Let’s start with the big question. Pre Rinse vs. Pull Down — which should I choose? To be honest, before we started researching for this article, We didn’t even knew how to differentiate between the two! But during the research, We found that there are some critical differences between two faucet styles – Pre Rinse vs. Pull Down. This article will focus on how ”Pre Rinse” and ”Pull Down” faucets compare and contrast. Hopefully, you will find this information helpful when you go to choose a new kitchen faucet in the future.
The pre-rinse faucet is generally considered to be the best option for commercial kitchens. However, if you have a tight installation area or a double tub sink, a pull-down faucet will give you greater flexibility. This is especially true when large pots, pans, need to be cleaned.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each style.
Pre Rinse vs. Pull Down Faucets - What is the difference?
Both pre-rinse and pull down faucets have several similar elements.
- They typically have a high arch spout, which allows for easy access to the sink basin.
- Both faucet types are designed for commercial kitchens and are great for home use as well.
- They both offer a spray head that allows you to easily clean dishes and vegetables, as well as fill large pots and pans with water.
- Both of them have an aerated stream or spray setting, which allows for filling glasses, washing hands, and other tasks.
- They both feature a pull-down hose that makes it easy to reach every corner of your sink basin.
What sets them apart?
- A pre-rinse faucet has a tall spout, up to 18 inches tall, allowing you to reach into the sink and rinse dishes easily.
- A pull-down faucet has a shorter spout, usually between 6 and 8 inches. The pull-down feature makes it easier to get under the faucet for cleaning.
- The design of pre-rinse faucets is more tactile than pull-down models. With a simple handle or lever, it’s easy to determine whether you are turning the water on or off just by touch.
- Pull-down faucets often have a single handle that controls both water temperature and flow. These models have an integrated spray nozzle that can be pulled down from the faucet for greater control when rinsing dishes.
- Most pre-rinse faucets operate via manual levers or handles, but some models feature a single handle with a joystick design to turn on and off effortlessly.
What is a Pre Rinse Faucet?
Pros an Cons when choosing a Pre Rinse Kitchen Faucet
The Pros
- Impressive Design: These faucets add a modern touch to any kitchen setup, with their high-arcing spouts that provide more space for washing dishes or filling containers with water. The height is perfect for a deep sink and the installation is simple.
- Cleaning power: The strong spray from these faucets makes it quick and easy to clean large pots and pans or other dishes. There is no better solution when it comes to cleaning greasy dishes than using a pre rinse faucet with its spray valve that releases water at high pressure. It is also easier to do things like rinsing off the cutting board or removing food particles from large pots and pans.
- Tall Height: This type of faucet is tall enough to work well with deep sinks or even farmhouse sinks (with the right accessories).
- Quality build: Commercial grade pre-rinse faucets are made from the best materials and are very durable. They can withstand thousands of hours of use and abuse, which is why we see them in restaurants. They are made from stainless steel, brass, ceramic mixing valve and cast brass body ensuring durability in harsh environments.
The Cons
- Water efficiency-wise: As pre-rinse faucets tend to spray water, they require a higher water pressure. This means that they end up using more water than a traditional faucet.
- Installation is another factor to consider: If you are replacing an old faucet, you should make sure that your new one is compatible with your sink. Most manufacturers will provide this information on their website or in their product manual. The last thing you would want is to have your faucet delivered only to find out that it doesn’t fit in your sink!
- Not suitable for tight spaces: In addition, the pre-rinse faucet is definitely going to take up more space than the traditional faucet. This makes it unsuitable for people who have small kitchens or limited space on their sinks.
- Quite expensive: Pre-rinse faucets are not that commonly found in households and as a result, they tend to be quite pricey. The extra features that it comes with also make it more expensive.
What type of Pre Rinse Faucet should I choose?
Wall-Mounted
Deck-Mounted
In addition to Pre Rinse Faucets, there are also Touchless options for your home
Delta Pre-Rinse Touchless Faucet
APPASO Pre-Rinse Touchless Faucet
Moen Pre-Rinse Touchless Faucet
What is a Pull Down Faucet?
Pros an Cons when choosing a Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
The Pros
- Ergonomic Design: Pull down faucets look great in any kitchen and they are also designed ergonomically compared to other types of faucets. The spout is usually flexible so you can reach all parts of your sink with ease.
- Many Spraying Options: Most pull down faucets come with different spraying options such as spray patterns and various water flow settings. You can mix or stream water depending on your needs.
- Ideal for Filling and Rinsing: Pull down faucets are very useful in the kitchen, they provide you with the ability to clean and wash large dishes easily. Pull down faucets have a long hose that will allow you to fill large pots with water or be able to reach your entire sink.
- Perfect for Deep Sinks: Pull-down faucets with sprayers work great with deep kitchen sinks, so if you have one, you can certainly use them. Deep sinks have become quite popular because they can easily hold large pots and pans without any problems, but, with a regular sink, it is impossible to clean your cookware without using the sprayer
The Cons
- Splashing Problems: One disadvantage is splashing in shallow kitchen sinks. If you have a shallow sink, the water from the spray head will splash back up onto your clothes and the countertop around it.
- Height Issues: Can be too tall for certain kitchens – if your cabinets sit low on your countertop you may have an issue with clearance.
- Hose Lenght: A pull down spout can only extend so far away from the faucet itself. This could be an issue if you have a large kitchen or especially large pots and pans that you need to wash with your sink sprayer.
- Docking Issues: One final con is that on the cheap pull down options the spray head doesn’t dock properly hanging out of the spout. If this happens water will drip from the spout and make a mess.
How to choose a Pull Down Faucet?
More and more pull down faucets are coming with features like touch-free activation. Below are a few examples.
Kohler Pull Down Touchless Faucet
Delta Pull Down Touch2O Faucet
Moen Pull Down Touchless Faucet
Would you like to know more about different types of faucets? Read our Touch vs Touchless Faucet Comparison Guide.
Pre Rinse vs Pull Down Faucet - Final Verdict
So, which do you prefer: a pull down vs pre rinse? Well, the decision is ultimately up to you. The pull-down faucet is a good all-around choice, and it doesn’t require the additional space needed for a pre rinse model. But if you have the extra space, go with the pre rinse. As with most things in life, sometimes more room allows for more freedom of movement.
Considering the many factors that go into sink design, it’s clear that choosing the right faucet is really a matter of personal preference. Just because one type of faucet happens to be better than another one in one regard doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a better choice overall. This means that you should take some time to think about what you want and which faucet will give you those features before making a purchase.