A pull down kitchen faucet has a tall, arched spout with a spray head that detaches and pulls straight down into the sink on a hose, then retracts back into the spout. It suits deep single-bowl and farmhouse sinks, households that rinse large pots and produce, and anyone who wants a sprayer without a separate side unit. This collection holds about 180 faucets, plus a few sink and faucet bundles.
List prices start around $45 per faucet. Most models cost between about $120 and $245, with a typical faucet near $155, and premium designs or bundles with a sink reach about $1,200. Availability changes by finish, so check stock status on each listing.
Pull-Down, Pull-Out and Spring Spouts Compared
- Pull-down. A high arched spout with the head pulling straight down. Gives plenty of clearance under the spout for filling pots and works best in deep sinks.
- Pull-out. A shorter spout with the head pulling toward you. Better under low cabinets or windows and in shallow sinks, but the shorter spout leaves less room under it.
- Spring or coil. A commercial-style spout wrapped in an exposed spring. Titles in this range often mention spring designs; they look industrial and give a long reach.
If you already know you want a separate side sprayer instead, compare our faucets with side sprayers.
Matching the Faucet to Your Sink Holes and Cabinets
Count the holes in your sink or countertop before you shop. Most pull-down faucets need one hole. If you have three, choose a model with a deck plate that covers the extras, many listings here mention one. A fourth hole can take a soap dispenser, and a few faucets include one. Then measure:
- Height clearance. Check the distance from the deck to any shelf, cabinet or window sill above the sink. Tall arched spouts can hit an open window sash.
- Reach. The spout should land near the center of the bowl or over the drain, not on the back wall of the sink.
- Under-sink space. The hose needs room to drop and slide freely; a garbage disposal or water filter can get in the way.
Spray Modes and How the Head Returns
Most spray heads in this range offer at least two modes, a steady aerated stream for filling and a wider spray for rinsing; titles often call it dual-function. Some add a pause button that stops flow while you move the head between bowls. The head returns by gravity: a weight clamps onto the hose under the sink and pulls it back into the spout. A single handle pull down kitchen faucet with 360-degree swivel lets you run water and adjust temperature with one hand while the other holds the head.
Finishes: Black, Gold, Nickel, Chrome and Copper
Black is the most common color in this collection, followed by gold, silver tones and copper. Brushed surfaces lead, ahead of polished and matte.
- Matte black suits modern and industrial kitchens; the full color range is in black kitchen faucets.
- Brushed gold and satin brass bring warmth beside white cabinets and stone counters; see more in brass faucets.
- Brushed nickel is a forgiving finish that hides water spots and fingerprints. A brushed nickel pull down kitchen faucet suits almost any stainless sink.
- Polished chrome is bright and easy to wipe, but shows spots more.
- Copper tones warm up farmhouse kitchens.
What the Body Is Made Of
Copper-based alloys such as brass are the most common body material here, followed by other metals and stainless steel. Brass resists corrosion and holds threads well. A stainless steel body is light and naturally rust resistant. Zinc alloy parts appear on budget designs and are less durable at stress points. US rules require faucets for drinking water to be lead free, meaning a weighted average of no more than 0.25% lead on wetted surfaces.
Installation and Upkeep
- Most US sinks use 3/8-inch compression supply connections; confirm your shutoff valves match the faucet lines.
- Federal rules cap kitchen faucet flow at 2.2 gallons per minute, and some states set 1.8.
- Rub the rubber spray nozzles every few weeks to clear mineral buildup.
- Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive pads and bleach, which damage finishes.
- Replace the hose if it kinks or leaks rather than taping it.
To browse all other spout styles, see the full kitchen faucet collection.
Pull-Down Faucet FAQ
Is a pull-down or pull-out faucet better?
Pull-down faucets are better for deep sinks and tall pots because of their high spout. Pull-out faucets suit shallow sinks and tight spaces under cabinets or windows. Both offer similar spray functions.
Can I use a pull-down faucet in a bathroom?
Some vanity faucets have pull-down sprayers, but most kitchen models are too tall for a bathroom basin and splash in a shallow bowl. A bathroom faucet with a pull-down sprayer is a different, smaller design. Choose kitchen models for kitchen sinks.
Why won't my spray head retract fully?
The hose weight under the sink may have slipped too close to the faucet, or the hose is catching on pipes or stored items. Move the weight down the hose and clear the space around it. A worn hose can also stiffen over time.
Can I replace only the pull-down faucet head?
Often yes, but hose connectors differ between makers. Note the model of your faucet and match the connection before buying a new head. If the hose is also worn, replacing both at once saves a second job.
Do I need a separate hole for the sprayer?
No. The spray head is built into the spout, so a pull-down faucet needs only one hole. Extra holes can be covered with a deck plate or used for a soap dispenser.