How to choose a faucet in the kitchen: an overview of the 6

Today, specialty stores offer a huge selection of a wide variety of kitchen faucets. They differ in form, material of manufacture, design features and many other indicators. How to choose a faucet in the kitchen from such a variety? In this article we will try to answer this question in detail by analyzing all the most important technical characteristics of these plumbing fixtures.

What to look for

Usually in each apartment or house there are two faucets, one installed in the kitchen and the other in the bathroom.

But the loads they experience are not comparable:

• In the bathroom, the case is usually limited to washing hands when coming from the street and washing the face in the morning after waking up.

• In the place where food is cooked, food, dishes, hands after each change of preparing dishes are washed, water is poured into pots, a kettle, and sometimes even boiled eggs, for example, are simply cooled.

And how to choose a faucet in the kitchen in this case? Let's go through all the most important criteria:

Criterion # 1: water supply control device

In this case, we are talking about the method of switching on and adjusting the water supply, of which there are today three types:

So what do we end up with? The single-lever model is most prevalent due to its ease of use, reliability and reasonable cost. A crane with two valves can now be found only among fans of retro style, while the non-contact one is available only to cafes and restaurants because of its high price.

Criterion number 2: the size of the spout

Which faucet for the kitchen is better relative to the size of its spout?

Here the dimensions of the wash have the greatest influence:

• The length of this mixer segment should be the size to get his nose to the middle of the bowl with the possibility of deviation of one-tenth of its size. This will minimize the amount of sprays flying to the floor.
• The height should pay attention to the depth of the sink. The deeper it is, the lower the outlet of the crane should be, and vice versa. The fact is that too long a distance to the bottom of the sink will again provoke the appearance of a large number of splashes, and too little will significantly complicate the process of washing dishes.

Tip: in the event that you are in doubt about the correctness of the choice of the length and height of the spout under your sink, it is recommended to purchase a faucet immediately complete with a perfectly selected sink. So you definitely will not lose.

Criterion # 3: nozzle design

Here the instruction assumes only two possible options:

Criterion №4: material

The material significantly affects the durability, practicality, aesthetics and the cost of the entire product, so you should approach the choice with special care:

1. Silumin. It is an alloy of silicon with aluminum. The only advantage of such models is their low cost. The remaining criteria are nothing unremarkable.
2. Bronze and Brass. The time-honored veterans of sanitary work. Have:

• Aesthetic appearance, which is perfect for both classic and modern styles.
• High strength characteristics in relation to mechanical and temperature effects.
• Absolutely neutral to water, that is, do not change its taste and does not rust.

True, these mixers are quite expensive.

1. Plastic. Pros:

• Low price. Polypropylene products are always famous for cheapness.
• Little weight. Virtually no stress on the sink.
• Lack of corrosion processes.
• Low thermal conductivity. Do not heat up with hot water.

Minuses:

• Low strength before mechanical stress.
• Fear of high temperatures.

Tip: if you decide to purchase a plastic model, then try to install the washbasin away from the gas stove, as the plastic can be deformed at a close source of open fire.

1. Ceramics. The external attractiveness of this material is overshadowed by its fragility, so its use is an amateur.

Criterion number 5: the presence of additional functions

Technologies are moving forward, and today's mixers can be equipped with additional devices:

1. Retractable spout. It is a rubber or polymer hose in a special coating that can be pulled out of the tap for 60-120 cm. Such a device is simply indispensable when using sinks with several bowls, filling large containers outside the sink and when washing hard-to-reach places of the sink itself.

1. Filter. Typically, models equipped with a filter have two outputs: one of them supplies plain water, and the other is already filtered. A good filtration system at the same time has a reverse osmosis membrane and carbon filters that allow you to clean the liquid to an acceptable level.

1. Built-in switch for servicing other plumbing equipment: dishwashers, washing machines, steam boilers. This will do without the special installation of additional pipes or hoses. (See also the article Sink above the washing machine: features.)

Criterion №6: manufacturer

Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer of the mixer that you plan to buy. As a rule, European brands are famous for high quality, some domestic old-timers, unknown same-day firms, most likely, will not be able to offer you a really good product, although it will cost much cheaper.

You should not strive in this case for cheapness, since the need for an emergency replacement of low-quality equipment will only lead to even more waste.

Conclusion

The kitchen faucet is experiencing tremendous daily loads, so first of all, when choosing it, you need to pay attention to its reliability and durability. But also do not forget about the appearance, which should be in harmony with the overall design of the kitchen, the usability and the availability of additional functions. And most importantly, do not save too hard, it is better to buy a good thing once, than a bad thing several times.

The video in this article will introduce you to additional materials. Good luck with your choice!