Are you looking to add some wow factor and extra functionality to your kitchen? Or are you tired of struggling to wash your dishes and pans with a standard faucet?
Pull-down kitchen faucets are real crowd-pleasers due to their modern looks and versatility. They can increase your reach by up to 20 inches depending on the model, and perhaps even more.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when shopping for a pull-down faucet and we will explain them in this article. We have also written five pull-down kitchen faucet reviews of some of the best models available today.
- Beautiful minimalist design
- Durable brass construction
- Sprayer has three modes
- Striking coil design
- Dual-function sprayer
- Emphasis on construction quality
- Motion detection technology
- Extra long 68-inch hose
- ADA compliant
- MotionSense technology
- Moen’s Power Clean technology
- 68-inch house and retraction system
- Integrated Alexa voice control
- TempSense LED lights
- TouchClean finish
Product Reviews
Here are five pull-down kitchen faucet reviews for you to consider. They include top-quality pull-down faucets from some of the biggest brands working today.
WEWE Single Handle High Arc Pull-Down Faucet
Best Overall Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
WeWe’s pull-down faucet is one of the best. The design is sleek and elegant and will add some freshness to any kitchen. It’s made from a combination of brass, stainless steel, and zinc alloy, with brass being the primary material. On the outside, it’s coated with smooth brushed nickel.
It is fitted with a multifunctional outlet water dispenser, allowing you to choose between two sprayer modes, and a pause button. The control is very easy to use. All you need to do is flick the switch on the nozzle to change the sprayer mode.
The sprayer hose is attached to a mechanical retraction system that draws it back in smoothly and secures it in place.
What We Like
Beautiful Design
The faucet is stylish to look at. It is coated with brushed nickel that’s both durable and easy to clean, so keeping it looking at its best is a breeze. A simple wipe will keep fingerprints and smudges at bay and the finish means it is resistant to corrosion and rust.
Durable Construction
The faucet is made using several reliable materials. The main material is brass — an old favorite for kitchen faucets as it keeps corrosion at bay. The other materials are stainless steel on the spout and zinc alloy on the handle.
The valves are ceramic and the aerator in the nozzle is ABS plastic. ABS plastic is an excellent aerator material as minerals don’t get stuck as easily, making it easy to keep clean.
Multifunctional Sprayer
If you’re looking for something multifunctional, this is it. The sprayer lets you choose between three modes — a soft stream, powerful spray, or a pause.
A small switch and a button located on the nozzle make for easy operation. The switch moves between the spray modes, whereas the button will pause the stream to prevent unnecessary water waste.
They sit conveniently at the front, so you won’t need to guess which one you’re pressing.
Mechanical Retraction System
A retraction system is a key feature for any pull-down faucet, and this WeWe model has one. The retraction system pulls the hose back when it detects your grip loosening. The hose is retracted effortlessly in one smooth, controlled motion.
What We Don't Like
Factory Connections Require Retightening
Some users reported that the factory connections are too loose and require tightening, so check this before installing the faucet. It becomes almost impossible once everything has been connected.
After you have installed the faucet, gently tighten them again. If you don’t do this, you will likely encounter leaks.
Product Specs
| Finish | Brushed Nickel |
| Material | Brass, stainless steel, ABS plastic |
| Flow rate | N/A |
| Warranty | Five-year warranty |
| Arch height | 15.7 inches |
Our Ratings
Kraus KPF-1610SS Bolden Pull-Down Faucet
Best Commercial Style Pull-Down Faucet
If you’re looking for something that can give your kitchen a commercial feel, look no further. This pull-down faucet from Kraus is a great addition to any modern kitchen.
Kraus has taken its commercial faucet and optimized it for use in residential kitchens. It has a high arch of 18 inches at its tallest but is still compact enough to fit under most cabinets.
The hose can extend 20 inches and, with the flick of a switch, you can choose between two sprayer modes. It is also fitted with a retraction system that smoothly returns the hose under the sink.
Something that makes this faucet truly stand out is the eco-friendly material used in its construction. It is undoubtedly built to last with its heavy-duty, lead-free brass construction, and has a ceramic cartridge to prevent leaks.
The faucet comes with ready-to-use, pre-attached 22-inch water lines. All that’s left is for you to mount it to the sink and connect the water lines to your plumbing.
What We Like
Commercial Look
The commercial look is popular in many kitchens. It’s clean and functional without any unnecessary distractions. And this faucet embodies that.
Kraus specifically redesigned its commercial faucet to fit the average kitchen. Its high arch has been improved and shortened slightly. It is now 18 inches at its tallest, which should fit under most kitchen cabinets.
In addition, the spout sports a beautiful industrial-inspired open coil design. This faucet will add some wow factor to your kitchen.
Dual-Functioning Sprayer
It’s worth taking a look at the pull-down sprayer. The hose is 20 inches long and very flexible, allowing for smooth movement around the sink. It includes a retraction system that keeps the hose in place when not extended.
The sprayer has two modes — a soft stream or a powerful rinse — for different tasks. The switch is located at the front and is very easy to use.
Heavy-Duty Construction
One of the reasons why we love Kraus is its focus on construction. The brand is known for its minimalist modern designs using high-end, durable materials. However, it is not known for including fancy technology as it seems they choose instead to emphasize production quality.
That is fine with us, as their products’ construction makes up for the lack of tech. This faucet is no exception to their production standards. It is made from eco-friendly brass with a spot-free stainless steel finish.
Comes Ready to Use
On arrival, the faucet is completely ready to use. The water lines are already attached, as is the mounting hardware. All you need to do is place it on your sink and connect it to your plumbing.
What We Don't Like
The Holding Arm Can’t Move
Between the spout and the neck, there is a holding arm designed to keep the faucet stable. However, some users reported that it can’t rotate to the side and can get in the way when you’re using the sprayer.
Product Specs
| Finish | Spot free stainless steel |
| Material | Brass |
| Flow rate | 1.8 gallons per minute |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Arch height | 18 inches |
Our Ratings
Moen 7594ESRS Arbor Motionsense Pull-Down Faucet
Best High-Tech Pull-Down Faucet
For our high-tech option, we chose the Arbor faucet from Moen. This faucet comes with a few useful features.
Its main selling point is undoubtedly its motion detection technology. This high-tech feature provides a hands-free experience. The faucet actually has two sensors — one at the top of the spout and the other below it. This makes it something of a modern version of a classic 2-handle faucet.
The faucet also looks great. It has a classic Moen design with its flared handle and curved spout, but with a modern twist. It is coated with spot-free stainless steel — making it fingerprint and watermark resistant.
Finally, it includes a retraction system and dock lock. The sprayer won’t drop down over time and it will continue to look nice and neat.
What We Like
Motion Detection Technology
This faucet is fitted with Moen’s MotionSense technology that activates the flow when it senses movement. Moen included two sensors in this faucet — one below the spout, which activates the water when you hold an object near it. The second sensor is on the top, where you can hover your hand to open the tap.
What makes these two sensors so convenient is that you can use anything to activate them. For example, if you need to wash a carrot, simply hold it under the spout and the water will start.
If you don’t want to use a motion sensor, there is also a handle, which has the signature Moen flair. You can use this to manually adjust the stream and water temperature.
Extra Long Hose
The spray hose has an impressive length of 68 inches. This provides almost unlimited maneuverability for your daily tasks.
To pull the long hose back in once you have finished using it, Moen included their Reflex System. It will automatically return the hose to its docking position without any hassle and stay secured there until its next use.
Straightforward Installation
This faucet’s helpful features include Moen’s unique Duralock Quick-Connect Installation System. One of the key things that make Moen so popular with DIY homeowners is how easy their faucets are to install.
The Duralock makes installation a simple snap-in process that can be done in minutes. Moen claims you won’t need any tools.
ADA Compliant
One commendable quality of Moen is that the brand’s products comply with the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What We Don't Like
The Filters Get Clogged Easily
A few reviewers mentioned that the filters get clogged easily. They require frequent cleaning, which can be tedious. When they become clogged, the flow rate becomes very inconsistent.
Faucet Requires a Power Source
For the faucet to function, it requires either an adapter or batteries. Even the manual handle requires a power source to work. If the batteries run out or you have a power cut, the faucet won’t be usable at all.
Product Specs
| Finish | Spot free stainless steel |
| Material | Metal |
| Flow rate | 1.5 gallons per minute |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Arch height | 15.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Moen 7185C Brantford One-Handle Pull-Down Faucet
Best Oil-Rubbed Bronze Pull-Down Faucet
A touch of bronze can give almost any kitchen a more rustic feel. Add Moen’s high-tech faucets and you have a top-quality faucet.
This Brantford Moen pull-down faucet is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. It’s coated with an oil-rubbed bronze finish which results in a dark, rich brown color.
Its beautiful finish aside, this faucet also includes numerous features. It’s fitted with Moen’s MotionSense technology, which consists of a single sensor located in the spout. This gives you the option to activate the water without ever touching the faucet.
It is also equipped with a reflex system that makes the faucet smooth and easy to retract. When not pulled out, the faucet stays securely in its place, preventing any accidental sprays.
The sprayer offers many other benefits. It features the standard dual modes — stream and strong spray. However, this one is also fitted with Moen’s Power Clean spray technology, which adds 50% more power to the spray.
What We Like
Best Oil-Rubbed Bronze
An oil-rubbed bronze finish isn’t a particularly new thing among kitchen faucets. However, Moen’s is one of our favorites because of its distinct rich, dark color and smooth texture.
MotionSense Technology
Moen’s MotionSense technology is among the best. Although this model only has one sensor, in contrast to some other Moen models, it’s still very useful. The sensor sits on the spout and only requires some nearby movement for the water to activate.
Moen’s Power Clean
It’s always helpful to be able to wash away the stubborn residue on a plate with just a flick of a switch — especially for anyone with a large household! Moen claims that its Power Clean technology adds 50% more power to the spray mode than its other pull-downs.
Retraction System
Moen is known for its extended hoses and the Brantford pull-down is no exception. This hose is an impressive 68 inches long, giving you a wide range. What’s all that hose good for if you don’t have a retraction system to keep it in place?
Fortunately, Moen understood this and included its Reflex System. It will retract the hose once you’re finished and hold it in place, preventing any drooping.
Flexible Installation
This faucet is also equipped with Moen’s Duralock system. All you need to do is snap the lines together and you’re good to go. The faucet is designed to fit both one and three-hole sinks — and a deck plate is included.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Work Well with Hard Water
Unfortunately, this seems to be a common problem for Moen: its faucets don’t cope well with hard water. The mineral deposits get stuck in the filters, where they eventually cause leaks.
Fortunately, Moen seems to be happy to send a replacement.
Product Specs
| Finish | Oil-rubbed bronze |
| Material | Metal |
| Flow rate | 1.5 gallons per minute |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Arch height | 15.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Delta Faucet Trinsic Single-Handle Pull-Down Faucet
Best Voice Activated Pull-Down Faucet
Motion sensor technology has been around for a while, but what if you could control a faucet using your voice? This sounds like science fiction but there are plenty of positive reviews.
This faucet from Delta links to two technologies — Delta’s Touch2O and Alexa. Using voice commands, Alexa can tell your faucet to fill up a pot halfway or fully without you touching anything!
As well as voice control, the faucet features Delta’s signature TempSense and TouchClean. The TempSense will indicate the temperature using colored LEDs.
For anyone who wants to have cutting-edge technology in their kitchen, this single-handle faucet truly has it all.
What We Like
Integrated Alexa Voice Control
This is probably the coolest feature we have seen in a while. A voice-activated faucet is truly cutting-edge.
You can use simple commands such as asking Alexa to turn on the faucet. Alternatively, you can be more specific and ask it to pour one cup or warm the water. It is amazingly versatile.
If you don’t feel like talking or you have a sore throat, the faucet also features touch control.
TempSense LED Lights
TempSense LEDs are another unique feature. Toward the base of the spout, there are LED lights that display colors ranging from blue to red — indicating the temperature. The lights will even tell you when their batteries are low and need to be replaced.
Easy to Clean
Thanks to Delta’s TouchClean feature, the nozzle is very easy to keep clean. It’s made from soft rubber that is resistant to mineral buildup. It will be good to go after a gentle wipe.
What We Don't Like
Requires AC Power Outlet
With this faucet, an AC power outlet is a must. If you don’t have one near your sink, it won’t work.
Product Specs
| Finish | Chrome |
| Material | Zinc |
| Flow rate | 1.8 gallons per minute |
| Warranty | Limited one-year warranty |
| Arch height | 15.7 inches |
Our Ratings
| Product | Award | Finish | Material | Flow rate | Warranty | Arch height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEWE Single Handle | Overall Value | Brushed Nickel | Brass, stainless steel, ABS plastic | N/A | 5-years | 15.7″ |
| Kraus Bolden | Commercial Style | Spot free stainless steel | Brass | 1.8 gal/min | Limited lifetime | 18″ |
| Moen Arbor | High-Tech | Spot free stainless steel | Metal | 1.5 gal/min | Limited lifetime | 15.5″ |
| Moen Brantford | Oil-Rubbed Bronze | Oil-rubbed bronze | Metal | 1.5 gal/min | Limited lifetime | 15.5″ |
| Delta Faucet | Voice Activated | Chrome | Zinc | 1.8 gal/min | Limited 1-year | 15.7″ |
Pull-Down vs Pull-Out
On your quest to find the best pull-down faucet, you might have encountered another type called pull-out. It’s easy to confuse the two as they look very similar.
However, they work in different ways and each has different pros and cons. You don’t want to buy a pull-down only to discover that it is actually a pull-out and you’re missing out on some special features.
Pull-out faucets are less popular. There are still many excellent faucets but they are less versatile than pull-downs. Some users suggest that pull-outs are more awkward to use, but they are intended for use in small spaces.
The main difference between the two types is the motion you use when extending the sprayer. With a pull-out, you pull towards yourself to extend it, whereas a pull-down requires a downwards motion.
The most reliable way to spot the difference is the shape of the spout. Pull-downs have a high arch whereas pull-outs have a straight spout and no significant arch.
For Smaller Kitchens
Pros and Cons of Pull-Down Faucets
As versatile as pull-down kitchen faucets are, they aren’t perfect. There is a list of pros and cons to consider before you spend any money.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed: Everything about the pull-down motion is smooth and easy. It’s natural and requires just one fluid motion, which means less maneuvering of hoses and sprayers.
- Provides height clearance for the sink: As pull-downs are designed with a high arch, they provide more space in the sink. Even with shallow sinks, there will be added space under the spout.
- Ideal for tall pots: This is another advantage of the high arch. It allows you to place tall pots in the sink without needing to maneuver around a low spout.
- Ideal for high-demand use: Most pull-downs are durable and designed for hard work. They include extra features that prevent leaks and extend their service life.
- Excellent for deep sinks: Pull-down faucets were created for use in deep sinks.
- Plenty of features available: This ultimately depends on the manufacturer but most pull-downs include extra features such as magnetic locks, motion detection, or touch control.
Cons
- Require higher water pressure: Pull-down faucets aren’t recommended for use in kitchens with low inlet water pressure.
- Cheaper models are less durable: Unfortunately, you can’t afford to be cheap with a pull-down faucet. One important feature is the magnetic dock, which is usually only included with pricier models.
- Shorter hose: One common issue is that the sprayer hoses aren’t as long as those of other types. Pull-down sprayer hoses usually reach a maximum of 20 inches and the shortest might be even less.
How to Choose a Pull-Down Faucet
Although a kitchen faucet may seem like a relatively simple part of your home, there are some important things to consider before buying. This is particularly true when it comes to pull-down faucets. Here are a few key things to look at:
Cabinet Space
Pull-down faucets require some additional free space in the cabinet below the sink. They have a long hose that should ideally hang freely when not in use. You don’t want a wayward hose constantly knocking over the cleaning products beneath your sink.
Here’s what to look for:
- Vertical space: Ensure there’s enough room under the sink in the base cabinet for the hose.
- No obstructions: Clear out everything that might prevent the hose from hanging freely. If it is forced to bend too much, it might tangle and become unusable.
Spout Height
Pull-down kitchen faucets are far from the smallest type. They have an elegant high arch and long necks that make them considerably taller than most other faucets.
Their high arch requires some extra space around the sink (1). If you have a free-standing sink with plenty of overhead space, you won’t need to worry about this.
Otherwise, it’s essential that you measure how much space you have between any wall-mounted cabinets and the sink. Make sure you measure accurately and compare it to the size of the neck of the faucet.
Retraction System
If a pull-down faucet doesn’t have a retraction system or another locking device for the sprayer head, don’t bother buying it. A drooping sprayer isn’t very useful and will be an eyesore.
This system isn’t absolutely necessary from a functional perspective. You can still use the faucet. The water will still run when you open the tap and you can pull the hose down.
However, it won’t dock, which means it will always sit loosely. Pricier models and manufacturers such as Moen and Delta Faucet always include a docking device. If you’re looking at less-known brands or less expensive alternatives, make sure there is a locking device included.
Sprayer Modes
Another great benefit of a pull-down faucet is the various sprayer modes. These usually let you choose between two settings — an aerated stream or a powerful sprayer — so you can use the ideal pressure for each task (2).
Big brands such as Moen and Delta Faucet have created their own sprayer technologies. From Moen, we have Power Clean, whereas Delta Faucet offers ShieldSpray, which prevents splashing.
Don’t just settle for any pull-down — look for sprayer settings. There are plenty of options that will help you in the kitchen.
FAQs
Is a Pull-Down or Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet Better?
In most cases, it is better to get a pull-down faucet than a pull-out one. They are far more versatile, more visually appealing, and leave more space between the faucet and the sink, allowing you to fit larger pans and bowls under it. At the same time, pull-down faucets require more space and won’t be suitable in every kitchen. If you have a limited amount of space, a pull-out faucet is likely a better option and will still serve you well.
Do Pull-Down Faucets Break Easily?
Modern kitchen faucets should last at least 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Pull-down faucets are more susceptible to wear and tear than conventional taps, due to their additional components such as hoses. Technology is always improving, however, and a pull-down faucet from a respected brand should still last you at least a decade. Check the warranty, as it is usually a good indicator of how much faith brands have in their products.
Should a Kitchen Faucet Line Up With the Drain?
Ideally, you want your kitchen faucet to line up with the drain. This will encourage water to flow straight down the drain, which reduces the amount of time it spends in contact with the rest of your sink. Stagnant water is more likely to cause a build-up of dirt in your sink, so try to line up the faucet if possible. This is far easier with faucets that swivel, which include many pull-down faucet models.
Are Pull-Down Faucets Worth It?
Pull-down faucets are worth it and popular among homeowners because they provide a higher level of control than other types of faucets. When it comes to washing dishes, having a selection of spouts and spraying patterns might be helpful.
This more ergonomic solution requires the user to make fewer movements overall. The hose can only be twisted to a certain extent, which may increase its durability.
Do Pull-Down Faucets Leak?
Pull-down faucets can also exhibit several problems, which can leak. You may discover that the hose connected to the sprayer on your kitchen faucet has developed a leak at some point.
This occurs most frequently when the hose is worn out, but it can also occur when the hose connectors become defective.
The simplest and most effective option in either scenario is simply replacing the hose. This will be a lot less expensive than replacing the entire faucet system, and it is also simple enough that virtually anyone can do it on their own.
Do Pull-Down Faucets Swivel?
Some pull-down faucets swivel, but they don’t all have this feature.
Do Pull-Down Faucets Have Aerators?
Yes, pull-down faucets have aerators. If the aerators in your faucet become blocked with mineral or grit buildup, you will need to clean them to bring the water flow back to normal.
This is a typical concern in areas with a high mineral concentration in their water supply, such as those found in several locations.
The vast majority of people are completely unaware that this fitting even exists, so they frequently contact a plumber to handle repairs that could not be simpler.
The aerator can usually be fixed by giving it a thorough cleaning, but if that does not work, you may need to replace the fitting that attaches it to the machine.
In most cases, the aerator will be securely attached using screws, and it will be possible to easily remove it by simply unscrewing the screws.
