Do you want to make a new renovation for your neighbor or buy a faucet with stupid functions and be left without money? Of course, none of this doesn't want to. Therefore, our task in this article is to explain how to choose the right kitchen faucet that will be ideal for money, quality and longevity.
That is, we need to find that middle ground that will suit the majority of buyers. And to do this, let’s go through the main criteria that such a mixer should have! Go…
Installation method: how to choose the right kitchen faucet
The method of installing the mixer depends on the design of the sink and the material of the countertop . Thus, there are 3 options for its location:
- Right at the car wash
- On the tabletop
- On the wall
Most faucets are placed on the sink, which has a platform. Therefore, everything here is standard, although not everything is so simple, but let’s not dwell too much here!
In turn, there are under-counter mounted sinks, where the faucet is placed directly on the countertop. But 90% of all countertops installed in Russia are made of moisture-resistant chipboard. Although this material is protected from moisture, however, with long-term exposure to water, it will swell and begin to leak .
For this reason, we do not recommend installing faucets on chipboard. Because absolutely moisture-resistant countertops made of quartz, ceramics, acrylic and compact laminate are suitable for this installation option.
The option of installing the faucet on the wall is original, however, it is more suitable for bathrooms. As they say - everything has its place!
Features of the shape of the kitchen faucet
The shapes and sizes of spouts are very diverse.
Mixers with spouts are distinguished by shape:
- L-shaped;
- R-shaped;
- S-shaped;
- J-shaped;
- C-shaped.
Regardless of the shape of the spout, the nozzles can be not only round, but also flattened or even square - the type of flow depends on this.
Spouts are classified according to their location relative to the sink:
- low – 15.5 cm -18.4 cm;
- medium – 23.5 cm, 21.6 cm, 20 cm;
- high – 28 cm.
It is believed that faucets with a high bend and nozzles are intended for shallow sinks. But when a stream falls from a great height, it will definitely splash, and if the sink is shallow, all the splashes will scatter throughout the kitchen. The use of a low spout is associated with difficulties when filling high-volume dishes.
The problem can be solved by purchasing a spout with variable geometry, for example, a telescopic one. But a large number of connections, in the places where gaskets and hinges are installed, leads to a fairly rapid appearance of leaks.
The telescopic mixer combines ease of use and an original look. It consists of several interconnected tubes that can move independently of each other
Pull-out faucets are easy to use. There is a flexible hose inside the faucet through which water flows. Most often, the hose is completely recessed into the mixer, so in appearance it looks like a regular one.
If necessary, the flexible hose can be extended to a length of up to one and a half meters, so you can fill, for example, pots directly on the stove rather than in the sink. It is also convenient to fill buckets or other containers on the floor.
In addition to the option with the hose located in the faucet itself, there are other models in which the faucet operates separately, and the shower head is hidden in the sink or fixed next to the faucet on a special holder.
This is a universal type of mixer, and some models can be equipped with additional control of the retractable element.
The choice of device should be based on the material used in the manufacture of the decorative faucet in which the hose is placed. It may be plastic, fragile and therefore break at the point of extension.
Another, but inexpensive model is a faucet, the spout of which is movable and enclosed in an elastic holder. This option is both reliable and convenient, but its design is not suitable for every interior.
Control type
- Double valve mixer
- Single lever
- Sensory
The first type is a two-valve mixer, which everyone remembers from the good Soviet times. To set the required water temperature, you need to use two hands at once. It's not always convenient and fast! Therefore, this type of control is suitable for emphasizing a unified interior style.
A single-lever has more convenient controls , because it can be controlled with a simple movement of one hand. And if your hands are busy, then you can gently turn it on with your foot. Of course, this is a joke, but situations are different. Let's move on to the third type...
Touch or contactless - a photocell is responsible for the water supply, and the temperature is adjusted by a thermostat, display or lever. This control option is more common in shopping centers, where hot water is not so important.
Disk
Cartridge (another name is disk) faucets operate on a principle similar to the principle of ceramic faucets. There are two ceramic plates, one of which is fixed and the other can be moved. The water pressure is adjusted by aligning the holes in both plates.
To repair a failed disk mixer, you will have to change the cartridges. However, such serious problems rarely occur - much more often the device begins to leak slightly or does not work as efficiently as before. The cause of such problems is clogging, which you can easily get rid of yourself. To reduce the frequency of faucet repairs, it is worth installing a coarse filter on the water supply.
Which kitchen faucet is best to choose based on size, shape and design?
When choosing the dimensions of the mixer, it is important to focus on the depth of your sink. If the faucet is not tall , most likely it will be inconvenient for you to wash tall dishes and collect water into containers.
Conversely, if the faucet is located quite high above the sink, water may splash all over the countertop. That is why the optimal height of the mixer is 40-50 cm from the bottom of the sink to the dispenser.
Specifications
Spout height and shape
When choosing a wall-mounted kitchen faucet, you need to pay attention to the shape of the spout. The nose can be round or square, with a widened or thickened end. Spouts come in the shape of the letter S, R or J. It is necessary to select spouts in such a way that the water flows into the central part of the sink. If the tap is located near the edge of the countertop, liquid splashes will fall on the wall.
The height of the spouts is:
- shortened (up to 18 cm);
- medium (size 19-23 cm);
- tall (more than 24 cm).
When installing a sink with a depth of 16-18 cm, select faucets with medium spouts; for larger bowl depths, shortened models are used.
Spout device
There are several spout designs:
- rotary;
- motionless;
- with retractable watering can;
- telescopic.
The most popular is the fixed crane. This is a non-separable design with a cast body. This model is reliable and functional. Its only drawback is the inability to turn the watering can in the desired direction.
The second type is a faucet with a swivel spout, which can be used in a kitchen with a double sink. Such models direct the flow of water into one of the sinks, which allows you to replace a faucet with two spouts for the kitchen. The main disadvantage of the device is the rapid abrasion of paronite or rubber gaskets, which entails repair of the device.
Faucets with a retractable shower head in the tube have a hidden hose that can be extended to a distance of up to 1.5 m. The moving part is made of rubber or polymer materials. At the end of such a spout, a watering can or aerator is installed. The advantage of the model is the ability to fill containers with water outside the kitchen sink.
Telescopic models of watering cans consist of several parts that are connected to each other. Such a device can be tilted at different angles and direct the flow of water in the desired direction. Telescopic spouts are rarely chosen because they are not strong enough.
Required additional features
And now we will tell you how to choose the right kitchen faucet with additional functions:
- The aerator is the plastic tip of the faucet. It protects water from small particles, chlorine and saturates the water with oxygen, while saving consumption due to spraying.
- Pull-out flexible spout or shower tap. Quite popular options lately that help change the distance and direction of water supply. The hostesses will be delighted!
- Water filtration system built into the faucet
- Folding mixer . This function is more suitable for country houses and country houses, where the sink is located directly opposite the window. And in order to open the window freely, you need to lift the faucet and put it in the sink.
Types of spout nozzle
Let's consider a small but important detail on which water savings, the ease of use of the tap, and the type of flow depend. The most popular ones include faucet aerators and retractable watering cans.
Almost all faucets currently offered for sale are equipped with aerators - devices for dispersing the flow of water, saturating it with air and economical consumption
A conventional aerator can be replaced with a more practical device with an increased flow area and the ability to direct the stream to the desired point
If you need to frequently fill containers that cannot be placed in the sink under the spout, it is better to purchase a faucet with a retractable aerator on a hose
An interesting innovative proposal is an illuminated aerator. The device is equipped with temperature sensors that change the color of the backlight depending on the water temperature
In such devices, water is mixed with air, resulting in significant savings - up to 8 liters per minute.
The gratings on the nozzle can be static or adjustable with variable hole sizes. Some models are equipped with nozzles that can change the direction of the jet.
Faucet attachments are available that help regulate the shape and intensity of the flow. You can select a part suitable for a specific nozzle shape
There are also add-ons that are optional, but very convenient. For example, LED backlighting, which not only becomes an additional light source, but also illuminates the dishes when washing.
An electronic thermometer allows you to obtain the necessary heating, while saving water, and it does not require additional sources of energy, because it receives it from water pressure.
The kitchen faucet aerator needs periodic cleaning, as particles brought in by tap water remain on its filters.
Manual effort is usually sufficient to unscrew the aerator. However, if it is jammed, you will need an adjustable wrench. It is better to unscrew it through a towel so as not to scratch the faucet
Large mineral and organic particles are removed by regular rinsing under running tap water.
If the components of the aerator are contaminated with limescale, it is better to soak them for 8–10 hours in vinegar or a solution for dissolving limescale.
Design
If you don’t know what design to choose, then immediately choose a faucet and sink from the collection of one manufacturer, so you can design the interior of the entire kitchen in the same style. There’s definitely no point in inventing something yourself, because the manufacturer spends millions of dollars on designers for a reason. In fact, everything has long been invented for us!
The best foreign and Russian manufacturers
It is clear that a good product cannot be cheap, but the cost of the best kitchen faucets is not always beyond the realm of possibility. When choosing, you should focus not only on the price, but also on the brand.
Well-known manufacturers produce both budget and luxury models. At the same time, their established reputation means much more to them than petty savings, therefore, regardless of the price, faucets from such brands are always of high quality.
The quality, durability and convenience of your plumbing fixtures depends on the manufacturer’s brand.
If we look at the rating of kitchen faucets by country and specific manufacturers, we will see that the first places are distributed as follows:
- Germany – SIEMENS ag, Grohe, Dornbracht, Viega, Kaldewei, Hansa, Schock, Axor, Ideal Standard, Hansgrohe, Franke, Blanco;
- Italy – Jacuzzi, Rifra, Piados, Duka, Zucchetti, Roca, Webert, Bonomini, Carlo Frattini, Webert;
- France – Jacob Delafon;
- Finland – Oras;
- Sweden – Alfa Laval;
- Bulgaria – Vidima;
- Switzerland – Gustavsberg;
- Spain – Roca;
- Denmark – Damixa.
Among Russian companies producing plumbing fixtures, the products worthy of attention are Sunmix and Santekhpribor.
Products from these manufacturers guarantee long-term and convenient operation, are reliable and can work for a long time without breakdowns.
What is the price of the ideal mixer?
- 600 rubles - usually this is the bottom of the market and is not recommended for purchase, since alloys similar to metal are used here
- 5000-6000 rubles - an average quality mixer. As a rule, there are no additional functions in this segment
- 9000-10000 rubles - an inexpensive mixer with additional functions. In principle, this is the golden mean that will suit many buyers in terms of quality and price.
- 20,000 rubles - this is a premium . Mixers produced in European countries fall into this category.
Almost forgot! If you want to see real finished kitchens, visit our Instagram .
We hope that you did not waste your time and this article told you how to choose the right faucet for the kitchen. And that's all for us! We wish you good luck and high flights!
Modern manufacturing materials
The design of the mixer is quite complex, so various materials are used to produce parts. The body is made of alloys, the most common of which are steel and brass - these metals guarantee high reliability. Devices made of bronze and copper are even better, but they are much more expensive.
In addition, the body can be made of plastic, ceramics and granite. The most reliable faucets are those with a metal body and ceramic internal parts.
In the production of budget faucets, silumin or zinc-copper-aluminum alloys are used
There are enough offers for plumbing fixtures made of ceramics or heat-resistant high-strength plastic. They are durable, but they can withstand mechanical shocks worse than metal ones.
You should also pay attention to the coating of the metal. Chrome-plated surfaces are durable, but they do not allow you to choose the color scheme, and they also very quickly become covered with visible dirt.
Enameled ones do not have problems with shades, but the enamel is not as durable and over time it will flake off or lose its original color. An excellent choice is a surface decorated in bronze. The stains on it are not so visible, and care is not difficult.
And one more factor that you can pay attention to is the weight of the product. A high-quality, reliable and durable faucet cannot be easy.
Selecting a price range
Choosing a faucet for the kitchen is not so easy; the choice is huge; the difference in prices is cosmic. What to stop at and not make a mistake. First of all, you should decide on the price range in which you are willing to look:
- Dear models. Usually these are German and Danish companies whose production facilities are located in Europe. In addition to their high price, they are distinguished by a long warranty period - at least 5 years. This means that if you have a correctly completed warranty card, you can have it repaired or get a new one for free.
- Average price range. Most often, these are companies that have moved production facilities to China. Their products are of good quality, as their control remains strict. And also in this category are kitchen taps made in countries that have recently joined the EU or in the Eurozone.
- Cheap. This is outright China. It depends on your luck here. It can work for a long time and successfully, but sometimes it breaks during installation (the most severe case) or fails after a few months.
The design of the faucet for the kitchen sink should match the style of the room
If you want to put the faucet on the kitchen sink and forget about it, then the choice is clear - only expensive models. If periodic minor problems do not bother you, you can look in the mid-price range. Cheap ones are a very bad option. Only in case of extreme shortage of funds. And how to calculate, if you have to install another faucet in two months, the resulting amount will be far from small.
What criteria to consider
If you are planning https://santexvugoda.ru/category/2-smesiteli.html to buy a faucet for installation in the kitchen, you need to pay attention to a large number of parameters:
- material of manufacture;
- choice of control option;
- shut-off valve parameters;
- determining the spout type and suitable installation height;
- appearance;
- additional functionality.
Choosing the right kitchen sink faucet can ensure a stylish look and long-lasting use. The attractive appearance of a classic or modern kitchen is ensured, while matching with other surfaces and materials is taken into account.
In a special hole in the sink
The first method of attaching the mixer is most often used. For this purpose, a special hole is used in the sink frame. The advantages of such a choice include the ease of connecting communication lines and the convenience of further operation. Water from the tap will spill exactly within the sink, since the location of the hole is provided for by production parameters.
