What kind of faucet is better for the kitchen: a review

The range of plumbing stores includes a variety of types of faucets for the kitchen. These products may differ in a variety of parameters, so before buying you should carefully examine many models, and select those that fit our requirements.

In our article we will tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing a kitchen faucet, and also give a brief description of the most common varieties of such structures.

Configuration and device

Crane Dimensions

Choosing a faucet for the kitchen, it is necessary first of all to be guided by its configuration. The main task of the mixer is to wash the dishes, so it is the hearth that task and you need to select a specific model.

Here it is worth taking into account such considerations:

• If you actively use the sink, then you need a product with a rather high position of the mixer spout. This feature will ensure sufficient water pressure, which will significantly facilitate the process of washing dishes, even if it is a large pan or frying pan.

Note! With a strong head, a high spout becomes a source of large amounts of spray. If you have installed a shallow sink, then as a result you will have to regularly wipe the countertop and the floor. That is why the instruction recommends choosing high models of mixers only for deep sinks.

• For sinks standard depth best fit medium height. On the one hand, they will not interfere with the manipulation of dishes, and on the other - will protect the environment from splashes.

• Low kitchen faucets are rarely used.. It is worthwhile to install them only when you wash most of the dishes in the dishwasher. In this case, a quite compact model is enough for small works.
• The ideal solution would be to install a crane with variable spout geometry.. Of course, the price of such models is quite high, however, it is more convenient to use them other than the example. So if comfort is a priority for you - it is worth spending!

The design of valves

The locking mechanism of the crane is its main element, so the quality of work of the mixer directly depends on its functioning. Different types of valves are represented on the modern market, but it is not the type that is more important here (there are no particular differences in the operation of the systems), but the quality of production.

According to this parameter, these types of mixers for the kitchen are distinguished:

• Two-valve with boxen locking mechanism. According to the masters, despite the simplicity of the design, these products are the most reliable, and if necessary, simply repaired with their own hands. The main disadvantage is that it is not very convenient to use them: in order to select the optimum temperature, you need to turn both valves alternately.
• Lever with cartridge. Due to the fact that one adjusting handle can move up and to the side, we will be able to select the optimum pressure and temperature with one hand. The cartridge provides precise adjustment, but if it breaks, it will have to be changed completely, which is quite expensive.

• Lever with ball valve. Ball valves are usually used in technical pipelines, but their use is justified in household mixers. Thanks to its simple design, the system is quite reliable, and if necessary it can be easily repaired by replacing the sealing elements.

This information will help you even if you do not know which manufacturer of the kitchen faucet is better. On the modern market both companies from the premium segment (Grohe, Ferro, Kludi) and more affordable products (Touch-Z, Zegor, etc.) are presented, so you need to focus not on the brand, but on the affordable budget and work options.

Material selection

Hardware

If you decide to purchase a standard glossy or matte faucet for the kitchen, then the easiest way is to choose a metal model:

• A significant part of the budget segment is represented by stainless steel taps. Chromium or nickel coating protects them from corrosion, which also plays a decorative role. Naturally, the coating should be monitored without subjecting the mixer to mechanical stress.

Tip! In order not to scratch the chrome plating or nickel plating, and not to provoke the appearance of rust, it is worth refusing to use cleaning products with abrasive particles.

• More practical are the models of various plumbing alloys, most often - bronze or brass. They themselves are not subject to corrosion, and copper, chrome or nickel coating gives them an attractive appearance.

Models of synthetic materials

Recently, an alternative to metal products have become kitchen faucets made of artificial stone.

• For the production of cases of such models used a composite of mineral filler and fixing polymer. So, for example, marble crumb mixers for the kitchen contain about 60-80% finely ground marble, and 20-40% epoxy resins of high strength.
• The composite, which is used for stamping such cranes, is characterized by high viciousness, resistance to shock loads and the effects of detergents. With proper care, the life of the mixer can be up to 20 years or more.

Tip! Naturally, this figure does not apply to the locking mechanism: cartridges and axle boxes should be changed about once every two or three years.

• In addition to good performance, an attractive appearance is also worth noting. Granite kitchen faucet will be in perfect harmony with the stone sink, which will achieve unity of style and create a completely harmonious interior.

Ceramics and plastic

In addition to metal and composites based on artificial stone, you can find models of kitchen faucets and from other materials on sale:

• The ceramic kitchen faucet looks very attractive, but in terms of operating parameters it is in many respects inferior to steel, and brass, and composite products. Such models should be considered rather as a decorative accessory, and not subject them to significant loads.
• Glass faucets can also be used in the kitchen, but they also have problems with mechanical strength. On the other hand, glass is chemically inert, and with proper care it practically does not change its appearance under the influence of detergents.
• Technopolymer mixers are also found on the market. However, the quality of most of them is low, since the plastic does not have sufficient stability. The exception is made by some heating cranes with the built-in TENG, but at them the steel framework is usually located under the plastic case.

Useful additions

To the process of cooking and washing dishes was a joy, the crane can be equipped with some additional devices:

• If you have a filter installed under the sink, then you can choose the so-called kitchen faucet 2 in 1 as its main device. Its design allows you to supply both tap water and the inclusion of filtered water, which is used for drinking and cooking.

Note! At the same time, there is no need to place another crane on the tabletop, which allows significant saving of the working space on the tabletop.

• The right choice in terms of convenience of washing dishes will be the purchase of a mixer with a retractable hose. When folded, the hose takes up almost no space (since it is placed under the sink), but when used, it allows you to easily manipulate the water jet.
• You can also recommend the installation of a valve with a thermostat. In this case, we can minimize the time spent on the selection of water temperature: it is enough to set up a mechanical or electronic sensor once, and the jet with the necessary head and degree of heating will be activated in one motion.

• Finally, the pinch of progress is the pinnacle of progress. To control the flow of such a design does not require touching at all: to turn on the water, you just need to bring your hands to the sensor on the front panel.

Conclusion

As you can see, the variety of models available is very large: you can choose a kitchen faucet from black granite, brass or bronze, install a faucet with a built-in filter or thermostat, etc. The main thing is that the acquired design meets your requirements and serves for a long time and regularly. You can explore the variety of products described above in more detail by viewing the video in this article.