After all the research we did to come up with our faucet wish list, we assumed the next logical step would be to narrow the list down to a few finalists and complete an analytical side-by-side comparison.
But then we found out that one of our local plumbing stores was having a 35% off sale on Grohe faucets…so we bought one. Just like that. One thing we’ve learned through the remodeling process is that the seemingly significant decisions can sometimes be made without a lot of “what do you think?”, “I dont’ know…what do you think?”. (And we’re not even close to that exhausted, when-will-we-ever-be-done state yet!) We simply walked in, looked at the floor model, pulled the sprayer up and down a dozen times, and bought it. Ultimately, we felt good about purchasing from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality and it met our functional and aesthetic requirements. And, it was on sale.
The faucet is a Grohe Minta (we ordered it in the supersteel finish). It’s a pull down faucet with a dual spray (activated by the discrete button on the back). Because we plan on installing an in-line water filter, we still need to choose a cold water faucet that will compliment the Grohe (running hot water through a filter reduces its lifespan significantly so it’s really best to have a cold water only spigot). We have not done exhaustive research, but there are some good choices out there, like this one, or this one.
Wow, love the Minta. Our current (and marginal) faucet choice was supposed to be temporary. I really enjoyed that you did a bunch of faucet research homework for me in your older faucet post, Lauren! Now when the time comes I’ll be that much more ready since our faucet tastes seem to jive. BTW, I’m pretty sure the Minta is one of the faucet choices that Archicad offers in it’s 3D parts library. I always choose it.
Ha ha! I do like to research…though I was surprised that there weren’t as many middle level faucets. Usually Kohler is my default for aesthetics and price point but they just don’t seem to have the same focus on their kitchen products that they do with their bathroom lines.
The Minta does seem like a very architect-y choice. I should find a cad block of it… =)
the HG metro was the winner for us. did you look at it? (good balance of price/quality): http://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-Pull-Out-Kitchen-Stainless-06697860/dp/B000UO2MCU
what are your plans for the kitchen overall? looks like you might be going the ikea route (we did and *love* it — hit us up for q+a if you need)… beware the laminate/foil/painted finishes. even in a kid-free house, they will not last. look to the wood veneers and solid wood choices. you’ll be happy you did.
Ooh…nice find with the Hansgrohe. I think we did look at that one but didn’t see it for that price!
As to the kitchen design, here’s a link to a post we did a while back: http://zerbey.wpengine.com/2010/01/12/or-how-about-this-kitchen-design-revisted/
We are thinking IKEA…but in the high gloss finish. We used that in our bathroom and it’s holding up pretty well (and easy to clean!). Thanks for the tip…which finish did you end up with?