How to choose a kitchen faucet: selection tips, best options, manufacturers rating

The main place where the most water is consumed is the kitchen. Kitchen faucets open and close hundreds of times a day, so even more stringent requirements must be imposed on them than on other plumbing. Before buying, it does not hurt to study the range of products on offer, agree?

We will tell you how to choose a kitchen faucet from a variety of modifications. The article describes in detail the design and operational features, the pros and cons of various kitchen faucets are indicated.

We gave practical advice on choosing a faucet, and also listed the best manufacturers whose plumbing has proven itself in the best way. The information provided will help you understand which type of mixer is right for you.

Varieties of Kitchen Faucets

Each faucet offered by the modern plumbing market has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Separation of kitchen plumbing occurs according to several parameters:

• type of construction - method of opening water;
• features of the spout;
• type of installation;
• manufacturing material.

We will consider each item in detail separately.

In order to select equipment that fully meets financial capabilities, the requirements of functionality and comfort, it is important to understand how cranes are classified and what are the features of each type

Water supply method designs

Any mixer belongs to one of three types and can be:

• box-type crane (two-valve);
• single lever;
• non-contact.

Each type has features that are relevant when choosing and buying.

Two-valve mixers

These are simple classic designs in which a separate axle box valve is opened for hot or cold water.

Two-valve mixers are the most familiar design, gradually disappearing from the market.Among the popular models are budget options and devices made in retro style

The design of the mechanism may be:

• worm gear;
• ceramic.

If it is mounted in a housing, it is impossible to distinguish its type by external signs, but it is possible to understand which system provides water supply by the number of valve revolutions. In worm gears, it will be necessary to turn the tap at least three to four times; in ceramic, half the turn is sufficient.

Worm gear. The principle of operation is very simple - the flow of water is blocked by a retractable stem, which presses the shutter valve with a rubber gasket attached to its bottom. The main advantage of the design is ease of repair.

Typically, the leakage of such a valve is caused by wear on the gasket, and the repair consists in replacing the rubber, which can even be cut independently. But rubber gaskets are very short-lived, so you have to change them very often.

Ceramic faucet. The name "ceramic" does not mean that all parts are made of ceramic. The role of the locking elements in the crane box is performed by two round ceramic plates.

In ceramic disks, one of which is fixed on the body motionlessly, and the second rotates relative to it, there are holes. The force of the water pressure is regulated by the magnitude of the coincidence of these slots.

The valve can be rotated 90 ° (quarter-turn) or 180 ° (half-turn). The design is more reliable, but short-lived - in the event of a breakdown of the crane box changes completely.

Ceramic axle boxes fail due to the action of solid particles in the water, so a filter must be installed for their use

The advantages of such models include the low cost, simplicity of design and maintainability - failed parts can be replaced independently.

Disadvantages:

• water overrun - during the adjustment of pressure and temperature, part of the water is wasted;
• inconvenience of management - you have to adjust two valves;
• replacement difficulty - Do not just choose the right ceramic crane-axle box.

There are “slot” and “square” models with different stem lengths, 120 or 24 slots for valve nozzles, etc.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to take with you to the store and the valve, and the failed crane box.

Single Lever Instruments

Easy-to-use modern models, which can also be called joystick, single-command or single lever mixers. Most of those who decide which mixer is best for the kitchen choose these designs.

Single lever mixers are easy to use, attractive in appearance and save money by quickly adjusting the water temperature

A single knob adjusts both temperature and head power. To do this, just turn the knob left or right and adjust the height of its position.

Despite the similarity of controls, they differ in the way they mix water - ball and cartridge. According to the design of the body, there are fixed and rotary models.

Ball Devices

Water is supplied through a ball with several holes. The movements of the handle turn it and regulate the flow of hot and cold water, setting the necessary pressure and flow temperature.

The ball mechanism is the simplest design that provides the supply and adjustment of the water pressure by turning a ball with three holes located in the sleeve. One of them is intended for the supply of hot water, the second - cold, the third for mixed water in the required proportions

Constructive simplicity minimizes ball valve breakdowns. Leaks most often occur due to the penetration of grains of sand and similar inclusions in the gap between the elastic seats holding the ball and the ball itself.

Therefore, it is highly desirable that a coarse strainer is installed in front of the mixer. Can choose wash filter, which will not only retain small particles, but also soften, iron-free water.

The presence of specks is evidenced by the need for great effort when making turns. However, most often in ball devices, the pressure and volume of the supplied water are tritely reduced due to a clogged aerator.

You can clean both of them with your own hands, however, there is a difference in the algorithm of work. To extract grains of sand from under the saddles, you will have to disassemble the mixer. To remove contaminants from the aerator, you only need to unscrew it, rinse and free from unnecessary deposits.

Ball mechanisms are convenient and economical, but require additional water filtration. If the cartridge, which is a spherical sleeve with a movable hollow ball, is out of order, it must be replaced with a new one, similar in design and material

Design features of disk devices

The disk device works according to the same principle of operation as the ceramic crane boxes: two ceramic plates (movable and fixed) have holes, and the pressure and water temperature are set by the area of ​​their combination.

Serious damage to disk devices is eliminated by replacing the cartridges. The simplest flaws in work, such as elementary leakage, can be eliminated with one's own hand. They begin to leak when a speck gets stuck between the disks.

The use of such structures as in ball models requires the mandatory installation of coarse filters, due to which the service life is increased.

Types of Model Cases

The type of casing does not depend on the mixing mechanism; it can be:

• cast - motionless;
• turning.

Fixed structure the housing of the cast instrument is equipped with a side or upper control lever.

Cast faucets look impressive, but not very convenient. Usually they have a short spout, and due to the monolithic design they are used only in bathrooms where mobility is not required

The advantages of fixed single lever cranes include maintainability and high reliability. At the same time, it is not as convenient to operate and use it as a joystick, and the jet has great power, due to which water can be sprayed.

If you choose a similar mechanism, it is desirable that the mixer spout be retractable. Among the most frequent failures: loosening of the fixing ring and the spout itself, wear of the gaskets.

Swivel models. Inclusion and flow control is carried out by the handle, most often installed on the right side or above the spout.

The main advantages include saving water - the handle is initially set in a position in which the flows of hot and cold water flow evenly, and ease of operation

The spout moves smoothly to the sides, is securely fixed, but cannot be at high altitude. The disadvantages include wear of the seals installed in the rotary part, but they are replaced without any problems.

Advantages of single lever mixers:

• profitability;
• ease of use;
• functional design.

Among the disadvantages: quick wear of the seal and high price. Also, the disadvantage is the fact that the complexity of the design requires qualified repair.

Contactless (electronic) models

Touch and thermostatic mixers appeared not so long ago and significantly differ from mechanical options. The main function that such a tap performs is the supply of water at a predetermined temperature.

To turn on, you do not need to turn or click on any details - just bring your hands to the spout and the non-contact infrared sensor will start the mechanism. The distance to the sensor is determined by its parameters, and the start of water and cessation of flow occurs with a slight delay

Volatile and stand-alone models are available. The first ones are powered from the network through a 12 V adapter, and the batteries are enough for the second to function. When buying, it is better to choose a device that has the option of duplicating manual control.

The main advantage is significant water saving, another positive detail - there are no handprints on plumbing. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

You can separately note the budget option - special nozzles that allow you to upgrade a conventional mixer. Such a device is mounted on the spout, runs on battery and, according to manufacturers, saves water consumption up to 20%.

Differences in mounting type

In addition to design features, there is a separation of types of kitchen faucets according to the installation method. Place and crane installation method affects which model to choose for a particular kitchen.

Mixer wall mount. The models are concise and easy to use, but there are a number of difficulties with their installation: special water connection and subsequent wall repair are required

There are three ways to fix the unit:

1. In the sink hole - The most common and easiest installation method that you can do yourself. Any designs are suitable.
2. In countertopsIt is also possible to install valve, lever or touch models with swivel spouts. But before that, a hole is drilled in the table corresponding to the diameter of the devices.
3. Fixing directly to the wall - Only special models will do. The housing for such installation should be massive, and the connection with the pipes hidden in the wall should be rigid.

Fixing in a horizontal position is carried out in the case of installing lever mixers with studs threaded into threaded holes on the body, on which a shaped half washer is tightened with a nut. When mounting the axle box structures, the split sleeve with thread is fixed to the surface of the base with a nut.

A sink mounted mixer is the most common mounting option. The most acceptable method of connecting to a water supply system is through flexible hoses.

In cases where it is necessary to connect to pipes exiting the wall, eccentrics are used to ensure proper positioning, and fasteners are hidden by decorative conical plates.

Features of the shape of the kitchen faucet

The shapes and sizes of spouts are very diverse.

The shape distinguishes faucets with spout:

• L-shaped;
• R-shaped;
• S-shaped;
• J-shaped;
• C-shaped.

Regardless of the shape of the spout, nozzles can be not only round, but also flattened or even square - the type of flow depends on this.

Spouts are classified by location relative to the sink:

• low - 15.5 cm -18.4 cm;
• medium - 23.5 cm, 21.6 cm, 20 cm;
• high - 28 cm.

It is believed that cranes with a high bend and nozzle are designed for shallow sinks. But if the stream falls from a great height, it will certainly be sprayed, and if the sink is not deep, all the spray will fly into the kitchen. The use of a low spout is associated with difficulties in filling high volumetric utensils.

The problem can be solved by purchasing a spout with a variable geometry, for example, telescopic. But a large number of connections, in the places of which gaskets and hinges are installed, leads to a fairly rapid appearance of leaks.

The telescopic mixer combines ease of use and looks original. Its design consists of several interconnected tubes that can move independently of each other

Retractable mixers are more reliable and convenient. A flexible hose is held inside the tap through which water enters. Most often, the hose is completely recessed in the mixer, so it looks like an ordinary one.

If necessary, the flexible hose extends to a length of one and a half meters, so you can fill, for example, pots directly on the hob, and not in the sink. It is convenient to fill buckets or other containers standing on the floor.

In addition to the option with the location of the hose in the mixer itself, there are other models in which the faucet works separately, and the shower head is hidden in the sink or fixed next to the mixer on a special holder.

This is a universal type of mixer, and some models can be equipped with additional control of the extendable element, which saves water consumption.

The choice of device should be based on the material used in the manufacture of the decorative tap in which the hose is placed. It can be plastic, fragile and therefore break in the place of extension.

Another, but already inexpensive model is a crane, the spout of which is movable and enclosed in an elastic holder. This option is distinguished by reliability and convenience, but its design is not suitable for every interior.

Types of spout nozzles

Consider a small but important detail on which the saving of water, the ease of use of the tap, and the type of flow depend. The most popular are mixer aerators and retractable watering cans.

In such devices, water and air are mixed, resulting in significant savings - up to 8 liters per minute.

The grids on the nozzle can be static or adjustable with a variable size of the holes. Some models are equipped with nozzles that can change the direction of the jet.

Crane nozzles are produced, with the help of which they regulate the shape and saturation of the flow. You can choose a part that is suitable for a particular nozzle shape

There are additions, optional, but very convenient. For example, LED backlighting, which not only becomes an additional source of light, but also illuminates dishes when washing.

An electronic thermometer allows you to obtain the necessary heating, while saving water, while it does not require additional energy sources, because it receives it from water pressure.

Modern manufacturing materials

The design of the mixer is quite complicated, therefore, various materials are used for the production of parts. The case is made of alloys, the most common of which are steel and brass - these metals guarantee high reliability. Even better are bronze and copper devices, but they are much more expensive.

In addition, the housing can be made of plastic, ceramic and granite. The most reliable faucets - with a metal casing and ceramic internal parts.

In the production of budget mixers, silumin or zinc-copper-aluminum alloys are used. But such devices at a low cost are distinguished by their fragility and low strength. Sample - product from silumin from the Chinese manufacturer Ledeme

There are enough offers of plumbing made of ceramics or heat-resistant high-strength plastic. They are durable, but they withstand mechanical shocks worse than metal ones.

Pay attention to the coating of metal. Chromium-plated surfaces are durable, but they do not give the opportunity to choose a color gamut, and they are also very quickly covered with visible dirt.

Enameled ones have no problems with shades, but the enamel is not so strong and eventually peels off or lose its original color. An excellent choice is a surface decorated in bronze. Spots are not so visible on it, and leaving is not difficult.

And another factor that you can pay attention to is the weight of the product. A high-quality, reliable and durable mixer cannot be easy.

What else to look for?

When buying a mixer, in addition to the parameters related to the design of the device itself, other factors must be taken into account, the first of which is the size of the sink.

As already mentioned, the spouts of the mixers have different heights.For a low nozzle location, a deep sink is suitable, otherwise filling high-volume high-volume dishes with water will be problematic.

And with an excessively high faucet in combination with a fine sink, the surrounding surface will always be covered with spray. Therefore, the ratio of these sizes should be taken into account.

The solution can be the purchase of a kit, which includes a mixer with a sink - in this case, you won’t have to think about the ratio of parameters, they are calculated by the manufacturer.

It is advisable that the stream from the tap falls exactly on the center of the sink (it does not matter where the drain is), otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the mixer

Possibility of turning the spout - most often the crane can rotate 120-140 ° and 180 ° for expensive models. But if the sink is located in a corner or against a wall, this indicator is not so important. And vice versa - when the technique for washing installed on the island is selected, it is best if the spout can rotate around its axis.

Additional features must be considered. For example, in some models of single lever devices, the manufacturer pre-integrates a coarse filter. This protects the mechanism from the ingress of small particles, and frees the owners from the need to install it themselves.

There are appliances equipped with carbon filters for drinking water. Such devices are either with one spout, in which tap and filtered water are not mixed, or with two spouts: the first is drinking, the second is “technical”.

On the case of some models set switches designed to supply water to the washing machine and dishwasher.

There are models that not only turn to the sides, but can also completely fall down and “lie down” on the sink.

Models with bayonet mount allow you to install the sink directly in front of the window. To open the frame inside, it is enough to get a tap on a flexible hose from the base and just lay it aside

The best foreign and Russian manufacturers

It is clear that a good product cannot be cheap, but far from always the cost the best kitchen faucets is beyond what is possible. When choosing, it is worth focusing not only on the price, but also on the brand.

Manufacturers with a well-known name produce both budget and luxury models. At the same time, the established reputation for them means much more than petty savings, therefore, regardless of price, the mixers of such brands are always of high quality.

From the brand of the manufacturer depends on how high quality, durable and comfortable your plumbing will be.

If we look at the rating of kitchen faucets by country and specific manufacturers, we will see that the first places are distributed as follows:

• Germany - SIEMENS ag, ​​Grohe, Dornbracht, Viega, Kaldewei, Hansa, Schock, Axor, Ideal Standard, Hansgrohe, Franke, Blanco;
• Italy - Jacuzzi, Rifra, Piados, Duka, Zucchetti, Roca, Webert, Bonomini, Carlo Frattini, Webert;
• France - Jacob Delafon;
• Finland - Oras;
• Sweden - Alfa Laval;
• Bulgaria - Vidima;
• Switzerland - Gustavsberg;
• Spain - Roca;
• Denmark - Damixa.

Among the Russian companies manufacturing plumbing products of companies deserve attention Aquaton, Sunmix, Santechpribor.

Products from these manufacturers guarantee a long and convenient operation, are reliable and can work for a long time without breakdowns.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Some useful tips and a brief overview of modern kitchen appliances:

A variety of faucets on the Russian market can lead to confusion for any customer. But if you understand in advance which design, shape, functionality and appearance are required for you, the choice will not be a big problem.

Looking for a practical and convenient kitchen sink faucet? Tell our readers which option you prefer. You can leave comments on the article and ask questions in the form below.