Greetings dear readers! I want to talk about the bathroom faucet. I want to warn you right away, it is not cheap. And the choice is determined by the experience of purchasing 2 products in this store. I bought a thermostat and a dispenser. I am satisfied with both things; during use, I want to share, nothing has rusted and works as it should. Therefore, to the wife’s next question: “When will you repair the crying faucet in the toilet???”, the reviewer ordered. And before, in the toilet there was a non-demountable Chinese thing bought offline for 2K. I served for 2 years and started crying a little. So, welcome to cat.
Description
Black color has always been an indicator of luxury, prosperity and refined taste. This applies not only to the decoration of walls, floors or textiles, but also to faucets.
Such products are immediately visible in the kitchen; they harmoniously complete many style trends. In addition, such faucets are unusual, and not everyone has them, which becomes an additional plus.
Black faucets are made from high quality materials, so their only drawback is the price. However, such models do not show fingerprints, minor damage, scratches and dust.
A special enamel is used for the coating, which protects the faucet from damage, since it turns out to be very durable.
Black sink faucets - varieties
Dark kitchen faucets are distinguished by different parameters: shape, design, functionality. As for the shape, everything is quite simple: the taps are presented in the form of the letters C, S, J, R, G.
Design
There are four main types here.
- Single lever. Very easy to use products. The lever rises up and moves to the sides, thus regulating the water temperature.
- Valve. These are faucets that have been familiar since the times of the USSR, and even now many people have them. On the sides of such a device there are two valves, one of which is responsible for hot water, and the second for cold water.
- Sensory. A new model that allows you to wash your hands by just touching the electronic sensor on the tap.
- Contactless. Such products are equipped with infrared sensors that are programmed to trigger in the event of movement, that is, you will need to bring your hands to the faucet for it to turn on itself.
Functionality
Here we will talk about the shape and height of the spout, which is very important for modern kitchens. The stream of water must always hit the center of the sink so that when washing dishes the liquid does not fly in all directions.
To do this, you need to remember a simple rule: the deeper the sink is, the higher the spout should be. In addition, there are several other types of design.
- Double. This is a nozzle with two holes from which different types of water flow. From one will flow regular water, used for washing dishes or hands, and from the second, filtered water, suitable for drinking.
- With pull-out spout. In its design, this model resembles a regular shower. The length of the watering can reach up to one and a half meters, and during use the improvised shower extends. Thanks to this solution, you can use the watering can to wash nearby objects, as well as a large amount of dishes. Also, such products have an aeration mode, which allows you to thoroughly wash the greens.
- With flexible spout. Flexible taps are suitable for those who wash only a few dishes. These types of spouts are a flexible and durable hose, thanks to which water flows in any direction.
Materials
Black faucets can be made from a variety of materials, each with advantages and disadvantages.
- Ceramics. Ceramic models are incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. They immediately catch the eye, attracting with their appearance. However, it is important to remember that such products are as fragile as they are elegant. They need to be carefully looked after and protected from impacts, since a damaged and leaking faucet cannot be repaired - you will have to buy a new one.
- Metal. The optimal solution here would be models made of brass or bronze coated with enamel. These faucets are quite heavy and last a long time. Another option would be products made of stainless steel and chrome. They are very wear-resistant, but you will have to pay a considerable price for the purchase.
- Stone. Granite faucets are gaining more and more popularity every year. They are beautiful, stable, and practically not subject to damage. They are not affected by constant humidity in any way, and care is not difficult. But there are also several pitfalls: granite faucets require the same sink, and if the spout is a pull-out, then a double one.
In addition, such models are quite heavy and very expensive.
Performance
- Flow filters do not have high productivity; it can range from 2.5 to 6 liters per minute , as always, inverse proportionality. The higher the efficiency of kitchen filters, the lower the performance, and vice versa. But this, as a rule, should be enough for food needs.
- A reverse osmosis system can have different capacities. The optimal productivity is considered to be from 130-150 liters per day. Depending on the number of people in the house or apartment, the system’s capacity is selected; it can reach several hundred liters per day.
The best models of black faucets
Today, the range of black faucets is quite wide, so there is plenty to choose from. Let's look at several models that have earned good customer reviews. The cost of black faucets varies greatly; you can find models for both 2,000 rubles and 30,000 rubles.
Webert Conic
This is a vertical mixer with excellent quality. During production, the product undergoes many tests, which ensures its durability and performance. The tap is single lever and has a classic high spout.
Color – black granite. It is very easy to install such a mixer; you can easily do it yourself.
Grohe
This German company has long established itself as one of the best manufacturers of mixers. A good solution would be a Grohe Minta tap, made of brass and with a swivel spout.
The kit includes a flexible hose. Another interesting model will be the Grohe Veris in black velvet. The faucet has a ceramic cartridge, a swivel spout and an aerator.
Franke 750
This is a stainless steel model lined with granite. The spout is normal, rotating, and there is a ceramic cartridge inside. There is an aerator, but no watering can. By design, this model is single-lever.
Teka
Graphite-colored models are perfect for connoisseurs of everything modern. These are single lever faucets with excellent quality ceramic cartridges for durability and ease of use.
The black coating is made taking into account new technologies, so fingerprints are not visible on it. It is also unaffected by acids and moisture.
Source: https://vplate.ru/kuhnya/santehnika/smesiteli/chernye/
The best manufacturers of kitchen faucets in terms of price-quality ratio
If you don’t want to buy very cheap products, then we suggest considering the best manufacturers whose kitchen products offer an optimal combination of price and quality.
WASSERKRAFT
Rating: 5.0
In first place is the German company WASSERKRAFT, whose philosophy is “a feeling of comfort for the user,” therefore all of its faucets are aimed at functionality and convenience. The manufacturer began its activities in 2004 and now belongs to a reliable category of products with positive reviews. In them, buyers report that the faucets are durable, do not leak, and the coating is resistant to scratches and chips. The company offers both classic and retro options for the kitchen, as well as hi-tech. There are taps with a double channel for supplying filtered water. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on any item.
This company has been added to the list of the best because of the largest range of products for the kitchen. Its catalog contains 30 lines of faucets, where the user can choose a model by design, shape, size, color and materials. For example, the Berkel collection for the kitchen is distinguished by its strict shapes with right angles. The Lippe series, on the contrary, has graceful curves and smooth geometric designs.
Advantages
- manufactured directly in Germany;
- the glossy coating will not peel off;
- soft pressing of the lever;
- 5 year warranty.
Flaws
- high price;
- Sometimes the eyeliner length of 38 cm is not enough and you have to buy another one.
HANSGROHE
Rating: 4.9
Our review continues with HANSGROHE, founded in 1901. It is the oldest German manufacturer of sanitary ware, specializing in faucets, shower systems, kitchen and bathroom sinks. The company's headquarters is located in Schiltach. The brand’s faucets are so popular that they are sold not only throughout Europe, but are even supplied to the USA. Over more than 100 years of history, the company has actively experimented with the form and function of faucets, which led to the registration of about 2,500 patents. This is one of the first manufacturers to use an aerator to mix the flow with air and reduce splashes, as well as reduce water consumption. In 2011, the company was the first to introduce a kitchen faucet that could be turned on by pressing a button.
The company entered the category of the best due to the ergonomics of the faucet design. There are many models with a pull-out shower in the catalog. For example, the Metris M71 series is presented in a single-lever design. The detachable spout has a vertical T-shaped structure. To take it, you don’t need to twist your hand and put it behind the tap. Such ergonomics speed up the washing of fruits and vegetables in a restaurant kitchen.
Advantages
- some models have additional shut-off valves;
- chrome-plated surface, from which plaque can be easily removed;
- silicone inserts on aerators;
- Built-in Air Power technology for softening the flow.
Flaws
- high price;
- Unfortunately, corrosion happens.
Choosing the most reliable mixer: what do we look at first?
The mixer must be heavy (this is an indicator of the quality of the steel), the coating must be uniform in color, without scratches or other defects.
All moving elements should “move” smoothly and silently, without any extra effort. If there is a feeling that something is interfering or rubbing, this is a sign of poor quality of the mixer.
Check that the aerator is metal (not the mesh inside, but the element itself). For low-quality products, it is made of plastic, powdered metal or thin brass - in general, it is fragile and bends easily when screwed in. A conscientious manufacturer does not skimp on the aerator.
Take a close look at the flexible hose (a good mixer will have it included). The internal thread at the end of the hoses must be metal, and in no case plastic.
For a high-quality product, the hoses are usually pressed in and are located in the mixer body. They can be separate, but then the thread must be in the middle of the body - you can’t get there with any wrench, but the quality of the connections is such that everything can be easily tightened by hand.
This, by the way, applies to any threaded elements of the mixer - no effort, no grinding, everything should connect easily.
A conscientious manufacturer makes the hoses themselves from cross-linked PE, not rubber. This is easy to determine: rubber ones are very elastic, bend at any angle, cross-linked PE ones are hard and unyielding.
The shower head should have soft silicone “pimples”. If stone is deposited on them, it can be easily removed by running your hand. The hard ones will clog over time. The thread of the watering can should be smooth on all sides, the seam at the soldering point should be neat, barely visible, smooth.
“I don’t recommend buying so-called multi-mode watering cans. Firstly, due to hard water, it will soon become impossible to switch modes. Secondly, 90% of consumers use one mode, so why complicate things.”
The hose to the watering can may have a silicone sheath. On the one hand, this significantly extends its service life, and on the other, it makes the hose less elastic (although it will still soften a little in hot water).
Shape, efficiency, service life
Mixers can be lever, valve, photocell, etc. However, the type of design does not significantly affect the service life of the mixer.
“Many people ask, which one is more economical? To be honest, I don’t see the point in chasing this. Bathroom and kitchen faucets have aerators, which create a volumetric stream with a small amount of water pressure, so that in principle little water is consumed.
And for showers, lately, buyers are increasingly choosing “tropical rain” type watering cans, which flow a maximum of liters per unit of time. What kind of savings are there? So take what you like in terms of design and what you personally think is more convenient.
The most economical (if this is so important to someone) are faucets with timers and photocells, but they are usually used in public places,” the expert said.
For a kitchen sink, it is better to choose a higher faucet. The specialist does not recommend different nozzles such as showers for kitchen faucets, except for a very large sink. After all, the more complex the design, the more different hoses, the higher the likelihood that parts will fail.
For a washbasin in a bathroom or toilet, you should choose a low mixer, without the ability to rotate. It will last a long time.
“European” faucetsmadeinChina
“Unfortunately, when it comes to plumbing fixtures, suppliers often bring low-quality, second-rate or outright junk to the Belarusian market (as well as to the Russian or Ukrainian),” Vitaly complained.
— If the seller says that the mixer is German, Polish or some other European, then you shouldn’t take his word for it: most of the world’s leading manufacturers have long ago moved their factories to China.
The mixer may be made in China, but for the European market such products are considered to be of higher quality.”
It is very easy to distinguish a product made in Europe or for Europe from one that is intended for a less demanding market. The nuts at the end of the supply hoses for the “European” faucet have an internal diameter of 3/8 inch (pictured on the right), for the others - 1/2 inch (on the left).
Today, even a well-promoted brand, according to an expert, is not a guarantee of buying a good faucet. The same Grohe is made in factories in different countries and for different markets, therefore the quality of the faucets may differ. Another thing is that a recognized brand still has much less chance of “disappointing” the consumer than a noname.
“If we talk about which brand of mixer is worth paying attention to, then in addition to Grohe, I can recommend Hansgrohe, Hansa and Oras (this is not counting exclusive options).”
Features of black faucets
In order for this bathroom element to work properly for a long time, while maintaining its ideal appearance, it is necessary to properly and well care for it. Clean it exclusively with special products.
It must be borne in mind that the use of abrasive cleaners will cause harm in the form of leaving marks on the glossy surface. Even matte models should not be cleaned with powders containing coarse particles.
The most popular types of bathtub faucets are:
- wall;
- combined;
- built-in
The latter can be installed in any desired location, since they do not depend on where the water comes out. Combined models have a flexible base, so they can be used simultaneously for a washbasin and a bathtub.
The disadvantage is that when moving it from the sink to the bathtub, you must turn off the water. The wall-mounted look is a classic. This type of faucet has a flexible hose and a watering can through which water flows for taking a shower.
Basically, black faucets are made from:
- of stainless steel;
- ceramics;
- chromium;
- brass
For their manufacture, high-strength plastic can be used, as well as a mixture of several types of metal. The surface of the mixer can be matte, glossy or moiré.
It depends on the material from which it is made. The production technology of such elements is costly and painstaking, which is why they are quite expensive.
Which mixer is better to buy?
After the best faucets of 2021 have been named, the question may arise as to what to choose from the TOP list so as not to make a mistake. Each category and its representatives have individual advantages and weaknesses. You should rely on the previously mentioned criteria, as well as the following comparison results:
- The best offer with a filter included is Gappo G4398;
- The most affordable inexpensive model is Lemark Plus Strike LM1102C;
- The best universal model is WasserKraft Donau 5302;
- The most reliable long-lasting model is Iddis RUNSBJ0i05;
- The safest model with a thermostat and aerator is Grohe Grohtherm 800 34558000.
If the task is to buy an inexpensive, good mixer, then it is better to consider domestic manufacturers. When your budget doesn't limit your needs, you can afford a device from a cult brand. The presented rating includes only the best offers recommended by both ordinary users and plumbing equipment specialists.
Don't go for cheap
No matter how trivial it may sound, price is one of the main indicators of the quality of a mixer. A standard faucet for a sink or washbasin at retail cannot cost less than $70, for a bath - less than $100.
Moreover, this is true not only for Belarus, but also for neighboring Lithuania and Poland, from where compatriots proudly bring faucets for $15.
“Once we came across such an imported specimen, in the watering can of which the manufacturer forgot to make... holes. The client installed it himself, and then called us - he couldn’t understand why the water wasn’t flowing.”
It has been noticed that high-quality faucets most often have simple, one might even say nondescript, packaging, but various types of consumer goods are packaged like a Christmas tree: in colorful boxes, with photographs, advertising inscriptions, etc.
When even the best quality faucet fails
The mixer's passport, as a rule, lists the main parameters of the water supply network under which it should be used. If the indicators are not normal, even the highest quality product will quickly become unusable.
“From experience, I will say that in our high-rise buildings this is not such a rare situation. For example, water pressure should be 6 atmospheres. Often in high-rise buildings, for residents of the lower floors, it is much higher, and this leads to rapid wear of the faucet,” our expert warned.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine by eye that the pressure is higher than normal; you need a special device - a pressure gauge. An indirect sign of high pressure can be the unnatural “noisiness” of the mixer. Although with low-quality products, noise is the result of imperfect design.
In addition to pressure, the service life of the mixer is affected by the water temperature. It should not be higher than 65 °C. Too hot water quickly washes the lubricant out of the faucet, and it again fails.
Source: https://building-ooo.ru/santexnika/chernye-smesiteli-raznovidnosti-i-kak-ix-pravilno-vybrat/.html
How to care?
In order for a black faucet to always please its owners not only with its good performance, but also with its impeccable appearance, you need to properly care for it.
You can use certain cleaning products, but do not forget that not all cleaning compounds are suitable for cleaning faucets.
For example, abrasive cleaners can leave a mark on the gloss, and a matte faucet should not be rubbed with coarse powders. You should always read the label of a cleaning product to see what surfaces it is intended for.
Cleaning a built-in faucet in a bathroom or kitchen sink is equally easy. You can do this work not only with purchased products, but also with improvised products, which every housewife will probably have in the refrigerator.
For example, you can wipe the faucet with a solution of table vinegar, and then rinse with running water. The surface of the mixer will shine and please the eye.
It should be noted that some fashionable modern coatings that are used in the production of faucets do not require any cleaning at all.
Do not rub faucets with a metal brush or a sponge with a hard base - such a tool can greatly damage the appearance of the product.
Care Tips
In order for our white kitchen faucet to retain its attractive appearance longer, it is worth making a number of recommendations for care. Then both the paint and the chrome-nickel coating will remain intact for several years, respectively, and the iron base will not be subject to corrosion.
The recommendations are not labor-intensive, but following these simple rules is very necessary:
- Firstly, the appearance of a shiny white metal surface is greatly spoiled by the white stains that remain on it after the water drops have dried. To avoid the appearance of such stains, it is worth wiping the faucet dry after each wash using special absorbent microfiber cloths.
- Secondly, polished surfaces are very sensitive to the action of abrasive particles. This is why the instructions do not recommend using powder products with dense granules for cleaning plumbing fixtures, which can damage the outer layer of the material and cause deep scratches on the surface.
- The same is true for repairs: when disassembling the mixer yourself, you should use a tool with protective plastic covers. When the chrome coating interacts with metal, scratches will inevitably appear on the faucet, which after some time will give rise to corrosion processes.
Note! If you do not have a wrench with special pads, you can get out of the situation by wrapping the iron parts with PVC electrical tape.
Hardware restoration method
If we didn’t pay attention, and scratches or flaking areas appeared on the chrome or nickel coating, then the mixer can be returned by repeated galvanic treatment.
This service is provided by auto repair shops, but if you have the appropriate equipment, you can do it yourself.
- We disassemble the crane, dismantling all parts except the iron ones.
- We carefully grind all surfaces, removing the old layer of chrome/nickel plating.
- We degrease the parts by treating them with gasoline or another solvent. Advice! After degreasing is complete, the mixer must be carefully dried.
- After this, we pre-treat the metal with acid – the so-called pickling. Along with this, the surface is made porous, which facilitates adhesion to the decorative composition.
- After this, we apply copper plating to the part, treating it in a galvanic bath using acidic solutions. The current density should also not be more than 6 A/dm2.
- At the end of copper plating, we perform chrome plating by immersing the part in a solution of chromine with additives (sodium nitrate, chromic anhydride, cryolite). We carry out the treatment for 10 minutes, gradually increasing the current density from 10 to 20 A/dm2.
If you have the appropriate skills, it is possible to take a part that will be aesthetically superior to the new faucet. Indeed, the price of such treatment is quite high, so if you go to a workshop, it won’t be much more cost-effective to replace the faucet.
Other means
If you don’t have a galvanic installation, and you don’t want to overpay, then you can try using less labor-intensive methods:
- Firstly, the chrome coating can be removed using a solvent. Under it in most cases there is a bronze base, which in itself looks completely attractive. After removing the chrome, all we have to do is polish the bronze layer.
- Secondly, it is possible to apply metallic paint or matte enamel over damaged nickel plating. To do this, carefully degrease the mixer, after which we spray the pigment either with an airbrush or from an aerosol can. It goes without saying that the coating is less durable, but the appearance of the product will be completely acceptable. Note! Airbrushing provides a more uniform laying of paint, but the low cost of cylinders is also a responsible reason for choosing a technique.
- Thirdly, it is possible to return chrome plating using special polishing compounds, such as Chrom Glanz Wax from Arexons and analogues. Processing the removed tap will not take a lot of time, but the effect will be fully comparable to galvanic restoration. So, if the scratches do not differ in depth, then this technique can be fully applied.
In the interior
The appearance of faucets is as important as their functionality. The design of the taps should match the sink; ideally, the sink and faucet should be made of the same material and correspond to the same style.
For example, for a room decorated in baroque or classicism style, “antique” black taps with massive valves are suitable. Handles for supplying water can be located on both sides of the mixer or can be remote, for example, located on a stand.
If a black faucet is installed in the kitchen, a massive marble countertop will be a great addition. Black goes well with metallic and gold. This duet will be a wonderful decoration for a room in the Art Nouveau style.
Marble and granite are materials that look perfect in the kitchen; they are also appropriate in the bathroom, especially granite tiles with gold edging and a black faucet built into the sink.
Source: https://stroy-podskazka.ru/vannaya/smesiteli/chernyj/
How to choose a faucet with a filter
What to look for when choosing a faucet with a filter? There are several criteria to consider:
- control type – valve, lever;
- number of water supply channels – one, two;
- design;
- materials;
- connection method;
- price;
- manufacturer.
The most significant role in the choice is played by the quality of the product, which directly depends on the technologies and materials used by the manufacturer. You should not save on faucets, because too cheap models may turn out to be fakes and you will have to pay twice. Moreover, among the proposals there are many budget options that differ in both functionality and durability. Select a design based on the overall interior concept. There are a lot of mixers in both classic and modern versions.
Are black faucets practical?
You dream of black plumbing fixtures, but you still have thoughts about installing classic chrome taps. Are black faucets practical? Will you regret the purchase after a while? How to clean a black faucet so that it always looks aesthetically pleasing?
We have good news for you! There is no need to change your vision of the bathroom or kitchen. Keeping black faucets clean will require just as much work as cleaning standard faucets.
We bring to your attention 4 valuable tips. If you follow them, your black plumbing fixtures will always be sparkling clean!
Cleaning with detergent
Simple solutions are usually the best. Today, people often wonder what cleaning product to use on a given surface. Dishwashing liquid is a great cleaner for more than just pots and dishes.
Pour some detergent into a small container and add the same amount of water. Use this mixture to thoroughly clean the black taps in your bathroom or kitchen. Don't forget to dry them after washing. They will shine like new!
Cleaning with a solution of water and vinegar
If you haven't had time to thoroughly clean your black faucet lately, you may need to treat it with something stronger than detergent. Try a water solution with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.
Soak several cotton pads in the prepared solution and cover the mixer with them. After an hour, all the plaque will come off easily; wipe the faucet with a soft cloth.
Warning! Never use pure vinegar. This may damage the delicate surface. For the same reason, do not leave the faucet immersed in vinegar overnight, but only for an hour.
Try special measures
Are you afraid that despite all the precautions, vinegar will destroy the surface of your black faucet? Use special cleaning products for black plumbing. Keeping your faucet clean will be very easy thanks to them.
Many of the products, in addition to their cleaning properties, are also enriched with substances that create a hydrophobic coating on the surface of the faucet, due to which dirt and scale settle much more slowly.
Systematic care
Choosing the right cleaning products is very important! Too delicate ones will not allow you to get rid of all the dirt, but very aggressive ones, on the contrary, can damage the coating of black plumbing fixtures. Just as important as using the right cleaning products is regularity!
Systematic cleaning of black faucets in the bathroom or kitchen will allow you not to think about how to remove the plaque that has accumulated over the week.
Remember that cleaning your faucet will only take a few minutes! Is it worth taking this time to enjoy a beautiful, clean bathroom and stylish black finish? It's worth it!
Black bathroom fixtures are beautiful and they can be practical too. All you have to do is take care of her. As with most cleaning tips, it turns out that simple methods and regularity are the best!
Source: https://nyamkin.ru/advice/kak-pochistit-chyornyi-smesitel-4-deistvennyh-soveta-po-uhodu-za-santehnikoi
Exploitation
The mixer is easy to install thanks to this installation mechanism. Hand tighten and then tighten the two screws with a screwdriver. In tight spaces, this is actually done more conveniently than the old scheme with a horseshoe-shaped pressure plate. The movement of the mixer lever is quite tight, maybe for now. Don't open it by accident. That's a plus. My three-year-old son can already handle it. I immediately changed the aerator; the supplied one was spitting a little. Here's a photo in action
The quality of painting and details is excellent.
There are no complaints. The advantage of this faucet is that it takes up little space, which is great for a small sink. The only downside is probably the price. You can also find interesting options offline for this price, mostly only Chinese ones. But this is the severity of the provincial market... Therefore, I decided to take it from a place I had already checked. How it will serve, only time will tell. You can watch the mixer live here. Thank you for your attention. Bye bye!
Upd. And yes, it really doesn’t look right with white... so I’ll move it to the bathroom on the second floor, and here I’ll look for either stainless steel or white. And the link I took from no longer works, so I inserted a link to the same mixer in the same store.