Retractable Pull-out/Pull-down Kitchen Faucets

12 years ago

We want pull-out or pull-down kitchen and prep sink faucets that automatically retract themselves into the base unit without one having to use two hands to feed the thing back in. We've seen some pull-outs/pull-downs in friends' houses but haven't seen any that retract automatically. We've also seen some online advertised as retractable, but wonder how retractable they really are. As we're sure you all know, samples set up in most showrooms are seldom mounted as they would be in a real kitchen, so we don't trust them as representative of real-life examples. We're sure you can tell our real question is: Are there any truly self-retracting pull-out/pull-down faucets out there that work as advertised? Thanks for your input and, hopefully, recommendations!

Featured Answer

uroboros5

12 years ago

I have Kohler's SIMPLICE, and there is a weight on the hose that makes it retract with very little force.

IT'S SIMPLY AN AMAZING FAUCET.

It's not automatic, but it works like a charm.

The models in hardware store are not installed normally, you can't test it out at hardware stores.

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Comments (12)

davidro1
12 years ago
a weight on the hose is the most common way to ensure the hose retracts. These days almost ALL hose-based faucets have a weight on the hose.

another way is with a slinky spring on the hose. Some Grohe faucets have this. They work well when installed. Good luck finding a showroom with this installed.

--

another way to get the same advantages as a spray wand on a long hose that you pull out of the faucet's tube is to have a spray wand that can be moved around, without any hose under the countertop. Big springs around the flexible hose are one way. There are several other ways to have a spray wand that is moveable, without any hose under the counter..
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Sorry, but Suzannes1 is not 100% clear about what the differences are between the pull-out and the pull-down faucets. Much of the difference has to do with the reach and the height of the faucet, not solely the detachment end of it. Anyway, a pull-out reaches farther into the sink (you can get the measurements on any manufacturer's website), and the height is lower than a pull-down. A pull-out's sprayer points down, but at a slightly outward angle. A pull-down has the sprayer pointing straight down, its height is taller than a pull-out, and typically does not have as long a reach as a pull-down. There are pros and cons of both types, and there is no "correct" choice - it depends upon what you like, the aesthetics of your kitchen, and most of all, what feels good in your hand. The very best thing you can do is go to a kitchen/bathroom showroom, and feel them for yourself. Also, if you have cabinets above your sink, check the height; a height constraint may eliminate the pull-downs for you. Some people feel the pull-downs are more ergonomic when using the spray feature cause they point straight down. On the other hand, some have reported that the pull-downs are harder on the back because they are closer to the back of the sink, making your arm have to reach more in order to rinse something under the faucet. Also some people feel that the pull-downs that are close to the back of the sink leave more water puddling behind the sink. Other people like the pull-downs better because they like the aesthetics more. If you opt for a pull-down, make sure you get one with a magnet that will retract the head; otherwise you may get a dangling head that will be annoying. I am going to link an old thread which sums up the pull-out and pull-down faucets quite thoroughly. Here is a link that might be useful: Thread Called Pull-down vs. Pull-out Faucet
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Here are some pros/cons. I'm sure others will have things to add as well: Pull Down A faucet in which the faucet head pulls straight down toward the bottom of the sink. For example, Kohler Vinnata, Kohler Simplice Pros Supposed to be better "ergonomically." The movement of grabbing the faucet head and pulling down is a more natural movement than grabbing it and pulling it out. It has to do with how you have to grab a hold of the head. Can fit taller pots, pitchers, etc. under them b/c of the high arc Look cool! :-) Cons Not easy to do "hands free" pot filling when a pot is on the counter next to the sink (as opposed to in the sink) If not careful, more splashing than a pullout or non-pull faucet the water has to travel an additional 8 to 10 inches (depending on the height of the faucet) further reduces the pressure Pull Out A faucet in which the faucet head pulls out toward you. For example, Kohler Fairfax Pros Easier to fill pots on the counter next to the sink. You just pull the faucet head out, hook it on the side of the pot, and go! Then when full, just move/slide it over, no lifting it out of the sink. Less splashing than a pull down Lower profile, especially useful if you have a faucet in a small area (where a high arc would overwhelm) or if you have limited height to work with (like under a cabinet) Cons Unless you have a very deep sink, cannot fit a tall pot or pitcher under it Personally, I have both...a pull down at the main/cleanup sink and a pullout at the prep sink. The original reason I got a pullout at the prep sink is that it's in the corner close to the cabinets above and I wanted a lower profile faucet. But now I'm glad I got it as it's easier to fill pots on the side. The other thing it's easier to fill is the bucket for clean water for the fish tank! When it has 5 gallons in it, it's too heavy to easily lift out of the deep sinks we have and then take it out...it's much easier to fill it on the counter and take it off w/o additional lifting up. Pull Down: Kohler Vinnata Pullout: Kohler Fairfax
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I like a pulldown. Sidespray is too fiddly and pullouts aren't as massive, meaning I don't get the spout length my shortness requires. :) I have a Kohler Simplice right now as a temporary faucet. It's okay but the spray button doesn't work right. I shoulda exchanged it but I was lazy--Kohler makes a good faucet and I just got a dud. Previously I had a huuuuge Hansgrohe Allegro Pro, selected purely by size (I was having back issues with the faucet spout length in my unremodeled kitchen). It looked like an alien space craft from the original War of the Worlds movie. Great faucet BUT! Like others, I found that the HG spray button wasn't a simple on/off mechanism. You could turn it on, you could turn it off, but if you turned off the water, it would revert to stream. Not a big deal unless you are a Tapmaster user trying to conserve water while washing veggies with the sprayer. I'll probably get another one when I remodel anyway. :) So whatever you get, make sure the spray/stream mechanism works the way you want. What we think is an obvious function may not have occurred to the faucet designers. (The Simplice--if the button acts like it should--is the way it should be. On or off, until you change it.)
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I prefer a pull-out because I have short arms, and don't like having to reach the few extra inches towards the back of the sink to rinse things under a pull-down. I know it's only a matter of a 2 or 3 inches of difference in reach, but standing at the sink with a pull-down which is toward the back of the sink is hard for me. I prefer that a pull-out has a reach that is closer to me. I have never found using the spray in a pull-out to be awkward. This topic is difficult with no "correct" answer - so much depends on the design of the individual faucet, regardless whether it's a pull-out or pull-down. When shopping for a faucet, it is helpful to see them on display, so that you can feel how they feel in your hand. It's like shopping for jeans - everyone fits differently. If it is not possible to see them in a showroom, create a copy of the faucet from aluminum foil rolled up into the dimensions of the faucet (which are found on the manufacturers' websites), and see if you can picture how they would look and feel that way.
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janralix
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, uroboros5. We'll check it out.

Another comment I should have included: some of the pull-out/pull-down units seem to fit very loosely back into their base units. I would like to hear from anyone that has such a faucet that snugs back nice and tightly. Does the Simplice do that, uroboros5, or are we looking for something that does not exist?
friedajune
12 years ago
Instead of worrying about retracting, you could get something like:

Blanco Meridian Semi Professional Faucet

Kraus KPF-1602 (with two faucets in one)

I linked those two cause they're less expensive than most of the faucets that are in that style. If you have a bigger budget, check out the Hansgrohe Semi-Pro, Franke FF-1700 or KWC Systema.
blubird
12 years ago
I have the Delta Arabella pull-down. Many of the reasonably priced Delta faucets have the magnetic docking feature. They are easy to pull-down or guide back into place with one hand. As the head gets close the magnet will pull the head back where it belongs.

Helene
janralix
Original Author
12 years ago
akchicago and blubird - We'll check those out - thanks!
fivefootzero
12 years ago
Ditto the Delta faucets. We have the Leland single handle. It is weighted and has a magnet to retract it to the base, and it fits very snug.
erinct
12 years ago
janralix: YES! Moen came out with what they call the Reflex technology and I saw it work in person (although mine is yet to be installed!). It is amazing. All you have to do is let go of the pull down piece and it retracts on its own and fits snugly in place. You should really check it out. Prices are very reasonable! Here's a link where it's been discussed more. There are other threads too if you search Moen and Reflex and Gardenweb on google. HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Moen Reflex Thread
blubird
12 years ago
Of course, everyone uses their faucets differently, but I'm glad my delta doesn't retract automatically. As I'd mentioned in another thread, I pull out my faucet and fill large stockpots, resting the head on the edge of the pot - using it as a pot filler. It frees up my hands to do something else. I also find that if I pull out the hose and wash out pots or whatever else needs to be washed, I get less splashing if the head is lower in the sink. I'd hate to fight against an automatic retraction feature. When I'm done, I just use my hand to push the faucet head back towards its dock where the magnet attracts it the last inch or so.

Helene
erinct
12 years ago
Great point blubird, about filling large pots! I hadn't thought of that (add it to the long list!), but I don't currently use my faucet in that way and I'll have a pot filler in the new kitchen, so hopefully it won't be an issue for me. Maybe Moen will come out with some type of locking function for those who do though!
brianadarnell
12 years ago
I just got the moen reflex technology (brantford). I've been using it for about a week and I really love it. It has a weight on the hose that pulls it back in. So problems so far. One nice feature is that the black (spray/pause/resume) button can be turned so that it can be in the front or the back.
janralix
Original Author
12 years ago
Great stuff, everyone. Lots to consider, and we'll look at all those suggestions!

Retractable Pull-out/Pull-down Kitchen Faucets

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