Forté is a line of kitchen faucets from Kohler that combines graceful designs with some of today’s most innovative yet practical technology, producing kitchen faucets that are among the best currently available. With beautifully crafted handles, great hand control and great curves, this integrated spout design is easy on the eye. You can customize your installation using the deck plate that’s included for either a 1-hole or 3-hole installation, depending on whether or not you opt for a side spray. This kitchen faucet works well whether you have a single or double sink, and the spout is six inches tall, allowing you to fill your largest pots and pans easily.
Personally, I find the single-handled design very convenient. A single lever is used to control the flow of water with the help of a pause button located on the spray nozzle in case you want to stop the water flow temporarily. The spray head uses a nylon braided hose and features a counterweight and ball-joint, allowing it to swivel smoothly and giving you great control. You can also use the spray function as a side to side diverter, and it remembers the last setting you used. This faucet comes in a large variety of finishes, including French gold, stainless steel, brushed chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass and brushed bronze. Best of all, the faucet comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Pros:
- Elegant style with simplicity of design
- Solid construction covered by limited lifetime warranty from Kohler
- Purchase includes optional deck plate and flexible braided lines
Cons:
- After a couple of years, the pulldown function goes a bit slack
- Some dripping
- Chrome finish shows dust and fingerprints
Function: 5 stars (out of 5)
Even before you can use the faucet, you’ll appreciate Kohler’s attention to function during the installation process. The stainless steel braided installation lines and the quick connection valves will make installing this faucet a breeze. You simply connect the new faucet to your own plumbing using the 25 feet of flexible line and then tighten the new faucet in the sinkhole with the quick-connect restraining nut. After that, just use the deck plate to cover any unused holes.
The pull-out spray head extends smoothly and retracts just as quickly and fluidly. The spray function itself works really well, too. A doughnut-shaped counterweight is designed to slide along inside, and is smooth enough never to damage the parts.
Style: 5 stars
Elegant and sexy are the words that come to mind when I try to describe the K-10433-VS by Kohler. I fell in love with both the polished bronze and the stainless steel finishes, but I have to say that all five of the finishes look great. One issue with the chrome: it tends to show every smudge and fingerprint, so if you choose this finish you’ll be wiping it down pretty often. The stainless steel, my own favorite, looks particularly good with this faucet’s shape and curves. The design of the spray head combined with the curves of the lever and the tapered bottom blend seamlessly into the round-edged deck plate. I have a double sink and an Italian white marble countertop, and I feel that this kitchen faucet really enhances my kitchen’s overall look.
Durability: 3 stars
The biggest issue with this faucet is the slackening of the counterweight over time. After about one year, you may notice that the retraction of the spray head is a bit delayed, and that it no longer fits tightly into the docking position on the spout, leaving a gap of about half an inch. I have no idea why it happens, but it’s definitely the biggest problem in this fixture in my opinion. Apart from that, the faucet is rugged and durable, and the finish keeps its shine and beauty for a few years at least. If and when Kohler gets around to fixing the problem with the pull-out spray head, I will give this faucet five stars.
Extras: 5 stars
The Kohler name implies innovation, and with this faucet you can see why. The pause button, temperature throttle, optional deck plate and diverter controls all make this an innovative product. Also keep in mind the stainless steel braided flexible fittings, the sealed inside surface and the ceramic cartridge valves. The technology of this kitchen faucet from Kohler leaves the competition in the dust.
Repair and Warranty: 4 stars
Many companies offer lifetime limited warranties, but when you look into them they basically pay for the replacement of components. Kohler’s warranty is much more extensive, covering problems with the finish, drips, leaks and even signs of wear that happen over time. Kohler’s customer support is known for its quick and efficient communications – you can reach them by phone or using email or chat, at any time. You can trust the Kohler name and know that if you buy this faucet, your investment will be protected.
Rating Overall: 4.5 stars
I’ve long known that Kohler’s bathroom fixtures were among the best on the market, but for kitchens I always thought of Delta or other well-known brands. Now that I’ve tried this product, I have become a fan of Kohler for any plumbing fixtures. Beautiful, functional and stylish, the K-10433-VS is perfect for people with high standards who look for both style and performance in their fixtures.
Specifications and Features
- Durable and elegant construction with limited lifetime warranty
- Stainless steel faucet with single-handled design and optimal reach
- Ceramic valves allow twice as much usage; increase longevity and durability
- Dual operation includes pull-out spray function with a pause button
- Finish is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing
- Spray face features MasterClean, which resists mineral buildup for easier cleaning
- You can set a maximum temperature to avoid scalding accidents
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