Debbie12153, there are two different features: one is having to hold the spray button down in order to spray, and the other is a default feature in which the faucet will automatically revert to regular flow when the faucet is turned off. The default feature is entirely separate from the feature where you have to hold the button down to stay on spray. From what you and Lharpie are describing, it is the default feature you want. Frankly, you couldn't pay me to own a faucet where you had to keep holding the button to stay on spray. But the default feature, for me, is a must. I have the Grohe Ladylux3 Plus. You do not have to hold the button for it to stay on spray, and it defaults to regular flow when you turn the water off. There is also a toggle button so that you can choose to go back and forth between regular and spray while in use. The Ladylux3 Plus is a pull-out style, not a pull-down. The pull-out faucets tend to have less splashing than the pull-down faucets. I have never found that the "ergonomics" of a pull-out are not as good, at least with the Grohes, but that is an individual decision. To the OP - excessive splashing may be from your water pressure, not your faucet.

We are installing the Ove Lourdes stand alone vanity from Costco which does not come with a side splash. We are tucking it in along the left hand wall so I was concerned about in not having a backsplash, mainly for visual purposes. Our professional designer said that we do not need a side splash visually or practically.

I feel your pain. Me too with this problem. ALL of the faucets that have the 1 centimeter spray fitting/water-recuduction fitting screwed into the middle of the head will do that. Our old facets put out more water AND it was aerorated better - in incorporation of air is what keeps it from splashing and makes a softer stream. On new faucets you have less water, so they try to fool you by making the stream stronger AND SPLASHIER. Hence, you get splashed water everywhere. #1 look for a commercial-style faucet that has a wide (but slower) water spray. #2 stop voting for these people that make up these intrusive regulations. For an interim fix, I take a clip of some sort and pull the faucet down about 4 inches, attache the clip to the hose so it won't reel back in, and that helps.

Great info everyone. Thank you. I wonder if this changes the calculus: I forgot to mention that they will be using a free standing range instead of a slide in because they are much less expensive. Does having the back of the free standing change any recommendations about what is put on the wall behind it? @Travestine Yes, they do cook almost all of their meals at home. Two of them. No kids. In their 60s. Small kitchen. I suggest she ask the contractor to install a fireproof wall behind the induction range. For 25 years they have had a gas range in the exact same space where they will be putting their induction range. Is there something about induction that necessitates a fireproof wall that a gas does not? Is it the vent at the back that is a fire hazard? I believe the walls are plaster. The exterior walls are extremely thick stone walls. 1930s house.