Which faucet to choose sellers recommendations
If you don’t know how to choose a sink faucet in the kitchen, give preference to the most practical one: single-lever, with a high swivel spout, under which both a bucket and a large pot can easily “enter” (and it’s easier to repair). Better yet, if it has a retractable spout. The market today offers such technological options as faucets with two spouts, one of which is designed to supply filtered water; devices with the function of boiling water before serving, which saves the hostess time and electricity; modern designs with additional valves for connecting machines (washing or dishwasher).
You have probably heard of faucet aerators - these are small meshes screwed into the spout. When buying a mixer, be sure to check the availability of this device, since it performs such important functions as saving water, cleaning mechanical debris, weathering chlorine, regulating the quality of the jet.
Designs and types of cranes
Plumbing stores offer a huge range of different kitchen faucets. Stylish shapes, ergonomic design, compact dimensions and a variety of materials - everyone will find the right faucet for washing in the kitchen.
All mixers are usually divided into several types depending on the design characteristics.
- Two-valve. Faucets have two valves on the sides with hot and cold water. It is considered a classic option, but gradually the view is losing its popularity. The reason for this is the need to adjust the water. While single-lever faucets quickly set the desired temperature, these faucets will use some water.
- Single lever. Convenient and easy to use faucets. Adjustment of hot and cold water is carried out by one lever. You can set the desired temperature with a flick of your finger. They are more economical than the previous model. The faucet is easy to operate, it is easy to open it, even if your hands are dirty or busy with something. In addition, single-lever faucets look more modern than those with hot and cold water valves, which many associate with old Soviet plumbing.
- Contactless. This type is considered the most convenient and economical choice. Turning on and supplying water are carried out automatically when you bring your hands to the touch sensor. Expensive and not yet available to everyone.
In addition to the basic functionality in the form of temperature control and jet pressure, many models are equipped with additional features.
- supplying liquid soap;
- have a built-in filter that purifies tap water;
- taps are equipped with a switch for a washing machine or dishwasher;
- have a protective function against pollution, which extends the operational life of the kitchen faucet;
- automatic shutdown of water in case of leakage. Such cranes are equipped with special indicators.
Of course, all the above features are very convenient and simplify the use of plumbing. But it should be noted that each new feature increases the cost of a kitchen sink faucet by several times.
What are the main materials made from?
Mixers are made from different materials. In large-scale production, various metal alloys with anti-corrosion coatings are used; glass, wood, ceramics, cermets, and crystal are used for designer models. Cheap options include:
- aluminum-silicon (from "silumin") - quite common, not very durable, quickly lose their "presentation";
- plastic - do not rust, are not subject to scale settling, but are "afraid" of high temperatures and water pressure drops, which is why they are often deformed.
Brass faucets are more expensive, but also more durable. Against corrosion, they are covered with nickel, on top of which a layer of chromium or enamel is “imposed”. At the same time, chrome ones are somewhat more expensive, their surfaces are protected from the development of pathogenic microbes.
More durable mixers are made from stainless steel and chrome. Their service life can reach 50 years.
The cost of bronze sanitary faucets is even higher. Bronze does not rust, resistant to high temperatures, hard water, durable. From this material, exquisite antique design models are obtained.
Ceramics is aesthetically pleasing, “not afraid” of salts and scale, but “does not tolerate” temperature and hydraulic changes and requires an extremely careful and careful attitude towards itself. In addition, ceramic mixers are quite expensive.
If you are ready to spend an impressive amount on a mixer, pay attention to designer plumbing products: models made of glass (usually these are cascade-type units), crystal, or faucets with "plating" made of wood of the rarest species. As a rule, the warranty period for branded products is always longer than for "mass" ones.
Spouts which are most convenient for kitchen faucets
Depending on the location above the sink, there are:
The size of the spout depends on the depth of the sink, the greater the depth, the higher the bending of the spout is allowed. When a jet falls from a great height, water will spray, respectively, for not deep sinks, which, theoretically, are intended for cranes of great height, they will not work at all. When using devices with a low spout, there is a problem when filling dishes with a significant volume of water.
They tried to solve this problem by developing several options for spouts with variable geometry. The most popular are telescopic.
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They consist of several tubes held together with permeable joints. Their main drawback is the unreliability of the design, a large number of hinges and gaskets. The more connections, the more likely there is a leak somewhere.
The next type is retractable. They are like a shower handle in a bathroom. A flexible hose up to 1-1.5 m deep is hidden inside a decorative short tap.
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This type of mixer is almost universal. Some models have an additional control, which is equipped with a retractable element, this gives additional water savings.
When choosing such devices, it is necessary to pay attention to the material of the decorative faucet, in particular to the place where the retractable head is attached to the socket of the decorative spout. Many cheap models are made of plastic, which breaks down quickly.
A budget, but high-quality option can be a faucet with a movable flexible spout on an elastic holder.
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They are very functional and reliable, but their design is not suitable for every kitchen interior.
Which mixer brand is better to choose
Which mixer brand is better to choose in order to enjoy its “uninterrupted” operation for several years? Everyone decides for himself whether to give preference to Russian or imported goods, to facilitate the task, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the ratings based on an analysis of sales in the country and customer reviews. Among domestic manufacturers, the trust of consumers managed to win such brands as:
- "Sunlit-T" from the city of Kolpina;
- Iddis - St. Petersburg;
- "Arkon" from Tula;
- "Santarm" from Rostov-on-Don;
- "Santekhpribor" from Kazan.
The average retail price for them is 1500 rubles.
As for foreign manufacturers, among them distinguished themselves:
- German Grohe and Hansgrohe;
- French Jacob Delafon;
- Finnish Oras;
- Spanish Roca;
- Bulgarian Vidima.
Prices start from 3200 rubles and can reach more than a hundred thousand for some exclusive samples.
As always, do not forget about the guarantees of not only the manufacturer, but also the dealer or seller. Not everyone works conscientiously and provides full factory warranties to buyers. By the way, reliable manufacturers and sellers always provide services for the qualified installation of products, no matter in which locality the buyer lives. Payment for the service is billed separately. And for self-assembly, the passport of the branded unit always contains detailed and understandable instructions.
Tips on how to choose a faucet for a bathroom with shower or kitchen
If hanging low shelves are installed above the sink or washbasin, then when buying a mixer, you must take into account its maximum height - the distance from the base to the top point of the device. It should be less than the distance between the sink and the shelf. A spout that is too long or too low is not suitable for compact shallow sinks, and a faucet with a short goose neck is inappropriate for a deep large washbasin or bathtub with wide sides (it just may not “reach”). Modern design models of faucets include spouts of an unusual shape - flat, wide, bowl-shaped (they are also called cascading). So, in order not to get into trouble and not buy the wrong product, compare the width of your washbasin, for example, and the width of this very spout (it should not occupy more than half the width of the dish). When buying a faucet with a watering can, consider the length of the hose, especially if you have a large bathroom or double kitchen sink.
Do not forget also about the type of attachment: if your sink has three holes, and you do not plan to replace it, then the mixer will have to be selected for these holes, that is, with two valves. For a bathtub and a washbasin located close to each other, you can install one mixer with a long “agile” gooseneck.
If you choose between a faucet with a lever or push-button mechanism for switching the water supply from the spout to the shower handle, then it is better to give preference to the lever. Practice shows that it is more reliable and convenient to use with "our" water.
Types and types of design for fastening kitchen faucets
Most kitchen faucets are either mounted on the sink or countertop. Fastening can be done using a fixing nut or one or two studs with figured half washers.
Crane-axle mixers have a collet for fastening - a split sleeve with a thread. A nut is screwed onto it, which attaches the mixer to the surface.
The lever mixer has threaded holes (one or two) in the base of the body. The studs are screwed into them, then the washer applied to the floor is attracted by the nut.
Normally the vertical connection is made with flexible hoses. But if it is necessary to connect the mixer directly to the pipes coming out of the wall, then eccentrics are used for correct positioning, and conical decorative trims are used to hide the fasteners, which should be included in the mixer kit.
What are the faucets, choose a faucet for the kitchen or bath
Of course, the crane is different. Products differ from each other in many ways depending on the purpose. In total, there are six types of mixers:
- for kitchen;
- for Bath;
- for a washbasin;
- for hairdressers;
- for bidet;
- for a shower cabin.
At the same time, some mixers for hairdressers (with a retractable watering can spout and two modes of water supply) can also be installed on kitchen sinks. Samples for shower cabins are equipped only with watering cans, for a bath they must have a spout and a watering can, for a bidet they are distinguished by short spouts. Washbasin taps can be “long-nosed” or with short goosenecks, rotary and “fixed”.Units with swivel spouts are convenient and practical in everyday life, fixed ones break less often due to the monolithic design.
Mixers also differ in structure and type:
- with two valves;
- with one lever;
- thermostatic;
- non-contact (touch or infrared).
Two-valve taps are easier to repair, they are unpretentious in operation (less sensitive to water pollution), but they “force” to do more manipulations when using. The water supply to them is regulated by crane boxes, which are ceramic and rubber: rubber deforms, leaking when the water is too hot or hard; ceramic ones are resistant to changes in water temperature and hardness, but are less durable and react to mechanical inclusions in water.
Single-lever mixers (ball or cartridge) are easier to manage, regulate the temperature and water pressure, however, hard water can quickly disable it, and if it breaks, you need to completely replace the “insides”.
Thermostatic faucets are not cheap, but they have a huge advantage: you can set a constant water temperature in them and not be afraid that the child will burn himself by turning on the tap incorrectly.
Non-contact devices (when you need to bring your hands to the spout to “turn on” the tap) are the most expensive, require professional qualified installation, but are easy to use. Quickly turn on and off automatically, you just have to take your hands off the tap. Thus, they are also the most economical, practical, hygienic, which is relevant, for example, for public places, medical institutions.
Mixers are different according to the type of attachment:
- floor;
- wall;
- embedded;
- mortise.
Floor faucets require the piping system to be led to the floor covering or the installation of a special base. At the same time, they are very convenient to use: you can install one faucet, for example, in a bathroom with two bathtubs or between a bathtub and a washbasin. Wall-mounted - the most popular due to ease of installation, comfortable use and reliability. Built-in faucets have a more decorative function, they are especially common in minimalist or high-tech interiors. However, such devices are quite difficult to mount and repair. Mortise mixers are very common in kitchens: they are mounted in the holes of steel sinks. Universal configurations allow you to choose mechanisms of any style: with square spouts, with winglets, with bizarre space levers, etc. Mortise models can also be used for steel and acrylic bathtubs, ceramic washbasins.
Faucets are different in shape, height, length of the spout.
How to choose a basin mixer
The classification of sink faucets is made mainly depending on their design features.
Two-valve. The water temperature in such mixers is adjusted by changing the pressure of the supplied hot and cold water flows. The locking elements are either rubber gaskets or ceramic inserts. To avoid leaking faucets, gaskets must be changed from time to time.
Unlike ceramic, mixers with a rubber faucet box are less reliable, but they are much cheaper.
Single lever. The most common models of mixers with convenient adjustment of pressure and water temperature. By operating the lever up/down and left/right, it is possible to quickly set the required water temperature and flow rate.
Single lever chrome mixer tap KLUDI BALANCE
Thermostatic. The design includes two control valves, with which the required pressure and water temperature are adjusted, as well as a thermostat responsible for supplying water at a given temperature. Thus, the use of thermostatic mixers completely eliminates the possibility of burns.
Electronic thermostatic faucet Oras Eterna
Contactless or touch. The water supply in such mixers is carried out due to infrared sensors that react to hands raised to the tap. The flow rate and water temperature are controlled by a small valve located either on or under the sink. These models are powered by batteries or 220 V.
For water to flow, it is enough to raise your hand
The most reliable and durable material for the production of faucets is always considered to be brass - a heavy alloy of copper and zinc. The material itself is not subject to corrosion, however, for even greater strength, its surface is chrome-plated or nickel-plated.
Mixers made of alloy steel are less common, since the processing of this material is a rather laborious process, and the service life of such mixers is not very long.
Thus, by combining different types of sinks and faucets, it is possible to create something unusual and unique, something that can become a real highlight of any bathroom and the main element of its decor. Choosing a washbasin and a bathroom faucet is not an easy task, and therefore only specialists can choose the perfect sink from the whole variety of shapes and materials.
How to choose a mixer external parameters
When entering a store or viewing products in the market pavilions, buyers usually see assembled sets of mixers on special demonstration stands. Then, having decided on the model, they pay for the goods and receive a "constructor" in the box.
Not all sellers willingly unpack these very boxes, and not all buyers insist on a thorough inspection of their purchases, but in vain. "Surprises" may also be in closed original packaging. Remember that everyone has the right to inspect the product and reject it in case of dissatisfaction with the visual inspection.
Quality branded goods are packed in boxes with compartments (from cardboard sheets, foam boxes) for various components. Or at least small parts are placed in bags, and the body and shower head are wrapped in non-woven bags. When buying a faucet in a store, be sure to unpack it (in good stores, sellers do this themselves) and look at every detail. The "classic" device should consist of:
- housings (gander, spout, it is also a spout with valves or with a lever);
- two water connections (two thin hoses);
- a set of fasteners (gaskets, springs, etc.).
The bath faucet is also equipped with a watering can with a hose, a watering can holder, eccentric adapters and decorative cups. At the joints (on the body thread) there should be no chips, cracks, rust, all components must be new and without signs of "use".
The box should also contain a product passport, "shedding light" on the origin of the goods and containing information on warranty periods, installation instructions, care instructions.
Basic models with pull-out spout
Pull-out faucets are by no means a tribute to fashion, but the need to equip your kitchen with a reliable and high-quality faucet. Such models have many advantages: adjustment of the water supply jet, the ability to change its distance, direction and height.
Their convenience can be appreciated if you are the owner of two kitchen sinks. For washing in one bowl, a tap is used in its classic form, in the other - a retractable mixer. If there is a need to wash dishes in large quantities every day, then buying a retractable faucet will be a great way to do this. Among taps with a pull-out spout, valve and lever types predominate.
Spout nozzle which is better and more practical
Despite its small size, this is a very important part of the mixer. The most popular retractable watering cans and small aerators. These devices work on the principle of cavitation, mixing water with air. This results in significant savings as the water flow is reduced to 8 l/min.
There are devices with a static arrangement of gratings, and there are with adjustable ones, in which you can change the density of the air-water mixture. Many models of mixers are equipped with nozzles with a changeable direction of water flow. This idea proved so successful that special nozzles were developed with a wide range of saturation and jet shape adjustments that fit most models of kitchen faucets.
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However, progress in the development and modernization of kitchen plumbing does not stand still. Many ideas are just beautiful decorations, some can bring undoubted benefits.
Simple or LED lighting on the faucet. It will allow not only to decorate the kitchen, but also to wash the dishes better.
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Electronic thermometer and water temperature meter. Helps prevent burns and saves a lot of water. The peculiarity of this device "FaucetBuddy" is that it is completely independent. The nozzle receives all the necessary energy from the water jet.
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How to choose a kitchen faucet single-lever, two-valve or touch
A couple of decades ago, there were only two-valve mixers and there was no choice. A few decades ago, single-lever models appeared. Many people like them more - turning on, off, adjusting the temperature is done by turning the lever. If the mixer belongs to the category of expensive ones, the lever stroke is smooth and easy to adjust, and this ease remains even after years. Cheaper models are more difficult to control movements. However, all the same, fewer movements are required to set the required temperature than in a two-valve.
Touch faucets in the kitchen are convenient, but expensive
However, valve-type mixers also have enough admirers. They are attracted by the fact that locking boxes in such models can be repaired independently. In one-handed faucets, all repairs are the replacement of gaskets and the cartridge - the inside of the faucet in which water is mixed.
And quite recently, sensory kitchen faucets have appeared that react to the approach of objects or hands. Bring your hands to the faucet, water starts to flow. You can adjust the temperature using the touch panel or the rotary lever. Their disadvantage is the high price. This is probably the most expensive segment.
What material are the most durable faucets?
The mixer has many details and various materials are used for their production. Various alloys are used as the body material. The most common brass and steel. Mixers from them are among the highest quality. Mixers made of copper and bronze are not inferior to them, but their cost is very high.
Budget models are made from zinc-aluminum-copper (TsAM) and silumin alloys, the resulting products do not differ in strength and durability.
Many modern manufacturers are experimenting with high-strength and heat-resistant plastics and cermets. The performance of these products is very high, but compared to metal mixers, their impact strength is much lower.
The same problems arise when choosing a coating for a metal mixer. Chromed ones are more durable, but dirt is more visible on them, and the color range is very limited. Enameled ones have a wide palette of shades, but the coating is less reliable, it can flake off or change color from exposure to cleaning products.
