Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Dec 31, 2012 10:55 am So I'm onto my fourth kitchen mixer - in as many years I think. First one (Dorf Flickmaster) lasted for over ten years. Second one (something the plumber put in) lasted only a couple of years and the water always tasted foul and never looked clean unless it was run for a minute or two first. Third one (installed by a different plumber) looks like the Dorf Serenity but it's only lasted two months! The plumber has agreed to replace it. The question is: What with??? Has anyone else experienced this sort of attrition rate with mixer taps? Is it just that even good manufacturers are making cheap rubbish these days or is there perhaps something wrong with the plumbing in my house that's tanking out my taps? Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 3Dec 31, 2012 4:19 pm Hmmm..... My previous taps have been cheapies/builders standard taps and I've never had a problem. First house I was in for 4 years and we've been in our current house for 9 years. Maybe it's your water (if that's even possible?). Ask your neighbours if they're having the same issues with their taps. Custom downslope build Build thread viewtopic.php?f=31&t=61873 Blog http://www.buildingroyalmanor.blogspot.com.au Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 4Jan 01, 2013 5:35 pm Thanks for the replies. Definitely has given me some food for thought HomeAngels Hmmm..... My previous taps have been cheapies/builders standard taps and I've never had a problem. First house I was in for 4 years and we've been in our current house for 9 years. Maybe it's your water (if that's even possible?). Ask your neighbours if they're having the same issues with their taps. I wonder if you might right. I've always thought the water here was limey but I'm sure it's getting harder lately although I'm not sure how that could be In any case, I don't suppose it would do the cartridge in a mixer tap much good! Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 5Jan 01, 2013 5:38 pm JB1 I like German tapware. Hansgrohe, Grohe or Hansa. I'd always had Dorf here and had always loved the performance and look of them. The ceramic-handled bathroom and laundry taps are still going strong and the first kitchen mixer was great. The last one not so great. Might be time to try something new. Thanx for the recommendations Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 6Jan 10, 2013 11:45 am Get what you pay for IMHO, have Franke which am happy with, only thing is that the neck is not that long so it does not protrude very far into the sink. If you are looking at a pull out make sure the flexible pipe is steel as the fabric ones wear out if they get a lot of use...practicalities - hope this helps. Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 7Jan 10, 2013 12:45 pm Most Franke's are great. But I recently bought one for my parents, unbelievably when you turn the spout it also turns the hot/cold hoses! Found out when installing it and couldn't be bothered returning it. A terrible design, and confirmed with Franke that it was designed like that. I'll stick with my German tapware next time. Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 8Jan 10, 2013 12:48 pm Most Franke's are great. But I recently bought one for my parents, unbelievably when you turn the spout it also turns the hot/cold hoses! A terrible design, and confirmed with Franke that it was designed like that. Found out when installing it and couldn't be bothered returning it. I'll stick with my German tapware next time. Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 9Jan 10, 2013 1:36 pm This is what we've got. It was replaced at the 3 month maintenance as it was getting very hard to turn and is now doing the same thing again - so we will replace with a cheaper model that works .... Hansa Polo Sink Mixer A lovely mix of square and curved design cues, HANSAPOLO is sleek and subtle. The range will be equally at home in your bathroom or kitchen. To save water, choose a HANSAPOLO Green product and take advantage of Hansa’s admired water sustainability technology. ■Timeless design with chrome finish ■Fixed cast outlet with cascade aerator ■WELS 4 star rated, 7.5l/min ■ECO water saving feature with hot water stop to prevent scalding ■240 degree swivel ■German designed and manufactured RRP : $ 312.00 For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 11Jan 13, 2013 9:03 am Most of the Dorf taps are from China these day. KWC is also a good brand for taps. Gessi from Italy is also pretty good. Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 12Jan 13, 2013 9:48 am Jaeger LeCoultre Most of the Dorf taps are from China these day. . That doesn't surprise. Might be why one plumber told me to hold onto my old Dorf heritage tap-sets if possible. They're probably pre-Made-in-China Re: What kitchen mixer do you recommend? 13Jan 15, 2013 3:55 pm Update:- we have had our Hansa sink mixer changed again - the plumber said that it used to have a plastic insert which would swell when using hot water but now has a brass insert so hopefully no more problems .... now that's good service For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! No. It's not original. Circa early to mid 90s would be my guess and maybe even as late as early 2000s 1 6631 Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 39686 Looking to start the journey of becoming an owner builder in SA. 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