How to choose a kitchen faucet: tips for choosing the best options, manufacturer ratings

The main place where the most water is wasted is the kitchen. Kitchen faucets are opened and closed hundreds of times a day, so they must meet even more stringent requirements than other plumbing fixtures. Before purchasing, it wouldn’t hurt to study the range of products offered, don’t you agree?

We will tell you how to choose a kitchen faucet from many modifications. The article describes in detail the design and operating features, pros and cons of various kitchen faucets.

We give practical advice on choosing a faucet, and also listed the best manufacturers whose plumbing products have proven themselves to be the best. This information will help you understand which type of faucet is right for you.

Types of kitchen faucets

Each mixer offered on the modern plumbing market has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Plumbing for the kitchen is divided according to several parameters:

• type of construction - method of opening water;
• spout features;
• type of installation;
• manufacturing material.

Let's take a closer look at each item separately.

To choose equipment that fully meets the requirements of financial capabilities, functionality and comfort, it is important to understand how cranes are classified and what the features of each type are.

Flexible hoses

A kitchen faucet with a flexible hose is a fairly modernized device that appeared on the plumbing market relatively recently. If until recent years such installations were used exclusively for shower cabins, today manufacturers have transferred a similar idea to kitchen taps.

Flexible hoses are usually made from a durable metallized composition, which gives the structure flexibility, elasticity, and tensile strength. It is very convenient to use such installations in the kitchen: the hose allows you to move the mixer around the perimeter of the sink (even with two sections), and easily wash the surface of the side areas for drying dishes.

Some universal models, made according to original designs, may have the most unexpected bending directions of the hose at any angle, at several points. Also interesting is the possibility of fixing the mixer in the desired position.

Designs by water supply method

Any mixer belongs to one of three types and can be:

• axle-box crane (two-valve);
• single lever;
• contactless.

Each type has features that are relevant when choosing and purchasing.

Mixers with two valves

These are simple classic designs in which a separate faucet box is opened to supply hot or cold water.

Two-valve mixers are the most common design, gradually disappearing from the market. Popular models include budget options and retro-style devices.

The design of the mechanism can be:

• worm;
• ceramic.

If it is built into the housing, it is impossible to distinguish its type by external signs, but you can understand which of the systems provides water supply by the number of valve revolutions. In worm-type valves, you will need to turn the valve at least three or four times; in ceramic ones, half a turn is enough.

Worm mechanism. The principle of operation is very simple - the flow of water is blocked by a retractable rod, which presses the shutter valve with a rubber sealing gasket attached to its bottom. The main advantage of the design is ease of repair.

Typically, a leak in such a faucet is caused by wear of the gasket, and the repair consists of replacing the rubber, which you can even cut out yourself. But rubber gaskets are very short-lived, so they have to be changed very often.

The valve type of mixers is a device with two mechanisms, each of which opens and closes a separate flow of cold or hot water by rotating

Regardless of the model of the valve mixer, they work on the same principle: they mix hot water with cold water in the upper chamber to be fed into a common gander

Valve devices differ in the design of the rotating head and the method of opening/closing the channel

In valve heads with reciprocating movement, the path of water is blocked by a metal valve on the stem, which moves as it rotates. In schemes with limited return movement, two ceramic disks move relative to each other inside the device

Ceramic faucet. The name “ceramic” does not mean that all parts are made of ceramic. The role of locking elements in the faucet box is performed by two round ceramic plates.

There are holes in the ceramic disks, one of which is fixedly fixed to the body, and the second rotates relative to it. The force of water pressure is regulated by the coincidence of these slots.

The valve can be rotated 90° (quarter turn) or 180° (half turn). The design is more reliable, but short-lived - in the event of a breakdown, the crane box is completely replaced.

Ceramic faucet axle boxes fail due to exposure to solid particles in the water, so a filter must be installed to use them

The advantages of such models include low cost, simplicity of design and maintainability - failed parts can be replaced independently.

Flaws:

• excessive water consumption - when adjusting pressure and temperature, part of the water is wasted;
• inconvenience of control, choosing a suitable ceramic crane axle box.

There are “slotted” and “square” models, with different stem lengths, 120 or 24 splines for valve attachment, etc.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to take both the valve and the failed valve axle with you to the store.

The most sensitive part of valve mixers are the gaskets. Especially those that come into contact with moving parts during rotation. In most cases, simply replacing them is enough to eliminate a leak.

To get to the gasket, you need to remove the valve head from the socket. To do this, you will need a 10mm wrench.

The gasket is held in place by a screw. It must be unscrewed to remove the damaged seal.

After replacing the seal, the valve head is reassembled, installed in the socket and other elements of the mixer are installed

Devices with one lever

Easy to use modern models, which can also be called joystick, mono-command or single-lever mixers. Most of those who decide which faucet is best for the kitchen choose these designs.

Single-lever faucets are easy to use, attractive in appearance and allow you to save money by quickly adjusting the water temperature

A single knob adjusts both temperature and pressure. To do this, just turn the handle left or right and adjust the height of its position.

Despite the similarity of controls, they differ in the method of mixing water - ball and cartridge. According to the body design, there are fixed and rotary models.

Devices with a ball mechanism

Water is supplied through a ball with several holes. The movements of the handle turn it and regulate the flow of hot and cold water, setting the required pressure and flow temperature.

The ball mechanism is the simplest design that provides supply and adjustment of water pressure by turning a ball with three holes located in the sleeve. One of them is intended for the supply of hot water, the second for cold water, the third for mixed water in the required proportions

Structural simplicity reduces the number of ball valve breakdowns to a minimum. Leaks most often occur due to the penetration of sand grains and similar inclusions into the gap between the elastic seats holding the ball and the ball itself.

Therefore, it is highly desirable that a coarse mesh filter be installed in front of the mixer. You can choose a filter for the sink that will not only retain small particles, but also soften and deferrize the water.

The presence of debris is indicated by the need to exert great effort when making turns. However, most often in ball devices the pressure and volume of supplied water simply decreases due to a clogged aerator.

You can clean both of them yourself, however, there is a difference in the algorithm of work. To remove grains of sand from under the seat, you will have to disassemble the mixer. To remove dirt from the aerator, you only need to unscrew it, rinse it and free it of unnecessary deposits.

Ball mechanisms are convenient and economical, but require additional water filtration. If the cartridge, which is a ball sleeve with a movable hollow ball, fails, it must be replaced with a new one, similar in design and material

Design features of disk devices

The disk device operates on the same operating principle as ceramic faucet axle boxes: there are holes in two ceramic plates (movable and fixed), and the water pressure and temperature are set by the area where they combine.

Serious failures of disk devices can be eliminated by replacing cartridges. The simplest flaws in work, such as a simple leak, can be eliminated with your own hands. They begin to leak when a speck gets stuck between the discs.

The use of such designs, in the same way as in ball models, requires the mandatory installation of coarse filters, which increases the service life.

In the cartridge of single-lever disc mixers, two ceramic discs rotate relative to each other. Repair of such devices consists of replacing the cartridge. To replace it, you need to buy exactly the same cartridges that were installed in the mixer

To remove a damaged cartridge from the device body, you need to remove the decorative plug of the screw under the lever, unscrew the fasteners and remove the lever

Having secured the cartridge with a key, you need to remove it from its seat. The key is required only at the first moment, then you can use your hands

After installing the cartridge in its proper place, the mixer is reassembled

Types of model cases

The type of housing does not depend on the mixing mechanism, it can be:

• cast - motionless;
• rotary.

The fixed structure of the cast device body is equipped with a side or top control lever.

Molded faucets look impressive, but are not very convenient. Typically have a short spout, and due to their monolithic design, are used only in bathrooms where mobility is not required

The advantages of fixed single-lever cranes include maintainability and high reliability. At the same time, it is not as convenient to control and use as a joystick, and the jet is more powerful, which can cause water to splash.

If you choose such a mechanism, it is advisable that the faucet spout be retractable. Among the most common breakdowns: loosening of the fastening ring and the spout itself, wear of the gaskets.

Rotary models. The flow is turned on and controlled by a handle, most often installed on the right side or above the spout.

The main advantages include water saving - the handle is initially installed in a position in which the flow of hot and cold water flows evenly, and ease of control

The spout moves smoothly to the sides, is securely fastened, but cannot be located at a great height. The disadvantages include wear and tear on the seals installed in the rotating part, but they can be replaced without any problems.

Advantages of single lever mixers:

• efficiency;
• ease of use;
• functional design.

Disadvantages include: rapid wear of the seal and high price. Another disadvantage is the fact that the complexity of the design requires qualified repairs.

Contactless (electronic) models

Touch and thermostatic faucets appeared not so long ago and differ significantly from mechanical options. The main function that such a faucet performs is to supply water at a predetermined temperature.

To turn it on, you don’t need to turn or press any parts - you just need to bring your hands to the spout, and the contactless infrared sensor will start the mechanism. The distance to the sensor is determined by its parameters, and the start and stop of water supply occurs with a slight delay

Volatile and autonomous models are available. The former operate from the mains via a 12 V adapter, while the latter require batteries to operate. When purchasing, it is better to choose a device that has the ability to duplicate manual control.

The main advantage is significant water savings, another positive detail is that there are no hand marks left on the plumbing. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

We can separately note the budget option - special attachments that allow you to modernize a regular mixer. This device is attached to the spout of the spout, runs on a battery and, according to manufacturers, saves water consumption by up to 20%.

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

Differences by type of fastening

In addition to design features, there is a division of types of kitchen faucets according to installation method. The location and method of installation of the faucet influences which model to choose for a particular kitchen.

Mixer wall mount. The models are laconic and easy to use, but there are a number of difficulties with their installation: special water supply and subsequent wall repairs are required

There are three ways to secure the unit:

1. In the sink hole is the most common and easiest installation method, which you can do yourself. Any designs are suitable.
2. You can also install valve, lever or touch models with swivel spouts in the countertop. But before that, a hole corresponding to the diameter of the devices is drilled in the table.
3. Fastening directly to the wall - only special models are suitable. The housing for such installation must be massive, and the connection with the pipes hidden in the wall must be rigid.

Fixing in a horizontal position is carried out when lever mixers are installed with pins threaded into threaded holes on the body, onto which a shaped half-washer is tightened with a nut. When installing crane-axlebox structures, a split threaded bushing is secured to the surface of the base with a nut.

A faucet mounted into a sink is the most common mounting option. The most acceptable method of connection to the water supply system is through flexible hoses.

In cases where it is necessary to connect to pipes coming out of the wall, eccentrics are used to ensure correct positioning, and the fasteners are hidden with decorative conical covers.

In a special hole in the sink

The first method of attaching the mixer is most often used. For this purpose, a special hole is used in the sink frame. The advantages of such a choice include the ease of connecting communication lines and the convenience of further operation. Water from the tap will spill exactly within the sink, since the location of the hole is provided for by production parameters.

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.

Design selection

In stores, especially specialized ones, there are a large number of faucets on sale, made in a wide variety of styles and colors. This device should be in harmony with the overall style of the room and match the design of the kitchen and other fittings. It is advisable that the kitchen faucet matches the shape of the sink, its texture and color.

For classic kitchens, as well as sets in Provence or retro style, faucets in bronze or copper color with an aging effect are suitable. Furniture in a minimalist style, such as techno or hi-tech, will look better with original and stylish faucets in chrome or stainless steel.

Types of spout nozzle

Let's consider a small but important detail on which water savings, the ease of use of the tap, and the type of flow depend. The most popular ones include faucet aerators and retractable watering cans.

Almost all faucets currently offered for sale are equipped with aerators - devices for dispersing the flow of water, saturating it with air and economical consumption

A conventional aerator can be replaced with a more practical device with an increased flow area and the ability to direct the stream to the desired point

If you need to frequently fill containers that cannot be placed in the sink under the spout, it is better to purchase a faucet with a retractable aerator on a hose

An interesting innovative proposal is an illuminated aerator. The device is equipped with temperature sensors that change the color of the backlight depending on the water temperature

In such devices, water is mixed with air, resulting in significant savings - up to 8 liters per minute.

The gratings on the nozzle can be static or adjustable with variable hole sizes. Some models are equipped with nozzles that can change the direction of the jet.

Faucet attachments are available that help regulate the shape and intensity of the flow. You can select a part suitable for a specific nozzle shape

There are also add-ons that are optional, but very convenient. For example, LED backlighting, which not only becomes an additional light source, but also illuminates the dishes when washing.

An electronic thermometer allows you to obtain the necessary heating, while saving water, and it does not require additional sources of energy, because it receives it from water pressure.

The kitchen faucet aerator needs periodic cleaning, as particles brought in by tap water remain on its filters.

Manual effort is usually sufficient to unscrew the aerator. However, if it is jammed, you will need an adjustable wrench. It is better to unscrew it through a towel so as not to scratch the faucet

Large mineral and organic particles are removed by regular rinsing under running tap water.

If the components of the aerator are contaminated with limescale, it is better to soak them for 8–10 hours in vinegar or a solution for dissolving limescale.

Operating rules

General rules for the care and operation of the mixer are as follows:

1. It is prohibited to use acids (acetic, perchloric, etc.) and products containing them in their composition to clean products and remove strong deposits, as they can damage the surface of the device.
2. Do not use abrasive compounds or rough brushes as they will scratch the outer coating.
3. For cleaning, use only appropriate care products (according to the instructions). Soft, non-abrasive substances are used.
4. All products should first be applied to a cloth or sponge and only then to the device.
5. After using cleaning products, rinse off any remaining residue with water.
6. Clean polished, shiny gold-plated and chrome-plated surfaces with soap and water only. Then polish with a soft cloth.
7. White limescale deposits can be removed using table vinegar or a mild cleaner.
8. Periodically it is necessary to remove and clean the aerator mesh from scale, rust and other contaminants.
9. There is no need to exert much effort when using faucets with ceramic gaskets.

It is recommended to install fine filters on the pipes; this can greatly extend the life of the kitchen faucet. With the right choice and compliance with operating conditions, the mixer will serve for a long time and properly.

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

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.

Tips for caring for wall mounted faucets

The faucet may suffer from corrosion due to water ingress. To solve this problem, standard methods are used. Common wall-mount faucets usually have a removable cover, making them easy to keep clean.

Most metals benefit from polishing. Stainless steel requires special care because chlorine and chlorides cause permanent staining known as pitting. This material should not come into contact with these substances, therefore, when cleaning the faucet, do not use products containing bleach as a disinfectant.

Hard water marks, which can ruin the finish as the faucet ages, can be removed with regular vinegar. Stubborn stains will take longer to remove (up to 1 hour). To achieve good results, you need to mix vinegar with borax powder to form a paste. Apply it liberally to the surface of the mixer and leave for several hours. Then rinse with clean water.

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

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.

The best foreign and Russian manufacturers

It is clear that a good product cannot be cheap, but the cost of the best kitchen faucets is not always beyond the realm of possibility. When choosing, you should focus not only on the price, but also on the brand.

Well-known manufacturers produce both budget and luxury models. At the same time, their established reputation means much more to them than petty savings, therefore, regardless of the price, faucets from such brands are always of high quality.

The quality, durability and convenience of your plumbing fixtures depends on the manufacturer’s brand.

If we look at the rating of kitchen faucets by country and specific manufacturers, we will see that the first places are distributed as follows:

• Germany – SIEMENS ag, ​​Grohe, Dornbracht, Viega, Kaldewei, Hansa, Schock, Axor, Ideal Standard, Hansgrohe, Franke, Blanco;
• Italy – Jacuzzi, Rifra, Piados, Duka, Zucchetti, Roca, Webert, Bonomini, Carlo Frattini, Webert;
• France – Jacob Delafon;
• Finland – Oras;
• Sweden – Alfa Laval;
• Bulgaria – Vidima;
• Switzerland – Gustavsberg;
• Spain – Roca;
• Denmark – Damixa.

Among Russian companies producing plumbing fixtures, the products worthy of attention are Sunmix and Santekhpribor.

Products from these manufacturers guarantee long-term and convenient operation, are reliable and can work for a long time without breakdowns.

How to choose?

A wall-mounted kitchen faucet can hardly be called cheap, due to its advantages and functionality. That is why you should choose a sanitary product very carefully, taking into account certain selection criteria.

When choosing a wall-mounted plumbing fixture for a kitchen sink, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• what material is the body made of?
• what connection parameters are it characterized by;
• How high-quality is the protective layer of the coating and is it there at all;
• what material is the faucet cartridge made of - experts say that ceramic is the highest quality and most reliable;
• is there a retractable watering can;
• the presence of an aerator;
• does the mixer model have a connection to the filter;
• what water flow is characterized by;
• price;
• manufacturer;
• presence or absence of additional functions;
• designer design - now the range of such products is so wide that you can choose the right plumbing fixture for any interior, making the kitchen even more beautiful.

When choosing a wall-mounted mixer, keep in mind that the manufacturer provides a guarantee for its product, which must indicate the service life of the equipment. Ensure that the product meets the requirements and specifications.

To do this, it is enough to see the quality certificates and verify the legal activities of the seller. Knowing and taking into account these characteristics, you can choose a faucet option that is ideal for your kitchen.

For information on the types of faucets and how not to get lost when choosing, watch the following video.

Single lever

Single-lever (another name is joystick, single-command) mixers are a fairly simple and modern solution, which can be called the most popular today. The popularity was largely influenced by advantages in the form of efficiency, convenience and good product design. Even the disadvantages, which are expressed in accelerated wear of seals and high cost, have not made single-lever mixers less in demand.

As can be concluded from the name, in faucets of this type there is only one control element, through which both the temperature and the power of the water flow are regulated. The pressure is adjusted in the vertical plane, and to adjust the temperature you need to move the knob horizontally.

All devices in this category are divided into several groups. Depending on the method of mixing water, ball and cartridge devices are distinguished. The housing design can be either fixed or rotary. It is worth considering each type in more detail in order to understand the main differences between them and know how to choose a faucet for the kitchen.

Disk

Cartridge (another name is disk) faucets operate on a principle similar to the principle of ceramic faucets. There are two ceramic plates, one of which is fixed and the other can be moved. The water pressure is adjusted by aligning the holes in both plates.

To repair a failed disk mixer, you will have to change the cartridges. However, such serious problems rarely occur - much more often the device begins to leak slightly or does not work as efficiently as before. The cause of such problems is clogging, which you can easily get rid of yourself. To reduce the frequency of faucet repairs, it is worth installing a coarse filter on the water supply.

Ball

The main structural element of ball mixers is a ball, which has several holes. When the handle moves, the ball rotates, thereby regulating the intensity of the water supply, as well as its temperature.

A distinctive feature of this type of device is its simplicity, due to which the likelihood of the mixer failing is minimal. Faucet leaks can only occur when small solid particles enter the working cavities and get stuck between the ball and the elastic seats that hold it. To eliminate such situations, the water supply must be equipped with a filter.

It is very easy to diagnose a clogged faucet - the presence of such problems is always signaled by the increased force required to turn the faucet. However, the problem usually lies not in the mixer itself, but in a clogged aerator, due to which the pressure of the water flow is noticeably reduced.

If necessary, you can get rid of both problems - the design of the device allows it. Troubleshooting algorithms look different. If the faucet is clogged, you will have to completely disassemble it and thoroughly clean the space under the seats. If the cause of the problem is the aerator, then to troubleshoot the problem you will need to remove this device and wash it separately from the mixer.