To chime in here--I have a Kraus 1602 (or perhaps the 1600--they are very hard to tell apart) and am very happy with it. Here are some of the features I wanted--I wanted both the sprayer and the regular mixer (spout) to have independent volume controls so that either or both could be on at one time. And I wanted a latch to lock the sprayer in the "on" position so that the spray could be used without having to hold the sprayer. Also the temperature and volume control moves from the 12 o'clock position (cold) down and toward the front of the sink for hot water. This is great if you are worried about the space between the back of your sink and the backsplash. The one issue is that you need to give plenty of space between the hole for the faucet and any hole for the soap or hot-water dispenser that will be to the right of the faucet--at least 6". There was nothing special about the installation and it seems very solid. We use ours with a Touch Master foot pedal and it is a great combination, but I don't think guests will be able to use our sink. I'm going to have to write up instructions. Here is a link that might be useful: residential pre-rinse faucet

I think you are right on. That is my experience after using both types. Also, the exposed spring seems like a place for gunk build up. They look cool though!

I just bought a giagni pd11-pc faucet to install in our kitchen. We are having granite countertops installed, with an undermount granite composite sink. There won't be a backsplash directly behind the sink area - it is open to the rest of the room. My concern (actually my husband's concern) is that it is a very tall faucet and it will look out of place. Does anyone have experience with this style of faucet or have pictures of one that has been installed? Thank you so much! I've already learned a ton from this forum!

Chicago Faucets is a good choice. Be sure to let the company know, however, that you are installing it in a residence so they can configure the proper flow rate. Restaurant-scale flows are likely to blast you across the room, Other possibilities are Symmons Industries and T & S Brass. All of these are reviewed and rated on our webstie.