How to choose a kitchen faucet? 5 tips for the undecided

2021-12-23 15:49:00



23-12-2021, last update 30-12-2021 16:43

Arranging your dream kitchen is a big challenge. What style to arrange it in, how to choose furniture and fittings, what tiles, what colors, which accessories will best emphasize the atmosphere of the interior – the questions multiply, and the answers to them should be carefully thought out. We must not forget regarding choosing the right kitchen faucet. We suggest how to do it.

source: Życie Warszawy

Although we don’t realize it at first, choosing the right faucet for the kitchen is of great importance. Because, on the one hand, it is one of the most frequently used elements of equipment on a daily basis, and on the other – it is a decorative icing on the cake of arrangement of our dream kitchen. So how to choose a sink mixer that is functional, stylish and durable at the same time? It is worth getting to know the available options to choose the one that best suits your needs.

What to remember when buying a kitchen faucet?

The wide selection of models available in hardware stores can make you dizzy. What to look for when buying and which parameters are important – we suggest in 5 simple steps.

Lets start with assembly method. We have a choice of standing and wall-mounted faucets. The latter type is definitely rarer, not only because of the non-standard method of assembly, but also in terms of everyday use. Practice shows that it is conducive to splashing water outside the sink. Usually, the first choice is a kitchen faucet standing on the edge of the sink or on the counter next to it.

The second parameter, crucial for the convenience of everyday use, is number of handles. We can choose from traditional taps with two handles separately for hot and cold water, as well as single-lever faucets with a stirrer. According to user reviews, it is the faucets with one handle that are more popular due to the convenience and ease of adjusting the intensity and temperature of the water.

The third important point is materialof which not only the external part of the battery is made, but also all components. Let us remember that the faucet in the kitchen is one of the most intensively used elements of equipment, so it is worth focusing on its high durability and trouble-free operation. The material of manufacture has a direct impact on the battery’s resistance to mechanical damage, stability, cleaning chemicals and the negative impact of moisture. Let’s pay attention to the type of heads, which is decisive in terms of long and trouble-free use of the battery. Currently, models covered with layers in various colors are available on the market – their durability during everyday use affects the aesthetics and ease of keeping the fittings clean.

The fourth important parameter is spout – its length and shape. It should be adapted to the depth of the sink chamber and the needs for changing the layout (with a pull-out and/or swivel spout). Kitchen faucets with a classic spout (without a high body) can be used in deep sinks. In the shallower ones, tall F- or U-shaped faucets will be a better solution. They allow you to wash even large pots without splashing water around.

The fifth important tip is to look closely additional functionsthat are available in modern kitchen faucets, including:

  • thermostat – the faucet starts the water stream only when it reaches the set temperature, it is a good way to save water
  • built-in water filter – thanks to it, the tap water is additionally cleaned and all household members can safely drink water straight from the tap
  • detergent dispenser – an additional output with a dispenser for dishwashing liquid or hand soap can be installed right next to the faucet body
  • aerator – an overlay on the tip of the spout (there are also models with a built-in element), which aerates the water stream; thanks to this, up to 60% less water is used on a daily basis
  • backlight – some models also offer additional lighting effects, where the color of the stream indicates the temperature of the water.

Wall and standing faucets

The key issue when choosing a kitchen faucet is its installation method. The basic division is the one into standing faucets (on the edge of the washbasin or on the countertop next to it) and wall-mounted faucets (mounted to the wall above the sink).

Standing batteries

Most of the models available on the market are standing kitchen faucets. They are easy to connect to the water system, allowing for great flexibility in terms of the mounting location. A huge selection of standing taps allows them to be adapted to almost any size and arrangement of the bathroom.

When choosing the height of the mixer and the length of the spout, refer these values ​​to the depth of the sink and the distance between the mixer body and the sink bowl. For example – if we choose a faucet standing next to the sink, then let’s make sure that it has a sufficiently long spout reaching deep into the bowl. If we have a relatively shallow sink, then it is worth choosing a sufficiently high faucet for it. This will allow you to comfortably wash even large pots. With a deep sink, low faucets will be a better solution, so that the stream falling from a considerable height does not splash the water.

Sinks usually have designated places for the installation of faucets. It is enough to cut out special circles to mount the battery efficiently. A less common solution is to put the faucet on the counter – practice shows that this increases the risk of flooding with water.

Wall kitchen faucets

This is a recommended solution when we have very little space in the kitchen. The faucet is mounted directly on the wall, not taking up space on the edge of the sink or on the countertop. When planning the installation of a wall-mounted faucet, the outlets of the water system should be placed exactly where the tap is to be installed. This must be planned at the construction stage.

Single and double handle faucets

Traditional two taps with hot and cold water or a mixer tap? It is worth considering in advance which option will work better among the household members. Practice shows that the ability to set the temperature and the size of the water stream using one hand (or wrist) is definitely a more convenient option. Let’s also take into account the fact that we often use water of different temperatures from the kitchen, while holding a pot or other vessel.

Single-lever faucets are also a way to save a lot in terms of water consumption. We do not waste time (and water) on setting the right temperature, it is also easier to manipulate it and set the intensity of the stream. Interestingly, estimates show that when using a single-lever faucet, we try to use a smaller stream more often for everyday activities.

An interesting option are faucets where the water mixer is located at the mouth of the spout, where the stream flows out of it. This type of kitchen faucet quickly gains supporters, because it allows easy access and convenient operation of the tap.

Faucets with pull-out spout

This is a solution that looks like a shower handle. It allows you to grab the tip of the spout and pull it out together with the hose in such a way that it is possible to use water also outside the sink. Pouring water into a pot or kettle no longer requires the sometimes difficult placement of the tap under the mouth. The pull-out spout sometimes reaches up to 150 cm. This solution is especially recommended in kitchens, where it is difficult to place a sink large enough to freely fill large dishes or pots with water (or even a watering can or bucket).

Kitchen faucets with a sink

How to choose a faucet for a sink? From a technical point of view, let’s check whether the height of the faucet is appropriate in relation to the depth of the sink. This is important in terms of splashing water and keeping this part of the kitchen clean. If we decide to mount the faucet on the edge of the bowl, then let’s check whether the manufacturer has prepared special places for the holes.

But an equally important issue as ergonomics and comfort is the aesthetics of the entire set. A sink with a battery is often one of the key zones in the kitchen, strongly exposed and building arrangement. It is important that it matches the rest of the equipment. So how to compose a sink with batteries? Granite sinks look good with black or white matte faucets. A metal or gold faucet fits perfectly with a black sink. And the perfect complement to the white ceramic sink in the Scandinavian style will be copper or metal taps.

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