It is difficult to overestimate the importance of a kitchen faucet. Every day, it passes tens of liters of water, ensuring the cleanliness of the dishes and the normal cooking process. The kitchen faucet is used several times more than any other in the house. Therefore, his choice should be approached especially carefully.
Types of taps
Modern industry is trying to make the sink faucet in the kitchen not only convenient, but also functional. Therefore, at the moment there are several varieties of taps according to the type of adjustment and water supply, which have their pros and cons.
Known since the middle of the last century, the valve mixer has proven its durability and reliability. Despite this, it has a number of disadvantages. First, the difficulty of accurately adjusting the water temperature. It takes some time to do this. Secondly, more often in the kitchen, the hostess has one hand busy. She can't open both valves at once.
These inconveniences are solved in the second type of cranes - single-lever. They are popularly called ball. The water supply mechanism is based on the fact that when you turn the lever up to the left or right, you can get either warm, or cold, or hot water. It is very easy to use. The design allows you to open the water even with one finger.
The touchless kitchen faucet is the most modern. There are no levers or valves on it, and the water supply starts after bringing your hand to the sensor. It is very comfortable. Yes, and water is saved much better. That's just such a pleasure is quite expensive.
Spout options
The second important point that you should pay attention to when choosing a kitchen faucet is the shape and features of the spout. The ideal option is when the water flows calmly into the center of the sink. To do this, you need to choose the right height of the crane. There is a rule: the deeper the sink, the lower the spout.
But some caution is needed here. A kitchen faucet that is too high will spray water that will hit the bottom of the sink. And too low will not allow you to wash large dishes and draw water into them.
For a sink with two sinks, it makes sense to choose a pull-out spout. Its tube length varies from 60 to 120 cm. This makes it possible not only to conveniently wash dishes, but also to pour water into containers on the stove or even on the floor near the sink.
Additional attachments
You almost never see spouts without nozzles. Almost every faucet is equipped with an aerator. This device has several functions. First, it enriches the water with bubbles, making it flowsofter. This also creates the appearance of a large jet, which helps to save money. Secondly, the aerator mesh acts as a simple filter, on which small impurities present in the water are deposited.
Spouts with a shower are much less common in the kitchen. This nozzle splits the stream of water into multiple jets, which make them fall more gently and do not damage delicate foods such as herbs or delicate vegetables and fruits.
Materials
If you do not know how to choose a kitchen faucet in accordance with its parameters, you can seek help from a specialist in any plumbing store. Among other things, he will tell you that mixers are made from different materials. They can be divided into metals, ceramics and plastics.
Of the metal alloys, the most popular is silumin - silicon and aluminum. It is inexpensive, but has an average degree of strength and resistance to damage. It lends itself well to coating with other materials, which gives a large field for obtaining decorative effects.
Copper and brass are more reliable, but also much more expensive. In addition, they are used uncoated, which gives them a certain charm of antiquity.
The ceramic faucet for the kitchen has also proven itself well. It is beautiful and more durable than metal because it does not corrode. At the same time, such a mixer is very afraid of mechanical damage. If you treat it with care, then such a crane will last longer than all other options.
The cheapest and most unreliable is a plastic faucet. It can be found quite rarely, not only because it has low performance, but also because it quickly loses its presentation in the store.
The best option is a combined kitchen faucet. Using different materials, the manufacturer enhances the positive characteristics, neutralizing the negative ones. For example, a metal faucet with a ceramic insert in the middle will not rust or break if hit with a pan.
Coating types
Metal faucets are often covered with a decorative layer, which allows you to choose a sink faucet in accordance with its design. Nickel-plated faucets are the most common. They have a beautiful metallic sheen, but are contraindicated for people prone to allergies. For them, chrome plating would be the best choice. But these mixers cost a little more.
Gilding has a certain aristocratic look, but is not suitable for every interior. While enamel has a much larger decorative range. At the same time, this coating tends to crack and peel off over time.
Design Features
People who are tormented by the question of how to choose a faucet for the kitchen, it is important to know that modern plumbing is rich in varieties of design styles. The store also has vintage models, as if they came to us from the 50s-60s of the last century, and futuristic items made of metal, plastic and glass.
When choosing a faucet, pay attention tothe overall style of the kitchen and the availability of additional accessories. If the kitchen furniture has chrome-plated handles, and the sink has a beautiful metallic sheen, then the golden faucet will be completely out of place here.
A futuristic design faucet would also look ugly in a rustic kitchen. So if you need to replace your kitchen faucet, go for the same or a very similar model. If you are radically changing the whole design concept, then show a photo of your kitchen to a specialist, and he will advise you on several options that suit you.
Top Producers
As you know, it is better to buy a kitchen faucet from reputable manufacturers. In our market, these are mainly European firms.
Everyone is familiar with Italian plumbing. It is not only durable, but also has a modern design. The only drawback is the high cost of models, which makes them inaccessible to ordinary consumers.
Slightly cheaper, but no worse in quality - Lithuanian, Bulgarian or Hungarian faucets. These manufacturers do not overpay for brand promotion. Therefore, their products are a good alternative to expensive high-end faucets.
Domestic manufacturers also have considerable experience in the production of sanitary ware for the kitchen. Their cranes are much cheaper due to the absence of customs fees. The quality is not always worse, since many foreign firms open their production on the basis of our factories, using the same technologies as in their homeland.
China: for and against
As in other industrial goods industries,Chinese manufacturers are also represented in our plumbing market. And it is worth noting that not always a kitchen faucet from this country is an outright counterfeit. There are quite worthy specimens here.
The problem is that only specialists can distinguish a good Chinese crane from a bad one. Unfortunately, not every store consultants tell the truth. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a Chinese faucet either at a trusted outlet or together with a plumber you know.
To be fair, even the best Chinese faucets will last a couple of years less than a budget European faucet. It is not always justified to save on the fact that over time it will not even be possible to repair, but will have to be changed. Therefore, it still makes sense to abandon Chinese products, even though they are cheaper.
Features of care
The kitchen is the face of the hostess. Therefore, there must always be perfect cleanliness. The surfaces that need to be monitored include the kitchen faucet. It gets dirty as much as anything else.
The first rule is no abrasives. Any material from which mixers are made is afraid of scratches. Therefore, use only soft cloths and cleaning products. The same vinegar with water perfectly removes any dirt.
Secondly, carefully study the instructions for both plumbing and household chemicals. This will prevent damage and stains from using unsuitable detergents.
