How to choose a kitchen faucet

It is worth taking the choice of the plumbing mixer with all the responsibility, because it is an indispensable thing in the house. It is necessary that it serve for many years and be comfortable, because it has to be used several dozen times a day. Today in the plumbing stores you can find a large number of mixers, differing from each other in appearance, functions, manufacturers and structure. With such an assortment, it will be difficult for an unknowing person to make the right choice. Therefore, it is better to seek help from a specialist or independently explore all the nuances before purchasing.

In order that the crane was beautiful, convenient, practical and durable, it is worth concentrating attention on several important details. For example, on the type of the mixer itself, the type of the spout, the spout nozzle, the methods of fastening, the material and the manufacturer.

In fact, there is nothing difficult and terrible in choosing plumbing. Before you go to the store to choose a crane, you just have to carefully read the information and understand it.

The traditional and well-known type with two valves, through which hot and cold water is opened and mixed. There are two types of faucet-box fittings. It is worm and ceramic. At first glance, especially a layman, they are no different. But still there is a significant difference.

Worm gear is simpler and in case of breakage does not require certain skills. In most cases, you just need to replace the gasket, cutting out yourself from a rubber product, or purchase it in a specialized store.

The positive side of the cock-axle box:

1. The budget price of the goods.
2. Easy to repair. With such a device you can completely cope on their own, without resorting to the services of specialists.

Negative:

1. Quite a large number of different models, which can complicate the task when searching for an absolutely identical crane.
2. Unsustainable water consumption. When regulating the required water temperature, the liquid flows in large quantities.
3. Not the most comfortable crane control.
4. Recently, manufacturers have stopped the production of axle boxes with gaskets and replaced them with ceramics.

Joystick cranes appeared relatively recently, but already managed to win a large number of consumers. In the plumbing market there is a huge number of types of lever mixers and get confused in such a variety is quite easy. If the choice fell on a single-lever crane, then you should decide on its appearance.

Thanks to the ball in the structure of the mixer, it is possible to regulate the force of the flow of water, its temperature and quantity. A rather complicated mechanism and most often breakdowns occur in the area of ​​the cuff and pads, which wear out over time and water leakage occurs.

The structure of such a mechanism coincides with a ceramic crane. There are two types of body: fixed, or as it is also called - cast and swivel.The fixed mechanism is quite high quality and reliable, as well as easy to repair, but extremely inconvenient to manage. There is a high probability of strong pressure and spray.

Positive sides of joystick cranes:

1. Simple and comfortable control.
2. Significant water savings.
3. Functional mechanism.
4. Negative sides:
5. Quite a big cost.
6. Frequent replacement of sealing gaskets is required.
7. The mechanism is complex and because of this there are difficulties with the repair.
8. An interesting fact is that single-lever cranes are designed for approximately one million uses.

In the plumbing market, an electronic mixer is a novelty, but already quite popular. They are significantly different from mechanical in their device and principle of operation. At the moment there are two types of electronic mixers, which differ only in the way of feeding. One tap only works on the mains and the other on batteries.The latter type can perfectly cope with its functions for several months in a row from one battery.

Positive aspects of electronic mixers:

1. The ability to set the desired temperature initially.
2. Easy management, or rather, its complete absence. You just need to bring a part of the body or object to the faucet and the infrared sensor will immediately work.
3. Significant water savings.
4. Negative sides:
5. High price.
6. The complexity of the repair. Without a qualified professional can not do.

All of the listed mixers are completely different and have both advantages and disadvantages. Of course, for each kitchen will fit your specific faucet, but it is worth noting that the most popular with housewives is a joystick mixer. But an inexpensive budget option is a crane box.

Everything is simple and there are only two types of spout, which differ in height, high and low, and they depend mainly on the sink. That is, the wider and deeper the sink, the higher the crane should be and vice versa, for a shallow small tank it is necessary to acquire a short crane.

For a small sink, a high spout is not allowed becausethat with increased head spray will be created. But a low spout is inconvenient because it is not possible to fill a large container with water.

It is worth noting that each spout has its pros and cons, no matter what sink it is to pick up. Therefore, to date, universal taps are being created that are suitable for both deep sinks and small ones. The whole secret of them lies in the fact that you can easily change the length of the spout depending on the situation and needs.

The telescopic crane consists of several tubes that can be removed and put on again, as well as several gaskets and hinges. That in itself is considered a big disadvantage. After all, with so many parts there is a high probability of breakage and leakage of the crane.

Retractable faucet visually similar to the shower handle. The principle of its operation is to extend the outflow, if necessary, from a short tap. The length of the hose can vary from one to one and a half meters.

When choosing this model, first of all you should pay attention to the material of the short spout. It must be of high quality and durable, in this case you do not need to save. It is not recommended to purchase plastic, since such a crane will quickly become unusable.Secondarily, you need to carefully inspect the junction of the sliding element and the base. The mount must be stable and stable.

Flexible and soft spout is considered the most budget option. The length of the crane can be easily changed by simply pressing. It is also quite high quality and wear-resistant. However, its minus is mediocre appearance. This design is not suitable for every style of kitchen.

Many people when choosing a mixer mistakenly believe that such a detail as a nozzle can be neglected. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of the crane and you should pay special attention to it.

Today in the plumbing stores most often you can find retractable necks with aerator. The principle of their action is based on mixing of liquid and air. This is very important when saving water. Interestingly, some models can regulate the flow of air and water.

Developers of sanitary equipment do not sit still, and all the time they release new items on the market.For example, a relatively recently released decoration on the crane - LED lights. It will perfectly transform the water and the kitchen as a whole, and besides, it will allow you to wash dishes and other utensils more qualitatively.

Monitoring the temperature of the water may have been carried out thanks to a special nozzle. It is completely autonomous and receives energy only from the liquid. The advantages of such a nozzle are water saving and the inability to get burned from boiling water, because all the data can be read on a special small screen.

Usually, faucets are attached either to the countertop, or directly to the sink itself. Each person will easily deal with the installation on their own or through instructions. There is nothing difficult even for a beginner.

For example, tap-box mixers are attached to the surface using a split sleeve with a thread. A joystick faucet has in its kit a washer, a nut and a pin, which is attached to the sink or countertop.

It is also worthwhile to approach the choice of material with all seriousness, since it depends on whether the tap will serve correctly and for a long time or will quickly acquire an unaesthetic appearance and ruin the overall interior of the kitchen.It should be noted that you can not save, because the price must match the quality.

Heat-resistant plastic and metal ceramics perfectly show themselves when used, but unfortunately, they can not boast of strength. There is a big risk that mixers of such material will crumble with a significant impact.

The chrome crane is quite durable and can serve for years, but the color palette is very scarce and leaves no choice. From the minuses it is also possible to highlight the fact that on chrome-plated taps there is very noticeable dirt, dust, traces of water droplets.

Some of the cheapest alloys are zinc-aluminum-copper, silumin and enamel. None of these metals will last for years. Poor quality coating can even crack and peel off. They are very afraid of cleaning products and may lose their original appearance when they come into contact with them.

Before you choose a faucet for the kitchen, you should familiarize yourself not only with the appearance, structure, fastening and material, but also learn about the various manufacturers. After all, the name of the company is primarily a guarantee of quality.

Judging by consumer feedback, manufacturers from Germany, Italy, France and Sweden are leaders in the plumbing market.

Grohe. It is one of the largest manufacturers and a leader in the global market. The main difference from the rest is the constant strict control over the quality, technology, environmental friendliness and modern design.

Siemens ag. A popular and large company that operates in numerous areas. It began its activity in the distant 1847 in Berlin. Today it produces and manufactures plumbing and other products in more than 190 countries. High quality goods tested by time and appreciative consumers.

Viega. The company differs from the others in that for one hundred and fifteen years it has been constantly introducing innovations and is confidently looking to the future. She listens attentively to her clients and thanks to this she makes her products even better.

Kaldewei. The company manufactures all products only in Germany and sells them in more than eighty countries of the world. The main material of the company's sanitary equipment is steel-enamel. An interesting fact is that Kaldewei has received more than one hundred and twenty awards for plumbing design over its entire existence.

JacuzziThe company began its existence in 1915, thanks to five friends who dreamed and believed in success. Today, this manufacturer produces technological products with an original design and high quality.

Roca. Recognized world leader with a century-long history of existence. In Russia, it appeared in 2004 and has already managed to thoroughly occupy the top lines among the manufacturers of sanitary ware and conquer the hearts of consumers.

Bonomini The company began its existence relatively recently, but already managed to conquer the world. She was one of the first in her field to start production using automated computer-aided design.

Duka. The difference of the manufacturer from the rest is in non-standard products, high quality material and innovative technologies. In just thirty years of existence, the company has achieved high popularity and respect of consumers.

Rifra. The company embodies style, elegance and regular innovation. For forty-five years, the brand has been pleasing its customers with high quality and durable products.

Jacob Delafon. A leading manufacturer of plumbing, which can confidently boast of high quality,durability of goods, aesthetics and design.

Alfa Laval. The company is a world leader in numerous industries. In more than one hundred countries, consumers are familiar with the products of the company and are absolutely satisfied with the high quality and stylish designs.

An interesting fact is that quality goods can be recognized by weight. If the kitchen faucet is light, then you should not buy it, but a powerful and heavy mixer will last a long time and will not cause trouble.