The kitchen faucet is now more than just a faucet in the kitchen: It perfectly reflects the two values that are so important for a kitchen: aesthetics and functionality. This means that the sink faucet must not only fit into the room and match the overall impression of the kitchen. Rather, it is also about being able to meet the individual needs that one places on one's kitchen in everyday life. The following therefore contains the most important information about the options for renovation or new construction.
Pay attention to the conditions
Before anything else, it must be clarified where the new faucet will be connected later. Then the focus shifts to the valves: With two angle valves, one for cold and one for hot water, a conventional high-pressure faucet is sufficient. If you only find a cold water valve, a boiler must be connected. Then a low-pressure faucet is the right choice. In addition, the faucet can be placed in the wall or in the sink. Depending on the structural conditions, one or the other may make more sense.
The application
There are different models and additional features for different types of use of the sink faucet.
Faucets – the basics
- The single-lever mixer: Here, an internal cartridge regulates the mixing of hot and cold water. The single-lever mixer is therefore simple and convenient to use, as you can regulate the temperature and jet strength via a handle.
- The two-handle mixer: With the two-handle mixer, the user determines the ratio of hot and cold water manually. One lever determines the temperature and one lever determines the required amount of water.
additives
- Dishwasher: If you don't want to do without a dishwasher, you should choose a faucet model with an appliance shut-off valve.
- Spout: Especially with many guests or when regularly washing tall vessels, a sink faucet with a high spout is a good choice. Furthermore, there are faucets with a pull-out spout. This guarantees that you can reach every area of the sink. When it comes to the spout, you can distinguish between a spray and an aerator. A spray offers the advantage that you can switch between a normal and a finer spray jet. The aerator does not offer this option.
Which material is most suitable?
Kitchen faucets are available in plastic, brass, and stainless steel.
- Plastic is particularly impressive due to its low price. In addition, manufacturers can easily adapt the material to individual needs and offer numerous visual variants. And thanks to the significantly lower weight, transport and assembly are many times easier. The disadvantage of these versions is their shorter service life.
- Compared to plastic, brass is characterized above all by its greater robustness. Like plastic models, brass is usually coated with a chrome layer. This brings with it properties such as a low-germ surface, greater protection against external influences, and visual advantages. In terms of price, brass is usually more expensive than plastic.
- Stainless steel is in the luxury class. For the higher price, you get an extremely low-wear, hygienic, and visually appealing material. The disadvantage, in addition to the higher acquisition costs, is the higher weight.
If you look around well enough, you will certainly find exactly the right kitchen faucet according to the criteria explained. Manufacturers such as Ideal Standard, Hansgrohe, or Livingpool offer a large selection of versatile models that are guaranteed to leave no wish unfulfilled.
