Which kitchen faucet is better to choose? We study the question thoroughly.

No. 1. Which mixer design should you choose?

Today, all mixers, no matter how different they look, can be divided into three main types depending on their design:

• two-valve - a classic version with two taps for supplying hot and cold water;
• single lever , when using one lever you can regulate both water pressure and temperature;
• contactless ones do not require direct contact, as they turn on only when you raise your hands.

Single-lever faucets are considered the most popular today , because they are really convenient to use, and you can regulate the pressure and temperature of the water with just your little finger. With such a mixer, it will not take time to adjust the desired temperature, which means you will also save water. If necessary, you can stop the water supply instantly by simply lowering the mixer, rather than turning the taps.

, two-valve faucets today are much inferior to single-lever faucets. They are usually used either by conservatives who are accustomed to such a device, or by those whose kitchen is designed in a classic style, and a single-lever mixer simply will not fit into the overall interior.

Contactless or sensor faucets are the most convenient and economical option, but due to their price, they are not the most common in domestic kitchens. Water flows from such a faucet only when there is some object or human hands in front of it. If you remove the object, the water will immediately stop flowing. Not a single drop of water will be spilled in vain, and there will be no need to worry about forgetting to turn on the tap. And what convenience does such a mixer provide during cooking and washing dishes, when there is no need to touch the device with dirty hands, thereby dirtying it.

Types of Kitchen Faucets

In plumbing stores you can find a wide selection of all kinds of taps, which differ both in design and design. When getting acquainted with the assortment, it is recommended to first of all pay attention to the principle of operation and internal mechanism. Based on these parameters, products can be classified.

Two-valve plumbing fixtures

This type includes traditional appliances that have two valves for regulating hot/cold water. The operating mechanism of such mixers can be worm or ceramic faucets.

In the first case, the action is based on the shut-off valve closing the complementary seat, which leads to the cessation of the water flow. The valve is equipped with a replaceable plastic or paranitic gasket, which during operation is flattened, thinned, or simply torn.

Due to repeated opening/closing cycles, the sealing elements of worm-type devices begin to leak quite quickly. At the same time, they are easy to repair: in most cases, it is enough to replace the gasket yourself.

To facilitate the selection of plumbing accessories, manufacturers often offer kits consisting of a sink and a kitchen faucet that matches it perfectly.

The locking mechanism of the ceramic faucet consists of two discs made of the appropriate material with slots. One of them - the input one - is fixedly fixed in the body of the plumbing fixture, while the second adjusting component rotates relative to it.

Due to difficulties in use and repair, as well as due to wasteful consumption of water, double-lever models have recently become quite rare. They are usually used for decorative purposes when decorating premises in a traditional or retro style.

Water flows only if the holes coincide; the larger the total gap, the more intense the fluid supply. Such a mechanism is reliable and comfortable to use, but has a limited service life, as it is practically irreparable.

Even with a minor breakdown, you will have to change the faucet, and if it is impossible to find a model of the required configuration, the mixer itself.

Single lever kitchen appliances

About 80% of modern cranes presented on the specialized market are of the single-lever type, which is also called joystick, cartridge or mono-command. Such devices are distinguished by their aesthetic appearance, functionality, and ease of use.

According to the internal mechanism, there are two types of mixers:

• ball;
• disk.

As the name itself suggests, the fundamental part of the first type of structure is a ball with a number of holes. By turning the handle, this part is set in motion, which allows you to control both the intensity of the flowing flow and the ratio of hot/cold water.

Ball devices have several weak points. Over time, abrasion of the gaskets, cuffs, as well as weakening of the spring support may occur, causing a leak to form. If the mixer is left idle for a long time, its movement may become stuck.

Single-lever faucets with a cartridge are very comfortable to use. With light movements you can adjust the water temperature and its pressure

Devices with a disk cartridge in their design and principle of operation resemble ceramic versions of the crane box. The operating mechanism also consists of two parts: a lower fixed plate with a drain hole for hot/cold water, as well as an upper movable component.

Repair of both types of devices with one lever consists of replacing the cartridge: in the first case, it is a sleeve with a hollow ball, in the second, a sleeve with two ceramic disks.

Non-contact (touch) models

The most convenient and economical type of kitchen faucets are taps, the design of which includes an infrared sensor. To turn them on, just bring your palms to the nose; if you move your hands away, the flow automatically stops.

Modern sensor faucets have an extremely impressive appearance. Such devices are very functional and economical because they automatically control water consumption

The disadvantage of contactless devices is their extremely high cost; in addition, if the sensor fails, there may be problems with their activation.

To avoid this, manufacturers often offer electronic-mechanical devices, the operation of which can be adjusted either touch-sensitively or using a handle.

No. 2. What material to choose a mixer from?

Today you can find faucets on sale made from materials such as:

• metals and alloys , incl. steel, nickel, bronze, brass;
• ceramics;
• granite;
• plastic.

Faucets made of bronze or brass - they are not affected by water, and they look expensive and luxurious.

Steel faucets are also an excellent material, maximally balanced in price and appearance.

To make it easier to care for your faucet, it is recommended to choose a chrome-plated type of surface rather than a shiny one: dried drops will not be as visible, and such faucets look more expensive.

There are also faucets made of an alloy of aluminum and silicon - silumin . They are quite inexpensive, but not very durable . By the way, unscrupulous manufacturers use some parts made of silumin, hiding it. You can identify such a mixer by its light weight.

The most practical faucet is one whose internal elements are made of ceramic and external elements are made of metal .

Ceramic faucets look very attractive in appearance and go well with stone and porcelain stoneware countertops. In terms of reliability, ceramic faucets are inferior to metal ones, and their service life is much shorter.

Granite faucets are a rarity in our market, and they are purchased mainly by those who have a sink made of granite.

Faucets made of plastic are resistant to water, aggressive environments, and are not subject to corrosion. But at the same time, it is a very fragile material that can hardly be called durable. This option may be suitable for a country kitchen where the mixer is not used all the time.

Characteristics of kitchen taps

To make a balanced choice of a kitchen faucet, you should also consider a number of factors that influence the appearance of the product and ease of use.

Spout shape and height

It is necessary to pay attention to the features of the spout, which can have an S-, G-, J- or R-configuration, be flattened, widened or thickened at the end.

The spout should be located above the central part of the container. If it goes to the inner wall, water may get behind the sink, which will negatively affect the condition of the kitchen furniture. If the faucet is located at the edge of the countertop, splashes will fly to the floor

The following types of spouts differ in height:

• shortened - less than 18.5 cm;
• medium - 19-23.4 cm;
• tall - 24 cm or more.

When choosing, you should focus on the depth of the sink. With a bowl of 17-19 cm, it is better to use a faucet with a medium or moderately high spout; for larger values, it is advisable to use shortened models.

Various spout designs

According to this criterion, the following categories of mixers can be distinguished:

• fixed (cast);
• rotary;
• with pull-out spouts;
• telescopic.

The traditional option is a fixed crane, the mechanism of which is located in a cast casing, the disassembly of which is not possible. The lever is installed on the side at an angle of 45-90 degrees.

Such designs are distinguished by their reliability and maintainability, since the most common problem is abrasion of gaskets and loosening of the spout, which can be easily fixed.

However, their drawback is obvious: in this case it is almost impossible to direct the stream of water, and the stream is prone to splashing. A faucet with a rotary body allows for smooth movement of a securely connected spout, usually of low height.

Comfortable adjustment of such devices helps to save water, since the operating mechanism guarantees an even flow of hot/cold liquid for mixing.

Models with a rotating body are especially recommended for sinks with several sections, as they provide easy access to each of them

The main disadvantage is the rapid wear of the sealing gaskets located on the rotating part of the device, which requires their regular replacement.

Devices with a pull-out spout or shower are also widespread. The design of such models includes a hose that, when closed, is located inside the tube, and when open, extends out of it by 1-1.5 meters. It allows you to change the height of the water supply and also expands the radius of the flow.

The moving part is usually made of high quality polymer or rubber; often it has a metal or textile braid. For ease of use, an aerator can be installed at the end - a device that saturates the water with air, or a shower head.

Modern faucets of this type are often equipped with a switch button that locks the pull-out part at the desired height.

Using a pull-out spout, it is easy to fill a container outside the sink, process a large number of dishes, including large ones, and rinse vegetables or fruits.

Telescopic faucet spouts consist of several tubular parts connected by fasteners that allow unhindered changes in length and shape. The components can be tilted at different angles, changing the direction and radius of action of the flows.

Despite the original appearance and good functionality, such modifications have not found widespread use due to insufficient structural strength.

Kitchen Faucets Material

The reliability of operation and service life are directly affected by the material from which the crane is made.

Most often they are used:

• metals/alloys;
• stone/ceramics;
• plastics.

Various types of alloys are widely used to produce products. The most budget option is considered to be products made from silumin, which contains aluminum and silicon.

However, experts do not have much confidence in such devices, which quickly break down and have an unsightly appearance. Devices made of TsAM alloy, consisting of zinc, aluminum, and copper, have significantly better characteristics.

The most popular are brass faucets, which are made using a combination of copper, zinc, and sometimes tin. At an affordable price, they are distinguished by good quality, durability, and excellent resistance to moisture.

Bronze devices also demonstrate remarkable characteristics, but their cost is too high. The same can be said about taps made of stainless steel. Products made from this metal are reliable, durable, but quite expensive.

Relatively recently, taps made of stone or ceramics have appeared on sale. Their advantages include a spectacular appearance and high resistance to water and chemicals.

The downside of these materials is their fragility; products must be protected from mechanical influences that can cause chips or complete destruction.

When buying a brass faucet, you should pay attention to the material from which the internal parts are made. Sometimes they are made of silumin, which affects the strength and durability of the mechanism. Light weight and/or relatively low price may be a suspicious factor.

Modern types of polymers are also used for the manufacture of sanitary products. Inexpensive products made from them are lightweight and resistant to water, but they do not look aesthetically pleasing and have low strength. As a rule, they are used for country houses or as a temporary option.

Plumbing Coatings

The appearance of faucets, and partly their performance, is influenced by the type of coating that is usually applied to the brass base. The most popular finish that combines great appearance and durability is chrome. The disadvantages include soilability: fingerprints and water drops easily remain on the shiny surface.

Nickel can be used to apply various types of finishes - matte, satin, "stainless steel". Such coatings look very beautiful; They are durable, versatile and easy to care for, but in rare cases they can cause an allergic reaction.

A spectacular bronze look is usually achieved using epoxy resin or enamel of the appropriate color. The coating requires careful use, since mechanical stress may cause scratches and chips on the top layer.

The advantages of faucets with ceramic or stone coating include ease of care, since the matte texture hides stains and dirt. Disadvantages include fragility and relatively high price.

To imitate ceramics or stone, a layer of synthetic or natural material is applied to a metal base. Such faucets are usually used for sinks and countertops made of ceramic compounds, granite, and marble.

Types of product fastening

When choosing a faucet for installation in the kitchen, you need to think in advance about its location.

As a rule, three options are relevant:

• table top;
• washing;
• wall.

In faucet mixers, a collet is used for installation - a split bushing with threads. It is used to screw on the nut that connects the faucet to the surface.

A single-lever device has up to two threaded holes at the base of the body for screwing in studs. A half washer is installed on them, which is secured with a nut.

For vertical connections, flexible hoses are usually used. If the mixer is supposed to be connected directly to pipes coming out of the wall, it is recommended to use eccentrics. To disguise the fastening site, you can use the decorative attachments included in the package.

Additional instrument functions

Modern cranes often come equipped with a number of options. They may be accompanied by special nozzles that allow you to saturate the water with air or form a flow of water of the desired shape.

A useful and beautiful feature is the regular or LED lighting on the faucet. For some models, the color of the lamps changes when the water temperature changes.

Products with a thermostat can be mechanically or electronically controlled. In the latter case, the mixer has a liquid crystal display, push-button or touch control

Devices equipped with a thermometer are popular. With their help, you can set the required jet temperature in advance so as not to get burned when you turn on the tap. To save water consumption, you can use special nozzles that allow you to keep track of the liquid used.

When choosing kitchen sanitary ware, it is better to give preference to products from well-known manufacturers with good reputations. Although such models are more expensive, the costs are offset by a long service life.

No. 3. Spout size and shape: which one to choose?

The faucet spout is an important parameter for the kitchen, since the convenience of using the sink for washing dishes, vegetables, etc. directly depends on it. Here the approach is radically different from choosing a bathroom faucet. It is important that the stream of water hits directly the center of the sink, preventing splashing. The height of the spout should be such as to easily draw water into containers, wash vegetables, large dishes, etc. The choice of spout height directly depends on the depth of the sink . So, if it is not deep enough, then the spout should be higher, but do not overdo it, otherwise the water will splash. If the sink is deep, then you can choose a low mixer. It is most convenient to buy a faucet complete with a sink and all accessories so that the products are as functional and practical as possible.

As for the shape of the spout , in this case it is better to base the choice on your own preferences and features of the kitchen interior. Manufacturers offer so many conceivable and inconceivable options that your head can spin: there are S-, L-, R-, J-shaped faucets and other models with a unique design.

How to choose a faucet for the kitchen Review of modern kitchen faucets with photos and videos

The range of faucets is now so diverse and wide that making the right choice can be difficult. Some are backlit, others are touch-sensitive, and others are chrome-plated. There's 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 to consider when deciding which faucet to choose for your kitchen.

Varieties

Choosing a faucet for the kitchen will be somewhat different from what you can buy for the bath. Kitchen taps have different types of water supply mechanisms:

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

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 water supply system, then this design will not suit you. After all, water with coarse particles will quickly ruin such a faucet; 2

Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water opens easily, the pressure is adjusted using the handle

2. Single lever. Using this design is quite simple. The water opens easily, the pressure is adjusted using the handle.

It is this that 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 higher than the previous type. However, it is more convenient and easier to use;

Any other parts on the body are missing. The faucet will operate thanks to a sensor that responds to infrared radiation. The sensor is customizable. 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 suggests, has several parts in its design that are assembled into one. When assembled correctly, any leaks are eliminated.

In this case, the structure can be rotated as desired. Cast faucets have a solid metal body.

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

Shape and length

Today, there are many types of taps to suit every taste. If you want beautiful faucets for your 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 faucet must fit correctly into the overall interior of the room.

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

The faucet can have a smooth bend, straight, beveled or zigzag. The options are varied.

Cheap or expensive

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

Therefore, there is a high probability that after a little time it will start to work poorly and will need to be replaced. Models from proven well-known brands are distinguished by their quality and reliability. They are somewhat more expensive.

However, they will last you many times longer.

Some useful tips

Faucets made of brass have an average level of reliability and quality. This faucet is coated with chrome on top to increase the anti-corrosion properties of the metal. In addition, chromium prevents the development of bacteria. Such a crane can last for decades.

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

No. 4. Lever on the side or on top: which is more convenient?

In this case, we are talking exclusively about single-lever models, in which the control lever can be located on the side or above the mixer. In principle, the location depends on the height of the spout. In most cases, a faucet with a high spout is complemented by a lever on the side, and a low spout - on top. In terms of convenience, they are exactly the same, but still a lot depends on personal preferences.

It is worth noting that the lever located on the side is a little more practical , since water or detergent particles will not drip onto the mixer itself, which means maintenance will be easier.

Criteria for choosing a kitchen faucet

How to choose the appropriate option so as not to experience problems with its installation, operation and not to spend extra money? We suggest you familiarize yourself with several important criteria that will help you cope with this task.

Installation method

To install the unit in the kitchen, three methods are used:

1. Installation on a horizontal surface, in the finished sink hole. Used more often than others. An easy process. You can do it yourself. Suitable for valve, lever and sensor designs.
2. On the countertop. A special case of the first option. It differs in that it is mounted into a hole in the tabletop, which you will have to drill with your own hands. Since the thickness of the countertop slab is significantly higher than that of the sink, you should make sure that the selected unit will not cause trouble with connecting flexible hoses and will be securely fixed to the supporting surface.
3. Wall mounting. This is how bathroom faucets are attached. In some cases, it can also be used in the kitchen. To do this, the pipes must be routed above the countertop and recessed into the walls. For horizontal adjustment, adapters ex-decorative trims are used.

Design

Single lever devices are preferable. One hand is enough to operate the tap. The designs are quite reliable, temperature and pressure control are smooth and precise.

Lovers of antiquity may prefer two-valve taps. You will have to operate them with two hands, which is not so convenient. But you can choose a stylish option with the same finish on the surface of the faucet and sink.

Those who love innovation can opt for touch devices, despite some of the inconveniences associated with their use in the kitchen, which have already been mentioned above.

Interesting! In places where there is no centralized hot water supply, water heating devices are very useful. This is a single-lever faucet with a built-in heating element and powered by 220 V. The flow temperature is monitored on the display screen.

Spout shape, height and design

The best option for the kitchen is a swivel spout. The sink can have a large volume, two bowls, or be located on an island. In the latter case, you should choose a faucet with a 360° swivel spout.

The height of the spout determines whether it will be convenient to fill a large pan or even a bucket with water. In addition, the amount of splashes that will form when the jet falls to the bottom of the sink depends on this parameter. It is better to have a deep bowl and a high spout. An excellent option is a pull-out spout with a flexible hose.

Important! Depending on the height, spouts can be low - from 155 to 184 mm, medium - 235 mm, 216 mm, and 200 mm and high - 280 mm.

Today, designers offer different spout profiles: classic round, square, rectangular or even flattened. Devices with a flexible spout are very convenient. The choice depends on the wishes of the customer.

Aerators and watering cans

A special nozzle is placed at the end of the spout, with the help of which the stream is broken and saturated with air. This is an aerator, a device that reduces water consumption and splashing. They consist of a housing with a fine metal mesh at the outlet. A plastic flow swirling device is installed on top of the mesh, which ensures that the jet is saturated with air. The entire structure is screwed onto the thread at the end of the spout. From time to time, the mesh and the aerator itself should be cleaned of dirt. The aerator can be replaced with a watering can, with which you can create a different stream, increasing or decreasing the flow force. Watering cans are not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.

Materials

Faucets made of bronze and copper are considered the best. However, such pleasure is very expensive. High-quality structures made of brass and stainless steel are somewhat cheaper. Products made from silumin (an alloy of aluminum and silicon) are not strong or durable. But they are inexpensive. Most often, silumin crafts are produced by Chinese companies specializing in the production of budget samples. To give the product a decorative appearance, various coatings are applied to the base material:

1. Chromium. Durable and durable coating. Its only drawback is the limited color selection.
2. Bronze. Gives the product an attractive look. A bronze faucet looks great with a sink that has the same finish as it.
3. Copper. Faucets finished with this material can have different shades and look very decorative, especially those made in a “retro” style.
4. Ceramics. Ceramic parts have an original and attractive appearance and do not retain traces of limescale. Requires careful handling. Possible cracks and chips.
5. Granite. A relatively new type of finish. Decorative, durable, withstands mechanical loads well.
6. Enamel. Gives products an original and elegant appearance, and protects the product well from corrosion. It may darken over time. Cracks and chips are also possible.

No. 5. Where to mount the mixer?

Before choosing a mixer, do not forget to pay attention to the features of its fastening. So, it can be installed:

• on the kitchen countertop , and then a hole of a certain diameter is cut in it;
• on the wall;
• on the sink itself , if there is a hole there.

Each mixer is adapted to a specific type of fastening, so this important parameter must be taken into account. If all the elements of the future kitchen are selected at once, then the task is simplified.

No. 6. Angle of rotation

No one can argue that a large angle of rotation of the mixer is great, because in this way you can conveniently wash vegetables and fruits, any dishes, draw water into a container and perform other tasks. Today, most budget and mid-price mixers can be rotated 140 degrees , which is quite enough for convenient use.

In more expensive faucets, the rotation angle can reach 180 degrees and even make a full revolution around its axis . The last faucet will be indispensable if the sink is located on the kitchen island, but otherwise it is useless.

No. 7. What else can faucets do?

Today, technological progress has even affected faucets. It would seem that what else can be added to them, since they are assigned only one function? So, today you can find products on sale with the following additional functions:

• mixer with pull-out spout. This is actually a faucet with a shower: in its normal state it looks quite ordinary, but if desired, you can remove a small shower from it. With this function, the direction of the jet can be changed over a much wider range, you can conveniently wash vegetables and fruits, and even the sink itself;

• mixer with water filtration system - a real find for us when tap water does not quite meet quality standards. Such faucets have two spouts: one for plain water, the second for filtered water;

• faucets with a switch for a dishwasher or washing machine are a convenient option that eliminates the need to lay communications.

Sensory

KLUDI E-Go 42210 0575

pros

• stylish design
• reliable and durable
• works great

Minuses

• uninformative instructions
• price
• difficult to adjust the sensor
• expensive batteries for the infrared sensor
• no connection for filter

From 31,300 ₽

Kitchen faucet version with an infrared sensor powered by lithium batteries. Looks stylish and expensive. Height 37.5 cm. Single lever. Shiny chrome finish, smooth lines. Flexible eyeliner. At a high cost, it is often used as a mechanical model, since the sensor is difficult to set up and can periodically turn on spontaneously.

TEKA MV (chrome)

pros

• 5 year warranty
• functional
• modern brutal design
• ribbed coating
• works both from mains and battery
• aerator with anti-scale protection
• stainless steel housing
• scratch and rust resistant
• push-button control
• auto shutdown
• backlight around the buttons
• high
• easy pressure regulation

Minuses

• price

From 66,670 ₽

In terms of quality, this model occupies a leading position in the rating of sensory kitchen faucets. This is evidenced by the warranty period, the quality of materials, design, and aesthetics. There is a thermostat. Chrome plated. Hygienic and antibacterial effect. Long service life. Spout height 42 cm. Flexible hoses. The aerator creates an even stream without splashing. During a power outage, it runs on batteries.

Paini Hybrid HKPW557YOSIKKM

pros

• ultra-modern futuristic appearance
• two-tone coating
• high
• electronic control on the watering can
• flexible hose
• 5 year warranty
• excellent sensor

Minuses

• price

From 78,000 ₽

Italian famous brand with electronic miniature display for control. The average height is 21.6 cm. The spout is flexible, you can change the angle and inclination for convenient spraying of water. There is an aerator and flexible hose. Powered by network. An adapter is included. It is among the best manufacturers of infrared kitchen faucets.

No. 8. What else to consider when purchasing?

A faucet is a thing that should serve you for many years, so its choice should be taken with utmost importance. It is better to make purchases in serious stores that have proven themselves positively. It’s better to buy faucets from well-known brands , even if they cost a little more - this difference will more than pay for itself during operation.

It is also worth paying attention to the weight of the product : remember that some manufacturers replace ceramic and steel parts with similar ones made of silumin, but they are less strong and durable. Before purchasing, you can hold the mixer in your hands: the greater the weight, the better the product. Also, do not overlook the presence of instructions and recommendations for installation and care of the product, as well as the availability of a guarantee from class=”aligncenter” width=”2480″ height=”1654″[/img]

Modern manufacturing materials

The design of the mixer is quite complex, so various materials are used to produce parts. The body is made of alloys, the most common of which are steel and brass - these metals guarantee high reliability. Devices made of bronze and copper are even better, but they are much more expensive.

In addition, the body can be made of plastic, ceramics and granite. The most reliable faucets are those with a metal body and ceramic internal parts.

In the production of budget faucets, silumin or zinc-copper-aluminum alloys are used. But such devices, despite their low cost, are short-lived and fragile. Sample - a silumin product from the Chinese manufacturer Ledeme

There are enough offers for plumbing fixtures made of ceramics or heat-resistant high-strength plastic. They are durable, but they can withstand mechanical shocks worse than metal ones.

You should also pay attention to the coating of the metal. Chrome-plated surfaces are durable, but they do not allow you to choose the color scheme, and they also very quickly become covered with visible dirt.

Enameled ones do not have problems with shades, but the enamel is not as durable and over time it will flake off or lose its original color. An excellent choice is a surface decorated in bronze. The stains on it are not so visible, and care is not difficult.

And one more factor that you can pay attention to is the weight of the product. A high-quality, reliable and durable faucet cannot be easy.

No. 9. Which manufacturers can you trust?

It is clear that there are dozens and hundreds of different manufacturers on the modern faucet market, and the product quality of many of them is very good. We will try to name those companies that are most popular in the domestic market and have proven themselves to be of high quality.

Thus, faucets from such German manufacturers as Grohe, Hansa and Hansgrohe, Finnish Oras , French Delafon , Danish Damixa , Swedish Gustavsberg , as well as Bulgarian Vidima . Their assortment includes faucets with different designs, functionality and different prices. Some domestic ones also performed well, Motovilikha Sanitary, Sunmix.

The best manufacturers

In order to avoid becoming the owner of a cheap craft that will start leaking within a day, it is more profitable to purchase household goods from the best manufacturers. The popularity of their models has been earned in conditions of fierce competition for buyers. It’s worth getting to know the most popular manufacturers of kitchen equipment better.

• Oras

Company from Finland. Its sanitary ware is distinguished by its stylish design and European quality. Buyers especially appreciate its samples for the ability to connect dishwashers and washing machines to them. This option allows you to save on laying additional pipelines and reduces the possibility of leaks.

• Am. Pm

German company. Its products are distinguished by modern design and excellent quality. The cost is decent, but lower than other manufacturers producing similar equipment with the same quality and functionality. The design is modern, but always with its own “zest”. The company has the most developed network of service points around the world, and the longest warranty periods.

• Teka

The company from Germany is one of the world leaders in the production of kitchen equipment. Branches all over the world. The products are in high demand on all continents. Popular models of this brand are liked by customers for their original design, smooth adjustment, and efficiency. Insufficient strength of the coating is noted. Teka products should be handled with care to avoid scratching the surface.

• Grohe

The products of this company have gained popularity in Europe since the middle of the last century. Buyers appreciate its products for ease of installation and operation, high quality materials and workmanship. Installing a Grohe faucet yourself is not difficult. But then you can forget about problems with plumbing for many years.

• Franke

Swiss brand. Having started its activities in the last century, it currently has subsidiaries in more than forty countries around the world. The company develops and designs sinks complete with faucets. Brass products are coated with copper and bronze, chrome and stainless steel. For ease of operation, rotary taps, retractable hoses and other innovations are used. Among so many advantages, there are also disadvantages, the most serious of which is considered to be the use of non-standard flexible hoses.

• Omoikiri

Japanese company. Often uses interesting technical solutions. One of them is a double spout, with a direct connection to the water supply and a filter installed under the sink. This saves the buyer from having to spend money on purchasing and installing an additional faucet. Stylish designs and a variety of finishes give Omoikiri products an attractive look.

• Rossinka

This Russian company produces everything strictly according to GOST standards. Moreover, the manufacturer is trying to take into account the special properties of domestic water, or rather, ways to protect their products from its aggressive effects. Overall, this is a decent product that meets international standards.

• Haiba

Chinese company. Produces budget faucets. Consistent quality, good equipment and stylish design delight buyers both in their own country and abroad. However, you can often read complaints about breakdowns and even cracks of cases. Spare parts for its devices are extremely rare.

• Blanco

German company. On the market since 1925. The variety of finishing materials used by its specialists deserves special attention: silgranit, stainless steel, matte and mirror ceramics. Blanco design solutions make any kitchen the coziest corner in an apartment or house.

• Ideal Standard

Belgian brand. The popularity of its equipment models and furniture for the bathroom and kitchen has not decreased over the past hundred years. High quality products and beautiful design. Factories in many developed European countries. Reviews are only superlative.

This is not a complete list of manufacturers of high-quality kitchen equipment. It’s up to you to decide which brand of unit is best to buy. The main thing is that it fits organically into the interior and works for many years without breakdowns or leaks.

No. 10. Design

The range of faucets with different designs makes even the most experienced specialist in this field dizzy. Faucets of different colors, fancy shapes, with taps and levers of various sizes - all this is available today for those who want to decorate their kitchen as original as possible. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to lose functionality and convenience. Always pay attention to the ergonomics of the faucet and how well it will fit into the kitchen interior and whether it will be combined with the sink and countertop.