Introduction:
Choosing a kitchen faucet is not just a matter of style, but also a matter of functionality. The faucet is used every day, and your comfort in the kitchen depends on its correct choice. It is important to consider many factors: from the type of supply to additional functions and control mechanism. In this article, we will help you create a step-by-step algorithm for choosing a kitchen faucet to make this process as simple and convenient as possible.
Eyeliner standard
Before purchasing a faucet, it is important to understand what standard of water supply is used in your kitchen. This will determine what pipes and connections you will need to connect the faucet to the water supply.
There are several standard sizes:
- 1/2 inch is the most common standard for water supply. It fits most kitchens and faucets.
- 3/8″ is a less common option, but is often used in modern kitchens with thin pipes.
There are adapters that allow you to connect faucets with different types of connections. This is convenient in cases where your pipes do not correspond to the standard sizes of faucets.
Determine the installation type
The type of faucet installation depends on the design of your kitchen and your design preferences.
There are two main options:
- On the sink – the most common type of installation, when the mixer is mounted directly on the sink or countertop. This is convenient and practical for most kitchens.
- Wall-mounted – the mixer is mounted on the wall above the sink. This type of installation allows you to save space on the countertop, but requires thoughtful installation of water pipes.
What parameters are important to you?
When choosing a mixer, it is important to consider several parameters that determine its functionality and ease of use:
Spout height
- What is it: The distance from the base of the faucet to the point where the water comes out.
- Why it is important: The height of the spout determines how convenient it will be to wash large pots or fill containers with water. A high spout (20-30 cm) is convenient for kitchens where you often need to work with large volumes of water. A low spout (10-15 cm) is more compact and fits standard sinks.
Length of the spout
- What is it: The distance from the base of the faucet to the end of the spout.
Why it’s important: The length of the spout determines how far the water will flow into the sink. For large kitchen sinks, a spout length of 20-25 cm is recommended to prevent water from splashing.
Hose length
- What is it: The length of a flexible hose for a hand shower or flexible spout.
- Why it’s important: Hoses 120-150 cm long provide maneuverability and convenience when washing large items or filling containers on the countertop.
Socket size
- What is it: The diameter of the decorative cover (socket) that covers the connection of the mixer with the water supply.
- Why it is important: The size of the socket is important for the aesthetic design of the place where the mixer is connected to the wall or sink. The standard size of 5-7 cm is suitable for most kitchens.
Water consumption
- What is it: The amount of water that flows through a faucet in one minute.
- Why it is important: The optimal water consumption is 10-12 l/min for comfortable use. Mixers with a saving function can reduce this figure to 6-8 l/min, which helps reduce water consumption.
Mixer mechanism
The mixer mechanism determines its durability and comfort of use.
There are two main types:
Ceramic crane box
- Description: This is a mechanism with a rotating ceramic washer that allows you to precisely adjust the water supply.
- Advantages: High reliability and durability. Ceramic crane box is wear-resistant and easy to adjust.
Ceramic cartridge
- Description: A mechanism with ceramic plates that allows you to simultaneously regulate the temperature and water pressure using a lever.
- Advantages: Easy to use, durable and resistant to pressure drops. This mechanism is popular in modern single-lever mixers.
Mixer control
The type of mixer control determines the convenience of adjusting the pressure and temperature of the water. There are several popular options:
- Description: Classic system with two valves for regulating hot and cold water.
- Advantages: Precise temperature control, traditional design. Suitable for classic kitchen interiors.
Single lever
- Description: Single lever mixer that allows you to simultaneously adjust the water pressure and temperature.
- Advantages: Convenient and quick to operate. Popular in modern kitchens.
Elbow
- Description: A mixer with a long lever that can be easily turned on and off with your elbow.
- Advantages: Ideal for kitchens where hands are often busy or dirty. Often used in professional kitchens.
Additional Features
Additional functions of the mixer make its use more comfortable and convenient. Let’s consider the main ones:
Built-in drinking water tap
- Description: The mixer has a separate tap for drinking water, which is connected to the filter.
- Advantages: Space saving and convenience – no need to install a separate tap for the filter.
Suitable for bowl sink
- Description: A mixer with an extended spout, designed for bowl washbasins.
- Advantages: Convenience when using high-mounted sinks.
With anti-limescale coating
- Description: Special coating that prevents the formation of limescale.
- Advantages: Easy to maintain and durable.
With variable angle aerator
- Description: An aerator that allows you to adjust the angle of water flow.
- Benefits: More convenient control of water flow for washing large dishes or vegetables.
With a self-cleaning aerator
- Description: A mixer that cleans itself from plaque and dirt.
- Advantages: Less maintenance required for the mixer and durability.
With rotating spout
- Description: Spout that can be rotated 360 degrees.
- Advantages: Convenience when working with multi-section sinks or filling containers.
With flexible spout
- Description: Spout with a flexible hose that can be directed in different directions.
- Advantages: Increased maneuverability and convenience when washing large items.
With backflow protection
- Description: Prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the water supply system.
- Benefits: Ensures safe drinking water.
With temperature limitation
- Description: A function that limits the maximum water temperature.
- Benefits: Protection against burns, especially useful for families with children.
With easy cleaning function
- Description: Special coating that prevents the formation of dirt and plaque.
- Advantages: Easy to maintain the mixer and maintain its aesthetic appearance.
With water saving function
- Description: Mixers with aerators and other systems that reduce water consumption.
- Benefits: Saving resources and reducing water costs.
Mixer color
Mixers come in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose a model that will perfectly fit into your kitchen design.
The most popular colors:
- Chrome: A classic choice for contemporary kitchens.
- Black: Stylish and elegant, suitable for minimalist and industrial interiors.
- White: Modern and versatile, suitable for light kitchens.
- Bronze: Creates a retro feel and adds warmth.
- Gold: A luxurious choice for elegant interiors.
- Silver and grey: Suitable for modern styles.
Other options include beige, yellow, green, brown, red, orange, blue and purple – each adding personality to the kitchen space.
Brand Rating
There are many brands that offer quality kitchen faucets.
Here are the top 10 brands by popularity:
- Timo is known for its premium and durable faucets.
- Wasserkraft – German quality and reliability.
- Aquatek is a popular brand that combines style and affordability.
- Rossinka is a domestic brand offer
- D-Lin – affordable and functional models.
- Juguni Luxe – style and premium quality.
- Vitra – modern design and high quality.
- Solone – universal kitchen faucets with a good price-quality ratio.
- Milacio – reliable faucets with a thoughtful design.
- Boch Mann produces stylish and durable kitchen faucets.
Price range
Kitchen faucet prices vary depending on brand, materials and additional features:
- Budget models (up to 5,000 rubles): Simple and functional mixers with a minimum set of functions.
- Middle segment (from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles): Mixers with improved characteristics, additional functions and stylish design.
- Premium class (from 20,000 to 100,000 rubles): High-quality faucets with unique functions and materials, designed for a long service life.
Conclusion
Choosing a kitchen faucet is an important step in arranging your kitchen, which affects the convenience and functionality of the space. Considering the type of installation, parameters, mechanism, control and additional functions, you will be able to find the perfect faucet that will meet all your needs.
