Do you have a friend who has a pull-down that you might be able to try? Will that sprayer stay on spray or do you have to keep the handle pressed down? I always had a side spray before but now that I have a pull-down I don't ever want to be without one! I defrosted some shrimp tonight and it was so nice to be able to pull the faucet head down close to my colander, set it to spray and walk away for a few minutes. The pull-down is nicely balanced so that it stays at whatever height I put it. It's so much more convenient to quickly pull it down and be able to reach every corner of my sink when I wash it. Mine goes back up into place very easily and securely, no twisting or fiddling with it required.

Here are some pros/cons. I'm sure others will have things to add as well: Pull Down A faucet in which the faucet head pulls straight down toward the bottom of the sink. For example, Kohler Vinnata, Kohler Simplice Pros Supposed to be better "ergonomically." The movement of grabbing the faucet head and pulling down is a more natural movement than grabbing it and pulling it out. It has to do with how you have to grab a hold of the head. Can fit taller pots, pitchers, etc. under them b/c of the high arc Look cool! :-) Cons Not easy to do "hands free" pot filling when a pot is on the counter next to the sink (as opposed to in the sink) If not careful, more splashing than a pullout or non-pull faucet the water has to travel an additional 8 to 10 inches (depending on the height of the faucet) further reduces the pressure Pull Out A faucet in which the faucet head pulls out toward you. For example, Kohler Fairfax Pros Easier to fill pots on the counter next to the sink. You just pull the faucet head out, hook it on the side of the pot, and go! Then when full, just move/slide it over, no lifting it out of the sink. Less splashing than a pull down Lower profile, especially useful if you have a faucet in a small area (where a high arc would overwhelm) or if you have limited height to work with (like under a cabinet) Cons Unless you have a very deep sink, cannot fit a tall pot or pitcher under it Personally, I have both...a pull down at the main/cleanup sink and a pullout at the prep sink. The original reason I got a pullout at the prep sink is that it's in the corner close to the cabinets above and I wanted a lower profile faucet. But now I'm glad I got it as it's easier to fill pots on the side. The other thing it's easier to fill is the bucket for clean water for the fish tank! When it has 5 gallons in it, it's too heavy to easily lift out of the deep sinks we have and then take it out...it's much easier to fill it on the counter and take it off w/o additional lifting up. Pull Down: Kohler Vinnata Pullout: Kohler Fairfax

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!