Tap water is of drinking water quality almost everywhere in Germany. On the way into the glass or the pot, however, kitchen fittings can contaminate the water with metals. Of 15 models tested, only five are good, two products fail with “poor”.
Kitchen fittings at Stiftung Warentest: five products are “good”
The good news first: On the one hand, there are five kitchen fittings that do well in the Stiftung Warentest. On the other hand, you will find two relatively inexpensive models. Unfortunately, none of the fittings are completely free of harmful substances. However, the following models have received the grade “good” and are therefore recommended:
- Dornbrach Tara Classic chrome: “good” (1.8), around 400 euros (view on Amazon)
- Schütte Cornwall kitchen faucet chrome: “good” (2.0), around 60 euros (view on Amazon)
- Hansgrohe Talis M54: “good” (2.1), around 200 euros (see on Amazon)
- Bauhaus Camargue Merida: “good” (2.2), around 70 euros (see at Bauhaus)
- Hornbach Avital Thames chrome: “good” (2.5), around 75 euros (see Hornbach)
You can read the full test for a fee at Stiftung Warentest.
Kitchen faucets in the test: mere pollutant test
When the kitchen fittings are not in use, the water can stand in the pipes for hours. During this time, the condition of the fittings can affect the quality of the water and transfer particles. The Stiftung Warentest therefore only tested the water quality and pollution for antimony, arsenic, bismuth, lead, copper and nickel.
Reading tip: The best still mineral water
Especially high levels of lead and nickel often lead to devaluation in otherwise very good fittings. Nickel causes allergic reactions in many people and lead can damage the development of the nervous system in the long term. Babies and children are particularly affected. Pregnant women in particular should therefore avoid lead.
Reading tip: The best drinking bottles in the test
Ikea and Grohe fail with “poor”: What to do if you have this faucet installed at home
Ironically, the branded product from Grohe and the kitchen faucet from Ikea failed the test with “poor”. In the first case, the Stiftung Warentest showed a very high lead and nickel content shortly after installation, in the case of Ikea only nickel. While the lab detected lead only shortly after installation, it continued to detect nickel four months after installation.
However, this does not mean that you have to remove and dispose of these fittings if you have them installed in your kitchen. In the test, the consumer organization checked the pollutant content of the stagnant water. This is the water that collects in the line when it doesn’t go through. If the water stands longer, it absorbs particles from the taps. However, if you let the water run off briefly before each use, you can also use the tap water with the “defective” products without hesitation.
Reading tip: That’s why mineral water in the pub is only available in bottles