The kitchen faucet withstands enormous loads – it is opened dozens of times a day. This dictates increased requirements for the device, which must be durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. It is also important that the kitchen faucet has an attractive appearance, because,despite its small size, it plays an important role in the interior.
Types of kitchen faucets
In sanitary ware stores, you can find a wide selection of all kinds of faucets, which differ in both design features and design.
When getting acquainted with the assortment, it is recommended to first of all pay attention to the principle of operation and internal mechanism. Products can be classified based on these parameters.
Two-valve sanitary devices
This type includes traditional devices that have two valves for adjusting hot/cold water. The working mechanism of such mixers can be worm or ceramic faucets.
In the first case, the action is based on the shut-off valve covering the complementary seat, which leads to the cessation of the water flow. The valve is equipped with a replaceable plastic or paranit gasket, which flattens, thins or simply tears during operation.
Due to multiple opening/closing cycles, the sealing elements of the worm device begin to leak quite quickly. At the same time, they are easily repairable: in most cases, it is enough to replace the gasket yourself.
To facilitate the selection of sanitary accessories, sacramento plumbers often offer sets consisting of a sink and a kitchen faucet that perfectly matches it
The basis of the ceramic crane box consists of two disks with slots, made of the appropriate material. One of them – the input – is fixed in the sanitary ware housing, while the second adjustment component rotates relative to it.
Water enters only if the holes coincide; the larger the total gap, the more intense the fluid supply.
Due to the difficulties in use and repair, as well as due to the inefficient consumption of water, two-lever models have recently become quite rare. They are usually used for decorative purposes when decorating rooms in a traditional or retro style.
Single-lever kitchen appliances
About 80% of modern cranes presented on the specialized market belong to the single-lever type, which is also called joystick, cartridge or monocommand. Such devices differ in their aesthetic appearance, functionality, and ease of use.
According to the internal mechanism, two types of mixers are distinguished:
- spherical;
- disk
As the name suggests, the main part of the first type of construction is a ball that has a number of holes. By turning the handle, this part is set in motion, which allows you to control the intensity of the pouring flow, as well as the ratio of hot/cold water.
Ball devices have several weaknesses. Over time, wear of gaskets, cuffs, as well as weakening of the spring support can be observed, due to which leakage is formed. If the mixer is idle for a long time, its course may jam.
Single-lever mixers with a cartridge are very comfortable to work with. With the help of light movements, you can adjust the water temperature and its pressure
Devices with a disc cartridge in their scheme and principle of operation resemble ceramic variants of the crank box. The operating mechanism also consists of two parts: a lower fixed plate with a drain hole for hot/cold water, and an upper moving component.
Repair of both types of single-lever devices consists in replacing the cartridge: in the first case, it is a sleeve with a hollow ball, in the second case, a sleeve with two ceramic discs.
Non-contact (touch) models
The most convenient and economical type of kitchen faucets are faucets, the design of which provides for the presence of an infrared sensor.
To turn them on, it is enough to raise your palm to the nose; if you move your hands away, the flow automatically stops.
Modern touch faucets have an extremely impressive appearance. Such devices are very functional and economical, as they automatically control water consumption
The disadvantage of contactless devices is an extremely high cost, in addition, if the sensor fails, there may be problems with their inclusion.
To avoid this, manufacturers often offer electronic-mechanical devices, the operation of which can be adjusted both by touch and by means of a handle.
Different designs of spouts
According to this criterion, the following categories of mixers can be distinguished:
- fixed (cast);
- rotary;
- with retractable spouts;
- telescopic
The traditional option is a fixed crane, the mechanism of which is in a cast body, which cannot be disassembled. The lever is installed on the side at an angle of 45-90 degrees.
Such designs are reliable and maintainable, since the most common malfunction is the wear of gaskets and loosening of the spout, which is easily rectified.
However, their drawback is obvious: it is practically impossible to direct the stream of water in this case, besides, the stream is prone to splashing.
A faucet with a rotary body provides smooth movement of a reliably connected spout, usually has a small height.
Convenient adjustment of such devices helps to save water, as the current mechanism guarantees an even supply of hot/cold liquid for mixing.
Material of kitchen faucets
The material from which the crane is made directly affects the reliability of work and the period of operation. They are most often used:
- metals/alloys;
- stone/ceramic;
- plastics
Different types of alloys are widely used for the production of products. The most budget option is considered to be products made of silumin, which includes aluminum and silicon.
However, experts do not trust such devices too much, which quickly fail and have an unattractive appearance. Devices made of TsAM alloy, consisting of zinc, aluminum, and copper, have much better characteristics.
The most popular are brass faucets, for the production of which a combination of copper, zinc, and sometimes tin is used. At a democratic cost, they are distinguished by good quality, durability, and excellent resistance to moisture.
When choosing a mixer, it is important to take into account technical characteristics and its design. The convenient model makes it much easier to carry out routine kitchen manipulations, which allows the housewife to save time.
Equally important is the appearance of the product, which should be combined not only with the sink, but also with the decoration of the room as a whole. A properly selected faucet can become an important detail of the interior, emphasizing its style and setting accents.
