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Choosing a kitchen faucet with more features will likely get you to choose between the pull-down and pull-out faucet. What’s the difference and which is better? We will find out in this article.
In a nutshell: The pull-down faucet is better for efficiency but the pull-out faucet is ideal for small spaces. It’s your decision to make based on your requirements.
To better understand which is better, though, we need to know how they are different as well as their pros and cons. This is the aim of this article. We will do our best to help you decide.
Editor’s note: I’ve noticed that some people use the terms pull-out and pull-down differently. In some cases, these are contradictory. This article is based on the terminology used by the majority of manufacturers and brands. That is, the pull-down faucet is one you pull down on its entire body (usually distinguished by the exposed spring coil), and the pull-out is the sprayer head with a hose you pull out of the faucet’s spout.
Let’s get to it.
What's Inside
Pull-Down Faucet
Check Out the Top 10 Best Pull-down Kitchen Faucets
The pull-down system is an emerging kitchen faucet trend. The device lets water flow perfectly and keeps things neat. Pull-down kitchen faucets are a hanging, pull-out style of faucet that connects to the sink with a hose. They are mostly appreciated for their accuracy regarding how the water is sent out and not running everywhere – resulting in a cleaner kitchen. For this reason, you’ll notice many of the models labeled as “commercial” style alluding to their efficiency.
Some people prefer a pull-down faucet to a pull-out or standard kitchen faucet. A pull-down has a hose and snout system that allows you to pull it closer into the sink when you wish. Pull-down is fitted with higher neck arcs for a modern look. It often comes in durable finishes like chrome or brushed nickel and can be practical for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Pull-Out Faucet
Check Out the Top 10 Best Pull-out Kitchen Faucets
A pull-out kitchen faucet is a type of faucet that takes very little space. Those people who use it like the compact design and find it worth a shot. Pull-out kitchen faucets are often referred to as compact. Pull-outs are best utilized for smaller sinks in kitchens because their small design doesn’t take up much space. It is rare to see them being used in large kitchens.
These fixtures commonly offer a nozzle and hose located in the fixture that is movable and extendable. You can take out the nozzle and hose from the fixture to reach other sinks or terrain in your home. This specific type of kitchen faucet is one of the most effective on the market today because it typically takes up minimal space while maintaining effectiveness.
With these types of faucet, to activate the sprayer, you need to pull out the handle; instead of pulling on the top head as in a pull-down faucet. Also, this experience is not limited by side clearance limitations that exist with a pull-down fixture, and because of this range-extending functionality, it offers unbendable maneuverability.
How They Are Similar
The purpose of both fixtures is to provide a retractable faucet spout or sprayer extension. It’s a feature that enables you to move the faucet closer to the dishes, even over the countertop.
The price of both kinds of faucets is more or less similar and depends on the brand and the set of features.
How They Are Different
Pull-down faucets have taller spouts and a short spray hose. Pull-out faucets have shorter spouts but longer hoses which are great for moving around twin sinks because you can spray water with the handle, which you might not do with a pull-down. Pull-down kitchen taps use a high arc design which makes it easy to clean dishes, while pull-out faucets are smaller but have a long retractable hose giving you flexibility in where you’re washing.
Pull-Out Faucet Pros
Pull-out faucets are smaller, and so they are ideal in small kitchens. Their long pull-out hoses enable you to move it over the countertop and fill pots if needed. You have more flexibility because the sprayer head moves freely.
If you, for instance, need to use the faucet for something other than what’s in your sink, such as filling pots or watering plants off your kitchen countertops — a task that would entail moving everything to the sink — you are free to do so with this type of installation.
Another advantage is its balance which eliminates back spray when fully open.
Pull-Out Faucet Cons
If you have a big hand, it can be uncomfortable to grip the small handle on pull-out faucets. This is because these handles are not easy to grasp for filling larger pots or pans. The small spout also means it’s not as comfortable to use in the retracted position.
Pull-Down Faucet Pros
A pull-down faucet often has a variety of spraying options. The faucet may also require one downward motion to get the job done quickly and easily, which is ergonomic for the person using it. If you have a deep sink in your kitchen, this would be the perfect option for you as you will not need to move around with the sprayer head.
This type of faucet has the highest arc, which makes it convenient to fill deep pots. It is also practical for filling containers that are taller than most other types of faucets. Pull-down faucets are more convenient to use in the retracted position as a regular faucet.
Pull-Down Faucets Cons
One problem that comes up with pull-down faucets is that the water pressure might reduce due to the height of the spout. This means you might not be able to draw a nice stream from your faucet. Any cheaper model can cause the sprayer or the spout head to get broken.
Another drawback of pull-down faucets is that they take up a lot of room in the kitchen and may cause splatter (due to the high arc).
Which One is Better?
Ultimately, which faucet style is better depends on your personal preference and how much space you have available in your kitchen sink.
With a pull-down faucet, there will be less space to grab on it. But if you do not need that much handling space, then the pull-down is recommended for ergonomic purposes. When deciding between the two choices of which one to have installed in your sink, you first must consider the sink depth and water pressure.
Ask yourself if the hose is long enough to meet your tasks and how easy it is when you retract it. Check for convenience after use when the hose and faucet head is out of place. It needs to go back together easily, so water doesn’t spatter. Most popular brands have a magnetic lock that ensures the spray wand stays firmly put after being used.
The way the spray button functions on your pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucet will impact your overall satisfaction too. The kind of button you have might determine whether it is easy to switch between modes.
FAQ
Yes, pull-out kitchen faucets are great for small sinks if you want a fixture with more features, but there’s no room for a bigger faucet.
Yes, pull-out kitchen faucets are efficient and convenient in large sinks.
Pull-down faucets don’t leak anymore than other types of faucets and it depends on manufacturer’s quality.
