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How to choose the faucet for the kitchen or bathroom sink

Choose the faucet for the kitchen sink or wash basin according to the material

Brass, stainless steel, bronze or composite metal?

Sanitary brass

 

The most appreciated metal used to make bathroom and kitchen accessories is sanitary brass. It is obtained from a mixture of copper in percentage of 58-62% and zinc between 30-38%, the difference being in alloys that facilitate the malleability of the final product. The higher the copper content, the better quality the brass. 

 

Properties of sanitary brass:

  • antimicrobial effect - due to the high copper content

  • resistance over time - it is a material known for its longevity that spans decades in a row

  • resistance to hot water

  • corrosion resistance - it is the most resistant metal in humid domestic conditions

  • the versatility of finishes - you can find sink faucets brass with various finishes, such as chrome, bronze, nickel

  • increased malleability - various shapes can be given to sanitary brass faucets, which gives you more design options

 

 

Stainless steel or stainless steel

Stainless steel is used everywhere in the food industry: from the simple stainless steel kettle to the most sophisticated professional kitchen appliances. But it is also found in the area of ​​sanitary ware, being popular among sink faucets. It is known for its resistance to corrosion, which is due to its chromium content. Basically, stainless steel is the alloy of steel with a chromium content of at least 10.5% and a carbon content of at least 1.5%, values ​​relative to weight. 

 

Properties of stainless steel:

  • corrosion resistance 

  • mechanical resistance

  • fire resistance - withstands up to 800°C

  • resistance to most acids

  • easy maintenance

  • hygienic

  • does not change the properties of the water

 

Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is a much rarer material used to make sanitary faucets, compared to brass and stainless steel, which is caused by the limited and expensive technological possibilities of its processing in the field. It is a material with a history of over 5000 years, especially appreciated by vintage style lovers. 

 

Properties of bronze:

  • mechanical resistance

  • ductility

  • oxidizes only on the surface, which can be cleaned

  • physical and mechanical versatility

  • pleasant, natural reddish golden appearance

Metal Composite (MCM)

The need to make metal objects with various designs and shapes in a quick time due to the increased demand for metal materials in various industries led to the invention of composite metal material about 50 years ago. "Metal composite" means a mixture of various metals such as aluminum (mainly), zinc, copper, steel, titanium, arranged in layers. Used mainly in the field of construction, it has also found its place in the sanitary ware industry.

 

Metal composite properties:

  • versatility

  • low weight

  • nice look, multiple design possibilities

  • compatibility with drinking water

Types of classic sink faucets

Short barrel or long barrel

 

When making this choice, it is good to consider the location and the space you have. A faucet with a short faucet can be suitable for the sink, because it leaves enough space for you to wash your hands quickly without splashing. You can also choose long faucets for sinks with a generous bowl. A faucet with a long or tall faucet is a must for the kitchen sink, because here you need the water jet to flow in an optimal space, which allows you to move freely when washing the dishes or when you have to fill a pot with water.

With swivel or rotary faucet 

 

And in this case, the "battle" takes place between the two locations: the bathroom and the kitchen. A rotating faucet gives you an increased degree of mobility that is essential in the kitchen. For example, if you need to clean a larger bowl or drain something, the rotating faucet can be moved to the side, creating the necessary space. For the bathroom sink, this capacity is optional.

Single control or double control

 

Dual-control faucet models are rarely chosen today because they involve operating two faucets to regulate the water temperature, but once upon a time, they were the only ones on the market. If you are fond of retro objects, such a faucet will create an interesting look in your bathroom. 

The monocontrol involves operating a single handle, left and right, the battery being usually provided with a direction indicator colored in red and blue. Single lever batteries are the most commonly sought after and marketed.

With ceramic or Teflon cartridge

 

You have only two options for the battery cartridge, the component that ensures both the start of the water flow and the regulation of the flow: ceramic or Teflon.

The ceramic cartridge is extremely resistant to friction and high temperatures under conditions of intensive use, which guarantees an increased service life. Another advantage is given by the low noise.

The Teflon cartridge has a low resistance to friction, which makes it scratch more quickly due to impurities in the water and have a reduced service life. Its advantage is the lower price, compared to the ceramic one.

Faucets for the bathroom or kitchen sink with modern functions

Battery with sensor

 

The most current models of sink faucets are equipped with a touch sensor that triggers the water to turn on for a preset time, a feature that makes them ideal for the sink. Not only is it a modern system that increases your level of comfort, but it also reduces the amount of water used. They usually run on batteries that plug into a special box and need to be replaced every year or so.

Faucet with extractable shower

 

In the case of these models, the faucet is equipped with a shower-type end that can be extracted/extended and used to insist with the water jet on persistent stains and to wash bulky objects, but also to clean the kitchen sink more easily. Basically, a kitchen faucet with a shower gives you much more mobility compared to one with a normal faucet. 

 

Battery cascade with LED light

This type of faucet for the sink helps you reduce water consumption while enjoying visual relaxation. The water flow is smooth, thanks to the waterfall system, and the color of the LED changes, indicating the water temperature: blue - cold, green - warm, red - hot.

The finishes of the sanitary faucet

After you have decided on the functional characteristics, the last step is to finish the battery. 

Chrome plated

 

A battery with a chrome finish will have an intense metallic look and be extremely shiny. It creates a pleasant effect when framed in a decor with dark shades or mirror-type surfaces. If you want a shiny finish, but in a more muted metallic tone, consider the nickel finish.

Satin

 

Instead of a strong metallic sheen, the satin finish has a subtle sheen that creates the sensation of color fill. It provides an elegant look and looks great with a satin metal or composite sink.

 

Matte black

 

Black conquers the eyes of those who are passionate about contemporaneity, minimalism or modern Scandinavian decors. It fits perfectly in a black bathroom, full of mystery, or in an ultra-modern kitchen.

 

Golden 

 

The golden finishes are elegant and sophisticated, and together with the white furniture create the feeling of a welcoming, warm space. Special effects can also be obtained from the combinations gold - dark green, gold - black, gold - dark gray. 

 

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