Choosing the best brushed nickel pop up drain starts with one key detail: whether your sink has an overflow opening. The drain also needs to match your sink’s drain-hole size and thickness. Below, you’ll find options for sinks with and without overflow, including click-style stoppers, built-in strainers, and a traditional lift-rod assembly.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Sink Type | Standout Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KES Pop Up Drain Without Overflow | Without overflow | All-metal construction | Vessel or undermount sinks without an overflow |
| Rockgoya Brushed Nickel Drain, 2-Pack | With overflow | Detachable built-in strainer | Replacing two drains or catching debris |
| ARCORA Clicker Drain Without Overflow | Without overflow | Push-to-close operation | A straightforward vessel-sink stopper |
| KENES Drain with Overflow | With overflow | Removable filter basket | Collecting hair and small items |
| Artiwell Lift-Rod Drain Assembly | With overflow | Traditional lift-rod design | Replacing a lever-operated drain |
Our Picks: Best Brushed Nickel Pop Up Drain reviews
1. KES Pop Up Drain: Best All-Metal Option Without Overflow
This KES drain is made for bathroom sinks without an overflow opening, including many vessel and undermount sinks. Its stopper works with a push-to-open, push-to-close action, while the brushed nickel finish offers a subdued look for coordinating with bathroom fixtures.
Its main distinction is its all-metal construction: the drain uses brass and 304 stainless steel, with no plastic parts. The product also includes silicone gaskets and a 1 1/4-inch tailpiece gasket that allows connection to a 1 1/2-inch P-trap. Check your plumbing before buying, since the included connection details may not match every setup.
The listed fit range is for sink drain holes from 1.6 to 1.9 inches, with a maximum sink thickness of 1.97 inches. That makes it important to measure the sink rather than assume the drain is universal. It is a more substantial option than the ARCORA drain, which uses PP material in part of its construction.
Pros:
- Brass and 304 stainless steel construction with no plastic parts
- Designed for sinks without an overflow
- Includes multiple silicone sealing rings
- Includes an adapter gasket for a 1 1/2-inch P-trap connection
Cons:
- Not suitable for sinks with an overflow opening
- Requires a sink hole between 1.6 and 1.9 inches and a sink thickness no greater than 1.97 inches
Verdict: Choose the KES if you have a compatible sink without an overflow and prefer an all-metal drain with specified connection details.
2. Rockgoya Brushed Nickel Drain: Best Two-Pack with a Strainer
This Rockgoya option comes as a two-pack and is designed for sinks with an overflow. Each drain has a push-style stopper and a detachable strainer basket. The basket is intended to catch hair, debris, and small items before they reach the drainpipe, and it can be removed for cleaning.
The drain is described as stainless steel with a brushed nickel finish. Its stepped silicone gasket is designed to provide a seal without plumber’s putty, though careful placement of the gasket is still important during installation. The manufacturer describes installation as tool-free; the actual fit depends on your sink and plumbing.
The two-pack may be useful when replacing drains in a pair of sinks. However, the supplied product details do not list a drain-hole range or maximum sink thickness. Confirm those measurements and the overflow configuration before ordering. Compared with the single KENES drain, Rockgoya provides two drains, while both options include a debris-catching basket.
Pros:
- Two drains included in the pack
- Detachable basket helps catch debris and small items
- Stainless steel construction with a brushed nickel finish
- Designed for sinks with overflow openings
Cons:
- Product details do not specify a drain-hole range or maximum sink thickness
- Not the right choice for a sink without an overflow
Verdict: Consider the Rockgoya two-pack if both sinks have overflows and you want removable strainers, but verify the dimensions before purchasing.
3. ARCORA Clicker Drain: A Simple Pick for Sinks Without Overflow
The ARCORA is a clicker-style drain for sinks without an overflow. Press the stopper to close it and press again to open it. That direct operation avoids the lift rod and linkage used by a traditional drain assembly.
The stated fit is for drain holes from 1.6 to 1.9 inches and sinks up to 1.7 inches thick. Its button is stainless steel, while the product also uses PP material and flexible silicone gaskets. The brushed nickel top can coordinate with a matching faucet, but the construction is not all metal like the KES drain.
Two silicone gaskets are included, and the product is described as requiring no tools for installation. As with any drain, correct sizing and gasket placement matter to help avoid leaks. Its lower stated sink-thickness limit also makes measuring especially important if you have a thick vessel sink.
Pros:
- Easy-to-understand push-to-open, push-to-close operation
- Designed for sinks without an overflow
- Lists a drain-hole range of 1.6 to 1.9 inches
- Includes two silicone gaskets
Cons:
- Maximum listed sink thickness is 1.7 inches
- Uses PP material, unlike the all-metal KES option
Verdict: The ARCORA is a practical match for a thinner, no-overflow sink if you want a simple clicker mechanism and have confirmed the opening size.
4. KENES Drain: Best Overflow Model with a Filter Basket
The KENES is a pop-up drain with overflow compatibility and a built-in filter basket. The basket is designed to catch hair and small objects before they enter the drainpipe, and the upper cover can be unscrewed for removal. This can make routine cleaning easier than dealing with debris farther down the plumbing.
Its push-button stopper closes when pressed and opens with another press. The product specifies a standard 1 3/4-inch drain size and a maximum sink thickness of 1.97 inches. The brushed nickel finish is described as having a multi-layer surface treatment, but you should still use normal care to protect the finish from scratches.
This is a single-drain alternative to the Rockgoya two-pack, with a similar focus on catching debris. The main trade-off is that the provided details do not state the same range of drain-hole sizes as some other options. Confirm the actual sink opening and overflow layout before selecting it.
Pros:
- Designed for sinks with an overflow
- Built-in basket can collect hair and small items
- Filter cover can be unscrewed for removal
- Lists a maximum sink thickness of 1.97 inches
Cons:
- Not suitable for sinks without an overflow
- Product details specify a 1 3/4-inch drain size rather than a broader fit range
Verdict: Pick the KENES if your sink has an overflow and you want a single drain with a removable debris-catching basket.
5. Artiwell Lift-Rod Drain: Best Traditional Lever-Style Assembly
Unlike the push-button models above, the Artiwell uses a lift rod to operate the stopper. It is designed for a bathroom vanity sink with an overflow and suits shoppers replacing a conventional lever-operated drain rather than switching to a clicker mechanism.
The assembly is made from solid brass, but note the finish details: the visible drain cover and lift rod are brushed nickel, while other parts are chrome. Those hidden parts are generally out of sight after installation, but the finish is not brushed nickel throughout. The product fits listed drain openings of 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inches.
Installation instructions with pictures are included, and correct gasket placement is important for preventing leaks. This model does not list a built-in strainer basket, so it lacks the debris-catching feature found on the KENES and Rockgoya options. It is also less suitable if you specifically want a simple push-to-open stopper.
Pros:
- Solid brass construction
- Traditional lift-rod operation
- Designed for sinks with overflow openings
- Fits listed drain openings of 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inches
Cons:
- Visible parts are brushed nickel, but the remaining parts are chrome
- Does not list a built-in filter basket
Verdict: Choose the Artiwell if you want a brass lift-rod assembly for an overflow sink and are comfortable with chrome-finished parts beneath the visible surfaces.
How to Choose a Brushed Nickel Pop Up Drain
Match the Drain to Your Sink’s Overflow
First, check whether your sink has an overflow opening, usually a small opening near the top of the basin. A sink with an overflow needs a drain assembly designed to work with that feature. A no-overflow drain, such as the KES or ARCORA, is intended for sinks without one. Choosing the wrong type can prevent the drain from fitting or working as intended.
Measure the Drain Hole and Sink Thickness
Measure the diameter of the sink’s drain opening and the thickness of the sink at the drain. Compare both measurements with the product’s listed limits. The KES and ARCORA specify a 1.6-to-1.9-inch opening range, but their maximum sink thicknesses differ. Other options provide a stated standard size or less detailed sizing information, so confirm compatibility before ordering.
Pick the Stopper Style You Prefer
Clicker drains open and close when you press the stopper. They avoid a separate lift rod and linkage. A lift-rod drain, like the Artiwell, uses a lever behind or near the faucet to raise and lower the stopper. If you are replacing an existing assembly, matching its operating style can make the change more straightforward.
Decide Whether You Want a Built-In Strainer
A removable basket can catch hair, debris, and small items before they travel into the drainpipe. The Rockgoya and KENES models include this feature. A basket also needs occasional cleaning, so consider whether you prefer that upkeep or a simpler stopper without a listed filter basket.
Check Materials and Finish Details
Brushed nickel refers to the visible finish, not necessarily the material used throughout the drain. The KES lists brass and 304 stainless steel with no plastic parts, while ARCORA uses a stainless steel button and PP material. Artiwell specifies solid brass but notes that only the visible cover and lift rod have a brushed nickel finish; other parts are chrome.
Review the Plumbing Connection and Seal
Check the tailpiece size and the connection needed for your P-trap before buying. The KES specifically includes a gasket for connecting its 1 1/4-inch tailpiece to a 1 1/2-inch P-trap. Also follow the installation instructions for the gasket position. A drain that fits the sink opening still needs a compatible plumbing connection and properly seated seals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a brushed nickel pop up drain fit every bathroom sink?
No. Drain-hole diameter, sink thickness, overflow design, and plumbing connections vary. Check those details against the drain’s specifications before you buy.
How do I know whether I need a drain with overflow?
Look for an overflow opening in the sink basin, often near the upper edge. If your sink has one, choose a compatible overflow drain. If it does not, select a model made for sinks without overflow.
What is the difference between a clicker drain and a lift-rod drain?
A clicker drain opens and closes when you press the stopper itself. A lift-rod drain uses a separate rod to operate the stopper. The right choice depends on your preferred operation and the type of assembly you are replacing.
Do I need plumber’s putty to install one of these drains?
Installation needs vary by product and sink. The Rockgoya description says its silicone gasket is designed to seal without plumber’s putty, while other products emphasize correct gasket placement. Follow the included instructions and use only sealing materials appropriate for the product and sink.
Which option has an all-metal construction?
The KES product is described as brass and 304 stainless steel with no plastic parts. The Artiwell is described as solid brass, while the ARCORA uses PP material in addition to a stainless steel button. Check each listing’s material details if avoiding plastic is a priority.
Which drains include a debris-catching basket?
The Rockgoya two-pack and KENES drain list detachable or removable strainer baskets. The basket is designed to catch hair and small items, and it can be removed for cleaning.
Final Recommendation
For a no-overflow sink, the KES is a strong fit if its measurements match your sink and you want an all-metal assembly. If your sink has an overflow and you want a removable strainer, compare the Rockgoya two-pack with the single KENES drain. For a traditional lift-rod setup, the Artiwell offers a different operating style, with the important caveat that some concealed parts are chrome rather than brushed nickel. Measure your sink and check its overflow before choosing.
