Which mixer is better for the kitchen: do-it-yourself video installation instructions, price, photo

Which faucet is better for the kitchen is a rather complicated question that baffles most of our compatriots. Needless to say, because the range of products on the market is really colossal and the uninformed buyer at the sight of all this splendor simply dashes his eyes.

That is why in this article we decided to introduce you to the basic parameters and selection rules mixers to help you get the model that best suits your tastes and needs.

Basic requirements for plumbing equipment

When choosing a new appliance, pay attention to the fact that the best kitchen faucets will only stand up to colossal loads - kitchen mixers are used 10 or even 20 times more actively than their counterparts from the bathroom rooms.

In order for the mixer to perfectly cope with the mission assigned to it, it must be reliable, of high quality and very convenient to use.

As for the internal arrangement, kitchen faucets practically do not differ from faucets in bathroom, but, like any other specialized units have their own design chips and features.

Two-valve, contactless or single-lever

In order to better understand the world of mixers, let's take a look at the most popular types of these devices:

• Two-valve - a simple and familiar type of mixers from Soviet times: the design includes two crane axle boxes, between which, as expected, there is a spout.
  The supply level of cold and hot water is regulated by means of valves (with a red mark - hot water, with a blue mark - cold water).

But, as studies of the plumbing market have shown, these units, despite the attractive price for the clientele, are not in great demand. The reason is the fragility of some components, in particular gaskets and crane boxes.

• The vast majority of consumers prefer single-lever devices. Their popularity is based on the ease of use of the unit - you can adjust the temperature and water supply with one hand (elbow, little finger).
  Modern housewives value comfort and ease of use - it is the single-lever mixers that meet these requirements.

• Contactless faucets - comfortable, modern and stylish devices. All you have to do is raise your hand - the sensor will react to the approaching object and automatically turn on the water.
  Isn't it a fairy tale! However, the price of such devices is quite high, and you can afford this stylish hi-tech in the kitchen only a few can.

Note!
Contactless faucets are rarely found even in large plumbing stores in large cities.
And talking about small towns is not even worth talking about - there such equipment can only be seen in expensive hotels and restaurants.

Spout - choose wisely

The main and, probably, the most important difference between all models of mixers is the shape and size of the spout. If you want to choose the best faucet for your kitchen, then by no means discount this selection option.

The shape and size of the spout is not only aesthetic, but also ergonomic. Ideally, the tap jet should hit strictly to the very center of the bowl. sinks for kitchen (permissible deviations - no more than 1/10 of the sink width).

Perhaps in the store you have a question: which faucets are best for the kitchen - with a low, high or ultra-high spout?

Let's try to parse this parameter in order.

1. Extra-high spout combined with strong water pressure - splashes in all directions.

1. The low spout is a real stumbling block, because it is very difficult to put a pot or kettle under it to fill water (in the case when there is dirty dishes in the sink);

1. The high spout is the “golden mean” among the above options, so we will opt for it.

Advice!
If you doubt the competence of your choice, we recommend that you turn your attention to complex models from various manufacturers (as a rule, the kit includes a mixer, a sink, all the necessary accessories and detailed instructions for installing all this splendor).

In the event that your kitchen has a whole "washing center" consisting of several bowls (from 2 to 4), then you cannot do without a modern kitchen assistant - kitchen faucet with pull-out spout.

Ideal for small cafeterias and kitchens in cafes and restaurants - with this type of mixer, you can easily fill a bucket of water and fill a large saucepan. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the spout can be pulled out of the socket and stretched over a distance of about 60-120 cm!

The hoses of these devices are made of high quality rubber (based on EPDM rubber), protected by a metal or textile braid.

In the most modern (and more expensive models), manufacturers use polymer hoses - this material has established itself as better and more durable, because inside the tube there is a special hygienic coating.

Nozzle - design features

When choosing a new mixer, do not forget about the nozzle, which is found in only 2 types:

1. The first type is the most common aerator at the end of the spout;
2. The second type is a spout equipped with a shower-spray nozzle. This unit works in 2 modes: "aerated jet" and "shower". If everything is clear with the aerated jet, then the shower mode must be said separately - with its help you can more efficiently and more accurately wash the herbs and berries, which the usual jet tears and presses.
   In addition, with the "shower" mode it is much easier to take care of the sink itself, because a strong jet of water does not "injure" its appearance.

Additional functions

Plumbing manufacturers could not compete with each other if they did not endow their units with additional useful functions that make life easier and more enjoyable:

• One such indispensable feature is the built-in switch. What does he give? Now you do not need to make your own hands a complex system for supplying water to household appliances (coffee maker, dishwasher, etc. washing machine) - using this system, it is enough to turn the switch to the desired position and enjoy the benefits civilization;
• There are mixers with a built-in filtration system. It is hardly worth explaining how this function is necessary in an urban setting.
  Just imagine - spring water is pouring from the tap in your kitchen! As a rule, such mixers have 2 spouts in their equipment - one for drinking water, the second for technical (for washing dishes and other household needs).

Curious!
In mixers with a filtration system, the water passes through two stages. The first system - water passes through a membrane that prevents the penetration of harmful impurities.
Next, a filter is connected to the cleaning. With its help, chlorine is absorbed, which can impair the smell and taste of water.

Manufacturing material

Which kitchen faucets are best? Metal, plastic or ceramic? Let's figure it out now.

It's no secret that the service life of any product directly depends on the quality of the material from which it is made.

Today there are ceramic, plastic and metal faucets, but the question immediately arises - are they all as practical as they seem?

1. Metal (alloys). Silumin is an aluminum-silicon alloy. Such faucets belong to the budget price category, since they do not stand out for either aesthetics or durability.

Faucets made of bronze and brass, familiar to everyone from childhood, have proven themselves quite well. The effect of water has practically no effect on them, and as practice has shown, such plumbing can be used even for a century! You can even say that these are the best kitchen faucets.

1. Plastic. Plastic is an inexpensive yet high-tech material that can satisfy any needs of a modern housewife. Plastic, in its structure, is strong and lightweight. In relation to the aquatic environment - neutral.
   It has low thermal conductivity, which is really important at a high temperature of hot water (for example, you can get a second degree burn on the metal parts of the mixer). But metal is still ahead of plastic in terms of durability.

1. Ceramics. The presented material is quite fragile and, taking into account the Russian operating conditions, will not last long, despite the assurances of the manufacturers.
   He is not a competitor to metal products, although there is one point that really cannot be taken away from ceramics - an unsurpassed appearance, with which none of the aforementioned products can be compared.

That's basically all that we wanted to bring to the ordinary ordinary consumer who decided to replace the mixer in the kitchen. We can talk endlessly about these units and we have touched on only a small part - so to speak, the most basic.

If you want to know more, then our photo and video instructions will help you with this! Choose only high-quality products at a reasonable price, well, we will help you with this.