Kitchen faucet: difficult to choose - pleasant to use
Almost all kitchen work depends on how well the faucet is selected for the kitchen. The efficiency of its operation determines the quality of dishwashing, comfort when washing fruits and vegetables, and the effectiveness of routine and general cleaning. Today's manufacturers offer users many functional lines of such products. They differ in size, spout geometry, filter and pull-out shower. How much additional functions are needed in a particular situation is decided individually.
What should be the basis for choosing a kitchen faucet
The purpose of a kitchen faucet is to mix cold and hot water by mechanically adjusting its temperature directly at the tap.
Models can be:
- two-valve;
- single-lever;
- contactless.
They also differ in the height of the spout and in the presence of various modern useful additions. To understand this wide variety of proposals, you should know the principles of each of them.
Thus, a mixer with two valves looks symmetrical and harmonious. Each of the valves performs a specific function, adding or decreasing the temperature of the water in the tap. They can be opened simultaneously or in turn, mechanically reaching the desired heat. For convenience, the valves have markers painted in different colors (red - hot, blue - cold water). Models of the retrospective plan are published in modern product catalogs, as well as those with additional accents. Such a product is usually inexpensive, the final price is formed depending on the material from which it is made.
For professional chefs, the clarity and uninterrupted operation of equipment are more important. Therefore, they are more likely to choose models with one lever.
The water is turned on by pressing the lever up with literally one finger or with the back of your hand. At the same time, the gradualness of the water supply is very much appreciated in the models, and not its jerky nature. The control lever is not always installed as standard. Depending on the height of the spout, it is rational to place it on the side or on top. Many people choose the side option, because in this case drops of detergent will not fall on the "gander" itself, which will prolong its operation. The final decision depends on personal preference.
Finally, there is the most modern touchless kitchen faucet, equipped with a special sensor that reacts when hands or dishes are brought to it.
This kitchen faucet is not only easy to use. There is no need to touch it with dirty hands, so the faucet gets dirty less and always looks presentable. The non-contact switching on of water provides for the start of supplying a pre-programmed temperature, which is not very convenient when you need to change it during cooking.
About the geometry of the mixer spout
When it comes to such a faucet characteristic as a spout, a huge mass of modifications is presented to the attention of the buyer:
- high;
- horizontal;
- curved;
- low;
- short;
- rotary and others.
Various brands advertise their products, motivating the opportunity to put a tall vase or kettle under the tap, fill a decanter with drinking water, wash a large watermelon or melon. Each of them is convenient and functional in its own way.
Options with a high spout are considered universal.
These types of kitchen faucets offer a large space from sink to tap. With this arrangement, it is convenient to draw water into a bottle, wash dismountable parts of kitchen appliances, and fill jug filters. A useful improvement is the swivel mechanism of the crane, especially if the sink is of a two-piece type. The advantage of such models is the ability to install them anywhere in the sink, not necessarily in the center. This allows you to harmoniously decorate the wall space with shelves, hooks, local lighting fixtures.
A mixer with a horizontal spout looks stylish. He is always tall.
Choosing to install a horizontal version of the spout, it is necessary to take into account that the sink must be deep for this, because such a tap “steals” space.
Short spout faucet models are available in small kitchens and oversized sinks. They have a central tap location, a shallow single-section sink. The negative point is the inconvenience of washing pans, large pots, tall vases and jugs. The short spout does not exclude the possibility of its rotation, but it is often fixed permanently in a straight position.
Models with a flat "gander" look more modern and stylish. They favorably complement high-tech, modern kitchens. Usually, for such options, the manufacturer chooses practical materials that have a high price and a long service life. More often flat options are used in horizontal models.
Round spouts are more common in medium static kitchens. They are easier to clean, rotate smoothly in swivel models, have a more or less high bend.
What additional amenities can a kitchen faucet come with?
Modern kitchen appliances confidently keep pace with technical progress. Their production has long been complemented by useful accessories such as a water filter or pull-out shower. For those for whom it is important to use both purified drinking water and water from a citywide centralized network, the manufacturer offers an option with two holes. By opening them one by one, you can get both filtered and ordinary water through one spout.
If you just need to wash your work surfaces, dishes or vegetables before cleaning, tap water is fine. For drinking purposes or preparing first courses, you can use filtered. It will be free of mechanical contaminants, hardness salts, bacteria and viruses (specific characteristics are determined by the filter model).
Another additional convenience for housewives is a mixer with a flexible hose. Using this modification, you can direct the jet in different directions, lower or raise for the convenience of washing dishes from all sides. This is how soft fruits and vegetables are washed out most thoroughly. At the same time, there is minimal splashing of water, since the jet can be lowered very low, almost to the bottom of the sink.
The water supply tube can be supplemented with a ball mechanism. Through several holes in the built-in ball, the water jet is evenly divided, softening the overall jet. The rotary knob can be used to adjust its temperature and pressure.
How to choose a kitchen faucet
When visiting hardware stores or building Internet sites, many ask themselves the question: how to choose a faucet for the kitchen? What properties are considered the main, and what are the secondary?
The available models should be differentiated into groups:
- by height;
- form;
- material;
- the presence of a rotary mechanism;
- completing with additional devices;
- price.
If the sink has a small perimeter and depth, it is hardly worth choosing a high spout. Water will spray when it reaches the bottom, leaving a residue on the walls.Deep sinks, on the other hand, require a massive swivel faucet. In this case, horizontal spouts can be considered, which are often flat in shape.
Pay attention to the material of the product
Performance, price and appearance depend on the raw materials used to make the mixers. For the case, it is metal.
An alloy of brass and bronze is relevant today. Its advantages are: moisture resistance, anti-corrosion properties. The faucet "does not overgrow" from the inside with metal salts.
In second place are brass bodies. They are environmentally friendly, practical and hygienic. They have a long service life.
More rarely, mixers are made of alloy steels. Their disadvantage is a short service life (especially in areas with increased water hardness. From the salts contained in it, such steel is quickly “polluted.” The most economical technical devices from simulin. The substance contains silicon and aluminum. However, such models are characterized by fragility and quick release If the choice is not limited by the financial side, you should pay attention to the bronze mixers with brass threads applied.
In addition to metal models, water supply devices are made of plastic, ceramics or coated with a layer of chrome (enamel).
Although these options have a shorter lifespan, they have their advantages. Among them:
- low thermal conductivity;
- ease;
- resistance to water reactions;
- strength.
The application of a nickel layer (as well as chrome or enamel) on the outside also aims to protect the surface from the development of microorganisms and bacteria.
Ceramic mixers are attractive and corrosion resistant. Kitchen with such a device it acquires special expressiveness and charm. According to many experts, the most functionally advantageous modification is when the inner device has a ceramic base, and the outer elements are metal. Granite mixers can be installed according to individual preferences. Moreover, they often accompany sinks made of the same granite.
With or without filter
It is rational to choose a model with a filter. Not only because it is possible to obtain purified drinking water without additional devices, but also in order to prevent plaque deposits on the tap.
Using filtered water, there is no need for additional cleaning of taps and sinks.
The argument for choosing a mixer is the expected functional load on the sink. Washing large pots, pans, boilers is inconvenient with a low spout, fixed in one position in the middle of the far side of the sink. For such situations, a flexible hose or a spout with a high bend is more convenient.
Selection of a mixer by design
Modern kitchen ensembles require from technical devices the ability to choose their colors, shapes and additional amenities. Styles such as country, Provence, classic, have their continuation in mixers for bronze, gold, copper. It is harmonious when they have two-valve mechanisms and a high spout. A flexible hose will be in place.
Ceramic handles and levers complement the effect of the chosen style. Such equipment cannot be called inexpensive, but it will serve for a long time and with high quality.
For the Scandinavian style, you will need chrome or beige models with a simple, single-lever mechanism. For hi-tech, designers recommend touch control, matte or glossy chrome paint, restrained geometric shape.
A mixer of delicate saturated colors is suitable for modern style. They have a single-lever mechanism, made of practical materials, and can transform their spouts.
A matter of taste is the shape of the spout. Sometimes, users choose models equipped with unusual and extravagant details.Examples are: R-, J-, S-, L-shaped and other unique design solutions.
Where to fix
When choosing a faucet for the kitchen, you need to decide in advance how it will be fixed.
Today, there are three options:
- directly at the sink
- on countertop special table headset;
- on the adjacent wall.
Any of the options requires preliminary preparation, for example, a corresponding hole is cut in the tabletop or the method of mounting on the wall is determined.
To be able to fix the mixer on the wall, it is necessary to remove the water supply pipes in a special way. If there are tiles around the sink, additional holes are made in it.
When choosing a suitable option for water distribution technology, you need to pay attention to the angle of rotation of the spout, provided for a particular model. Most of the economical mixers in demand today have an allowable rotation angle of 140 degrees. It is convenient and functional: you can easily draw water into the vessel without placing it exactly in the middle of the sink. More expensive models also suggest a larger angle of rotation (up to 180 degrees), or even full rotation around its axis. Whether the hostess will be able to use such an addition depends on the installation method of the entire system: it is necessary that the cabinet for installing the sink on it has a special island.
Modern manufacturers, in the struggle for the sales market, enrich their products with convenient gadgets that allow not only to improve their functionality, but also to save, for example, water. So, some models of mixers are equipped with water pressure limiters and temperature sensors. No one today is surprised by the presence of compensators and thermostats in such a system.
Models with touch control, as well as options with short spouts, have found practical application.
Choosing a faucet in the kitchen is not an easy question. Its functionality should be intelligently combined with its appearance, and the price should reflect the quality. And if the kitchen is the most visited room in the house, then a high-quality sink mixer is an accent that will not go unnoticed.