The range of kitchen faucets is quite wide, there are dozens of manufacturing companies, hundreds of different models of faucets and even more different price offers. A person who previously did not suspect that faucets can be so different is simply lost in the store.
Therefore, before going to specialized points of sale, it is better to familiarize yourself with the features, characteristics and manufacturers of kitchen faucets. Sales consultants, of course, will help in choosing, but in most cases they advise those models that need to be sold, and sometimes they themselves do not know all the subtleties of the choice. This once again confirms that before buying it is necessary to strengthen your knowledge base in this matter.
What should be the mixer
The main criterion when choosing a faucet for the kitchen is the strength of the device. The fact is that for cooking, washing dishes and other purposes, water is used much more often than in similar bathroom appliances.
In order for the mixer to really cope with its task, it must be of high quality and withstand heavy loads. It also has to be easy to use.
By design, faucets for the bathroom and for the kitchen are in many ways similar - the same principle of operation, internal parts, and materials from which the base is made. But they also have their own characteristics - additional functions, original technical secrets and more.
Differences between kitchen models and bathroom devices
The main characteristic that distinguishes these two types of devices is the size of the water jet. Also, differences can be in the size of the mixer itself and its appearance. In the kitchen, a jet of water from the tap should fall directly into the sink drain, otherwise the device will be inconvenient to use.
In kitchen models, the spout is at an optimal level, while it is quite durable. The height of the device determines how much water will be sprayed. If the mixer is very low, then it is almost impossible to wash large dishes in it. Also, it is not possible to put a lot of dishes in a sink with such a device; in such a situation, dirty cutlery and plates will have to be placed on the table and gradually make room for them in the sink. Of course, this will bring daily inconvenience to the hostess. Therefore, the choice must be approached carefully. When choosing a faucet, you must take into account the height of the spout, you must also take into account the depth of the sink. If this is too difficult for a person, then you can pay attention to complex models, where manufacturers offer a sink with a mixer.
An important characteristic is the angle of rotation of the spout, the convenience of the device also depends on this. In cheap versions, this figure ranges from 120-140 degrees. Models of the middle price category have an angle of 180 degrees, and the "top" models can even rotate around their axis. Such a function will be useful if the sink is located on a kind of “island”, and if it is located near a wall or in a corner, then this makes no sense.
Varieties of mixers according to the principle of control
There are many ways to control the size of the jet and the temperature of the water. According to this characteristic, all mixers are divided into three main types:
- Double valve models. Every person has been familiar with such a design since childhood, it consists of two faucets-boxes, and a spout is installed in the middle. The amount of water supplied is regulated by opening and closing the valves. Gradually, two-valve mixers become obsolete, they are inexpensive, but they are not often bought. The fact is that parts such as gaskets quickly fail and have to be replaced regularly.
- Single lever designs. This option is by far the most popular. The owners of such a mixer note its convenience, with one movement of the hand, or even a finger, it is powerful to set the optimal jet and water temperature. When working in the kitchen, practicality and convenience are important, and single-lever options correspond to this.
- Contactless mixers. Such models are the most modern on the market, they are convenient to use, and they also have an attractive design. A special sensor is installed in the body of the device, and for feeding it is enough just to bring your hand to it. But touchless faucets are also not very popular, and their cost is to blame. For such a modern solution will have to pay a lot.
Nozzle Features
This element in kitchen faucets can be presented in two versions:
- With a traditional aerator at the end.
- With the installation of a shower head. This type works in two modes: “shower” and “aerated jet”.
The first mode of operation allows you to gently rinse soft foods such as herbs, berries, etc. Also, the "shower" increases the convenience of caring for the sink.
Special features for the kitchen
New models of kitchen faucets are also equipped with a variety of functions that increase ease of use. So, in modern versions, you can switch the device to work with appliances (dishwasher, coffee maker, etc.). The purchase of this type of mixer will save the owner from the additional effort and time spent on arranging a complex plumbing for electronic equipment.
There are really many manufacturers of such devices, and everyone is trying to stand out with a wider functionality of the device. So, there are models with a pre-installed filtration system. This is especially true when connected to a central water supply, where the quality of the liquid leaves much to be desired. Most often, such a device is equipped with two spouts at once, one of them provides a supply of purified water, which is suitable for drinking and cooking. The second spout supplies technical water that can be used for washing dishes and other household purposes.
In this case, the procedure for purifying water occurs in two stages. At first, a membrane becomes a barrier to harmful elements, it rids the water of lime and precipitation. Further, the carbon filter performs its task, which absorbs chlorine and other substances that adversely affect the taste and smell of water.
Construction material
The performance of each device and the terms of its operation directly depend on the materials that underlie it. Kitchen faucets are no exception in this matter. For the production of such devices, metal alloys, plastic and ceramics are used. Each option has its own positive and negative points.
Metal mixers
Among metals, silumin is most often used - an alloy of aluminum and silicon. At the same time, the cost of such devices is not high. Among the shortcomings of metal devices can be called a modest appearance and low performance.
Traditional options based on bronze and brass perform well. Such materials are neutral to a humid environment and do not begin to rust. Bronze faucets will last for decades. Many experts call them the best options for installation in the kitchen.
plastic models
The main advantage of plastic is its affordable cost. Also, plastic can be called a material that works great in different conditions, including in the aquatic environment. The thermal conductivity of plastic is low, which is very important when the temperature of some parts of the device rises. The main disadvantage is the short service life compared to the bronze version.
Ceramic mixers
This material is quite fragile, and will be damaged much faster than metal or plastic. Many manufacturers of ceramic faucets claim that this is not the case, but as practice shows, such models are damaged quickly. Does not bring joy and the cost of ceramic products. But the undoubted advantage is the design of the device, it will easily fit into any interior.
Varieties of coatings
Such devices can be covered with enamel, chrome or stainless steel. At the same time, the process is different in the production of plastic mixers, in order to chrome them, the device must first be coated with copper.
This solution performs not only a protective function, but also an aesthetic one. The sparkling faucet will be a good decoration of the kitchen room. Enamel also looks very nice, but it wears off much faster than chrome and other materials.
How to choose
The main rule of the purchase is the right choice. The store should specialize in this kind of devices, it should have a good reputation and an adequate pricing policy.
Very cheap faucets on the market tempt you to save money. But you should not do this, especially since the savings will only be fictitious, because the service life of such devices is several times shorter than that of good, branded models.
In most cases, you will have to pay a little more for the brand, but this will guarantee the quality of the device. If you want to save money, you can pay attention to new manufacturers who are just mastering the market, but in such a situation you will have to buy a “pig in a poke”. And you should not be afraid of high prices, they are compensated by convenient use and a long service life.
When a person has not yet decided on the choice of a kitchen faucet, then he should pay attention to the design. Performance does not depend much on this characteristic, but it must be taken into account.
First of all, the faucet must be combined with an already installed sink. Such a "blowing" should be made in the same style, best of all, if from the same materials, or at least similar ones. An important role in the appearance of the device and in the design of the whole kitchen is played by the shape of the handles. If the room is made in the old style, then it is better to purchase a two-valve device with decorative handles. Lever devices can also look beautiful, because they are far from all the same, there are options where the handle is located on the side or even in the form of a toggle switch.
The mixer tube is also not always produced in a classic form, in modern models there are more clear lines, and there are fewer and fewer details. If after the purchase there are questions about installing the device, then do not panic. Included with high-quality equipment there is an instruction and a diagram that will help you cope with installation questions yourself.
Rules for choosing the best mixer
Choosing a mixer is a rather complicated process, and not everyone can cope with it. There are certain rules that will benefit in resolving this issue:
- Working with the device should be as convenient as possible. This largely depends on the height of the spout, because a lot of dishes should fit in the sink, including large plates with pots;
- The reputation of the manufacturer is of great importance, because it speaks of the quality of the device. In production, only durable materials should be used;
- The issue of design also becomes important, the faucet should look great against the backdrop of the whole kitchen;
- The device must come with a complete set (rubber gaskets, flexible hoses, etc.). Also, high-quality equipment always has instructions and a warranty card;
- If there is a hole in the sink, then it is also worth considering that it matches the diameter of the new device;
- The diameter of the special butt nuts must also match (in most cases it is 0.5 inches). If this indicator is higher for the mixer, then you will have to additionally purchase an adapter.
The best faucet manufacturers
- Grohe;
- Damixa;
- Gustavsberg;
- Hansgroher;
- shruder;
- Armatura KFA;
- shruder;
Many positions in the ranking are occupied by products of German companies, and people's reviews only confirm the reliability of these mixers. The positive aspects of the companies include their long experience, Grohe and Hansgroher have many customers around the world for several decades.
Those who want to support a domestic manufacturer also have plenty to choose from. Among the most popular Russian companies it is worth highlighting:
- Sunmix;
- Santekhpribor;
- Aquaton.
For a long time, buyers trusted foreign companies more, because domestic products were not of very good quality. Today the situation has changed a little, experts say that reliable mixers have begun to be made in Russia. And it pleases, because their prices are more affordable. In particular, you can pay attention to the products of the Santekhpribor company, which has a history of more than 50 years of successful existence. Today in the model range there are about 50 options for mixers with a cost of up to 1500 rubles.
Brief description of popular models
Each manufacturer has a fairly wide range of models, and this only complicates the selection process. Therefore, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the devices and reviews of the owners of different mixers.
Hansgrohe
The name of this brand has become synonymous with quality and product reliability. Buying such a device for your kitchen, a person gets a really functional and durable product. The range of the company consists of four model ranges:
- focus;
- Talis;
- Pura Vida;
- metris.
The total number of mixers is 85 different options. Among them, Focus 100 is in special demand. This is a single-lever mixer with an optimal price of 90 US dollars. For this amount, a person receives a 360-degree spout and additional Quick Clean technology, which works with silicone inserts. This solution allows you to quickly remove limescale from the surface.
Model advantages:
- The faucet is equipped with an eccentric with noise-absorbing properties, as well as a ceramic cartridge;
- The device is based on durable and stylish brass;
- A guarantee for uninterrupted operation of the mixer is 5 years;
- The approximate life of the model is 15 years.
Metris Select is another model that has won the love of customers. Its advantages include:
- Two different jet types that can be switched at the touch of a button. The “Shower” mode allows you to thoroughly rinse such delicate products as fish, vegetables and fruits, and a regular jet quickly fills the containers with water;
- A special MagFit system is provided, which allows you to mount the mixer very close to the walls.
This option will cost much more than the previous one, it will cost 300 evergreens.
Shruder
Unlike the previous company, this one appeared not so long ago, but thanks to its quality products, it managed to prove itself from the best side. Also, buyers are pleased with the low cost. The two-layer chrome finish keeps the faucet looking great for years to come. Almost all models are made in China, which also allows you to set adequate prices.
Among the model range, it is worth paying attention to CLEO MM 354 - a brass-based single-lever mixer made in a traditional form. Such a simple design was reflected in the price, it is about 1000 rubles. Such cheapness from a foreign manufacturer may alert buyers, but as the owners of this model say, it lasts even more than the declared five years.
Among the two-valve options, the Nevada MM 310 with aerator stands out. All fasteners are included in the kit.
Faucet Advantages:
- In the event of a breakdown, replacing a part will not be a problem; you can purchase components both on the Internet and in plumbing stores;
- Chrome plating is of high quality, there are no defects during operation.
Only the type of fastening raises questions; when using a sink made of thin metal, it will not be entirely reliable.
