Our compatriot spends most of his time in the kitchen. Maybe these are echoes of the "communal" past, when the kitchen was something like a ship's wardroom. And someone is more interested in spending time in the company of a refrigerator and a kettle. But the fact that the kitchen has replaced our living room and even an office is a fact. And more often than any other kitchen equipment, the kitchen mixer turns on and off, providing water to your favorite place. Hence the increased requirements for this unit. It must be durable, work like a "watch", i.e. without breakdowns and leaks, have an attractive look and fit into the interior. Finding a device that meets all these conditions is not easy. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offer an overview of the best kitchen faucets for 2020, based on customer reviews and expert opinion.
Content
What are the mixers
General concepts
Any internal sanitary-technical device, with the help of which the selection and regulation of the flow of water or gaseous media is performed, is called valves and is divided into shut-off and control valves. The shut-off valves include taps. Valves and mixers are shut-off and control valves. The latter are used exclusively on water. They not only regulate, but also mix two streams of different temperatures for averaging.
Device and types of mixers
The main parts are: a body with fasteners, valves and fittings, a spout, which users call a gander or spout. Appliances are divided into kitchen appliances, for a bathroom (with a shower) and a washbasin in the bathroom.
Kitchen taps are equipped with a high swivel spout that allows washing dishes and vegetables, filling pots and kettles. The correct height of the spout and the depth of the sink ensure convenient water handling without splashing throughout the kitchen. The number of working cycles of the faucet in the kitchen significantly exceeds the number of the same operations in the bathroom. Therefore, special attention is paid to the strength and reliability of kitchen taps.
The design of kitchen fittings is characterized by the following parameters:
- By mixing and flow regulation.
- Spout design.
- Installation method.
- The material of manufacture and decoration.
Each of them requires detailed consideration.
Mixing and flow control
By this parameter, constructions are distinguished:
- two-valve;
- single-lever;
- contactless.
Each type has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Two-valve devices
This is a "stainless" classic. Opening, closing and regulation of flow and temperature is carried out by two valve heads for cold and hot water. Old designs are equipped with rubber cuffs that actually open and close the flow.
The disadvantage of the design is the need to perform manipulations with two hands, rapid abrasion, and loss of elasticity of the rubber cuffs, due to which water begins to drip or leak from the spout. Malfunctions are eliminated by periodic rubber replacement. The advantage of such fittings is the fine and smooth adjustment of the jet.
With the advent of ceramic plates as sealing elements, the design of the valve heads has changed. Now, instead of a few turns, it is enough to perform one partial turn to fully open the valve.
Strictly speaking, these are no longer valve heads. It is worth replacing the traditional lambs with levers, and our unit turns from a two-valve into a two-lever. The adjustment has ceased to be thin and smooth, but the need for frequent replacement of rubber cuffs has disappeared.
Single lever mixers
There are cartridge and ball. In the first case, the valve heads were replaced by a ceramic cartridge. By raising and lowering the cartridge lever, we open and close the water. Turns left and right to adjust the temperature. The main elements of the cartridge are a plastic body, ceramic plates and a lever.
The obvious advantage of single-lever taps is the ability to open the water and adjust the temperature with one hand. The ceramic cartridge plates provide years of leak-free operation. In this case, you do not need to think about how to change the constantly leaking valve head.
The ball regulator works in much the same way. In this case, instead of a cartridge, a ball with three holes works, for cold, hot and mixed flow. The tap apple is clamped between elastic pads. If small debris gets between them, the gaskets face inevitable wear and tear with subsequent leaks. Installing a strainer in front of the tap will save the owner from these problems.
Contactless devices
More complex construction. The opening and closing of the flow is performed by a solenoid solenoid valve by a signal from an induction or infrared sensor that reacts to the presence of an object (hand) in its area of action. An integrated control unit receives the electrical signal from the sensor and transmits it to the valve. Optimum flow temperature is provided by presets and is not adjustable.
The sensor model with a thermostat maintains the set temperature automatically. For visual control of this parameter, an LCD display is installed in the body of the device.
Contactless devices visually differ from lever and valve devices in the absence of levers and flywheels. They are economical. During seasonal or emergency water supply interruptions, they will protect the home from a flood. To operate, they need power elements (batteries), the charge of which lasts for a year or two, depending on the frequency of use.
Interesting! The use of contactless faucets at home is not always justified. The dishes are washed with hot water, vegetables - with cold water, and your unit is set to a certain temperature. To fill a pot or bath with water, you have to keep your hand in the sensor's range of action all the time, which is extremely inconvenient.
Proximity devices show themselves best in public places: cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, etc. This is where their obvious merits come into play. They are more hygienic because they do not have levers and flywheels, which are touched by many hands, which are not always clean. The water locking mechanism is less susceptible to wear, despite the increased load. Visitors cannot leave without turning off the tap. It works automatically.
Sensors are quite expensive. This is another argument in favor of their use in public places, since not every private owner can afford such expenses.
Selection criteria for a kitchen faucet
How to choose the right option so as not to experience problems with its installation, operation and not spend extra money? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with several important criteria that will help you cope with this task.
Installation method
Three methods are used to install the unit in the kitchen:
- Installation on a horizontal surface, in a finished sink hole. It is used more often than others. Uncomplicated process. You can do it yourself. Suitable for valve, lever and sensor designs.
- To the countertop. A special case of the first option. It differs in that it is mounted in a hole in the tabletop, which will have to be drilled with your own hands. Since the thickness of the countertop slab is much higher than the similar washing parameter, you should make sure that the selected unit does not cause trouble with connecting flexible hoses and is securely fixed on the supporting surface.
- Wall mount. This is how the taps are attached in the bathroom. In some cases, it can also be used in the kitchen. For this, the pipes must be brought out above the table top and recessed into the walls. Eccentric adapters are used for horizontal adjustment. The joints are "masked" by decorative overlays.
Design
Single lever devices are preferred. One hand is enough to manipulate the crane. The designs are quite reliable, temperature and pressure control is smooth and accurate.
Lovers of antiquity can give preference to two-valve taps. You will have to handle them with two hands, which is not so convenient. But you can choose a stylish option with the same surface finish of the faucet and sink.
Fans of 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 with no centralized hot water supply, devices with water heating are very useful. This is a single-lever valve with a built-in heating element and a power supply from a 220 V network. The flow temperature is monitored on the display screen.
Spout shape, height and design
The best option for the kitchen is the swivel spout. The sink can have a large volume, two bowls, or be located on an island. In the latter case, choose a tap with a 360 ° spout.
The height of the spout determines whether it will be convenient to fill a large saucepan 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. Better to have a deep bowl and a high spout. A pull-out spout with flexible hose is an excellent option.
Important! Depending on the height, the 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. Apparatus with flexible spout are very convenient. The choice depends on the wishes of the customer.
Aerators and watering cans
A special nozzle is placed on the spout cut, with the help of which the jet is broken up and saturated with air. It is an aerator, a device that reduces water consumption and splashes. Consists of their body with a fine metal mesh at the outlet. A plastic flow swirl device is installed on top of the mesh, which ensures the saturation of the jet 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 form a different stream, increasing or decreasing the force of the flow. There are no watering cans in the kit and are purchased separately.
Materials
The best are the mixers made of bronze and copper. However, this pleasure is very expensive. High-quality brass and stainless steel structures are somewhat cheaper. Products made of silumin (an alloy of aluminum with silicon) do not differ in strength and durability. 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 look, various coatings are applied to the base material:
- Chromium. Strong and durable coating. Its only drawback is the limited choice of colors.
- Bronze. Gives the product an attractive look.The bronze faucet looks great with a sink that has the same finish.
- Copper. Taps, finished with this material, can have different shades, look very decorative, especially made in the "retro" style.
- Ceramics. Ceramic parts have an original and attractive appearance, do not retain any traces of limescale. Requires careful handling. Cracks and chips are possible.
- Granite. A relatively new type of finish. Decorative, durable, holds mechanical loads well.
- Enamel. Gives the products an original and elegant appearance, protects the product well from corrosion. May darken over time. The appearance of cracks and chips is also possible.
What to look for
Sink size
This parameter is important when choosing a mixer for the height of the spout. For a shallow bowl, select low and medium spouts, for a deep one, high ones are more suitable. Many European companies produce mixer-sink sets. Perhaps this is the best option, although not cheap.
Built-in mixer
This version of the unit is mounted on a vertical surface, and is more often used in bathrooms. The product is built into the wall. Such options for the kitchen are less common, but they also have a place to be. It looks interesting, decorative, compact. There are some problems when installing, repairing or replacing the cartridge. As a rule, such devices are installed during a major overhaul of an apartment or when the construction of a country house begins.
Filter switch
Some models have not one, but two spouts in one body. Why the first one is understandable. The second is for drinking water, which has been filtered on a filter installed under the sink. The tap with two spouts is equipped with a switch - translator. There are units with the function of cleaning the flow with a built-in mesh or charcoal filter, equipped with a double spout. The option is good because it does not require the installation of an additional tap for filtered water.
Recessed mixers
The spouts of some devices, in addition to the ability to rotate at a certain angle, can be "recessed" to the level of the sink or lie down on it. This is necessary if the washbasin is installed near a hinged window. "Drowned" the tap, and open the window sashes to ventilate the kitchen.
Top manufacturers
In order not to become the owner of a cheap handicraft, which in a day will begin to flow "do not stand by", it is more profitable to purchase household goods from the best manufacturers. The popularity of their models is earned in the conditions of tough competition for the buyer. It is worth getting to know the most popular manufacturers of kitchen equipment.
- Oras
Company from Finland. Her sanitary ware is distinguished by stylish design and European quality. Customers especially appreciate its samples for the ability to connect dishwashers and washing machines to them. This option saves on additional piping and reduces the possibility of leaks.
- Am. Pm
German company. Her products are distinguished by their modern design and excellent quality. The cost is decent, but lower than that of other manufacturers that produce 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 with their original design, smooth adjustment, and economy.Insufficient strength of the coating is noted. Handle Teka products with care so as not to scratch the surface.
- Grohe
The products of this company have gained popularity in Europe since the middle of the last century. Customers value its products for their ease of installation and operation, high quality materials and workmanship. Installing a Grohe mixer with your own hands is not difficult. But then you can forget about problems with plumbing for many years.
- Franke
Swiss brand. Having started its activity in the last century, by now it has subsidiaries in more than forty countries of the world. The company develops and designs sinks complete with mixers. Brass products are plated with copper and bronze, chrome and stainless steel. For ease of use, slewing cranes, retractable hoses and other innovations are used. Among such a number of advantages, there are also disadvantages, the most serious of which is the use of non-standard flexible hoses.
- Omoikiri
Japanese company. He often uses interesting technical solutions. One of them is a double spout, with direct connection to the water supply and the filter installed under the sink. This saves the buyer from having to spend money on the purchase and installation of an additional crane. Stylish designs and varied finishes give Omoikiri products an attractive look.
- Rossinka
This Russian company produces everything strictly in accordance with GOSTs. Moreover, the manufacturer is trying to take into account the special properties of domestic water, or rather the ways to protect their products from its aggressive effects. In general, these are decent products that meet international standards.
- Haiba
Chinese company. Produces budget mixers. Stable quality, good equipment and stylish design delight buyers both at home and abroad. However, you can often read complaints about breakages and even cracks in the cases. Spare parts for her 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 most comfortable corner in an apartment or house.
- Ideal Standart
Belgian brand. The popularity of her bathroom and kitchen equipment models and furniture has not diminished over the past hundred years. High quality products and beautiful design. Plants in many developed countries of Europe. Only superb reviews.
This is not a complete list of manufacturers of high-quality kitchen equipment. Which company is the best unit to buy is up to you. The main thing is that it organically fit into the interior, work for many years without breakdowns and leaks.
Where can I buy
The easiest way is to use the services of specialized stores. There are now no less of them than grocery. If you are interested in a particular option or brand that is not on sale, visit the manufacturers' websites or online stores. Listen to the advice and recommendations of friends, neighbors or acquaintances who have already bought the unit you are interested in. Study the description, ask how much it costs, how to install and connect it yourself, and how to replace the cartridge. Having collected all the necessary information, it is easier to make the right choice.
Rating of quality kitchen faucets
10.Haiba HB 4304
The review reveals a Chinese design, single lever, brass chrome body. The mixer is equipped with an aerator and two spouts. One is used to wash dishes, the other supplies water that has passed through a filter. Switching from direct feed to filter is done by turning the handle at the base of the device. A watering can is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately. Average cost: 8818 rubles.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- double spout;
- decent quality materials and workmanship.
Disadvantages:
- lack of spare parts on sale;
- high price;
- poorly organized service.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Haiba / China | Single-lever kitchen, traditional shape with swivel spout, filter switch. Chrome plated brass body. Designed for mounting on a horizontal surface. There is no bottom valve. | 8818 rubles |
9.Rossinka Silvermix Z35-28
Single-lever unit of the Russian company Rossinka. The design is quite traditional, with a swivel spout and a cartridge with ceramic plates. There is a separate spout from the filter, for which there is a special switch on the left, opposite the main lever. Taking care of the health of customers, the manufacturer used brass with a low lead content. The chrome plating gives the product an attractive look and protects it from scratches. The purchase will cost 5026 rubles.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- high-quality finish;
- double spout.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient location of the lever.
| Model name / brand name | Characteristic | average price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rossinka Silvermix Z35-28 / Russia, made in China | Kitchen single lever with ceramic cartridge, chrome plated brass body. Spout of traditional shape, swivel. Installation is horizontal, flexible supply lines. Equipped with aerator and filter switch. | 5026 rubles |
8.Grohe Eurosmart 3328120E
The German company Grohe is one of the European leaders in the production of mixers, sinks, shower systems. In our review, it is represented by the Eurosmart 3328120E model. The functionality of the product is pretty standard:
- single-lever design;
- cartridge with ceramic plates;
- swivel spout;
Chrome plated brass body. The watering can is not included in the package and must be purchased separately. The product is made of high quality materials. The assembly eliminates any leaks. The cost is quite affordable, 4290 rubles. According to buyers, a good value for money.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- excellent quality materials, finishes and workmanship;
- long-term operation without leaks and breakdowns.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Grohe Eurosmart 3328120E / Germany | Kitchen, single-lever design, with ceramic cartridge and aerator. Chrome-plated brass body with traditional swivel spout. It is mounted on a horizontal plane. Water is connected with flexible hoses. | 4290 rubles |
7.Oras Saga 3930F
The Finnish company Oras is famous for the high quality and wide functionality of its products. Oras Saga 3930F is a simple design with a standard set of functions, at an affordable cost, 4927 rubles. For this money, the customer receives a high-quality product with a stylish design, a ceramic cartridge, a durable brass body and an aerator. The watering can is purchased separately. Excellent value for money and quality.
Advantages:
- quality materials, finishing and assembly.
- no problems during installation and operation.
Disadvantages:
- limited functionality.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Oras Saga 3930 F / Finland | Single lever kitchen with ceramic cartridge and aerator. Chrome plated brass body. A traditional spout with eco-mode. Designed for horizontal single hole mounting. Water inlets from flexible hoses with a diameter of 3/8 ". | 4927 rubles |
6.Omoikiri Tonami-BN
The Japanese company Omoikiri is famous for its products dedicated to kitchen equipment. The Tonami-BN model is liked by customers for its stylish design, convenient and smooth adjustment, switching to the filter. Swivel spout, traditional shape. The brass body is chrome plated for a rich appearance and surface durability. It costs, on average, 9440 rubles.
Advantages:
- water switch from pipeline to filtered water;
- high quality assembly and finishing;
- convenient and smooth adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- there are complaints about strong splashes, but this is more a problem with a shallow wash.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Omoikiri Tonami-BN / Japan | Kitchen, single-lever design, with ceramic cartridge.Brass body with stainless steel coating. The design of the spout is rotatable, with a traditional shape, with an aerator and a filter switch. Designed for installation on a horizontal surface, with flexible hoses connected to water. | 9440 rubles |
5.Am. Pm F5000000
Another representative of the German kitchen equipment industry. Am technical staff. Pm are recruited from the best specialists from the EU countries. Traditional German quality is combined here with modern design. The company's management is developing a network of service centers around the world, in connection with which special attention is paid to personnel training. Model Am. Pm F5000000 is liked by buyers for its ease of installation, laconic design, build quality and coating.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- high-quality finish;
- durability;
- the longest warranty period.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| AM. PM F5000000 / Germany | Kitchenette with single lever mechanism, ceramic cartridge and aerator. Chrome plated brass body with traditional swivel spout. Designed for horizontal installation, with flexible hose connection to water. | 7990 rubles |
4.Teka FO 985
Many designers, when planning the arrangement of equipment in the kitchen, have a sink by the window. In this case, the spout of the mixer becomes an obstacle preventing the opening of the window sashes. In this case, the Teka FO 985 model with a recessed spout is just a godsend for such options. By pressing the hand, the structure is lowered down so that the spout lies on the sink, and just as easily returns to the working position. However, the installation of this device is associated with some difficulties. The cartridge is installed on a sink or countertop separately from the device. Water is supplied to it by two flexible hoses, and the lifting-swivel spout is supplied from the cartridge with one common flexible supply of a larger diameter. An interesting technical solution that allows the cartridge with a control lever to be installed in any place convenient for the user. The purchase costs, on average, 13,290 rubles.
Advantages:
- stylish, unusual design;
- variable spout height;
- high-quality assembly;
- trouble-free work.
Disadvantages:
- there are comments on the strength of the coating;
- high price.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Teka FO 985 / Germany | Kitchenette, single lever design, with ceramic cartridge and aerator. Chrome-plated brass body with traditional swivel spout. The control lever is integrated into the worktop separately. The water supply to the lever and from the lever to the spout is organized by flexible hoses. Spout with recessed function up to sink level. | 13290 rubles |
3. Franke Atlas
The Swiss company Franke is represented by the Atlas model. This high-quality product with a brass body can be mounted on a sink or worktop. Stainless steel coating provides protection against accidental scratches. The swivel spout and the switching of the direct water supply from the pipeline to the filtered one create additional convenience for the user.
Advantages:
- convenient location of the cartridge handles and the filter switch;
- smooth flow control;
- solid assembly;
- stylish design and durable finish.
Disadvantages:
- increased noise with increasing pressure;
- non-standard hoses.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Franke Atlas / Switzerland | Kitchenette, single-lever version, with aerator and ceramic cartridge and switch for filtered water. Brass body, stainless steel coated, classic swivel spout. It is mounted horizontally with flexible water inlets. | 17100 rubles |
2. Blanco Fontas II
Another German company in our review is represented by the Blanco Fontas II model. Both externally and in functionality, this product is very similar to the previous product of the Swiss company Franke Atlas. Same design, presence and location of the filter switch. Coverage and price differ. Blanco Fontas II has a light granite finish.The cost of the device is lower than that of its Swiss counterpart, while maintaining excellent quality and standard diameters of flexible hoses. Its purchase will cost 15,600 rubles.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- original coating;
- strength and durability;
- ease of use.
Disadvantages:
- not identified.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Blanco Fontas II / Germany | Kitchen, single-lever version with ceramic cartridge and filter water switch. Equipped with a traditional swivel spout. Body material - brass with granite coating. Designed for horizontal mounting. It is connected to water with flexible hoses. | 15600 rubles |
1.Ideal Standart Retta B8989AA
The first place and the best reviews in our review goes to Retta B8989AA, a Belgian company Ideal Standart. Unlike all previous products, the device is equipped with a retractable flexible hose, which is very convenient to use. It can be used to fill the containers located next to the sink with water. Vegetables and dishes are washed more thoroughly if the spout is brought closer to the object. There are practically no splashes. Water supply regulation is very smooth. Works without noise. The original design and high build quality will delight the most picky user. The product is not cheap. But you have to pay for the quality, and Ideal Standart Retta B8989AA is worth its money.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- high-quality coverage;
- the presence of a retractable hose.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
| Model name / brand name | Specifications | average price |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Standart Rette B8989AA / Belgium | Kitchenette, single lever design with ceramic cartridge and aerator. Chrome-plated brass body with a traditional, swivel pull-out spout. The watering can is purchased separately. Designed for horizontal installation with flexible water inlets. | 18073 rubles |
In our review, we deliberately left out touch-controlled mixers. Despite the interesting functionality and economical use of water, such models have quite a lot of negative reviews due to frequent malfunctions. The old truth says: "the more complicated the technique, the more often it fails." And the cost of such samples is much higher than the options discussed above. Which kitchen faucet to choose is up to you. The editors of the site hope that our review will help you navigate in their diversity and not make mistakes when choosing.
