Black kitchen faucets: varieties, tips for choosing and care
Mixers play an important role in the design of the kitchen. Today, chrome-plated silver taps are a thing of the past and are replaced by stylish multicolored models made from a variety of materials. An interesting design solution can be a black mixer, the features of which will be discussed below.
Peculiarities
Black color has always been an indicator of luxury, wealth and delicate taste. This applies not only to the decoration of walls, floors or textiles, but also to faucets. Such products are immediately visible in the kitchen, they harmoniously complete many style directions. In addition, such cranes are unusual, and not everyone has them, which becomes an additional plus.
Black faucets are made of high quality materials, so their only drawback is the price. However, such models do not show fingerprints, minor damages, scratches and dust.
For the coating, a special enamel is used, which protects the crane from damage, since it turns out to be very strong.
Varieties
Dark kitchen faucets are distinguished by different parameters: shape, design, functionality. As for the shape, everything is quite simple here: the cranes are presented in the form of the letters C, S, J, R, G.
Design
Four main types can be noted here.
- Single-lever. Very easy to use products. The lever moves up and moves to the sides, thus regulating the temperature of the water.
- Valve... These are mixers, familiar since the times of the USSR, and even now many have them. On the sides of such a device there are two valves, one of which is responsible for hot water, and the second for cold water.
- Sensory. A new model that allows you to wash your hands just by touching the electronic sensor on the tap.
- Contactless... Such products are equipped with infrared sensors programmed to be triggered in the event of movement, that is, you need to bring your hands to the tap for it to turn on itself.
Functionality
Here we are talking about the shape and height of the spout, which is very important in modern kitchens. A stream of water must necessarily fall into the center of the sink, so that when washing dishes, the liquid does not fly in all directions. To do this, you need to remember a simple rule: the deeper the sink is located, the higher the spout should be. In addition, there are several more types of designs.
- Double. This is a nozzle with two holes where different types of water come from. One will pour the usual one, used for washing dishes or hands, and from the second, filtered, suitable for drinking.
- With pull-out spout. By its design, this model resembles an ordinary shower. The length of the watering can be up to one and a half meters, and during use, an impromptu shower is pulled out. Thanks to this solution, you can use a watering can for washing nearby objects, as well as a large number of dishes. Also in such products there is an aeration mode, which allows you to efficiently wash the greens.
- With flexible spout... Flexible faucets are suitable for those who wash a little dishes. These types of spouts are flexible and durable hose, thanks to which water flows in any direction.
Materials (edit)
Black faucets can be made from different materials, each with advantages and disadvantages.
- Ceramics. Ceramic models are incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. They immediately catch the eye, attracting with their appearance. However, it is important to remember that such items are as fragile as they are elegant. They need to be carefully looked after, protected from blows, since a damaged and leaking tap cannot be repaired - you will have to buy a new one.
- Metal... The best solution here will be models made of brass or bronze, covered with enamel. Such cranes are quite heavy, they serve for a long time. Another option would be stainless steel and chrome products. They are very durable, but you will have to pay a considerable price for the purchase.
- Stone... Mixers made of granite are gaining more and more popularity every year. They are beautiful, stable, practically not susceptible to damage. They are not affected in any way by constant humidity, leaving is not difficult. But there are also several "pitfalls": the same sink is needed for granite mixers, and if the spout is retractable, then it is double.
In addition, these models are quite heavy and very expensive.
Top Models
Today, the range of black faucets is quite wide, so there is plenty to choose from. Consider several models that have earned good customer reviews.
Webert conic
It is a vertical mixer with excellent quality. During production, the product undergoes many tests, which ensures its durability and performance. The single-lever tap has a classic high spout. Color - black granite. It is very easy to install such a mixer, it is quite possible to cope with it yourself.
Grohe
This German company has long established itself as one of the best mixer manufacturers. A crane is a good solution. Grohe mintamade of brass with a swivel spout. The kit includes a flexible hose. Another interesting model would be Grohe veris with the color "black velvet". The faucet has a ceramic cartridge, there is a swivel spout and aerator.
Franke 750
This is a stainless steel model faced with granite. The spout is ordinary, swivel, inside there is a ceramic cartridge. There is an aerator, but no watering can. By design, this model is single-lever.
Teka
Models of "graphite" color are perfect for connoisseurs of everything modern.They are single lever mixers with excellent quality ceramic cartridges for durability and ease of use.
The black coating is made taking into account new technologies, so fingerprints are not visible on it. It also resists the influence of acids and moisture.
Subtleties of choice
When choosing a kitchen faucet, first of all, you need to take into account its design. Valve models will perfectly fit into a retro-style kitchen, there are also modern options with different types of spouts and additional equipment. Single-lever products are suitable for those who value simplicity. Before buying such mixers, it is worth making sure that the tap does not immediately supply water with strong pressure. Touchless and touchless models will be a real boon for cutting edge kitchens, where chefs often need speed. But keep in mind that the water temperature in such products is the same after adjustment, so it is worth considering whether you can constantly reconfigure the device.
Besides, the geometry of the spout is very important. High ones will allow you to wash the dishes without any problems, fill up the water in a bottle or canister. Short ones will come in handy in small kitchens, where the task of washing a large amount of dishes is not needed every day and delights are not needed. If we talk about the choice of additional features of black mixers, then one of them will be a filter.
It will help prevent plaque build-up and get clean, cookable water. And the pull-out shower is ideal for double sinks, and it also allows you to rinse herbs and vegetables well without damaging them. You can also fill a large saucepan with a pull-out watering can, which due to its size does not fit in the sink.
Another important point is the ability of the black mixer to blend in with the interior of the kitchen. For example, such a model is absolutely unacceptable in classic light designs: it will stand out from the general style. But in modern kitchens, black taps are more than appropriate. These are modern, high-tech, loft, fusion styles. However, it must be borne in mind that the crane cannot be the only black spot in the space. Be sure to complement it with dark elements in decoration, black textiles, appliances. Coverage also plays an important role. It can be glossy or matte. Gloss will look best among chrome surfaces, matte texture - among natural stone.
Care rules
Black faucets, if they are made of quality materials, do not need to be cleaned at all for quite some time. If spots nevertheless appear on the surface of the tap or it has become oily, then special means will come to the rescue. However, it is important to consider the type of surface, because what works for brass may not work for ceramics. As a rule, all care products say where they can be applied. You should only avoid too aggressive or powdery compositions: stains appear on the gloss from them, and the stone can be scratched.
If we talk about home methods, then vinegar or lemon will come to the rescue. Wipe the surface of the faucet with one of the selected agents, then rinse and wipe dry. After such manipulations, the surface of the tap will shine like on the day of purchase. A soap solution is also a good solution; many also use dishwashing liquid.
In this case, a soft sponge should be used - no brushes or scrapers can be cleaned.
Summing up, we can say that The black faucet is a wonderful and unusual option for modern kitchens, the owners of which take into account every little detail. Thanks to the huge assortment, everyone can choose a tap to their liking, as well as get many additional functions that make cooking and washing dishes easier at times.
In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the Grohe Minta 32917KS0 black velvet kitchen faucet.