Single hole faucet and soap dispenser on mine. Yes, I use the soap dispenser all the time and it is not in the way at all. I wanted to reduce clutter on the counter including the dish soap that always gets left out--so our soap dispenser has dishwashing detergent in it. We use it for dishwashing--2 to 3 pumps is plenty--and for handwashing--1/2 to 1 pump will do it). It definitely reduces clutter & is one of the best decisions we made in the kitchen & laundry IMO.

Do you really use the instahot? We just use the microwave or kettle if we need super hot water (i.e. instant soup, instant coffee, etc). That would reduce one hole. I like lalitha's idea if you have to have an airgap to pass inspection but don't need it otherwise (replacing it with instahot after inspection).

Hope this helps!

I don't use my soap dispenser.

Here's what the airgap is for:
Lets pretend that for some reason the GD or the drain gets stopped up. Too many artichoke skins choked it. Then someone comes along and turns on the faucet and walks away while yakking on the phone. Sink fills up. To the rim.

Now, the airgap makes sure that the dirty water in the sink does not flow back to the dishwasher and flood your nice new wood floors. Water won't flow back because the connection between the DW and the sink is ABOVE the flood level of the sink.

A 'high-loop' installation will not protect you from this scenario since the top of the loop inside the sink cabinet will be BELOW the flood level of the sink. Mess ensues.

However, there are brands out there that have check valves in the drain line that protects from this scenario. As long as the valve is functional.

I'll have an instahot, single hole faucet and lotion dispenser in my 36" sink. The instahot will go on the far left and the soap dispenser will go on the right since I'm right handed. Love the soap dispenser and will have one in my prep sink too. My 18" prep sink for the island will have a single hole faucet, side spray and soap dispenser. Originally planned to put an air switch for the GD at the prep sink but may move that to the main sink and hide the GD switch under the cabinet in the island. Worried about the clutter at the prep sink. Haven't decided that yet.

You don't need the air gap so only put it in if you have to pass inspection. Then replace it with your soap dispenser (easiest) as soon as you pass. Don't put it in just because you're used to it. You really don't need it.

I'm putting my instahot on the far left because I want it out of the way when I'm washing dishes and accessible when someone wants to use it while I'm washing dishes. Just makes the most sense for me. I had an instahot in my old kitchen and miss it. Use for making tea, hot cocoa for the kids and shaves a bit of time off boiling water when my daughter is going to die if she doesn't have her mac'n cheese now! She fairly dramatic. lol It is one of those things you find plenty of uses for when you have one.

I don't think you'll be too cluttered with the four holes. The air switch is so small you'll barely notice it but you could move it to a switch under the counter if you really want it off the counter.

Mamameme and Lalitha,
I'm in Ca. aslo (Atherton) and our building inspector told me that if I could show him in the installation manuel that an air gap is not required he would pass it.
I have not yet had my final, so can't say for sure that it will pass. I have a two hole bridge faucet, air switch to the left and a hole for a sprayer to the right.

Gigi, I am down the bay from you in Los Altos. Our inspector says the CA code specifically says "an approved airgap device installed above counter irrespective of manufacturer requirements. The argument is what if we sell the house and someone changes the dishwasher.

Silly I know :(

Mamameme --> One other option is a triflow faucet. I don't know if they work for instant hot but I know they work for filtered water. I second the recommendation to keep instant hot away from the soap and regular faucet.

Lalitha

Here is a link that might be useful: Tri-flow faucet

I had dispensers in my old kitchen and put them in again in my recent remodel and hooked them up to Never MT's.

Here is a link that might be useful: Soap dispensers

Thank you for the ideas and the data. I'll double check our DW manual and consult with my plumber friend to see if it's installed properly to remove the air gap. I'll also have to investigate hole sizes needed for future air gap install versus soap pump but I suspect we can make it work that we have a proper sized hole should we ever need an air gap for inspection or sale (however I'm never moving again).

As for the soap dispenser you've all convinced me I that it's useful enough to warrant its space on my counter. I love my instahot and won't even consider doing away with it. Yes, I've survived life up until 6 months without it but it has so many uses it's a must for me: I pre-heat my coffee mug, make hot tea and use it to get a head start on boiling a pot of water (I have three drama queens in my house, lol pooh-pup!). The thing I use it for most consistently is to blast caked on and burned on food stuck to my pots or dishes, especially if I need to run out and am tossing a pan in my sink. It saves me so much time and water to give a little blast to a pot that has egg or sauce on it. I especially love that I can begin to rinse/soak still-hot pans without worrying about warping them.

Keep seeing the Never MT mentioned here so it's time for me to finally check them out.

Thanks all, I don't know what I'd do without this site!