Pre-Rinse vs Pull-Down Faucets

If you want a new faucet, deciding between a pre-rinse or a pull-down can be difficult. Although their design and function are similar, there are a few key differences. This guide on pre-rinse vs pull-down faucets examines those differences, pointing out the pros and cons so you can decide which is best for you.

Pre-Rinse Faucets Pros and Cons

With a high arc and an exposed hose, pre-rinse faucets have an industrial design. These powerful faucets have a lot of cleaning power, making them perfect for any commercial kitchen. In spite of their functionality, pre-rinse faucets may not be suited for residential settings:

Pros

• Water Pressure - The biggest difference between pre-rinse and pull-down faucets is arguably the water pressure. Pre-rinse faucets use high water pressure to blast off food residue, making the cleaning process easier. If you hate scrubbing, this is a definite plus.
• Tall Height - Pre-rinse faucets have a high arc, making them ideal for filling large, restaurant-size pots and pans. Additionally, if the faucet is installed above a 3-compartment sink, the height makes it easier for the hose to reach into any sink.
• Professional Design - With a metal construction and a stainless steel helix, pre-rinse faucets have an industrial look that stand out in a home kitchen. If you want your kitchen to look like a place where a chef works his or her magic, a pre-rinse faucet can help.

Cons

• Space Limitations - Although the high arc can be an advantage, it takes up valuable overhead space. If you’re thinking about buying a pre-rinse faucet, remember to measure the area above your sink to make sure you have enough room.
• High Price - If you’re in the market for a pre-rinse faucet, expect to pay at least $100, if not $500 or $600, not including installation fees. A basic pull-down model is a little over $30, so there’s no doubt that installing a pre-rinse faucet is a much bigger investment.
• Water Usage - In order to fill restaurant pots and pans, pre-rinse faucets use more water than residential pull-down styles. Even though the difference may not be significant, water efficiency is something to think about, especially in drought-stricken areas.

Pull-Down Faucets Pros and Cons

Similar to pre-rinse faucets, pull-down faucets have a spray wand on a retractable hose that literally “pulls down” from the faucet. These two types of faucets perform the same basic functions, but pull-down faucets have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Various Designs - Pull-down faucets are designed for home kitchens, so they come in a variety of colors and styles. An industrial pre-rinse faucet may look out of place in a quaint cottage kitchen, but you’re sure to find multiple pull-down styles that’ll fit right in.
• Smaller Spaces - Since pull-down faucets are made for home kitchens, they take up a lot less space, the lower arc leaving plenty of room for cabinets over the sink. 
• Less Splashing - Home sinks are shallower than commercial ones, so using a powerful pre-rinse faucet at home may lead to accidentally spraying or splashing water out of the sink. If you don’t want to clean up a second mess, a powerful tool isn’t always better.

Cons

• Less Power - Although you’re less likely to make a mess while cleaning a mess, the lower water pressure makes it more difficult to blast off stubborn food residues. This might be something to consider if you need to clean a lot of dishes.
• Less Reach - Unlike the flexible, spring-guided neck of a pre-rinse faucet, a pull-down faucet’s retractable hose is part of the faucet itself, limiting its reach. If you want to fill a pot that’s sitting on the counter, this limitation can be frustrating.
• Loose Sprayers - Pre-rinse faucets have docking systems to hold the spray valve in place when not in use. Most pull-down faucet sprayers dock securely as well, but some have sprayers that dangle when docked, giving your kitchen an unmaintained look.