Choosing a kitchen faucet with a drinking water tap: rating the best models by price and quality

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Almost all kitchen work depends on how correctly the kitchen faucet is selected. The efficiency of its operation determines the quality of dishwashing, comfort when washing fruits and vegetables, and the effectiveness of routine and general cleaning. Today's manufacturers offer users many functional lines of such products. They differ in size, spout geometry, the presence of a filter and a pull-out shower. How much additional functions are needed in a particular situation is decided individually.

What should be the basis for choosing a kitchen faucet?

The purpose of a kitchen faucet is to mix cold and hot water, mechanically regulating its temperature directly in the tap.

Models can be:

• two-valve;

• single lever;

• contactless.

They also differ in spout height and the presence of various modern useful additions. To understand this wide variety of offers, you should know the principles of operation of each of them.

Thus, a mixer with two valves looks symmetrical and harmonious. Each of the valves performs a specific function, adding or decreasing the temperature of the water in the tap. They can be opened simultaneously or one at a time, mechanically achieving the desired heat. For convenience, the valves have markers painted in different colors (red - hot water, blue - cold water). Modern product catalogs publish retrospective models, as well as those with additional accents. Such a product is usually inexpensive; the final price depends on the material from which it is made.

For professional chefs, the accuracy and smooth operation of equipment is more important. Therefore, they often choose models with one lever.

The water is turned on by pressing the lever upward with literally one finger or the back of your hand. At the same time, the models value the gradual flow of water rather than its jerky nature. The control lever is not always installed as standard. Depending on the height of the spout, it is rational to place it on the side or on top. Many people choose the side option, since in this case drops of detergent will not fall on the “gander” itself, which will prolong its operation. The final decision depends on personal preference.

Finally, the most modern touchless kitchen faucet, equipped with a special sensor that responds to the bringing of hands or utensils to it.

This kitchen faucet is not only easy to use. There is no need to touch it with dirty hands, so the faucet gets dirty less and always looks presentable. Contactless turning on of water involves the start of supplying a pre-programmed temperature, which is not very convenient when you need to change it during the cooking process.

Premium faucets

Often in various sources there is advice to purchase the most expensive goods. It is believed that this is a win-win choice - the more expensive, the better and more durable the device. However, when it comes to kitchen faucets, the situation is not so simple. The quality of work is largely influenced by conditions, water composition, level of service and other factors. Let's look at several companies that produce reliable and durable premium faucets:

Blanco

German manufacturer of sanitary ware and related products. The company will soon celebrate its centenary - it was founded in 1925. Since then, the company has accumulated a wealth of technological experience, which has made it a manufacturer of the highest level. At the same time, the company does not rely on producing only expensive models, realizing the inconsistency of such a policy. The company's arsenal includes models that are quite affordable, but fully comply with the most stringent requirements and standards. There are many stainless steel products that can ensure long-term and trouble-free operation.

Oras

The Finnish company Oras is known for its high production culture, which allows it to raise the level of its products to the most advanced positions. Kitchen faucets from this company are distinguished by a variety of designs and the presence of useful additions. Along with the usual single- and double-lever models, the range includes portion-press devices equipped with thermostats and other additions. They are capable of supplying water at a given temperature without adjustment, and the water is supplied for a certain time, after which it turns off on its own. This is convenient, since the user no longer needs to touch the tap with washed hands, and water consumption can be seriously reduced.

CEZARES

Italian faucets are well known to domestic and European users. They belong to the highest class products, competing only with the most famous German companies. CEZARES mixers are presented in a wide range, there are distinctly vintage models with two faucet axle boxes, and modern designs made in a minimalist style. The company's pricing policy is designed to work with a wide segment of the population with different financial capabilities. Therefore, there are no overly expensive mixers in the company’s assortment. There are also no electronic devices that are questionable from a practicality point of view. The focus is on elegance, visual appeal and reliability.

KLUDI

The German company KLUDI was founded in 1926. Initially it was a modest family company, but over time it has grown into a powerful concern with many representative offices throughout Europe. KLUDI kitchen faucets clearly demonstrate the validity of the popular opinion about the quality and care of manufacturing of German appliances. The company has many different models in its arsenal, differing in configuration and functionality. A special feature of KLUDI products is the conscious refusal to use electronics. All devices operate only on a mechanical principle, which eliminates the risk of sudden breakdown or stoppage due to a power outage.

BANDINI

Italian kitchen faucets BANDINI are elegant and stylish appliances, mostly of vintage design. They are made of chrome-plated, sometimes gilded bronze or copper, and are designed for use in special conditions. The product range consists of expensive models, the lower threshold for the cost of mixers starts from 16 thousand rubles. The appearance of the products is emphatically traditional; there are details stylized as turning work. At the same time, the locking devices are manufactured using the most modern techniques; ceramic valve axle boxes and cartridges are used.

About the geometry of the faucet spout

When it comes to such characteristics of a mixer as a spout, the buyer is presented with a huge number of modifications:

• tall;
• horizontal;
• curved;
• low;
• short;
• rotary and others.

Various brands advertise their products, citing the opportunity to place a tall vase or kettle under the tap, fill a carafe with drinking water, or wash a large watermelon or melon. Each of them is convenient and functional in its own way.

Options with a high spout are considered universal.

These types of kitchen faucets require a large space from the sink to the tap. This arrangement makes it convenient to fill a bottle with water, wash dismountable parts of kitchen appliances, and fill pitcher filters. A useful improvement is the rotating mechanism of the faucet, especially if the sink is of a two-section type. The advantage of such models is the ability to install them anywhere on the sink, not necessarily in the center. This allows you to harmoniously decorate the wall space with shelves, hooks, and local lighting fixtures.

A faucet with a horizontal spout looks stylish. He's always tall.

When choosing to install a horizontal spout, you must take into account that the sink must be deep for this, because such a faucet “steals” space.

Models of faucets with a short spout are an accessory for small kitchens and oversized sinks. They have a centrally located faucet and a shallow single-section sink. The negative point is the inconvenience of washing frying pans, large pots, tall vases and jugs. A short spout does not exclude the possibility of its rotation, however, it is often fixed permanently in a straight position.

Models with a flat “gander” look more modern and stylish. They favorably complement kitchens in high-tech and modern style. Typically, for such options, the manufacturer chooses practical materials that have a high price and long service life. More often, flat options are used in horizontal models.

It is more common to see round spouts in medium-static kitchens. They are easier to clean, rotate without problems in rotary models, and have a higher or lower bend.

Which companies can you trust?

There will be no surprises in this matter. The market leaders in quality are European brands - German, Swedish, Danish. In the middle price range are Bulgaria, Slovenia and companies that have transferred production facilities to China.

Expensive and high quality

The most popular ones are GROHE faucets. They have proven themselves to be excellent. There are only two disadvantages - the high price and a large number of fakes.

Moreover, Groier has two companies - two brothers. The company of one is simply called GROHE. The company produces various plumbing fixtures. The second brother has a specialized company, which was named after him - HANS GROHE. This is how they label their products. This company produces only mixers and taps; its products are of even higher quality, but also even more expensive.

One of Grohe's new products is touch switching on and off.

The next proven company is the Danish Damixa (Damixa). It is worth considering that the guarantee is given only if there are filters on the water supply. The products themselves are of high quality; they provide a 10-year guarantee on the coating (previously it was 5 years) and several years on the mechanism itself. If your Damixa kitchen faucet starts to drip, it is likely that limescale has formed somewhere. If the warranty is no longer valid, the faucet is disassembled, the deposits are removed (you can wipe it with vinegar) and everything is put back in place. Cartridges in single-lever Damix faucets may leak, but this is a consumable item and must be replaced.

Kitchen mixer Damixa Arc 29000

Faucets Oras and Hansa. These trademarks are owned by one European company - Oras Group. Its production facilities are located in continental Europe. There are very few complaints about the quality of products; if there are any problems, it is with the cartridges. Oras faucets are ceramic, and they are demanding on water quality. So if you want your taps to last a long time, install a post-treatment system.

Oras Ventura - spout on two levels

The campaign's assortment includes touchless and smart faucets - the latest achievements in the world of plumbing. There are models for switching water to the dishwasher. Some taps can change the angle of the spout. In general, you can choose an Oras kitchen faucet. Their style is unique, which makes me happy - I usually want to install something interesting and new, and not a dull ordinary faucet.

It is not easy to choose a kitchen faucet from these companies alone - there are many interesting offers. The price is about the same, as is the quality. But just do not forget that this equipment is intended for clean water, therefore, for normal and long-term operation, filters for additional purification are simply necessary.

Average price range

People speak well of Vidima taps and mixers. This is a Bulgarian company whose products have been working stably for many years. This manufacturer has expensive and budget lines. The bodies are brass, high quality finishes, ceramic cartridges - all this is about the faucets of this brand. There are single-lever and double-lever faucets with different spout lengths and heights.

Remember the spelling of the logo so as not to buy a fake

The Russian company IDDIS has been producing sanitary equipment since 2004. The whole process - from development to production - takes place in Russia. At least that's what it says on the campaign website. There are standard designs, and there are very unusual ones - with flat, arched, straight spouts. Various handle designs add charm to the products. The bodies are made of high-quality brass (composition according to GOST). In general, if you need to choose a kitchen faucet from the category of high-quality, but not very expensive, look at the company’s products.

Iddis Kitchen D KD1SBL0i05

Quite good reviews about the products of the Zorg campaign. There are many questions about the country in which the production is located, but no one disputes the quality of the plumbing. The cases are brass, the design is varied, there are black, white, gray, brass (yellow) and bronze. The price range is also wide - from $45 to $350.

Zorg Inox - unusual design

What additional amenities can a kitchen faucet come with?

Modern kitchen appliances confidently “keep up” with technological progress. Their production has long been complemented by such useful accessories as a water filter or a pull-out shower. For those for whom it is important to use both purified drinking water and water from a citywide centralized network, the manufacturer offers an option with two holes. By opening them one by one, you can get both filtered and regular water through one spout.

If you just need to wash work surfaces, dishes or vegetables before cleaning, tap water is fine. For drinking purposes or preparing first courses, you can use filtered water. It will be cleaned of mechanical pollutants, hardening salts, bacteria and viruses (specific characteristics are determined by the filter model).

Another additional convenience for housewives is a mixer with a flexible hose. Using this modification, you can direct the stream in different directions, lower or raise it for the convenience of washing dishes from all sides. This is how soft fruits and vegetables are washed most thoroughly. At the same time, there is minimal splashing of water, since the stream can be lowered very low, almost to the bottom of the sink.

The water supply tube can be supplemented with a ball mechanism. Through several holes in the built-in ball, the stream of water is evenly divided, softening the overall stream. The rotary knob can be used to regulate its temperature and pressure.

Spout shape and height

Choosing the size of a kitchen faucet should take into account the depth and width of the sink:

• low straight gander suitable for deep sinks;
• A high, curved spout is required when the sink depth is insufficient.

Standard models have a rotation angle of 140 or 180 degrees - the choice depends on whether a single or double sink is used. For the kitchen island, models with a 360 degree rotation are available. A flexible spout is a convenient solution - the shape, position, direction, angle can be changed according to need. The design of the nozzle is different for different models (with or without an aerator, with a shower head).

How to choose a kitchen faucet

When visiting hardware stores or construction websites, many people wonder: how to choose a kitchen faucet? Which properties are considered main and which are secondary?

Available models should be differentiated into groups:

• by height;
• form;
• material;
• the presence of a rotating mechanism;
• complete with additional devices;
• price.

If the sink has a small perimeter and depth, it is unlikely that you should choose a high spout. The water will splash when it reaches the bottom, leaving a coating on the walls. Deep sinks, on the other hand, require a massive faucet option with a swivel mechanism. For this case, you can consider horizontal spouts, which often have a flat configuration.

Pay attention to the material of the product

Performance properties, price and appearance depend on the raw materials used to make the mixers. For the body it is metal.

An alloy of brass and bronze is relevant today. Its advantages are: moisture resistance, anti-corrosion properties. The faucet does not become overgrown with metal salts from the inside.

In second place are brass bodies. They are environmentally friendly, practical and hygienic. They have a long service life.

Somewhat less frequently, mixers are made from alloy steel. Their disadvantage is a short service life (especially in areas with high water hardness. Such steel quickly becomes “contaminated” from the salts it contains. The most economical technical devices are made from simulin. The substance contains silicon and aluminum. However, such models are characterized by fragility and rapid yield If the choice is not limited by the financial side, you should pay attention to bronze faucets with applied brass threads.

In addition to metal models, water supply devices are made of plastic, ceramics or coated with a layer of chrome (enamel).

Although such options have a shorter service life, they have their advantages. Among them:

• low thermal conductivity;
• ease;
• resistance to water reactions;
• strength.

Applying a nickel layer (as well as chrome or enamel) to the outside also serves the purpose of protecting the surface from the development of microorganisms and bacteria.

Ceramic faucets are attractive and corrosion resistant. A kitchen with such an appliance acquires special expressiveness and charm. According to many experts, the most functionally advantageous modification is when the internal device has a ceramic base and the external elements are metal. Granite faucets can be installed based on individual preferences. Moreover, they often accompany sinks made of the same granite.

With or without filter

It is rational to choose a model with a filter. Not only because you can get purified drinking water without additional devices, but also to prevent plaque deposits on the tap.

By using filtered water, there is no need for additional cleaning of taps and sinks.

The argument for choosing a faucet is the expected functional load on the sink. Washing large pots, pans, and cauldrons is inconvenient with a low spout fixed in one position in the middle of the far side of the sink. For such situations, a flexible hose or spout with a high bend is more convenient.

Selecting a mixer based on design

Modern kitchen ensembles require technical appliances to be able to choose their colors, shapes and additional amenities. Styles such as country, Provence, and classic are continued in bronze, gold, and copper faucets. It is harmonious when they have two-valve mechanisms and a high spout. There will be a flexible hose in place.

Ceramic handles and levers will complement the effect of the chosen style. Such equipment cannot be called inexpensive, but it will serve for a long time and with high quality.

For the Scandinavian style, you will need chrome or beige models with a simple, single-lever mechanism. For high-tech, designers recommend touch controls, matte or glossy chrome paint, and a discreet geometric shape.

A mixer of delicate rich colors is suitable for the Art Nouveau style. They have a single-lever mechanism, are made of practical materials, and can transform their spouts.

A matter of taste is the shape of the spout. Sometimes users choose models equipped with unusual and extravagant details. Examples include: R-, J-, S-, L-shaped shapes and other unique design solutions.

comparison table

If it is difficult to make a final choice, then it is worth evaluating the most important characteristics - spout size and cost. For deep sinks, faucets with a low spout are usually chosen, and for shallow ones, with a high spout. In this case, the angle of incidence of the water is important so that splashes do not form. To do this, pay attention to the length of the gander. All of these models are not equipped with a thermostat and do not have a pull-out spout; otherwise, their characteristics are similar.

Where to attach

When choosing a kitchen faucet, you need to decide in advance how it will be secured.

Today there are three options:

• directly at the car wash
• there is a headset on the tabletop of a special table;
• on the adjacent wall.

Any of the options requires preliminary preparation, for example, a corresponding hole is cut in the tabletop or a method of mounting on the wall is determined.

To be able to mount the mixer on the wall, it is necessary to remove the water supply pipes in a special way. If there are tiles around the sink, additional holes are made in it.

When choosing a suitable option for water distribution equipment, you need to pay attention to the angle of rotation of the spout provided for by a specific model. Most of the economical mixers in demand today have a permissible rotation angle of 140 degrees. It is convenient and functional: you can easily fill the vessel with water without placing it exactly in the middle of the sink. More expensive models also require a larger rotation angle (up to 180 degrees), or even complete rotation around its axis. Whether the housewife will be able to use such an addition depends on the method of installing the entire system: it is necessary that the cabinet for installing a sink on it has a special island.

Modern manufacturers, in the struggle for the sales market, enrich their products with convenient gadgets that not only improve their functionality, but also save, for example, water. Thus, some faucet models are equipped with water pressure limiters and temperature sensors. No one today is surprised by the presence of compensators and thermostats in such a system.

Models with touch controls, as well as options with short spouts, have found practical application.

Choosing a faucet for the kitchen is not an easy question. Its functionality should be intelligently combined with appearance, and its price should reflect quality. And if the kitchen is the most visited room in the house, then a high-quality faucet on the sink is an accent that will not go unnoticed.

Adjustment method

When deciding which mixer tap is best for the kitchen, it is worth considering the method of regulating the water. Manufacturers offer 4 options:

• lever arm;
• valves;
• thermostat;
• touch sensor.

Lever arm

Lever type faucet
Single lever kitchen faucets differ in the design of the internal mechanism - models are available with ball and ceramic disc cartridges. They provide maximum ease of adjustment - just turn the lever left or right to get a comfortable outlet temperature. The disadvantage of such mixers is that for trouble-free operation they require a coarse water filter.

If this is not provided, the tap will soon begin to leak water. Ball models fail due to the formation of plaque, cartridge models - as a result of coarse particles (sand, scale) getting between the disks. In terms of performance characteristics, ceramic cartridges are superior to cheaper ball cartridges - the latter lose smooth switching over time.

Valves

Valve type of kitchen faucet
Double-valve models are less convenient, since the flow force and temperature have to be adjusted separately by tightening the hot and cold water valves. The main advantage is that they are practically insensitive to water quality. If one of the sleeves fails, it is easy to replace it (no need to purchase a new mixer).

Valve models differ in the type of locking mechanism:

• elastic rubber gasket - the crane axle box is inexpensive, but the seal will have to be changed as it wears out (subject to periodic replacement of the gasket, the service life reaches 5 years);
• ceramic cartridge - this option will cost more, but it is more reliable and durable (withstands up to 10 years of operation).

Thermostat

Faucets with a thermostat
A mechanical thermostat is similar to a two-valve mixer, but the adjustment method is different. One of the valves sets the flow rate, the other sets the temperature. Having adjusted the water, all that remains is to open and close the supply tap.

If an electronic model with a thermostat is selected, control is carried out using buttons and sensors, and a small display is provided. This solution is more expensive.

A limited number of models with a thermostat are available for the kitchen due to low demand - to solve different problems you have to change the temperature frequently, so maintaining a constant heating level is not a priority.

Touchless faucets

Kitchen faucet with touch sensor

Faucet with water limiter

Supplying water by contacting the spout with the skin
This option is ideal for the kitchen - to turn the water on and off you do not need to use a lever or valves, just bring your hands to the spout (there is a sensor on the body). Contactless control allows you to maintain cleanliness, which is especially important during cooking. The temperature is maintained at the set level, saving water up to 80%. The main disadvantage of such devices is their high price.

Types and types of fastening designs for kitchen faucets

Most kitchen faucets are either sink or countertop mounted. Fastening can be done using a fastening nut or one or two studs with figured half-washers.

Crane-axle mixers have a collet for fastening - a split bushing with threads. A nut is screwed onto it, which secures the mixer to the surface.

The lever mixer has threaded holes (one or two) at the base of the body. The studs are screwed into them, then the washer placed on the floor is tightened with a nut.

Typically, vertical connections are made using flexible hoses. But if it is necessary to connect the mixer directly to the pipes coming out of the wall, then eccentrics are used for correct positioning, and in order to hide the fasteners, conical decorative overlays are used, which should be included with the mixer.

What else should you pay attention to?

When purchasing a mixer, in addition to parameters related to the design of the device itself, it is necessary to take into account other factors, the first of which is the size of the sink.

As already mentioned, faucet spouts have different heights. A deep sink is suitable for a low nozzle position; otherwise, filling tall, large-volume dishes with water will be problematic.

And if the tap is too high in combination with a shallow sink, the surrounding surface will always be covered with splashes. Therefore, the ratio of these sizes should be taken into account.

The problem can be solved by purchasing a kit that includes a faucet along 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 (the location of the drain does not matter), otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the mixer

The ability to rotate the spout - most often the tap can be rotated 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 choosing equipment for a sink installed on an island, it is best if the spout can rotate around its axis.

Additional features need to be taken into account. For example, in some models of single-lever devices, the manufacturer pre-installs a coarse filter. This protects the mechanism from small particles, and frees owners from having to install it themselves.

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

On the body of some models, switches are installed 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” on the sink.

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

Extra options

We have already discussed the most important characteristics; there are a few details left that cannot be ignored:

• Aerator – saturates the water flow with air, resulting in resource savings of up to 8 liters per minute. Almost all modern plumbing fixtures are equipped with such diffusers. There are models in which the jet saturation is adjustable.
• LED lighting will pleasantly decorate the process of washing dishes, and in some cases it also has a useful function, changing its color when the temperature of the jet changes.

• An electronic thermometer is useful for saving money, as it allows you to quickly configure the necessary parameters.
• Switching to filtered water - when the lever is turned to a certain position, the supply of filtered liquid begins.

Faucets made from what material are most durable?

The mixer has many parts and various materials are used for their production. Various alloys are used as body materials. The most common are brass and steel. The mixers from them are among the highest quality. Faucets made of copper and bronze are not inferior to them, but their cost is very high.

Budget models are made from zinc-aluminum-copper (ZAM) and silumin alloys; the resulting products do not differ in strength and durability.

Many modern manufacturers are experimenting with high-strength and heat-resistant plastic and metal-ceramics. The performance indicators of these products are very high, but compared to metal mixers, their impact strength is much lower.

The same problems arise when choosing the coating of a metal faucet. Chrome ones are more durable, but dirt is more noticeable on them, and the color range is very limited. Enameled ones have a wide palette of shades, but the coating is less reliable and can peel off or change color from exposure to cleaning agents.

Features of the shape of the kitchen faucet

The shapes and sizes of spouts are very diverse.

Mixers with spouts are distinguished by shape:

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

Regardless of the shape of the spout, the 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 faucets with a high bend and nozzles are intended for shallow sinks. But when a stream falls from a great height, it will definitely splash, and if the sink is shallow, all the splashes will scatter throughout the kitchen. The use of a low spout is associated with difficulties when filling high-volume dishes.

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

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

Pull-out faucets are more reliable and convenient. There is a flexible hose inside the faucet through which water flows. Most often, the hose is completely recessed into the mixer, so in appearance it looks like a regular one.

If necessary, the flexible hose can be extended to a length of up to one and a half meters, so you can fill, for example, pots directly on the stove rather than in the sink. It is also convenient to fill buckets or other containers on the floor.

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

This is a universal type of mixer, and some models can be equipped with additional control of the retractable element, which allows you to save water consumption.

The choice of device should be based on the material used in the manufacture of the decorative faucet in which the hose is placed. It may be plastic, fragile and therefore break at the point of extension.

Another, but inexpensive model is a faucet, the spout of which is movable and enclosed in an elastic holder. This option is both reliable and convenient, but its design is not suitable for every interior.