The Kitchen Faucet: Pull Down, Pull Out, or Side Spray?
Decisions in every detail, down to your faucet accessories. Our comparison of the three common sprayer faucets will help you make the right decision with confidence.
Shopping for a kitchen faucet?
We’ve demystified one of the differentiating factors to help you on your quest for the perfect faucet: sprayer type. There’s the pull down kitchen faucet, the pull out kitchen faucet, and the kitchen faucet with side sprayer.
Put simply, there are two options with integrated spray functions: a pull down faucet, which features a head that pulls down into the sink, and a pull out faucet, which pulls straight out, true to their names.
A faucet without an integrated spray head is often available with a side spray, which looks like another small faucet. The side spray’s long hose allows it to be pulled out and maneuvered to spray wherever you want it to spray in your sink, much like an integrated spray head but in a separate entity.
So which spray type is right for you? We’ll help you decide in the great pull down vs. pull out faucet vs. side sprayer debate.
The pull down kitchen faucet
Pros:
- Ergonomically correct: one fluid motion and less maneuvering for use
- Ideal for filling tall pots and pitchers in the sink
- High-arc design for more height clearance in the sink
- Recommended for frequent use and deep sinks
Cons:
- Cheaper models are prone to dangling heads due to faulty weights and mechanisms designed to keep the head docked; ensure that your faucet description includes a magnetic docking system for best results
- Not recommended for kitchens with low water pressure
- Often has a shorter hose than other sprayers
The pull out kitchen faucet
Pros:
- Longer hose for better reach and ability to fill pots on the counter
- Low profile for cramped sink areas and low cabinets
- Less splashing than pull down faucets
Cons:
- Not ideal for filling tall pots or pitchers
- More limited style and design options
- Does not offer the same ergonomic operation as a pull down faucet
The faucet with side spray
Pros:
- Aesthetics; works with all faucet styles
- Gives spray capabilities to non-sprayer faucets
- May be necessary to fill existing faucet holes
- Traditional design
Cons:
- Additional hole in countertop
- Spray is not integrated into the faucet head; may be more awkward to use
- Must hold trigger to spray; no lock-spray mode
- Less pressure than built-in spray
