Hi RandomIne, I did a recent rebuild in the kitchen and I used a one hole faucet. I’m extremely happy with it and I think it was under $150. I’d have to look into the brand if you like but to answer your question a deck plate is not required, and just makes it look terrible. lot depends on the type of sink you’re going to be using, if it’s an Undermount, then all you need is one hole for the top deck unless you have other things going on like a dishwasher airgap, soap, dispenser, or other. On the other hand, if you have a top mount sink like that has its own rim in the back with holes pre-drilled from the factory.
That’s a lot of wording, but if you are doing a new countertop, then you can create the holes you need. And I definitely would suggest a single handle connected to the Fossett and then you only need one hole in the countertop. For faucet I would suggest something like a kohler, delta or Moen

Also, I totally agree with you that a sprayer is definitely a source of problems although the one I had used is on a large spring like a commercial kitchen would have :-)

Does this one-hole faucet have one or two handles? I would prefer something with two handles, I really like having separate controls for hot and cold. I've seen a few single-hole, two-handle faucets but they almost always come with a pull-down sprayer. It seems like a common problem is for the spray head to not stay in place, I agree with you that the type with the sprayer on a large spring would be more robust.

The only brand I've seen that sells widespread kitchen faucets or single-hole, two-handle faucets without a pull-down sprayer is Rubinet. I am thinking of going with a Rubinet faucet but that seems like overkill since I don't need the gazillion finish combinations that Rubinet is known for.

So other than raising a few eyebrows, there's no reason why I can't use a widespread bathroom faucet for the kitchen sink?

We have one and I really like it. Ours is wall-mounted though they make deck-mounted versions too. We had (a different) one before we remodeled so knew we liked the two-handle setup and wanted to keep it. No sprayer though you could add one. Ours is Chicago Faucets, though there are other brands that make them depending on what style and finish you want. I think they’re uncommon just because many people prefer single handle faucets.

Do you mean a bridge faucet? like these https://waterstoneco.com/bridge-faucets/

they are pretty common so im not sure if im understanding what you are looking for?

Oh I didn't know there are two-handle, three-hole faucets that allow for installation without the deck plate, thanks!

@wsea: Yes a bridge faucet could work too, I just feel that they are something of a visual statement and I was not looking to make such a statement with the faucet.

Most of the ones with the deck plate can be separated from it. What happens is the valves and faucet just get recessed, a little deeper into the sink cabinet. Whatever unit that you decide to buy, maybe run it by your plumber first. Or if you’re installing it, take a look at the installation instructions for that model. I know the one Home Depot they show that a PDF of them.

Is there a reason why widespread kitchen faucets are uncommon?

Several reasons. People don't want to have to cut 3 holes in their counter - or 4 holes if you are adding a sidespray - or 5 or 6 holes if you are adding sidespray and/or soap dispenser and/or air switch. That's like a little forest of fixtures behind your sink which is not a good look, and also more to clean around. Also, contrary to what you think, a single handle faucet is easier to use than having to turn two handles every time you want to turn on or off the water, or adjust the temperature. It's also better if for example your hands have touched raw chicken and you want to wash your hands - you can use the side of your palm to turn the water on rather than having to grasp two handles, and then have to wash the handles which you've had to grasp with your chicken-y hands.

"And they almost all have an integrated sprayer, which is not so important to me and seems like a common source of problems for the faucet."

Your statement is incorrect. A side sprayer is more problematic than an integrated sprayer, ask any plumber. An integrated sprayer also has better water pressure than a side sprayer.

"It seems like a common problem is for the spray head to not stay in place"

If you are talking about cheap Builders Special faucet, or a 25-year-old faucet, that might be the case. A decent faucet, mid-priced, will come with a magnetic docking system to avoid this issue.

Most people get the bridge faucets (if that is what you are talking about) because they like the look, and it outweighs the practical reasons I've mentioned. If you love a 2-handle faucet, you should get it. I just wanted to clear up your misconceptions.