How to choose a faucet for the bathroom, kitchen, shower and sink - expert opinion

Many buildings and structures, whether airports or stadiums, offices or hospitals, private cottages or apartment buildings, are equipped with cold and hot water systems, which are connected to the mixers at the points of analysis. Thanks to the management of these products, users receive water with preset parameters of pressure, temperature and even portions. Many devices are made by the company, and different designs and operating principles, besides from various materials for any sanitary engineering devices. It is not surprising that finding two absolutely identical models on the market is not easy. The conclusion suggests itself: it is necessary to choose a mixer with knowledge of the matter - many nuances need to be taken into account before buying.

cost? The best mixer manufacturers - which company to choose

. It is advisable to select the plumber with the preliminary determination of one or more reliable manufacturers. There are many companies in the modern market, but not every one in terms of the quality of its product meets the standards and meets consumer requirements.

The best of the manufacturers in this segment are the following companies:

1. Grohe

2. WasserKRAFT

3. Hansgrohe

4. Jacob Delafon

5. Lemark

Some buyers may have enough of the names of the listedbrands. But not always they will be enough to determine exactly the device that fits the best. For more assiduous consumers who want to get maximum useful information and choose a particular model, it is recommended to read the rating of the best mixers.

Types of mixers

Types of mixers according to the device and the principle of operation

Modern appliances in which the cold and hot components are mixed before the water supply differ in different features, including the control method, depending on the design and principle of operation.

Single-gripper mixers

Single-gripper mixers consist of a handle, body, spout and cartridge. They are controlled by a lever with one hand: in a circular motion to the left / right - to adjust the temperature of the liquid;Up / Down - to increase / decrease head. When the grip is applied, a ceramic plate with cutouts or a metal ball with apertures moves, resulting in narrowing and widening of the passages, and as a consequence, the parameters are adjusted.

Advantages:

• easy operation - one hand quickly sets the temperature and head;
• as a result of the quick adjustment saves water;
• simple installation;
• long service life;
• designer variety.

Disadvantage:

• with a bad water quality is often out of action cartridge - sometimes it is necessary to change not only the element, but the whole device - in this case, a precautionary filter is installed.

2-valve crane-axles

Two-valve crane-axles also have their customers. They are produced in two versions: classical - with a reciprocating mechanism and a rubber or silicone gasket;modern - with round ceramic plates, the upper one of which, when turned, adjusts the size of the bottom hole. The main difference between the versions is that in the first case, it takes a lot of turns to fully open / close the crane, in the second case, less than one( quarter or half).

Advantages:

• modern model: noiseless operation;long service life when working with clean water;rapid flow control - 180 ° rotation takes a fraction of a second;
• classic model: unpretentious to the quality of liquid;reliability of the metal mechanism;high repairability - replacement of the gasket is not difficult;a small price.

Disadvantages:

• modern device: sensitivity to water with impurities - work with a poor-quality liquid leads to rapid wear;relatively high cost;
• o classic device: inconvenience and uneconomy, coming from repeated rotation of the valve;frequent replacement of rubber gaskets.

Thermostatic mixers

Over time, thermostatic mixers are becoming more popular, reacting when operated at a 2-flow rate. There are electronic screens with a w / h screen and mechanical ones. In the first case, a panel is used, on which the water supply is switched on and off, and its temperature and head are regulated. In the second - all manipulations are carried out by two levers. Such a product is as safe as possible for children - regardless of the temperature of the supply liquid, no more than + 38 ° C is reached when the settings are switched on.

Advantages:

• safety - it is impossible to get burned or get under an icy jet;
• temperature stability according to the settings;
• independence of system pressure;
• flow economy;
• the ability to manually turn off locked parameters;
• long service life;
• spectacular stylish design.

Disadvantages:

• function only if there is water in both pipelines;
• high price.

Sensor Mixers

A new generation of mixers is represented by sensor devices that operate from a network or batteries, are manufactured without a handle, are regulated by a small hidden screw, and turn on when an infrared sensor responds to an object moving directly near the spout. Such models are created using innovative technologies.

Advantages:

• is most convenient;
• is hygienic;
• is economical and safe.

Disadvantages:

• is expensive;
• is not exactly suitable for a kitchen where water of different temperatures is often used.

One of the most common plumbing modifications - a portioning device, which after pressing works up to 1 min. This product is good for use in places where you need maximum savings.

Types of mixers for the purpose and location of the

1. Sink

Of all the plumbing fixtures available in a private house or apartment, the most used washing is, so the mixer for it must be as reliable and convenient as possible. On the market for the kitchen, there are many models from simple to "space" designs that can satisfy the most exquisite requirements. The most popular types are 1-gripping products, which allow hands to not be distracted from work, followed by 2-lever arms. Under bowls of different sizes with 1 or several sections, different "spouts" were chosen: low and high;short and long;semicircular and L-shaped. In more expensive devices, a retractable spout is equipped with a rubber EPDM or PEX hose and shower head. In the innovative models a filtration system with a separate outlet for pure drinking water is built in.

2. Bathroom

For appliances that are installed in the bathroom, models are produced as individual as well as universal. The latter include: classic or thermostatic 2-lever body, watering can with hose, swivel spout 0.3 m long, switch to shower - such products are mounted on a wall of small bathroom apartments between 2 sanitary ware. For washbasins there are copies of different types of control with a wall mount or on a shelf with 3 or 1 holes - in the latter variant flexible connection is preferable, independent of the location of the connection pipes. The product for a bath with a shower is made with a short spout, mounted vertically or cuts into the rim, in addition, the watering can be fixed to the rod, to the holder, to the body. For these devices are produced and mixers for individual use with self-padding - a floor installation is possible.

3. Bidet

Bidet is a hygienic ceramic appliance, which is usually installed next to the toilet, and, depending on the layout, in the bathroom or in the same bathroom. The mixer intended for this bowl, in many technical parameters, resembles a counterpart for a washbasin - it is also single-grip or double-lever, selectively equipped with a thermostat, mounted on a shelf through 1 or 3 holes. A distinctive feature - the presence of a swiveling aerator, thanks to which the jet changes direction. At present, in addition to the classical model, there is also a modification, which is successfully installed on the toilet.

Mixer selection parameters

Technical and consumer characteristics

You can choose a mixer according to several, especially important, criteria. But it will be more correct to take into account, if not all, then at least a maximum of subtleties and nuances. Even before going to the store, manufacturers are identified that can be trusted;purpose device - for bidet, sink, sink, bath or shower;model type - 1-lever, 2-valve, thermostatic or non-contact. And also: the style that should fit into the design of the room, and the maximum amount of money corresponding to the expected quality of the goods.

When buying a washing machine, attention is paid to the technical parameters of the spout: the length must be such that the jet hits the center of the bowl;height is selected for the size of the dishes;The angle of rotation is required to ensure the operation of additional compartments. On the basis of expediency, additional options can be included in the kit: a sliding watering can, a filtration system, adapters for machines - washing and dishwashing. If the bath and the sink are located next to each other, a rational choice is a universal model with a "gander" about 30 cm long. As a shut-off valve, it is better to purchase a ceramic cartridge - it is the most practical one. On the ends of the spout there should be an aerator - thanks to it water mixes with air, as a result, the consumption becomes more economical.

Fabrication materials and mounting methods

The most popular and most practical material is stainless steel, characterized by reliability, durability, inexpensive price and design versatility. No less running - brass and bronze with a stylish look, durability and acceptable cost.

Specific properties are possessed by ceramics - external appeal and interesting shapes in opposition to brittleness and high price. The cheapest, but short-lived - silumin, which can be covered with nickel and chrome.

Buy a small mixer - it needs to be installed, so you can choose the mounting option, which can be vertical and horizontal, as well as wall, built-in, mortise and floor. At the final stage, the completeness is checked, visual inspection is carried out, a passport for the product and other accompanying documents are obtained.

Which mixer to choose

Recommendations for choosing a mixer are the most valuable when pointing specific examples:

1. Obviously, for washing it is better to buy a device with 1 lever, because with dirty hands, open / close water will be accessible even with an elbow. Also there is no doubt that ate two bowls, spilling for the operation of both tanks should be pivoting.

2. A high "gander" is suitable for deep cleaning.

3. Using a spout with a drawer is much more convenient than without it - if necessary, you can always rinse the bowl or fill the bucket.

4. The models with filtration systems, which serve both ordinary and potable water, are practical.

5. For small shells, short instruments are suitable - up to 15 cm, and for long ones - long( from 30 cm).To avoid burns, especially if the family has small children, it is better to install products with a thermostat.

6. For a bath with a shower you need to buy a mixer with a short "nose" - reduces the risk of injury.

7. If the bathtub and washbasin are nearby, it is advisable to install a universal system with a long "gander".

8. For fans of prolonged bathing, prefabricated models are preferred, which are attached to the rim.

9. For the sake of economy it is recommended not to buy a bidet, but to purchase a special hygienic shower for the toilet.

You also need to know that regardless of the purpose, the highest quality devices are equipped with a ceramic cartridge.

How much is the mixer

For the buyer when choosing not the last place is the price:

1. For example, the Jacob Delafon Carafe E 18865 mixer with joystick, ceramic cartridge, aerator, swivel spout and built-in filter costs about 20400 rubles.

2. For washbasin and bath with shower( WasserKRAFT Isen 2602L): 1 gripper, long swivel "gander", watering can with hose, switch to shower - ≈ 5500 rub.

3. For a bath with a shower( Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34155000): 2 valves, thermostat, built-in filter, ceramic cartridge, eco-mode - about 12000 rub.

4. For the sink( Hansgrohe Focus E 31700000): 1 lever, traditional spout, bottom valve, flexible connection - ≈ 4100 rub.

5. For the bath( TEKA Alaior 22.121.02.00): 1 grip, ceramic cartridge, brass body, vertical installation, aerator - ≈ 7400 rub.

6. For shower( Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34143000): 2 levers, thermostat, stainless steel case, built-in filter, check valve - ≈ 15800 rub.

7. For bidet( Lemark Luna LM4119C): 1 grip, ceramic cartridge, watering can, wall holder, built-in installation - ≈ 5600 rub.

The prices are valid for Moscow and the region as of 2017.