish things up with reviews of our five favorite Kohler faucets to help you get started on your faucet search.
Our Best Kohler Kitchen Faucets
- Simplice Touchless Pull Down Kitchen Sink Faucet (Our Top Pick)
- Coralais Kitchen Sink Faucet with Pull-Out Matching Color Sprayhead (Best Budget)
- Purist Single-Hole Kitchen Sink Faucet with Pull-out Spout (Best High End)
- Bellera Kitchen Sink Faucet with Pull-Down Spout
- Forte Remote Valve Kitchen Sink Faucet with Matching Finish Sidespray
What Are Kohler Kitchen Faucets?
Kohler Co. was started in 1873 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin by Charles Silberzahn and John Michael Kohler, two Austrian immigrants.
Silberzahn would sell his share in the company in 1878, but the Kohler family, descendants of John Michael Kohler, still owns and runs the Kohler Co.
At the start, Kohler was a manufacturer of farming equipment, not plumbing fixtures. This changed in 1883, when the company enamel coated a cast iron horse trough and sold it as a bathtub.
Even now, Kohler is one of the few companies that manufactures enamel coated cast iron sinks and bathtubs.
Of course, Kohler has also expanded their offerings since then too.
Over time, Kohler introduced built-in bathtubs, self-rimming sinks, whirlpool baths, and more, including, of course, kitchen faucets of all types.
What Are The Different Types Of Kohler Kitchen Faucets?
Deciding what type of faucet you want is the easiest way to narrow down all of your faucet options.
Sprayer Type
First decide what type of sprayer you want. Kohler offers faucets with pull down sprayers, pull out sprayers, and side sprayers.
Pull down sprayers are the most common. Faucets with these sprayers have a high arch shape and the sprayer is located at the end of the spout.
The downward angle of the end of the spout means that you pull the sprayer down from the end of the spout to use it.
Pull out sprayers are similar. The only real difference is the angle of the spout.
These faucets have spouts that extend out over the sink at a shallower angle, so the sprayer pulls out from the end of the spout rather than down.
An added benefit is that many pull-out sprayers have more of a handle built-in, so they’re more ergonomic.
Side sprayers aren’t attached to the spout. Instead, they have their own hole in the countertop or sink next to the faucet.
However, they share water supply lines, so the sprayer is not fully independent from the faucet. Water is rerouted from the faucet to the sprayer when it’s being used, so you can’t use the sprayer and faucet at the same time.
Handle Type
Once you’ve decided what type of sprayer you want, you need to consider handles.
Most faucets, especially pull down and pull out faucets, have a single handle that controls both water temperature and water pressure.
Move it up and down to adjust water flow or swivel it from side to side to adjust the water temperature.
These faucets are convenient and easy to use with a single hand, which is a huge advantage in the kitchen.
Kohler single-handle kitchen faucets also have Temperature Memory, which means that they can be turned on and off at any temperature. Most other single-handle faucets have to be returned to a home position to be turned off.
Two handle faucets are the more traditional style.
One handle controls hot water and one controls cold water. This gives you more precise control over each, but it’s less convenient to operate.
How Do Kohler Kitchen Faucets Work?
Now let’s talk about some things that make Kohler faucets so great.
For one, Kohler faucets are highly durable. They feature solid metal construction to stand up to years of use.
Kohler finishes are resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, so the finish will stay looking as good as the day you bought it.
Kohler also uses ceramic disc valves. Ceramic’s durability and corrosion resistance prevents leaks and reduces how frequently you need to replace the disc cartridge.
Most Kohler sprayers feature a MasterClean sprayface. These sprayers have rubber nozzles, making them easy to wipe clean, even if you have heavy build-up from hard water.
Kohler faucets also have flexible supply lines, which makes them easier to install as well. In many cases, you’ll be able to install the faucet yourself — no need to call a plumber!
In addition, most Kohler faucets are ADA compliant, which is great news for those who need a faucet designed with accessibility in mind.
Finally, Kohler faucets come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can invest in a Kohler faucet knowing that if there is a problem, you’re covered.
What Do You Look For In The Best Kitchen Faucets By Kohler?
Just by buying from Kohler, you know you’re getting a high-quality faucet. You still need to make sure that you’re choosing a faucet with the functionality that you need for your unique home and lifestyle.
Spout Dimensions
For example, you’ll want to consider the spout height and reach.
Spout height is the vertical measurement from the height of the end of the spout to the height of the base of the sink.
Spout reach is the horizontal measurement from the center of the base of the faucet to the center of the stream of water from the spout.
Make sure that these measurements are large enough for you to fill and wash your large pots, pans, and other containers without banging them against the side of the sink or into the faucet itself.
Flow Rate
You’ll also want to consider the water flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate means more water volume.
It often, but not always, also means greater water pressure.
Low flow faucets, on the other hand, help conserve water. In fact, some places, especially those prone to droughts, actually have legal caps on how high a faucet’s flow rate can be.
Some faucets are designed to maximize water pressure even with a lower flow rate, so you can still get good water pressure from a faucet with a low flow rate.
Sprayer Type & Functions
We’ve already talked about the different types of sprayers available, so let’s not rehash them here. Instead, let’s look at sprayer functions.
Typically, your faucet will have at least two functions: an aerated stream and a basic sprayer. However, some faucets will also have other settings or functions.
For example, some Kohler faucets will also have a boost button, which temporarily increases flow for as long as the button is pressed.
Some have a pause button, which instead temporarily stops the water flow. Some Kohler faucets feature Kohler’s BerrySoft spray, which is a gentler spray for rinsing delicate produce like berries.
Style
Finally, appearance also matters. Sure, you want your sprayer to perform its job well, but you also want it to look good in your kitchen.
Consider the style and colors of the other features of your kitchen, like your countertops, sink, and appliances. Then choose a faucet that coordinates well.
Fortunately, Kohler offers faucets in a huge variety of styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style, whether that’s modern, traditional, or something in between.
In addition, most faucets are available in numerous finishes too, so you should have no problem finding a faucet that works in terms of both style and color.
Best Kohler Kitchen Faucet Reviews
Now let’s go over the top five kitchen faucets from Kohler:
1. Simplice Touchless Pull Down Kitchen Sink Faucet
Our top recommendation is the Kohler Simplice, a touchless kitchen faucet with a three-function sprayhead.
In addition to an aerated stream and Sweep Spray, this faucet’s pull-down sprayer has a Boost function, which increases the water flow rate as long as it’s pressed, providing more power.
The normal spray rate is 1.5 GPM for water conservation.
The faucet’s Docknetik Magnetic Docking System makes sure that the sprayer holds securely in place when not being used.
The Simplice is available in Polished Chrome, Vibrant Stainless Steel, and Matte Black finishes.
Pros
- High arc gooseneck spout
- Single-hole or three-hole installation
- Three function sprayer
Cons
Buy The Simplice Touchless Pull Down Kitchen Sink Faucet On Amazon
2. Coralais Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Out Matching Color Sprayhead
The Coralais line is Kohler’s line of affordable but heavy-duty faucets. This one is a pull-out faucet with an ergonomic two function sprayhead and a powerful 1.8 GPM flow rate. It’s also well made with ceramic disc valves, a braided hose, and a smooth, swiveling ball joint.
The Kohler Coralais is available in Polished Chrome and Vibrant Brushed Nickel finishes.
Pros
- Single-hole or three-hole installation
- Affordable price
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- Not as attractive as some other options
Buy The Coralais Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Out Matching Color Sprayhead On Amazon
3. Purist Single-Hole Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Out Spout
The Kohler Purist is a sleek, modern faucet for those in search for a high end option. This pull-out faucet has a three function sprayhead with laminar flow and spray modes, plus a pause function.
It has flexible supply lines for easy, single hole installation. The 1.5 GPM flow rate balances water conservation and power.
The Purist is available in Polished Chrome, Vibrant Stainless, Matte Black, and Vibrant Polished Nickel finishes to match any kitchen.
Pros
Cons
- High cost
Buy The Purist Single-Hole Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Out Spout On Amazon
4. Bellera Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Down Spout
The Bellera is another affordable option if you’re looking for a pull-down kitchen faucet from Kohler.
It has a three function sprayhead like the Simplice, with Sweep Spray, aerated stream, and Boost functions.
It also has a high-arch goosneck spout with attractive details that work with a variety of home decor styles. The curve of the lever handle adds elegance but also comfort in the hand. The Bellera is available in Vibrant Stainless, Polished Chrome, and Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes.
Pros
- Docknetik Magnetic Docking System
- Single-hole or three-hole installation
- 1.5 GPM
Cons
- Some buyers report that the sprayer may leak after some time, particularly if you have hard water
Buy The Bellera Kitchen Sink Faucet With Pull-Down Spout On Amazon
5. Forte Remote Valve Kitchen Sink Faucet With Matching Finish Sidespray
Our last faucet recommendation is the Kohler Forte, a simple yet statement making faucet. This faucet requires three-hole installation with a separate spout, handle, and side sprayer for a unique look. Each piece has sleek, smooth lines and a rounded shape that’s comfortable in the hand.
Like other Kohler faucets, the Forte features metal construction and ceramic disc valves for durability.
The Forte comes in Polished Chrome, Vibrant Stainless, Vibrant Brushed Nickel, and Vibrant Brushed Bronze finishes.
Pros
- Flexible supply lines for easy installation
- Simple, yet statement making
- Single handle faucet that replaces a three hole faucet without a deck plate
Cons
- Somewhat costly
- Unusual appearance may not be for everyone
Buy The Forte Remote Valve Kitchen Sink Faucet With Matching Finish Sidespray On Amazon
Final Thoughts On Kohler Kitchen Faucets
And that about wraps things up on the top kitchen faucets from Kohler. Between the background information and the reviews we’ve provided, by now you should have no problem choosing just the right Kohler faucet for your kitchen.
With that said, all of these faucets are great, but this list is just to get you started. It’s by no means a complete list of all the good faucets that Kohler makes. If you’re still not sure Kohler has the perfect faucet to meet your needs, take some time to browse Kohler’s offering and I’m sure you’ll find one that fits just right.