a weight on the hose is the most common way to ensure the hose retracts. These days almost ALL hose-based faucets have a weight on the hose.

another way is with a slinky spring on the hose. Some Grohe faucets have this. They work well when installed. Good luck finding a showroom with this installed.

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another way to get the same advantages as a spray wand on a long hose that you pull out of the faucet's tube is to have a spray wand that can be moved around, without any hose under the countertop. Big springs around the flexible hose are one way. There are several other ways to have a spray wand that is moveable, without any hose under the counter..

Thanks, uroboros5. We'll check it out.

Another comment I should have included: some of the pull-out/pull-down units seem to fit very loosely back into their base units. I would like to hear from anyone that has such a faucet that snugs back nice and tightly. Does the Simplice do that, uroboros5, or are we looking for something that does not exist?

Instead of worrying about retracting, you could get something like:

Blanco Meridian Semi Professional Faucet

Kraus KPF-1602 (with two faucets in one)

I linked those two cause they're less expensive than most of the faucets that are in that style. If you have a bigger budget, check out the Hansgrohe Semi-Pro, Franke FF-1700 or KWC Systema.

I have the Delta Arabella pull-down. Many of the reasonably priced Delta faucets have the magnetic docking feature. They are easy to pull-down or guide back into place with one hand. As the head gets close the magnet will pull the head back where it belongs.

Helene

akchicago and blubird - We'll check those out - thanks!

Ditto the Delta faucets. We have the Leland single handle. It is weighted and has a magnet to retract it to the base, and it fits very snug.

janralix: YES! Moen came out with what they call the Reflex technology and I saw it work in person (although mine is yet to be installed!). It is amazing. All you have to do is let go of the pull down piece and it retracts on its own and fits snugly in place. You should really check it out. Prices are very reasonable! Here's a link where it's been discussed more. There are other threads too if you search Moen and Reflex and Gardenweb on google. HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Moen Reflex Thread

Of course, everyone uses their faucets differently, but I'm glad my delta doesn't retract automatically. As I'd mentioned in another thread, I pull out my faucet and fill large stockpots, resting the head on the edge of the pot - using it as a pot filler. It frees up my hands to do something else. I also find that if I pull out the hose and wash out pots or whatever else needs to be washed, I get less splashing if the head is lower in the sink. I'd hate to fight against an automatic retraction feature. When I'm done, I just use my hand to push the faucet head back towards its dock where the magnet attracts it the last inch or so.

Helene

Great point blubird, about filling large pots! I hadn't thought of that (add it to the long list!), but I don't currently use my faucet in that way and I'll have a pot filler in the new kitchen, so hopefully it won't be an issue for me. Maybe Moen will come out with some type of locking function for those who do though!

I just got the moen reflex technology (brantford). I've been using it for about a week and I really love it. It has a weight on the hose that pulls it back in. So problems so far. One nice feature is that the black (spray/pause/resume) button can be turned so that it can be in the front or the back.

Great stuff, everyone. Lots to consider, and we'll look at all those suggestions!