04371820 Focus E 100 Single Hole Faucet, Brushed Nickel

I selected Hansgrohe for their high quality reputation, ceramic cartridge water control valve for long life, low flow rate of 1.2 GPM - EPA WaterSense Compliance, style, and finish. Did a lot of internet research to find just the right faucet for my bathroom, so many faucets to choose from. Replacing an old two handled faucet with a serious leak. I wanted a single handle faucet with a high spout and good reach for ease of washing hands, water conserving, and a smooth, brushed nickel finish to minimize dirt collection. To me this faucet has it all. I was well aware it did not have a "Spot Resistant Finish" as some faucets do, never mentioned anywhere in the faucet's specifications. Knowing this, I did not falsely downgrade my rating as some people did. I have a small hand towel for wiping down the sink and faucet after every use. Not a problem keeping the faucet looking new. A thick mixture of baking soda and water will remove any water spot residue. Great looking and performing faucet. Not one problem after years of use.

I have used this same faucet Hansgrohe faucet for a few years in polished chrome. I loved this faucet like I would a bright red sports car...but it was always covered with water spots. You just couldn't use it without dripping some water on it, and those drips would always spot. Also they were not that easy to polish off. But danged it was beautiful. I took a chance on this brushed nickle finish. Nobody claimed that it wouldn't water spot, so I was really gambling. I figgered it had to be a little better at hiding water spots than the polished chrome. But I was wrong. IT IS MUCH MUCH BETTER. No, a brushed finish is not quite as sexy as the polished chrome. It is a a bit more refined and sedate, but CLEAN. I have also trained myself to use the lever much like a hospital "wrist blade" while turning my wet drippy fingers off to one side (even this didn't help much with the chrome). This technique plus the brushed nickle pretty much solved 98% of the problem. Nickle is not the same color as stainless steel or chrome, so be ready for that. You don't really notice it unless you hold the 2 together, but the nickle has the slightest pale gold cast, while the chrome or ss will have the slightest blue cast. Not objectionable, just be aware. In my opinion, you can ignore the water spot complaints in this finish. fwt

I originally got this faucet in chrome from Costco for an unbelievably low price of $50 and I loved the sleek & modern design of it, but the chrome finish left a lot to be desired. No matter how much I cleaned or polished it, it always looked dirty and spotted everyday as if a final process was missed in the factory. When it was time to redo the second bathroom a few months later, I wanted the same faucet but opted for the brushed nickel from Amazon which was over 2 times the price of what I originally paid but still a great price for a great looking faucet. However, I have to say again I'm disappointed. I know there are certain brands that advertise no spot or finger print finish, and that isn't the case with Hansgrohe, but I have renovated with other brush nickel faucets before from other companies and they have all been a lot less maintenance than this. I have to keep a cloth on the vanity and wipe down the faucet, every time I wash my hands so as not to have spots. I have tried using wax to have the water bead off but it doesn't work as well as I had hoped. Great looking faucet but be prepared for the extra time involved in maintaining a clean look

There are numerous very similar styled ones on the market from around $70 to $800. I can't imagine how the top priced ones could be better. This one is beautiful and has perfect lever feel and water flow. I have a lookalike $550 German one in another bathroom and this one is actually better.

This faucet is attractive and works well, with no drips. The smooth surface makes it easy to wipe down. Unfortunately, after a few weeks the drain assembly began to leak at the point where the pivot ball enters the down pipe, and no amount of tightening, teflon tape, or gaskets would get it to stop. The pivot ball is inside the pipe, so it can't be replaced with a standard pivot ball kit. Lining up the rod with the hole in the drain plug is nearly impossible. I solved the problem by replacing the whole drain assembly with a pop-up drain. If you buy this faucet, do yourself a favor and buy a pop-up drain kit, and don't bother with the one that comes with the faucet.