Delta Essa Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Review: Key Features Explained

By Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

The delta essa pull-down kitchen faucet suits homeowners who want a modern single-handle faucet with a pull-down sprayer, a matte black finish and a single-hole sink mount. It fits well in kitchens with a single-hole sink deck and in remodels where a clean, contemporary look matters. It is a weaker choice for people with a three-hole sink who need a deck plate, for anyone who wants a touch-activated faucet (the Essa line has separate touch models), or for buyers who want a faucet with a long track record of cartridge-level repairs they can do themselves without ordering parts. Read on for the specifications, the trade-offs and a buying checklist.

Delta Essa Matte Black Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Modern Single Hole Kitchen Sink Faucet, Single Handle, Matte Black 9113-BL-DST

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Product Overview

The Delta Essa Matte Black Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer (model 9113-BL-DST) is a single-handle kitchen faucet designed for a single mounting hole in the sink or countertop. The Essa family is one of Delta’s most recognizable modern kitchen styles, with clean lines, a tapered spout and a pull-down spray head that lets you rinse dishes, fill large pots and reach corners of the sink without moving the faucet body.

The “DST” suffix in the model number refers to Delta’s spray and temperature-style configuration for this line, and the “BL” code identifies the matte black finish. Because the faucet is sold as a complete unit with a pull-down head, you do not need a separate sprayer kit. Owners often report that the matte black finish hides water spots better than polished chrome, though it can show fingerprints and needs a soft cloth and mild soap rather than abrasive cleaners.

The faucet sits in the middle of Delta’s kitchen lineup. It is not positioned as a commercial-style unit, and it is not a touch-activated model. It is a manual, lever-operated faucet aimed at everyday home cooking and cleanup.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists the specifications that are stated in the product name or that Delta publishes consistently for this model family. Where a detail is not confirmed for this exact SKU, it is left out.

Feature	Specification
Brand and line	Delta Essa
Model number	9113-BL-DST
Finish	Matte black
Style	Modern
Handle type	Single handle
Sink installation	Single hole
Spray type	Pull-down sprayer
Operation	Manual (not touch-activated)

Manufacturers generally specify that single-hole faucets like this one require a sink hole of about 1-3/8 inches in diameter, but you should confirm the exact requirement in the installation instructions included with the faucet, since hole size and deck thickness vary by sink. Measure your sink deck before buying. If you have a three-hole sink, you will need a different faucet or a deck plate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Single-hole installation keeps countertop drilling to a minimum and suits many modern sinks.
The matte black finish is a current design choice that pairs well with dark cabinet hardware and stainless or composite sinks.
The pull-down sprayer is useful for rinsing, filling tall pots and cleaning around the sink edge.
Single-handle operation is simple to use with wet hands and is widely familiar to households.
Delta’s parts and service network is broad, so common replacement parts are generally easier to find than for many smaller brands.

Cons

Not a touch-activated model; buyers who want hands-free control will need the separate Essa touch version.
Matte black finishes can show fingerprints and mineral marks and need regular wiping.
Single-hole only; not suitable for three-hole or four-hole sink layouts without accessories.
Owners who mount the faucet on thin or uneven decks sometimes report needing extra gaskets or shims for a tight seal.

Performance Analysis

Performance in a kitchen faucet comes down to three things: flow and spray behavior, leak resistance over time, and how easily the valve can be serviced. Because this review is based on the published specifications and on patterns that owners commonly describe, the points below are framed as expectations rather than lab findings.

On the spray side, pull-down sprayers in this class typically offer a stream mode for filling pots and a spray mode for rinsing. Owners often report that the spray head is comfortable to use and that the retraction returns the head to the spout smoothly, though the feel of the magnetic docking varies a little from unit to unit. Test the docking and spray function as soon as you install the faucet and check that the hose has no kinks before you tighten the mounting nut.

Leak behavior in single-handle faucets usually traces back to the cartridge, O-rings or supply connections rather than to the spout itself. Delta cartridges are widely sold as replacement parts, which makes routine maintenance more practical than with some brands that use proprietary valves. Owners who have needed repairs commonly say the cartridge is the part to replace first when a drip appears at the handle base or when the temperature mix becomes hard to control.

Flow rate should be checked against local water conservation rules. Many faucets in this category are sold with a flow restrictor or are rated to a standard flow figure, and the exact GPM rating for this model should be confirmed in the product documentation before purchase, especially if your region has specific requirements.

Finish durability is another area where owner experience matters. Matte black surfaces are generally sturdy, but they should be cleaned with soft cloths and mild dish soap. Abrasive pads and harsh cleaners can dull the coating over time, so following the care instructions is worth the small effort.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This faucet is a good match for a homeowner replacing a worn single-handle faucet on a single-hole sink who wants a modern look and a pull-down spray without paying for a touch model or a commercial-grade unit. It also suits kitchen remodels where the designer has chosen matte black hardware and wants the faucet to coordinate with dark pulls, range hoods or lighting.

You should skip it if your sink has three or four holes and you do not want to buy a deck plate, if you want hands-free touch activation, or if you prefer a polished or brushed finish that hides fingerprints better. If you need a faucet that is primarily for heavy commercial use, a pro-style unit with higher flow and a different spray design will serve you better.

Buying Guide

Before buying any kitchen faucet, check four things: sink hole count, deck thickness, supply line length and finish. Count the existing holes in your sink or countertop. Measure the deck thickness under the sink, because most faucets specify a maximum deck thickness and a longer or shorter mounting shank may be needed. Check that your supply lines reach the faucet’s inlet tails with room to spare. Finally, consider how the finish will look with your sink, backsplash and hardware, since changing the finish later means replacing the whole faucet.

When comparing options within the Delta Essa line, the most important decision is between the manual matte black model and the touch-activated version. If you want hands-free operation, the touch model is the right direction, and you can see how a touch faucet differs in our review of the Delta Touchless Kitchen Faucet Review (2026) article. For a broader look at pull-down styles from other makers, the Kohler Simplice Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Review: Key Features Explained covers a comparable design approach.

If you are choosing a faucet primarily by hole count, our Three Hole Faucet Kitchen Guide: Setup, Sizing and Buying Tips explains what to do when your sink does not match a single-hole design. For installation, the How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026) walks through shutoff valves, supply lines and mounting nuts.

Two alternatives from the same Essa family are worth comparing before you commit:

Delta Essa Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Arctic Stainless finish. This is the touch-activated option in the line. It suits buyers who want hands-free control and a finish that tends to hide water marks better than matte black.

Delta Essa Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Modern Single Hole Touch On Kitchen Sink Faucet, Single Handle, Arctic Stainless 9113T-AR-DST

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Delta Essa Brushed Gold Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Champagne Bronze finish. This is a warmer-toned alternative in the same single-hole, pull-down configuration, a good fit for kitchens with brass or gold accents.

Delta Essa Brushed Gold Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Modern Single Hole Kitchen Sink Faucet, Single Handle, Champagne Bronze 9113-CZ-DST

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View on Amazon

If you are also planning maintenance, keep in mind that replacement cartridges, spray heads and aerators are sold separately. Our guide Replace Kitchen Faucet Spray Head: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026) shows how to swap the sprayer when it wears out, which is one of the more common repairs on pull-down faucets.

FAQ

Is the Delta Essa pull-down kitchen faucet a touch faucet?

No. The model 9113-BL-DST is a manual, lever-operated single-handle faucet. Delta sells a separate touch-activated version in the Essa line, which is a different product and should be checked by its own model number.

Does it fit a three-hole sink?

The faucet is designed for a single mounting hole. For a three-hole sink, you would need a deck plate that covers the two outer holes, or a different three-hole faucet. Measure your sink before ordering.

What hole size does it need?

Single-hole faucets like this one typically require a hole of roughly 1-3/8 inches. Confirm the exact requirement in the installation instructions, since deck thickness and mounting hardware also matter.

How do I clean the matte black finish?

Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive pads, bleach-based cleaners and harsh chemicals, which can dull or damage the coating over time.

Are replacement parts easy to find?

Delta cartridges, aerators and spray heads are widely sold, and owners often report that parts are easier to source than for many smaller brands. Match the part to your exact model number before ordering.

Can I install it myself?

Many homeowners with basic plumbing skills complete a single-hole faucet installation in an afternoon. Turn off the water supply, disconnect old lines and follow the instructions carefully. If your shutoff valves are corroded or your sink plumbing is unusual, consult a licensed plumber.

Does the pull-down sprayer retract smoothly?

Owners generally describe the retraction and docking as smooth on this style of faucet, though the feel can vary slightly between units. Check the function as soon as you install it.

Final Verdict

The Delta Essa matte black pull-down faucet is a sensible, modern choice for single-hole sinks. Its strengths are the clean look, the pull-down spray and the broad availability of Delta parts. Its limits are the manual operation, the single-hole requirement and the fingerprint-prone finish. If those trade-offs suit your kitchen, it is a dependable option; if you need touch control or a three-hole layout, look at the alternatives above first.