How to Choose a Kitchen Tap Mixer?
We constantly turn on and off the water in the kitchen. A kitchen mixer tap should be able to withstand this load and function properly. We will tell you about the pros and cons of different models of kitchen sink faucets and advise you on how to choose a reliable one. Keep reading.
Main types of mixer kitchen taps
According to the control method, there are three types of kitchen mixer taps.
Two-valve. The device consists of a spout and two valves that regulate the flow of hot and cold water. They are also called crane-axle boxes.
Single lever. They are popular because of the convenience to use, you can adjust the pressure and temperature of the water with one hand.
Electronic. It is enough to bring your hand to the mixer and water will flow. A touch-sensitive faucet in the kitchen allows you to accurately set the temperature of the water.
Main materials
Brass. Kitchen mixer taps made of this material are considered the most reliable, they are not afraid of rust and damage. Usually, they are plated in chrome, nickel or bronze. The chrome finish is considered the most durable. The nickel coating also lasts a long time, it is distinguished by a matte sheen. Bronze finishes are more fragile and may be scratched.
Silumin. This material is an alloy of aluminium and silicon. Silumin cranes serve only six months or a year, so such models are the most inexpensive. It is profitable to buy for a summer residence where they will not be actively used.
Steel. Steel mixer taps have many advantages: they work for a long time, do not rust and withstand temperature changes well. However, such models are expensive. To buy a high-quality kitchen faucet, choose a heavier model: a brass faucet weighs more than a silumin model.
Which spout to choose?
In order not to be disappointed in the purchase, decide on the height of the spout. The disadvantage of mixer taps with a high spout is that the water splashes heavily and ends up outside the sink. On the other hand, a low spout won’t hold a lot of crockery and will have to be stacked near the sink.
A spout with a height of 12-15 cm is considered to be low, medium – 15-25 cm and high – more than 25 cm. Choose the height of the spout depending on the depth of the bowl: the higher the spout, the deeper the sink will be.
When purchasing, make sure that the spout is above the centre of the bowl. If the spout is too long, the jet will hit the sides of the sink and spray onto the floor. Due to the short spout, water can accumulate near the inner wall of the kitchen.
Additional functions
Pull-out spout. In this model, the tip of the mixer is attached to a flexible hose. The hose is located inside the mixer body and can be pulled out if necessary. This spout makes it easy to reach anywhere in the sink or fill a pot with water that doesn’t fit into the sink.
Flexible spout. This spout is made of a flexible and durable hose that can be turned in different directions and fixed in the desired position.
Basic tips for choosing a reliable kitchen mixer taps: pay attention to models made of brass or steel, on the shut-off valve and spout height, give preference to trusted, well-known manufacturers. Visit the Wickes website and choose the best fitting model for your kitchen. Only reliable models.
WANT TO RECEIVE PERSONAL, STYLISH SUGGESTIONS TO YOUR EMAIL?
FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: