How to choose a kitchen faucet?

25
Aug
Many women will say that their favorite place in the house is the kitchen, which housewives call the “office.” Everything in this room should be in perfect order, polished to a shine and placed in its place.
Often, a tidy kitchen starts with a shiny sink and a perfectly clean faucet.
As you know, even most women’s mood is ruined if kitchen faucet doesn’t look perfect.
And when it shines and really does its job perfectly, it causes real delight. However, it all depends on how well the family has chosen the kitchen faucet.
Why is it necessary to make this choice correctly and how not to make a mistake by giving preference to one model or another?
According to statistics, a kitchen faucet is used up to a hundred times a day. We open and close it, adjust the water temperature and jet pressure.
If you do the math, we get up to 3,000 touches per month and 36,500 per year. These figures already convince us that the choice of mixer must be approached with all responsibility.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a kitchen faucet
Mixer installation location
Before purchasing a faucet, you need to determine where you will install it: on the kitchen sink, sink, above the bathtub, bidet or in the shower area.
As a rule, faucets with a large neck are installed in the kitchen – this is convenient for washing dishes, vegetables and fruits. The kitchen faucet can be equipped with additional features, such as a built-in drinking water channel.
The sink faucet has a more compact size and is selected according to the dimensions of the sink itself.
The bathtub mixer is mounted horizontally to the wall.
There are three types of bidet faucets.
- Classic models are only suitable for bidets and are installed on its bowl.
- Another option is a built-in faucet with a hygienic shower, which is suitable for both a bidet and a regular toilet.
- For small rooms with a shared bathroom, the third option will be convenient: a regular faucet with a hygienic hydrobox.

Control Mode
There are single-lever, double-valve (double-lever), thermostatic, non-contact and pressure.
Single-lever ones are easier to turn on, even if your hands are soapy or dirty, but double-lever ones have their advantage – you can more accurately adjust the water temperature.
A thermostatic mixer generally eliminates the need to adjust the water temperature each time: this is done once before use using the handle on the body. If the temperature of the hot water in the pipes drops, the faucet will adjust the water temperature using a thermocouple inside.
A touch-sensitive faucet does not involve hand contact, but it has a minus: the adjustment button for such a faucet is located under the sink, next to the power source.

Faucet size
It is advisable that the dimensions of the mixer correspond to the dimensions of the sink.
Small ones often cannot “serve” a large sink: the flow of water does not reach the point where it is convenient to wash their hands, and the water splashes out of the sink.
However, even among small faucets you can find high-quality, convenient models designed for large sinks. The secret lies in the proportions, the length of the neck and the tilt of the aerator (deflector filter), with the help of which the water is saturated with air bubbles.
If everything is thought out correctly by the manufacturer, their flow will be directed to the center of the sink at the desired angle. Some faucets are equipped with a rotating aerator – this allows you to change the direction of flow.
The length of the mixer pipe is a matter of taste. Some people like their bathroom to have a faucet with a long spout that can be turned into either the sink or bathtub, while others install separate faucets above the sink and bathtub.
A mixer with a long neck that is installed on the sink will definitely be inconvenient. The flow of water from such a faucet will fall almost to the edge of the sink – and it will be inconvenient to wash your hands, and splashes will fly in all directions.

Kitchen faucets made of brass and stainless steel
It is better to choose a faucet made of brass and stainless steel. These materials are reliable and safe.
Brass faucets have a durable body and are not subject to corrosion. Stainless steel products are also durable and resistant to corrosion, but have a simple design since the material cannot be cast.
The lid of brass and stainless steel faucets can be chrome-plated or colored, bronze, gold or stone.
Zinc faucets should be treated with caution – they are fragile, cannot withstand temperature changes and are hazardous to health.
When interacting with chlorinated water, it forms a solution of zinc chloride, which is a strong carcinogen. The price of zinc faucets is much lower than other models, but they will last no more than a year. Externally, they look like this: the top is covered with chrome, the inner surface is rough, white or gray.
Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the mixer is intended for domestic use. Zinc valve boxes may be marked as suitable for process water only and will be a temporary solution, for example for repairs.

Additional crane functions
Some models are equipped with a carbon filter system and have an additional nozzle. It is designed for purified drinking water, and the main tap supplies water for domestic use.
There are also products with a built-in water supply switch for washing machines or dishwashers.
This is undoubtedly convenient, but the price of a faucet with additional functions will be much higher.

In order for the faucet to last as long as possible, it needs proper care. There are also special tools for this. As a rule, the manufacturer always indicates in the product description how to properly care for the mixer.
So take a few minutes to review this information. You can also use regular vinegar or dish soap to clean the faucet.
It is strictly forbidden to rub the surface of the mixer with a metal sponge, as you will damage it.
General recommendations on how to choose a quality mixer:
- In terms of price-quality ratio, the single lever mixer is good. The touch one is much more convenient to use, but it also costs much more.
- If you don’t know which spout to choose for a large, tall or low basin faucet, choose the first option. When you have a large nozzle in the kitchen, it is convenient to wash large dishes and also collect water in containers. However, first check whether you have enough space for such a large structure. The mixer should be located at a distance of 30-40 cm from the bottom of the sink.
- It is necessary to choose models made of brass or stainless steel. They will last much longer than others because they are not afraid of poor quality water.
- Of course, price will not be the last factor determining your choice.
When choosing a kitchen faucet, the buyer can easily find a model that meets his requirements not only in terms of technical characteristics, but also in shape, size and color scheme.
A wide selection of different styles and trends is available to our customers: from antique to ultra-modern designs.
Kitchen faucetcombining beauty and practicality, is the dream of every housewife.
If you choose the right product, this dream will easily come true. And wishes come true are the key to a good mood and a pleasant atmosphere in every home and in every family.
You can find us in Chisinau at Vadul lui Voda street 68 or in online chat from amber.md!