How to choose a kitchen faucet: types, specifications, overview of the best options

How to choose a kitchen faucet in 6 steps (with photo)

The best kitchen faucets

Now it's time to consider kitchen sink faucets that differ in several ways from the previously announced categories. The main parameter is the shape of the spout, which provides maximum service over the entire area of ​​the sink. Also, the height of the tap will be increased here, so that the owners can comfortably wash tall dishes. The most convenient are designs equipped with one handle, but there are also those that have 2 valves. The best offers were selected according to the recommendations of the masters, reviews, declared characteristics from manufacturers.

Paulmark Essen Es213011

Such a kitchen faucet will not only help to evenly supply water, despite pressure surges, but will also be able to purify water, subject to the additional installation of a filter. The 35 mm ceramic cartridge is responsible for the durability of service without breakdowns, leaks. Production materials - durable brass, artificial stone. The faucet with spout 28 cm high is comfortable for washing dishes of different dimensions. On top of the body there is a protective coating of several layers, which provides resistance to mechanical stress, pollution, and corrosion. The aerator in the design is removable, made of plastic. The connection method is standard; for this, the kit includes a 40 cm long flexible hose, a reinforced type mounting kit, stainless steel nuts, and a filter outlet.

How to choose a kitchen faucet: types, specifications, overview of the best options

Advantages

  • Saving packaging;
  • Water filtration;
  • Matte body;
  • Resistant coating;
  • Minimum backlash;
  • Comfortable height.

Flaws

  • plastic cartridge;
  • Tight control lever.

Good construction with no fragile parts, but some users are unhappy with the cartridge. However, this part is removable, which means that it can be replaced at any time. The complete kit offers reinforced fittings for mounting. The matte surface does not get dirty as often as gloss, and retains a presentable appearance longer.

Frap H52 F4352

This single-lever kitchen faucet combines 2 devices at once - a faucet for supplying hot / cold water and a faucet for drinking water. This will save space where a second filter tap was previously installed. The manufacturer offers many colors with a matte finish. The swivel mechanism allows you to rotate the gander 360 degrees. Before buying, it should be noted that the design is quite high, respectively, suitable for deep sinks.The main water supply is regulated by an aerator, the jet is even, without splashing.

How to choose a kitchen faucet: types, specifications, overview of the best options

Advantages

  • 2 in 1 design - filter, spout;
  • Different body colors;
  • Matte finish;
  • High-quality assembly materials;
  • Comfortable management;
  • Complete mounting kit.

Flaws

  • Uneven supply of drinking water;
  • The color in the picture does not always correspond to reality.

Solid heavy construction made of brass is maximally protected from malfunctions. The manufacturer guarantees a long service life. The height is sufficient, the water pressure is always uniform, even with pressure surges. But you can’t say the same about the second tap with drinking water, with a strong pressure, the jet can splash, so it’s better not to open it at full power.

Gappo G4398

This is not just a kitchen faucet, but an innovative model with a flexible spout and a unique design. Single-lever control allows you to adjust the water pressure, the aerator will prevent noise, splashing, and the mesh inside the structure will filter various impurities from the water. Mounting method - on a hairpin, that is, from below the crane is mounted on a mount. As before, the manufacturing materials are brass, chrome. The swivel spout allows you to direct the water to the right place, inside there is a 35 mm ceramic cartridge. Quick installation is also due to the fact that the device is equipped with a crane box, which means that there will be only one hole for mounting.

How to choose a kitchen faucet: types, specifications, overview of the best options

Advantages

  • Movable hose;
  • Complete installation kit;
  • Well-thought-out faucet to the sink;
  • Aesthetic appearance;
  • Comfortable operation;
  • Filtration.

Flaws

  • The aerator can spray to the sides;
  • Inconvenient installation.

Despite such a large list of differences, advantageous features, a flexible mixer does not cost much in comparison with competitors.The severity of the design proves that this is real brass, and not a craft made from silumin.

How to choose a kitchen faucet Overview of modern kitchen faucets with photos and videos

The range of mixers is now so diverse and wide that it can be difficult to make the right choice. Some have a backlight, others are touch-sensitive, others are chrome-plated. There are plenty to choose from

However, it is important not to make a mistake, so that the faucet is not only beautiful, but functional and durable.

There are several important points that you should pay attention to when deciding which faucet to choose for your kitchen.

Varieties

The choice of a faucet for the kitchen will be somewhat different from what can be purchased for the bathroom. Kitchen faucets have different types of water supply mechanisms:

1. Valve. The design consists of a swivel spout and two crane boxes. It is with their help that the water supply is regulated. Crane boxes can have a rubber gasket and ceramic.

The main advantage of the first is that it can be easily replaced with a new one. However, the ceramic gasket wears out much more slowly.

Please note that if you do not have a coarse water filter in your plumbing system, then this design will not work for you. After all, water with coarse particles will quickly ruin such a tap;

2

Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water is easy to open, the pressure is adjustable with a knob

2. Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water is easy to open, the pressure is adjustable with a handle.

It is she who drives the adjusting part of the cartridge, so the tap can open and close.When using a high-quality cartridge, the resource is designed for a million openings and closings of the tap.

The cost of such a mixer is more than the previous type. However, it is more convenient and easier to use it;

Any other parts on the body are missing. The crane will work thanks to a sensor that responds to infrared radiation. The sensor is configurable. The cost of such a crane is naturally high.

At the same time, installing a faucet in the kitchen will also be difficult.

prefabricated or cast

Prefabricated, as the name implies, has several parts in the design that are assembled into one single one. With proper assembly, any leakage is excluded.

In this case, the structure can be rotated as you like. Cast faucets have a one-piece metal body.

The base and the swivel spout in this case are connected without a seam, which avoids leaks at the joints and ensures reliability.

Shape and length

To date, there are many forms of cranes for every taste. If you want beautiful faucets in the kitchen, then you will have plenty to choose from. The length of the tap can be small up to 18 cm, medium no more than 23.5 cm and large 24 and 28 cm.

Design solutions

Of course, reliability and functionality are important qualities. However, do not forget that the crane must correctly fit into the overall interior of the room.

Manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve the design of their models, releasing more and more unusual and beautiful faucets in the kitchen.

The faucet can be curved, straight, beveled or zigzag. The options are varied.

Cheap or expensive

Of course, you can save on the mixer. However, this can turn into a huge ball of problems. No one can guarantee the quality of a cheap crane.

Therefore, it is likely that after a while it will start to work poorly and a replacement will be required. Models of proven well-known brands are distinguished by quality and reliability. They are somewhat more expensive.

However, they will serve you much longer.

A few helpful tips

Brass faucets have an average indicator of reliability and quality. Such a crane is chrome-plated on top to increase the anti-corrosion properties of the metal. In addition, chromium prevents the development of bacteria. Such a crane can serve for more than a dozen years.

Some of the most reliable faucets are those made from chrome alloy and stainless steel. They are quite expensive, but their service life can be as much as 50 years.

Overview of leading manufacturers

If you make a rating of the most popular foreign manufacturers of kitchen faucets in the domestic market, then it will look like this:

  • Oras (Finland);
  • Grohe, Hansgrohe, (Germany);
  • Damixa (Denmark);
  • Vidima (Bulgaria);
  • Hansa (Germany);
  • Gustavsberg (Sweden);
  • Jacob Delafon (France).

These companies offer different types of faucets for the kitchen of different price categories, but all of them are united by guaranteed quality, reliability and stylish design. Decent quality products are produced by such domestic enterprises as the Motovilikha Sanitary Engineering Plant, Sanmiks, Santekhpribor, Aquaton.

It doesn’t matter what criteria you prioritize when choosing a kitchen faucet (material, price, functionality, appearance), the main thing is that the chosen model matches the size and design of the sink, is convenient for washing dishes and collecting water in containers and becomes a good assistant in daily cooking process.There is no doubt that the model of the faucet with a pull-out spout is the most convenient for the kitchen. We turn the crane here 100 times a day, either in one direction or the other.

A flexible hose in this case will last longer and the convenience is considerable. Unfortunately, when we changed the faucet in the kitchen, we were not offered a similar design. But we still chose a fairly convenient one, as in the third figure of the article. For the future, we will plan a faucet with a retractable spout

We turn the crane here 100 times a day, either in one direction or the other. A flexible hose in this case will last longer and the convenience is considerable. Unfortunately, when we changed the faucet in the kitchen, we were not offered a similar design. But we still chose a fairly convenient one, as in the third figure of the article. For the future, we will plan a faucet with a retractable spout

There is no doubt that the model of the faucet with a pull-out spout is the most convenient for the kitchen. We turn the crane here 100 times a day, either in one direction or the other. A flexible hose in this case will last longer and the convenience is considerable. Unfortunately, when we changed the faucet in the kitchen, we were not offered a similar design. But we still chose a fairly convenient one, as in the third figure of the article. For the future, we will plan a faucet with a retractable spout.

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Of course, not all, but I spend most of my time in the kitchen, so from the point of view of the direct operator of the mixer, I will express my opinion which ones are better. There is not much to choose from, we had only two options - two-valve and single-lever. Interested in touch, but not yet affordable. In the kitchen, the single-lever turned out to be better. When hands are in water or dirty during cooking, the faucet can be opened even back of hand. It does not stain the mixer, unlike the valve one. The water flow is approximately the same there and there, you can simply reduce the flow on a common tap. We buy only chrome products, it is convenient and beautiful.

Olga, I would not recommend flexible hoses to the kitchen. They are convenient only in the photo, or with very large sink sizes. Otherwise, you will run into the following problems: 1. To maneuver with the hose, you will need to pull it out almost completely (approximately a meter in length). With it turned on, you will not do this, since you first need to pull it out, and only then aim it at the dishes and so on. Why is that? Read on. 2. Hoses are not very flexible. You won’t be able to pull it out 10 centimeters and turn the watering can. It's really not convenient. 3. More difficult to repair leaks etc as all hose connections to the faucet are under the faucet unlike most "traditional" faucets. 4. You will pull it out as a last resort 1-2 times a month to wash fruit. So rare, because the third hand will simply not be enough: one hold the container with food, the other hold the watering can. And wash with what? Likewise with dishes. It is much easier to bring a dish under the stream than to twirl the hose. There is one exception: you have an entire dining room and sinks the size of bathtubs are filled with vats for boiling. My advice to you, as a user of this very crane, do not take it. A crane with a high gooseneck is hundreds of times more convenient.

The best double lever kitchen faucets

Double-lever, or valve taps are distinguished by a longer water setting, but they make it possible to do this as accurately as possible. Mixers are equipped with faucet boxes with rubber bands or ceramic plates. The former fail faster, but are also cheaper.In general, the maintainability of such models, in comparison with single-lever ones, is higher.

Cezares Diamond (LLP-03/24-Sw/Sw-N)

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

96%
buyers recommend this product

Chic and shine - this is how you can describe the faucet from the Diamond collection by Cezares in a nutshell. It is made of brass with 24k gold plating. The valve handles are compact in size and decorated with Swarovski decorative elements.

The faucet is designed for vertical installation on the wall. Comes with S-shaped eccentrics, simplifying its installation. The shower head is not included but can be purchased separately.

Advantages:

  • Luxurious design;
  • S-shaped eccentrics;
  • Swivel spout;
  • Attractive design.

Flaws:

Sold without a watering can.

The Diamond faucet is designed for those who love beautiful things. This will fit perfectly into the luxurious interior of the kitchen with a bias in the old days.

Ledeme L1319

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

94%
buyers recommend this product

The main advantage of the L1319 mixer from Ledeme is a flexible spout, the position of which can be changed according to your convenience. It is made of silicone and comes in a variety of colors: black, red, white, blue and grey. The body is made from oxidation-resistant brass and finished in high-gloss chrome.

The mixer has convenient valves, is equipped with a ceramic faucet box, characterized by durability. The built-in aerator saturates the jet with air, making it softer. The height of the gander is 190 mm - this is enough for convenient operation of the mixer.

Advantages:

  • Flexible spout;
  • Variety of colors;
  • Chromed surface;
  • high spout;
  • Ceramic crane box.

Flaws:

Complicated installation.

The L1319 faucet from Ledeme will complement the interior of the kitchen, decorated in a modern style, and will allow you to conveniently wash dishes, hands and food even in a not very deep sink.

Frap H19 F4319-4

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

94%
buyers recommend this product

At a low price, the Frap mixer has good functionality. It is equipped with a flexible retractable spout, the length of which can be changed manually. When installing a shower head (not included), this gander will be as convenient as possible for quick dishwashing with minimal water consumption.

The mixer is equipped with an aerator, which also makes it economical. The model is made of brass and covered with bronze, made in a classic design, has traditional valves.

Advantages:

  • Affordable price;
  • Retractable spout;
  • Aerator;
  • Classic design;
  • Ceramic crane box.

Flaws:

The watering can is not included.

The faucet turned out to be quite functional and practical, but the shower head for it must be purchased separately.

Roca Loft Elite (5A8451C00)

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

89%
buyers recommend this product

The faucet in a discreet modern design is made of brass with a high-gloss chrome finish. The material is resistant to oxidation and is easily cleaned from limescale and other contaminants.

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The model is equipped with a rounded gander with a height of 267 mm. Regulators are vertical levers with high flow control accuracy. Installation on one hole does not cause difficulties, the mixer is connected to a flexible connection.

Advantages:

  • Discreet design;
  • high spout;
  • Easy cleaning;
  • Oxidation resistance;
  • Setting accuracy.

Flaws:

There is no aerator.

Roca's Loft Elite faucet 5A8451C00 is ideal for minimalist, high-tech and loft style kitchens.

Comparative table of presented mixers

After reading the rating, you should familiarize yourself with the main technical parameters of each mixer. They are in a special comparison table that will help you track down the most suitable device for your requirements.

Model

Chrome plating Spout height (mm) Dimensions (mm)

Cost, rub)

Lemark Plus Strike LM1105C + 191 311x220x170 1 500 – 2 500
IDDIS Alborg K56001C + 126 315x151x190 2 000 – 2 900
Rossinka Silvermix S35-23 + 248 330x213x165 1 000 – 2 000
Grohe Concetto 32663001 + 215 361x215x190 9 000 – 13 900
Kaiser Teka 13044 + 315 275x195x265 3 500 – 5 900
Jacob Delafon Carafe E18865 318 200x185x245 20 000 – 24 900
Omoikiri Tonami-C 156 209x190x239 7 000 – 10 000

What mixers are made of and what they are

The name "faucet" directly indicates the main function of this plumbing equipment - mixing water. The device is connected to the pipes of cold and hot water supply, and its task is to supply water in the required proportion.

Adjustment is carried out manually by the user. In addition to temperature correction, the mixer also adjusts the pressure of the water jet.

Mixer - a device that combines two taps in a single housing, connected by separate nozzles to cold water and hot water pipelines

What materials are used in production

A modern kitchen faucet can be made from the following materials:

  • metal alloys (bronze, brass, silumin);
  • polymers;
  • ceramics.

A metal faucet is the most popular option for use in the kitchen. Brass and bronze do not oxidize or corrode from regular contact with water. In addition, these materials are chemically neutral, which means that deposits of mineral salts do not occur on their surface.Metal plumbing fixtures are widely used due to their good performance and durability.

The glossy finish hides the yellow metal - this is brass, a zinc-copper alloy with high corrosion resistance characteristics.

Faucets made of silumin - an alloy of aluminum and silicon - are considered less reliable. As a rule, inexpensive models of Chinese or Turkish production are made from this material. Due to the low cost, this alloy has become very popular in the sanitary ware market.

Polymer faucets are cheaper and easier to manufacture than metal models. They also do not react with water and do not suffer from its mineral composition. In addition, the low thermal conductivity of plastic makes it possible to use it at relatively high water temperatures.

The main disadvantage of this material is its fragility, therefore, polymers are less often used for the manufacture of critical parts of the mixer, using them mainly for the production of flywheels and an adjusting lever.

Ceramics is a time-tested material that is now successfully used for the manufacture of mixers. Modern faucets use metal alloys, such as cermets. As for their chemical properties, you will not see any manifestations of corrosion or salt deposits, however, the physical characteristics have a number of disadvantages.

The white ceramic faucet in the kitchen fits well into the cold Scandinavian interior, combined with the kitchen facade cladding and the glass "apron"

It is very difficult to make a mixer completely out of ceramics, so it is used in combination with other materials, in particular, with brass.Ceramics are brittle, and a ceramic-metal element can crack not only from mechanical stress, but also from an elementary sharp temperature drop.

Types of coating - protection and aesthetic side

The materials from which the main structural elements of the mixer are made affect its operation, and an attractive appearance and body protection are provided by the coating.

Modern manufacturers cover kitchen plumbing equipment in the following ways:

The most prestigious and expensive option is PVD - vacuum deposition. This type of coating guarantees a long service life even under the most extreme operating conditions. The strength of PVD is comparable to the strength of sapphire, therefore, in domestic conditions, no scratches or abrasions are terrible for the faucet.

If the manufacturer calls the coating of sanitary equipment matte or designates it as “stainless steel”, most likely nickel plating was used, and in the photo - gold plating

Powder coating is also a durable, aesthetic and expensive option. Used in the decoration of premium faucets. Due to the high temperature treatment (about 180 degrees), the paint is very firmly fixed on the product.

The most common type of finish for kitchen faucets is chrome plating. Chrome is an inexpensive and very effective metal for protecting the faucet body, which looks very attractive. Chrome products can be glossy or matte. The only condition is sufficient coating thickness. A layer of chromium less than 6 microns wears out very quickly and does not look aesthetically pleasing.

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