How to choose a faucet for your kitchen or bathroom sink

Choose the faucet for your kitchen sink or washbasin based on the material

Brass, stainless steel, bronze or metal composite?

Sanitary brass

The most popular metal used for bathroom and kitchen accessories is sanitary brass. It is made from a mixture of 58-62% copper and 30-38% zinc, the difference being alloys that facilitate the malleability of the final product. The higher the copper content, the higher the quality of 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 lasts for decades

• resistance to hot water

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

• versatility of finishes - you can find brass sink faucets 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

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 ​​​​related 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 water

Bronze

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

Properties of bronze:

• mechanical resistance

• ductility

• oxidizes only on the surface, can be cleaned

• physical and mechanical versatility

• pleasant, natural reddish-gold appearance

Metal Composite (MCM)

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

Properties of the metal composite:

• fickle

• light weight

• nice appearance, multiple design possibilities

• compatibility with drinking water

Types of classic sink faucets

With short pipe or with long pipe

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

With swivel or rotating spout

And in this case, the “battle” is between the two locations: the bathroom and the kitchen. A swivel spout gives you a high degree of mobility that is essential in the kitchen. For example, if you need to clean a larger pot or put something down the drain, the swivel spout can be moved to one side, creating the necessary space. For the bathroom sink, this capability is optional.

Single-lever or dual-lever

Dual-control faucet models are rarely chosen today, as they require the use of two faucets to adjust the water temperature, but they were once the only ones on the market. If you are passionate about retro objects, such a faucet will create an interesting look in your bathroom.

Single-lever faucets require the use of a single handle, left and right, and the faucet is usually equipped with a red and blue direction indicator. Single-lever faucets are the most commonly sought after and sold.

With ceramic or Teflon cartridge

You only have two options for the faucet cartridge, the component that ensures both starting the water flow and regulating the flow rate: ceramic or Teflon.

The ceramic cartridge is extremely resistant to friction and high temperatures under heavy use, which guarantees an increased service life. Another advantage is its low noise.

The Teflon cartridge has low friction resistance, which makes it scratch faster due to impurities in the water and has a shorter lifespan. Its advantage is its lower price compared to the ceramic one.

Bathroom or kitchen sink faucets with modern functions

Battery with sensor

The latest 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 washbasin. Not only is it a modern system that increases your comfort level, but it also reduces the amount of water used. Usually, they operate on batteries that connect to a special box and require replacement every year or so.

Mixer with pull-out shower

In the case of these models, the spout is equipped with a shower head that can be pulled out/extended and used to insist on the water jet on stubborn 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 greater mobility compared to one with a normal spout.

Waterfall faucet with LED light

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

Faucet finishes

Once you have decided on the functional features, the last step is the finishing of the faucet.

chromate

A faucet with a chrome finish will have an intense, highly shiny metallic look. It creates a pleasing effect when set against a decor with dark or mirrored surfaces. If you want a shiny finish, but in a more subdued metallic tone, consider a nickel-plated finish.

SATIN

Instead of a strong metallic shine, the satin finish has a subtle sheen that creates the feeling of color filling in. It offers an elegant look and looks great paired with a satin metal or composite sink.

Matte black

Black captivates the eyes of those passionate about contemporary, minimalist or modern Scandinavian decors. It fits perfectly in a black bathroom, full of mystery, or in an ultra-modern kitchen.

Golden

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