How to choose a kitchen faucet Overview of modern kitchen faucets with photos and videos
The range of mixers is now so diverse and wide that it can be difficult to make the right choice. Some have a backlight, others are touch-sensitive, others are chrome-plated. There are plenty to choose from
However, it is important not to make a mistake, so that the faucet is not only beautiful, but functional and durable.
There are several important points that you should pay attention to when deciding which faucet to choose for your kitchen.
Varieties
The choice of a faucet for the kitchen will be somewhat different from what can be purchased for the bathroom. Kitchen faucets have different types of water supply mechanisms:
1. Valve. The design consists of a swivel spout and two crane boxes. It is with their help that the water supply is regulated. Crane boxes can have a rubber gasket and ceramic.
The main advantage of the first is that it can be easily replaced with a new one. However, the ceramic gasket wears out much more slowly.
Please note that if you do not have a coarse water filter in your plumbing system, then this design will not work for you. After all, water with coarse particles will quickly ruin such a faucet; 2
Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water is easy to open, the pressure is adjustable with a knob
2. Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water is easy to open, the pressure is adjustable with a handle.
It is she who drives the adjusting part of the cartridge, so the tap can open and close. When using a high-quality cartridge, the resource is designed for a million openings and closings of the tap.
The cost of such a mixer is more than the previous type. However, it is more convenient and easier to use it;
Any other parts on the body are missing. The crane will work thanks to a sensor that responds to infrared radiation. The sensor is configurable. The cost of such a crane is naturally high.
At the same time, installing a faucet in the kitchen will also be difficult.
prefabricated or cast
Prefabricated, as the name implies, has several parts in the design that are assembled into one single one. With proper assembly, any leakage is excluded.
In this case, the structure can be rotated as you like. Cast faucets have a one-piece metal body.
The base and the swivel spout in this case are connected without a seam, which avoids leaks at the joints and ensures reliability.
Shape and length
To date, there are many forms of cranes for every taste. If you want beautiful faucets in the kitchen, then you will have plenty to choose from. The length of the tap can be small up to 18 cm, medium no more than 23.5 cm and large 24 and 28 cm.
Design solutions
Of course, reliability and functionality are important qualities. However, do not forget that the crane must correctly fit into the overall interior of the room.
Manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve the design of their models, releasing more and more unusual and beautiful faucets in the kitchen.
The faucet can be curved, straight, beveled or zigzag. The options are varied.
Cheap or expensive
Of course, you can save on the mixer. However, this can turn into a huge ball of problems. No one can guarantee the quality of a cheap crane.
Therefore, it is likely that after a while it will start to work poorly and a replacement will be required. Models of proven well-known brands are distinguished by quality and reliability. They are somewhat more expensive.
However, they will serve you much longer.
A few helpful tips
Brass faucets have an average indicator of reliability and quality.Such a crane is chrome-plated on top to increase the anti-corrosion properties of the metal. In addition, chromium prevents the development of bacteria. Such a crane can serve for more than a dozen years.
Some of the most reliable faucets are those made from chrome alloy and stainless steel. They are quite expensive, but their service life can be as much as 50 years.
The subtleties of choosing a mixer
In the kitchen, you often have to collect water for cooking and washing dishes. Therefore, it is necessary to choose such an option so that it is convenient and has a long service life. In this case, it is worth considering what kind of kitchen faucets are, and what advantages they have.
Varieties of kitchen taps
Two-valve. The classic version of the taps, which is used not only for the kitchen, but also for the bath. It is distinguished by the presence of two water regulators: one for hot, and the second for cold. Such kitchen faucets can be installed to create a retro style in the room. In the market there are different shapes and colors of the product.
To make working in the kitchen a joy, you need to choose the right kitchen faucet.
The product is made in a minimalist style and does not take up much kitchen space.
Single lever. In this variant, the pressure and temperature are regulated by one valve. The presence of one handle is more convenient for the kitchen. After all, often the hands are busy, and it is necessary to set the optimal water temperature.
With a single lever, you can adjust both the water pressure and the temperature.
Contactless. Water will flow as soon as the hands are near the tap, and the motion sensor will work. The temperature in this embodiment is set in advance on a separate block. You can also change it, but it is inconvenient in the kitchen.
The touchless basin faucet can be installed in any room with running water.
Advantages and disadvantages of different designs
The faucet for washing in the kitchen should be convenient. Therefore, the version of the contactless mixer is not suitable for this purpose. To change the water temperature, you will have to constantly check an additional unit, which is often installed away from the tap itself.
In the case of a two-valve design, the situation is similar. Temperature control is harder
Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to single-lever options. This makes it easier to control both the water pressure and its temperature.
The ease of use is obvious - both the flow rate and the water temperature are regulated with one hand by moving the lever in two planes.
The thermostatic option is relevant for use in bathrooms. Since there is no need to constantly change the temperature of the water. In the case of the kitchen, you will have to make preliminary settings. After all, cooking often requires either cold or hot water.
Which companies can be trusted
There will be no surprises in this matter. Market leaders in quality are European brands - German, Swedish, Danish. In the middle price range - Bulgaria, Slovenia and firms that have transferred production facilities to China.
Expensive and high quality
Most heard mixers GROHE (Groye). They have proven themselves excellently. There are only two disadvantages - the high price and a large number of fakes.
Moreover, "Groye" has two firms - two brothers. The firm of one is simply called GROHE. The company produces various plumbing fixtures. The second brother has a specialized company, which was named after him - HANS GROHE. This is how they label their products. This company produces only faucets and faucets, its products are even better, but also more expensive.
One of the novelties of Grohe - on and off with a touch
The next branded company is the Danish Damixa (Damixa). It is worth considering that the guarantee is given only if there are filters on the water supply. The products themselves are of high quality, they give a 10-year guarantee for the coating (previously it was 5 years) and several years for the mechanism itself.If the Damixa kitchen faucet starts to drip, most likely limescale has formed somewhere. If the warranty is no longer valid, the faucet is disassembled, the plaque is removed (you can wipe it with vinegar) and everything is put back together. Cartridges may leak in Damix single-lever mixers, but this is a consumable item and must be replaced.
Kitchen faucet Damixa Arc 29000
Faucets Oras and Hansa. These trademarks are owned by one European company - Oras Group. Its production facilities are located in continental Europe. There are very few complaints about the quality of products, if there are any problems, then with cartridges. In Horace mixers they are ceramic, and they are demanding on water quality. So if you want the taps to last a long time, install an aftercare system.
Oras Ventura - spout on two levels
The range of the campaign includes touchless and "smart" faucets - the latest achievements in the world of plumbing. There are models for switching water to a dishwasher. Some faucets can change the angle of the spout. In general, you can choose an Oras kitchen faucet. Their style is peculiar, which pleases - you usually want to put something interesting and new, and not a dull ordinary tap.
Already only from these companies it is not easy to choose a faucet for the kitchen - there are many interesting offers. The price is about the same, as is the quality. But just do not forget that this equipment is designed for clean water, therefore, filters for post-treatment are simply necessary for normal and long-term operation.
Average price range
Not bad people speak about Vidima taps and faucets. This is a Bulgarian company whose products have been working stably for many years. This manufacturer has expensive and budget lines. Cases - brass, high quality finishes, ceramic cartridges - all this is about mixers of this brand. There are single-lever and two-valve mixers with different lengths and spout heights.
Remember the spelling of the logo so as not to buy a fake
The Russian company IDDIS has been producing sanitary equipment since 2004. The entire process, from development to production, takes place in Russia. At least that's what it says on the campaign website. There is a standard design, there is a very unusual one - with flat, arched, straight spouts. A variety of handle designs add charm to the products. The bodies are cast from high-quality brass (composition according to GOST). In general, if you need to choose a kitchen faucet from the category of high quality, but not very expensive, look at the company's products.
Iddis Kitchen D KD1SBL0i05
Good reviews about the products of the Zorg campaign. There are many questions about the country in which the production is located, but no one disputes the quality of plumbing. The cases are brass, the design is varied, there are black, white, gray, brass (yellow) and bronze. The price range is also wide - from $45 to $350.
Zorg Inox - unusual design
Inexpensive Options
If you are satisfied that the kitchen faucet will require repair or replacement in 2-2.5 years, pay attention to the products of Lemark (Lemark) and Kaizer (Kaiser). Both manufacturers are Chinese, but the quality is quite good.
They will not work for many years, but for a couple of years - quite. If you still know how to change cartridges and gaskets, it may last longer.
