Do you like the idea of an extendable sprayer head, but don’t want to install a separate fixture? Good news! You can use the spout of your kitchen sink to get more coverage. We present to you; the pull-down kitchen faucet.
Pull down kitchen faucets are now standard in many modern kitchens. But will they work for your existing setup? What are your options?
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What are pull down faucets?
What are the different types of pull down faucets?
How does a pull down faucet work?
What do you look for in the best pull down faucets?
Best pull down faucets reviewed
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Moen 7864EWBLS Motionsense Touchless Single-Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
Usability – This single-handle touchless kitchen faucet activates when you wave your hand near the sensor so you don’t have to touch your faucet handle with dirty hands. The self-retracting hose features a Power Clean button that generates 50% more water pressure for your most challenging tasks as well as a spray mode and pause mode.
Appearance – The sleek design and the unique stainless black finish that doesn’t show water spots or fingerprints enhance the appearance of your modern kitchen.
Installation – The faucet is also easy to install in sinks less than 2 ½” thick with either a one-hole or three-hole widespread design with holes 8” apart using standard ⅜” connections. The unique Moen Duralock quick connect system makes it easy to change out your faucet in the future.
A pull down faucet increases the kitchen faucet’s reach without taking up extra space to accommodate a side sprayer.
They also work well for people who want to use their faucet to water a plant on a windowsill near their kitchen sink or fill a large pot that doesn’t fit into the sink.
Most kitchen faucets last for decades, but it depends on how much use it gets and what you must do to activate and operate the faucet.
Faucets with advanced features, such as sensors and leak-proof cartridges can last over 500,000 uses. Follow the best management practices for your kitchen faucet to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Brands that make the best pull down faucets include:
A wall mount kitchen faucet installs directly into your wall with two holes with no deck plate as opposed to the typical deck plate faucet that installs directly into your sink. Many people prefer the clean look of wall mount faucets, and you won’t have to worry about getting your sink dirty by using the faucet.
A faucet with a soap dispenser included creates harmony and cohesiveness in your sink design, which most people find pleasing. Just remember that you will need to accommodate the soap dispenser with an additional hole for installation.
A single handle faucet uses one hand to open a single water valve to control the water temperature. Many people find the one-handle control easier to use, and it generally takes up less room.
Two handle faucets usually give you more control over the water temperature, but they can be more difficult to use, and many two handle designs take up a lot of space and require widespread installation.
A touch faucet uses electric energy to activate the water with a simple touch, helping you prevent germs at home by not touching the faucet with dirty hands.
With a touchless faucet, you won’t have to touch the faucet to activate it at all since it uses sensors to open the valve. Some reports suggest that touchless faucets can also save you a significant amount of money on your water bill, but that only applies if the sensor doesn’t go off on its own.
How Does A Pull Down Faucet Work?
When you need water, you open the valve using the faucet’s handle, which allows water to enter to the fixture from your PEX supply lines using gravity.
The water will flow as normal unless you decide to use the spray head, which you can do by simply pulling it from the spout. A spray hose will allow you to extend the faucet up to the length of the hose and move the sprayer at different angles.
A diverter inside the spray head allows you to switch between different modes available to you by stopping the water at the spout when you press the button and redirecting it through the sprayer.
What Do You Look For In The Best Pull Down Faucets?
Flow Rate
The flow rate of your kitchen faucet, measured using gallons per minute (GPM), refers to how much water the device uses.
The aerator at the end of the spout determines the flow rate and manages to lower the flow rate by adding air into the water stream.
A lower water rate means you conserve water and save on your water bill, but it may not provide the water pressure you like.
Kitchen faucets cannot exceed 2.2 GPM. Products with a Water Sense label cannot exceed 1.5 GPM.
Usability
How a kitchen faucet handles can play a large role in how much you enjoy your purchase.
Some of the main considerations you’ll consider when talking about the usability of a pull down faucet include how easy it is to use the sprayer and advanced features, such as touch and touchless technology (along with their reliability).
Appearance
You may not realize just how much of an impact your kitchen faucet has on your kitchen’s aesthetic until you update it.
The appearance depends on the design of the faucet (sleek and minimalist or ornate and sizeable) as well as the sink’s finish.
Installation
The two types of installation are deck mount and wall mount.
Wall mount is more classic and becoming less common, but the installation almost always uses two holes in the wall for installation and doesn’t use a deck plate.
For deck mount installation, you may use one hole, two holes, three holes, or four holes and a deck plate to complete the look and cover unused holes.
Deck mount faucets come in either a center set or widespread design that indicates how far apart the holes are from each other (4” or 8”).
It’s highly recommended to install a faucet that fits the sink you already have so that you don’t need to install any new holes.
Best Pull Down Faucets Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Usability – This single-handle touchless kitchen faucet activates when you wave your hand near the sensor so you don’t have to touch your faucet handle with dirty hands. The self-retracting hose features a Power Clean button that generates 50% more water pressure for your most challenging tasks as well as a spray mode and pause mode.
Appearance – The sleek design and the unique stainless black finish that doesn’t show water spots or fingerprints enhance the appearance of your modern kitchen.
Installation – The faucet is also easy to install in sinks less than 2 ½” thick with either a one-hole or three-hole widespread design with holes 8” apart using standard ⅜” connections. The unique Moen Duralock quick connect system makes it easy to change out your faucet in the future.
Usability – Toggle between spray and stream mode with the push of a button, and control the water flow with a slider on the extra-long 60” spray head so that you always have the perfect amount of power. The AccuDock sprayer docking technology ensures a secure connection after every use. For added maneuverability, the spout swivels 360°.
Appearance – The high arc design covers more space, and the Tuscan bronze finish stands out from the more popular finishes you’ll find.
Installation – The widespread design requires four holes 8” apart, and installation is easy thanks to the quick install tool and Pfast connect feature that allows you to use either ½” or standard ⅜” supply lines. The maximum deck thickness is 3”.
Usability – The 34” sprayer comes in three modes, including a sweep spray mode. It works seamlessly, thanks to the swiveling ball joint and braided hose. Get water quickly and without creating a mess with the touchless technology that produces water in less than 20 milliseconds. After time, the faucet will use its temperature memory to adjust to your common preferences.
Appearance – The vibrant stainless steel finish looks great and maintains its appearance for years. The versatile design can accommodate a modern kitchen or a traditional design with a farmhouse sink.
Installation – Install using one hole and standard connections. To use the touchless technology, you will also need to connect the faucet to a power outlet underneath your sink.
Pros
Response® technology with LED light
Three sprayer modes
Water temperature technology
Cons
Does not include deck plate for sinks with 3 holes
Usability – This touch faucet not only activates using Touch20 technology, but you can also touch the faucet to turn it off, which many touch faucets can’t do. There’s a subtle LED light to indicate the temperature of the water. When you finish using the 26” spray head, it stays in place using MagnaTite docking technology.
Appearance – The sleek and minimalist design generally suits a modern kitchen, and it has a brushed nickel finish.
Installation – Enjoy installation flexibility thanks to the included 2 ⅜” thick deck plate and preinstalled PEX supply lines.
Usability – High water pressure and a flexible sprayer make this faucet great for commercial kitchens yet practical enough for residential kitchens.
Appearance – Part of Kingston Brass’s Concord line, this faucet includes the line’s cylindrical design and signature tubular handles and spouts. The widespread two-handle design gives it an elegant, classic look.
Installation – You will install this faucet into the wall instead of your sink using 2 ½” holes, 8” apart.
Pros
High water pressure
Wall mount installation
Made for durability
Cons
Too large for some kitchens
Limited 9” reach for hose
Not Water Sense certified
Final Thoughts On The Best Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
The right pull down faucet for you offers the features you want in a package that fits your sink both in size and design. After reading this kitchen faucet review, you should have the confidence you need to purchase a pull down kitchen faucet for your kitchen.
FAQs For The Best Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
How long do pull down faucets last?
Some faucets have a lifespan of over 500,000 uses, which will take decades.
What is the most reliable brand of kitchen faucets?
You have a number of brands you can trust, including:
Moen
Delta
Kohler
Pfister
Kingston Brass
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
