Vigo vs Kraus Faucets: Which Brand Is Best for Your Kitchen?

For anyone planning a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, the faucet is a small detail that makes a big impact. Two brands often stand out in this space: Vigo and Kraus. Their products fill thousands of homes worldwide, but if you’re choosing between them, the decision can feel overwhelming. Both brands have passionate fans and a wide range of options, making it hard to tell which is truly better for your needs.

This guide clears up the confusion. You’ll find a practical, side-by-side look at Vigo and Kraus faucets, focusing on what really matters: design, durability, performance, installation, price, and support. You’ll also see real-world examples, non-obvious details, and tips that most beginners overlook. By the end, you’ll know which brand fits your style, your space, and your budget—without second-guessing.

Brand Backgrounds: Vigo And Kraus

Understanding a brand’s roots helps you predict what to expect from its products. Let’s briefly explore both.

Vigo

Vigo Industries started in New York in 2009. Their mission: to blend modern design with practical performance. Vigo quickly became known for affordable, stylish kitchen and bathroom fixtures, especially faucets and shower panels. They focus on contemporary looks, often using glass and stainless steel. Most Vigo faucets are manufactured overseas but designed and quality-checked in the US.

Kraus

Kraus USA began in 2007, also near New York. Kraus aimed to bring European-inspired style to the North American market at a mid-range price. The company grew fast, earning a reputation for high-quality stainless steel and brass fixtures. Kraus faucets appear in homes, offices, and even restaurants. They’re famous for engineering, durability, and offering professional features at consumer prices.

Design And Style Comparison

When you walk into a kitchen, the faucet often catches your eye first. Both Vigo and Kraus understand this, but they bring different flavors to their designs.

Vigo’s Design Approach

Vigo faucets are all about modern minimalism. You’ll see:

• Geometric shapes (straight lines, sharp angles)
• Glass accents (especially in vessel sink faucets)
• Matte finishes like black, gold, and brushed nickel

Their designs attract people who want a clean, trendy look. If you’re upgrading a modern loft or a minimalist bathroom, Vigo fits right in.

Kraus’s Design Philosophy

Kraus goes for timeless elegance with a touch of industrial. Their styles include:

• Curved, high-arc spouts
• Bridge and pull-down models
• Commercial-inspired features (spring coils, two-tone finishes)

Kraus offers more variety, including classic and farmhouse looks. You’ll find everything from sleek chrome to bold oil-rubbed bronze.

Real-world Examples

• Vigo’s VG02007MB faucet features a crisp, angular silhouette that suits modern kitchens.
• Kraus’s KPF-1610SS is a pull-down kitchen faucet with a flexible coil and a restaurant-style vibe.

If you want a dramatic, eye-catching centerpiece, Vigo excels. For softer lines or a professional touch, Kraus leads.

Build Quality And Materials

Style matters, but only if the faucet lasts. Here’s how Vigo and Kraus compare when it comes to what’s under the surface.

What Materials Do They Use?

• Vigo: Mostly uses solid brass for faucet bodies. Handles and sprayers may include zinc alloy. Their finishes are electroplated for durability.
• Kraus: Uses lead-free solid brass or stainless steel (especially in kitchen faucets). High-end models use ceramic cartridges and reinforced hoses.

Durability Insights

• Vigo’s brass is heavy and corrosion-resistant, but their chrome and matte finishes can scratch if cleaned with harsh pads.
• Kraus’s stainless steel is rust-proof and easy to clean. Their finishes resist fingerprints better, especially in brushed versions.

Non-obvious Details

Beginners often miss that cartridge quality decides how long your faucet avoids leaks. Kraus usually includes premium ceramic cartridges, which last longer than standard ones. Vigo’s cartridges are also ceramic but sometimes not as thick or robust.

Both brands meet US and Canadian safety standards. However, Kraus is more transparent about lead content in their products, which matters for health-conscious buyers.

Performance And Features

A beautiful faucet is useless if it doesn’t perform. Here’s what you get with each brand.

Water Flow And Pressure

• Vigo: Most kitchen models flow at 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute). Bathroom models are usually 1.2 GPM to save water.
• Kraus: Kitchen faucets often run at 1.75–2.2 GPM. Their “Eco-Friendly” models drop to 1.5 GPM.

Both brands use aerators to create a strong stream while saving water. Kraus aerators tend to be quieter and less splashy.

Spray Modes And Functions

• Vigo: Standard pull-down models offer two modes—stream and spray. Some have pause buttons.
• Kraus: Many models add a third mode (power spray or blade spray). Their sprayers often have magnetic docking for a secure fit.

Special Features

• Kraus offers more touchless and voice-activated models, ideal for high-tech kitchens.
• Vigo focuses on easy-clean features, like removable aerators and mineral-resistant nozzles.

Hidden Gems

Few buyers realize that Kraus’s commercial-style models have 360-degree swivel spouts, great for double sinks. Vigo’s vessel sink faucets often include pop-up drains in matching finishes—a bonus for bathroom upgrades.

Installation And Maintenance

Even the best faucet can become a headache if it’s hard to install or keep clean. Let’s compare.

Installation: How Easy Is It?

• Vigo: Most models come with flexible hoses pre-attached, making DIY installation simple. They include all mounting hardware and clear instructions.
• Kraus: Known for detailed guides and video tutorials. Their “QuickDock” system allows you to mount some faucets from above the sink, no crawling needed.

Maintenance

• Vigo: Finishes are durable but require gentle cleaning—no abrasive pads or harsh chemicals. Mineral buildup wipes off the silicone nozzles easily.
• Kraus: Their “Spot Free” finishes really do resist fingerprints and water spots. Aerators unscrew for quick descaling.

Non-obvious Insights

Some Vigo faucets use proprietary washers that can be tricky to replace if lost. Kraus parts are often standardized, so you can find replacements at local hardware stores.

Price And Value

For most buyers, price is a dealbreaker. Are Vigo and Kraus worth the money? How do they compare for quality vs. cost?

Price Range

• Vigo: Kitchen faucets range from $110 to $320. Bathroom faucets start at $70 and climb to $200+ for designer models.
• Kraus: Kitchen faucets range from $130 to $400, with most around $180. Bathroom faucets span $80 to $250.

Value For Money

• Vigo: Strong on style for the price. Best for buyers who want a designer look without a luxury budget.
• Kraus: More features and better materials at similar prices. Ideal for people who want professional performance.

Cost-saving Tips

Many beginners miss that bundle deals can save you 10–20% if you buy a faucet and sink together (both brands offer these).

Credit: www.lowes.com

Warranty And Customer Support

A faucet is a long-term investment, so support and warranty matter. Here’s how Vigo and Kraus stack up.

Warranty Policies

• Vigo: Offers a limited lifetime warranty on faucets for the original buyer. Covers defects in material and finish, but not normal wear or installation mistakes.
• Kraus: Also provides a limited lifetime warranty, often praised for its straightforward claims process. Covers mechanical and finish defects.

Customer Service

• Vigo: US-based support via phone and email. Most users report helpful staff, but occasional delays during busy periods.
• Kraus: Widely praised for fast, friendly service. Their tech team helps with installation questions and sends replacement parts quickly.

Non-obvious Details

Some buyers don’t realize that professional installation can be required to keep the warranty valid—check the fine print, especially for Kraus commercial models.

Real-world Performance: User Reviews And Reliability

Let’s look beyond the specs to what actual customers say.

Common Praise

• Vigo: Users love the bold designs and value. Many report smooth handle action, and finishes that look new after years.
• Kraus: Consistently praised for quiet operation, strong water pressure, and easy installation.

Common Complaints

• Vigo: Some users report leaks after 2–4 years, usually due to worn cartridges or O-rings.
• Kraus: A few users find the pull-down sprayer hoses stiff at first, but they usually loosen with use.

Reliability Data

Based on major retailer reviews (Home Depot, Amazon):

• Vigo average rating: 4.5/5 (from over 5,000 reviews)
• Kraus average rating: 4.7/5 (from over 7,500 reviews)

Both brands perform well, but Kraus has a slight edge for reliability.

Popular Models Compared

To help you visualize, here’s a direct comparison of two best-selling models from each brand.

Feature	Vigo VG02001	Kraus KPF-1610SS
Style	Commercial Pull-Down	Commercial Pull-Down
Material	Solid Brass	Stainless Steel
Flow Rate	1.8 GPM	1.8 GPM
Spray Modes	2 (Stream/Spray)	3 (Stream/Spray/Blade)
Finish Options	Chrome, Matte Black, Gold	Stainless, Matte Black, Chrome
Price Range	$180–$230	$190–$250
User Rating	4.5/5	4.7/5

Who Should Choose Vigo?

Vigo is a smart choice if:

• You love modern design. Their faucets stand out in contemporary spaces.
• You want affordable style. Vigo offers a “designer” look for less.
• You’re updating bathrooms. Their vessel sink faucets and matching drains are popular.
• You don’t need advanced tech. Most Vigo models focus on basics, not touchless or smart features.

Who Should Choose Kraus?

Kraus is ideal if:

• You want professional features. Their commercial-style faucets are top-notch.
• You value durability. Their materials and cartridges are built for heavy use.
• You want more finish options. Kraus offers everything from classic chrome to oil-rubbed bronze.
• You appreciate easy installation. Their guides and QuickDock system make DIY jobs painless.

Side-by-side Feature Comparison

For a quick view of strengths and weaknesses, compare the brands across key categories:

Category	Vigo	Kraus
Design Variety	Modern, Minimalist	Modern, Classic, Commercial
Material Quality	Solid Brass	Stainless Steel, Brass
Finish Durability	Good	Excellent (“Spot Free”)
Spray Features	Standard	Advanced (3+ Modes)
Installation Ease	Easy	Easier (QuickDock)
Warranty	Lifetime Limited	Lifetime Limited
Tech Options	Basic	Touchless, Smart
Price Range	$70–$320	$80–$400

Common Mistakes When Choosing

Many people focus only on looks or price and regret their choice later. Here are mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring sink compatibility. Not all faucets fit every sink. Check mounting holes and reach.
• Overlooking finish care. Matte black and gold finishes need gentle cleaning—never use bleach or rough pads.
• Underestimating handle clearance. Some faucets need extra space behind the sink for the handle to move freely.
• Assuming all warranties are equal. Read the details—some brands require professional installation.
• Missing out on bundle savings. Sinks and faucets from the same brand often fit and look better together.

Practical Tips For Buyers

If you’re still not sure which brand to pick, here are expert tips:

• Test the handle movement. In stores, try the faucet. Both brands are usually smooth, but Kraus tends to feel heavier and more precise.
• Check the aerator type. If you have hard water, choose a faucet with a removable aerator for easy cleaning.
• Read real user reviews. Look for patterns in complaints and praise—not just star ratings.
• Measure your space. Always check the spout height and reach compared to your sink.
• Consider future repairs. Kraus parts are easier to find locally; Vigo may require ordering directly.

Credit: www.lowes.com

Environmental And Safety Factors

Both brands care about sustainability and health, but with some differences.

• Lead-Free Compliance: Kraus is more proactive about certifying all faucets to NSF/ANSI 372 standards. Vigo meets legal requirements but is less vocal about it.
• Water Efficiency: Most Vigo and Kraus faucets are WaterSense certified, saving water without losing pressure.
• Packaging: Vigo uses recycled materials more often, which matters if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Where To Buy And After-sale Support

You can buy both Vigo and Kraus faucets from:

• Major home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)
• Online retailers (Amazon, Wayfair)
• Directly from each brand’s website

After the sale, both companies offer replacement parts, technical support, and warranty claims online. Kraus is often faster to respond, especially for urgent issues.

For more details about faucet standards and certifications, the Wikipedia Faucet Page is a helpful resource.

Credit: www.kraususa.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Brand Is More Reliable In The Long Run?

Both Vigo and Kraus last for years with proper care, but Kraus has a slight edge in long-term reliability. Their cartridges and finishes are often higher grade, and user reviews report fewer leaks over time.

Are Vigo And Kraus Faucets Safe For Drinking Water?

Yes. Both brands use lead-free materials and meet US and Canadian safety standards. Kraus is especially transparent about their certifications.

Which Brand Is Easier For Diy Installation?

Kraus is usually easier for DIYers, thanks to their detailed guides, videos, and the QuickDock mounting system on many models. Vigo isn’t difficult, but sometimes requires more attention to detail.

What Is The Main Difference In Design Style?

Vigo leans toward modern, geometric shapes and bold finishes. Kraus offers a wider variety, including commercial, classic, and farmhouse styles.

Can I Get Matching Sinks And Accessories From Both Brands?

Yes. Both Vigo and Kraus offer sink and faucet bundles, plus matching soap dispensers and drains. Buying together can save money and ensure a perfect color match.

Choosing between Vigo and Kraus is about more than price or style—it’s about how you use your kitchen or bathroom every day. If you prefer bold, modern looks and excellent value, Vigo is hard to beat. If you want pro-level features, more finish options, and industry-leading reliability, Kraus is the clear winner.

Either way, you’ll enjoy a faucet that makes your space shine for years to come.