I was in the same dilema. I am getting a copper farmhouse sink and so wanted the pulldown faucet. I looked at a gazillion pix of copper sinks and most showed the side spray.

So I am getting the Fusion Bordeaux faucet, it has handle attached but does need the side spray. This faucet is just so stinkin' cute :)

So I chose *looks over *function ........ but I have a side spray now and it is no problem.

I also wondered if there would be problems with the pullout fuacet down the road.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

jody

I would advise against a side sprayer. It is one more hole to cut in your countertop, and to clean around. They also do not have as good water pressure as a faucet with a built-in sprayer. Furthermore, with a side sprayer you have to hold the handle to keep it on spray, while most faucets have a "press-and-release" where you press the button to set it to spray and can let go.

Also, there is another distinction you should make when choosing a faucet - a "pull-out" versus a "pull-down" faucet. This topic has been discussed a lot on this forum, and the consensus is that there is no "correct" choice of pull-down or pull-out faucet. It is a matter of personal preference having to do with how it feels to you, how it looks, how it goes with the rest of your kitchen, etc. There are pros and cons to both styles. It is important you go to a kitchen showroom and feel both types in your hands to see which you prefer.

There is a definitive thread about this topic that I often link, as I will here.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about Pull-out vs. Pull-down Faucet

There's a huge range in price, as you say in sink faucets. Still, there are really good brands and buys at every price level.

In theory, price should go up with the amount of brass and integral (meaning real finish not coated) metal used in a faucet. So the heavier the better. Most faucets have some plastic pieces. Certain brands carry a status premium -- Dornbracht, Waterworks. They are excellent quality but you pay plus for styling and name.

I personally favor pull downs over side sprayers and pull outs (I have one of each) but that's very personal. As someone said, it's one less hole in the deck. But I'd suggest going to store and do a pull and touch and see what appeals.

I have a pull out in our mudroom but found I don't care for the "heavy head". Pull downs tend to have smaller, lighter heads.

Some pull downs have a switch to sprayer. There is the lock vs nonlock function on that to check. Some don't mind holding it down for the spray; others want to push the button and have it stay.

Check which faucet silhouette appeals. (I pick the same shape over and over but not everyone will).

Examine the hoses. On the mid-range and lower end faucets those pull outs will likely be a knit mesh reinforced with some metal. On higher end faucets they are all metal. Also be sure the length of the pull down will reach all around the sink. These can vary a bit.

I also pull the specification sheets for every faucet from the mfgr website so I can see how it will work in the space behind the sink -- to see how it opens, how much clearance is needed, to be sure the spout swivel is ok and won't hit anything. That there's clearance for each aspect.

A lot of people go for Deltas, Grohe and Kohler faucets. There are KWC fans on the high end plus several others including Rohl. Then there are brands like Chicago Faucet and one Sabjimata recommends (perhaps she'll weigh in here) that are said to be very sturdy and reliable.

Someone linked a faucet quality assessment from a builder's website. I don't have it bookmarked but whoever does might link it. Basically it runs through a lot of brands and makes subjective judgments about them. I don't agree with all the categorization and judgments but it's all subjective anyway and there are a large number of brands reviewed so it's a useful place to check.

My reservations about pull-out and pull-down relate to issues that may or may not have been resolved for most brands.

First, there was a (Kohler) problem with some foaming from whatever "hose" was inside the spigot. It isn't clear to me that there will never be a similar issue with a separate sprayer, but at least not all the water used from the faucet would be exposed to it.

Second, cumulative reading suggests to me that pull-out/pull-down is equivalent to water in the door on a refrigerator: It is the bit most likely to malfunction and require repair.

I am not recommending these lines of thinking for everyone. They are just my considerations.

I have the Delta Leland with a pull down sprayer. I love it. I was worried about the pull down getting loose, but it actually twists/locks into place. I bought it on eBay for about $100.

http://www.faucetdirect.com/imagebase/resized/330x320/deltaimages/978wedstb11.jpg

Honorbiltkit - actually, side sprays require more repairs than faucets with built-in sprayers. Ask any plumber, kitchen showroom, or plumbing supply store. Can you provide something more specific than your "cumulative reading"? There is no analogy between faucets with built-in sprayers and refrigerators with water in the door.

I have a Graffe Corsica faucet with side spray. The faucet is very heavy, very sturdy, and very reliable and the side spray is in the same quality camp. I've never had a pull-down/pull-out faucet so I was very curious about them when I was at the same stage in my remodel that you are now. However, after reading several posts about problems with pull-out/pull-down faucets on the boards -- and seeing so many malfunctioning ones in the showrooms -- I decided against getting one and went for the side spray. I've since come to understand that not all pull-outs or pull-downs are problematic and that most owners of them swear by them. But, I've never regretted my side spray purchase either. Like so many things in a kitchen remodel, I really think this is a just a matter of personal preference and that, from both a performance or style point of view, I don't believe there to be an absolute "right" or "wrong."

My old faucet had a side sprayer which I used daily with no problems. I now have a pull-out in the laundry room, and a pull-down in the kitchen. I love both of these. I prefer either to the side sprayer now that I've experienced them. I like not having to wipe around something else. Of the 2 I have now - I prefer the pull-down. Less awkward. I seem to spray water where I don't mean to with the pull-out. All 3 of the faucets have been Delta.

Someone linked a faucet quality assessment from a builder's website. I don't have it bookmarked but whoever does might link it.

(Raising my hand) Rococogurl - That was me. The site also gives country of origin of the various brands, which is important to some people. Here's the link:

Faucet Reviews and Ratings

There's a third kind of faucet (other than pull-down or pull-out), though I guess it's technically more of a pull-down. But it has become very fashionable--it's the "pre-rinse" faucet, aka a "professional" or "commercial" faucet. These are glamorous versions of the utilitarian faucets found in institutional kitchens, restaurants, supermarkets, butchers and the like. They've been made by Chicago Faucets for around 100 years. The Chicago Faucets' pre-rinse faucets are fairly reasonably priced, but they're huge, and only fit in a certain type or style of kitchen. The glamorous versions, made by Dornbracht, Hansgrohe, Blanco, KWC, Franke and others are stunning. They also start at about $650, and go up to $1200 and more. If you have cabinets above your sink, they would be too tall.

Here is a great thread begun by Rococogurl that has tons of photos of faucets. About 3/4 of the way down is Firsthouse_mp's photo of his/her Blanco Commercial faucet which is that "pre-rinse" style. Scroll down a bit more on the thread for Opusa33's Newform pre-rinse style faucet. This thread is good for the OP to see all the varieties and styles and finishes of faucets that people have installed.

Thread about Which Kitchen Faucet Did You Pick