Best polished nickel kitchen faucet

The Kurv 9126NL is the polished nickel faucet I’d put in most kitchens, and I’ve used it. It scored 10.0, the only perfect score here.

Moen’s spec sheet lists a metal pulldown wand with Power Boost, Moen’s button that raises flow for faster filling and rinsing, and Moen’s Reflex system for smooth movement and secure docking. The wand has four functions: stream, spray, boosted stream and boosted spray.

It’s the only pick here that fits both 1- and 3-hole sinks out of the box, per Moen’s note that it installs through 1 or 3 holes of at least 1-1/2 in. That makes it the easiest swap when you’re replacing an older 3-hole faucet.

Moen certifies it to ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, NSF 61/9 and NSF 372, IAPMO Green, CalGreen and Georgia SB370. Flow is limited to 1.5 gpm at 60 psi. The 1255 Duralast cartridge handles both temperature and flow, with a 100° arc of handle travel.

The warranty is a lifetime limited warranty against material or manufacturing defects to the original homeowner, per Moen’s sheet, with 10 years in multifamily use and 5 in commercial.

Installation uses Moen’s Duralock quick-connect, a 68 in. braided hose and flexible supply lines with 3/8 in. compression fittings. Moen lists the faucet at 16-3/8 in. tall.

One buying note: on Oct 23 the Amazon offer came from a third-party seller, not Amazon. Check the seller and return terms at checkout.

Moen says the handle needs less than 5 lb of force and the faucet works in stream or spray mode docked or pulled out. Two independent check valves provide backflow protection, per the sheet, and it’s ADA-listed for its lever handle.

Like any polished nickel, it shows water spots. A soft cloth after use keeps it bright; skip abrasive pads.

The Weymouth S73004NL is Moen’s traditional polished nickel pulldown, and I’ve used it. It scored 9.2.

Moen’s sheet lists the same core hardware as the Kurv: Reflex docking, Power Boost, Duralock quick connect, a metal wand, a 68 in. braided hose and a 360° rotating high-arc spout. The four-function wand covers stream, spray and both boosted modes.

The look is the reason to buy it. The listing describes a shepherd’s hook spout and porcelain inlays with antiqued script in English and French, a style that suits older homes and farmhouse sinks.

It lost points on fit only. Moen’s note says it installs through 1 hole of at least 1-1/2 in., so a 3-hole sink needs a deck plate or a cover for the extra holes.

The certifications match the Kurv: ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, NSF 61/9 and 372, IAPMO Green, CalGreen and Georgia SB370. Flow is 1.5 gpm at 60 psi through the 1255 Duralast cartridge.

Moen’s warranty here is a lifetime limited warranty against leaks, drips and finish defects to the original homeowner, plus 10 years multifamily and 5 years commercial.

The sheet lists it at 17 in. tall. Check the clearance under any cabinet or window above the sink before ordering a high-arc faucet.

Moen’s sheet adds that the handle needs less than 5 lb of force, temperature is set over a 100° arc of handle travel, and two independent check valves protect against backflow. The spout swivels a full 360°.

The 1255 Duralast cartridge is the same one used in the Kurv, so parts are easy to find later.

On Oct 23 it was sold by Amazon.com and in stock. Wipe the porcelain accents with a soft, damp cloth; harsh cleaners can dull the script.

The Purist K-24982-SN is the semi-professional option, with a coil spring around the hose, and I’ve used it. It scored 9.2.

Kohler’s spec sheet calls the sprayhead three-function: Sweep spray for a wide blade of water, Boost, which Kohler says raises the flow rate by 30% at the press of a button, and an aerated stream. Its DockNetik magnet locks the sprayhead in place.

The finish code SN is Kohler’s polished nickel, one of eight finishes on the sheet. The MasterClean sprayface is designed to resist mineral buildup.

Kohler lists ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and 372, CEC and ADA when installed to those requirements, with a 1.5 gpm maximum flow at 60 psi. The valve is a Kohler ceramic disc.

Two practical details stand out. The handle rotates 90° forward so it won’t hit a backsplash, and Kohler lists 5 in. of handle clearance and a 10 in. spout reach. Temperature memory brings the water back at the last setting.

It lost points on fit: the listing describes a single-hole installation, so extra holes need a cover. The coil design also stands tall; measure under any window or shelf.

The warranty is Kohler’s Faucet Lifetime Limited Warranty, per the sheet.

Kohler describes an easy-to-clean coated hose and a removable coil, so you can take the spring off if you prefer a cleaner look. Flexible supply lines are included, and Kohler offers an optional deep rough-in part, 1327990, for thicker decks.

Its ceramic disc valve is rated by Kohler to exceed industry longevity standards. The handle is a single lever, and the ADA and CSA B651 listings apply when it’s installed to those rules.

On Oct 23 it was sold by Amazon.com, with limited stock.

The Renaldi 9184-PN-PR-DST is Delta’s tall, symmetrical pull-down in its Lumicoat polished nickel, and I’ve used it. It scored 7.5.

The finish is the reason to choose it. Delta says Lumicoat finishes wipe clean without cleaners or chemicals, resist mineral buildup and hard-water stains, and are corrosion-tested to at least two times industry standards. On polished nickel, which shows spots, that’s a real advantage.

Delta’s page lists MagnaTite magnetic docking, Touch-Clean rubber spray holes, the ProClean spray for a wide fan of water, and Diamond Seal valve technology, which Delta says lasts twice the ASME A112.18.1 500,000-cycle standard.

It fits 1- or 3-hole sinks with an 8 in. center spread; the listing says the deck plate RP100845 is sold separately for 3 holes. Delta includes InnoFlex PEX supply lines.

It lost points on two checks. The product page text I read didn’t give the flow rate, so it couldn’t pass that check, and ProClean is a spray pattern rather than a boost button, so it gets half credit there.

Delta certifies it to NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 and lists it as ADA compliant. The swivel is 360° and the pull-down hose gives 20 in. of reach.

Delta backs its kitchen faucets with a lifetime limited warranty, per the product page.

Delta adds that its PEX supply lines are tested to withstand 20% more pressure for 1,000 hours without leaking, and that the gasket seal at the base helps keep drips and splashes off the deck.

Diamond Seal also keeps water away from metal parts inside the valve, per Delta, which ties in with the lead-free certification. Touch-Clean spray holes let you rub mineral buildup off with a fingertip.

On Oct 23 it was sold by Amazon.com with limited stock.