The market of sanitary equipment is full of various models of faucets, which are difficult for an ordinary consumer to understand without the help of specialists. All of them differ in design, design, functionality. The huge selection of model line is explained not only by the competition of manufacturers, but also by the increase in the assortment of bathtubs.
In this article, we look at German-made bathroom faucets.
Immediately make a reservation that today there are new methods of installation, which also affected the design of the equipment. Therefore, before choosing German faucets for the sink in the bathroom, you should decide directly on the model of the bath, the method of supplying water to it and the method of its installation. With the usual replacement of the old model, you can simply purchase a similar new device or give preference to a more advanced version.
Classification
All the models currently sold in stores can be divided into 4 main groups according to the control method:
- Dual valve
- Single lever
- Touch faucets.
- Mixer thermostats.
Two-valve German sink faucets in the bathroom, presented in the form of a faucet and 2 valves designed to regulate the supply of hot and cold water, dominated the plumbing market in the recent past. But single-lever models, which are more advanced in design, were able to squeeze outdated competitors. At present, single-handle mixers are popular with buyers, noting the beauty of the design, ease of installation and ease of use.
In the design of single-lever bathtub taps made in Germany, the regulating mechanism is called a cartridge. This technical node is considered the most vulnerable place in the device, because due to the poor quality of water it can break down over time. The presence of rust in water, scale and metal particles, sand due to insufficient cleaning and worn out networks. Installation of water purification filters will extend the life of a single lever mixer.
Benefits of Touch Faucets and Thermostats
Recently in the Russian market single-lever models also have competitors called thermostatic mixers. They stand out from the rest of the devices due to:
- design reliability;
- stylish design;
- level of operating comfort;
- safety of use.
Such German bathroom faucets are made in the form of a panel on which there are handles. At the same time, one of them makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the water supply, which will remain until the moment the settings are changed again. Another handle is needed to turn the water off and on.
The main function of the thermostats is considered to be a safety stop - when the device is turned on, the users of the device are protected from possible burns, since it is impossible to supply water with a temperature of more than 38 degrees. And turning off this function, you can get hot water. In addition, the thermostat protects people from too cold water coming from the tap. These features are especially interesting for families with children. At the moment, safer and better faucets at an affordable price simply can not be found.
Touch models
The next advanced model is considered to be sensory, in which the design does not provide for the presence of levers and valves. However, if you are interested in how to disassemble a German bathroom faucet, then in this case it is almost impossible.
Due to a special sensor, which is built into the housing of this device, water is turned on when an object of a certain size is near the crane. In this case, after the disappearance of the object from the coverage area, the water is turned off. Such faucets are usually installed in the toilets of cinemas, hypermarkets, offices, restaurants and other institutions.
Using this type of mixer can provide a fairly economical flow of water. Moreover, for homeowners who have installed flow meters for cold and hot water, this device will significantly reduce the cost of housing services.
The advantages of a universal mixer
In small bathrooms, plumbing is often installed at close range. It is convenient to use a universal German bath mixer with a long spout (30 centimeters or more).
Basically, they can be used simultaneously in the bath and sink, you just need to turn the spout in the necessary direction. But the demand for this type of faucets falls every year, since the new models of this equipment come with strictly separated functionality, which ensures the proper quality of work and the comfort of using the device.
What material to prefer?
Most of the models offered by manufacturers are made of brass and chrome. Devices created from these metals, as well as their combinations, are considered the most convenient and reliable.
Often brass models are coated with special enamel or nickel, while the product acquires a brilliant beautiful shade. But you must understand that the enamel coating during operation can be damaged, and this will adversely affect the appearance of the mixer. Nickel causes allergies in some people. Therefore, experts advise you to buy chrome-plated devices produced by the best European companies.
Brands
Among the high-quality models, the top positions are occupied by German manufacturers of bathroom faucets: Grohe, Hansgrohe, etc. Caution should be taken in Chinese cheap models, since the materials used to make these devices can ruin the quality of the water.
Once in the plumbing store, be sure to consult with managers what mixer is best to buy for the bathroom. Take the time to choose, as the device is purchased for more than one year of use. If the installation will be done by professionals, it is better to entrust them with the selection of equipment.
German faucets: advantages and disadvantages
German bathroom faucets, judging by the reviews, are considered the best. But, like the rest of the technique, these devices have certain disadvantages and advantages.
So, the advantages include the following:
- German bathroom faucets are presented in a huge lineup.
- The products of this country have always been famous for their high quality. Manufacturers have always been meticulous in the selection of materials, as well as the assembly of goods, regardless of the sphere of consumption.
- Due to quality, the manufacturer provides a maximum guarantee for products - at least 10 years.
- The adapted design of the models stands out for its modern and at the same time laconic forms.
German bathroom faucets have practically no flaws, although consumers note in the reviews:
- A limited number of service centers sometimes makes the repair of a failed device unacceptable.
- Not all models are suitable for Russian standards.
And the high price of the goods, which customers complain about, is due to the use of more expensive materials in the manufacture.
Classification
The described mixers are classified based on the configuration:
- Single lever devices that resemble a simple crane. Its differences in adjusting the supply of hot or cold water by movements to the left or right. The pressure is regulated by pressing the lever down and up. They are popular for their design, which is mounted simply on one leg.
- Two-valve devices. The main element in them is the axle box, which allows you to adjust all incoming water. But this place is the weakest, since it is here that a leak often forms. To find the same analogous part in domestic stores, judging by the reviews, is quite difficult. The choice should be given to models made of ceramics. At the same time, a two-valve mixer is the cheapest design.
- Contactless German faucets with shower are the latest refinement in the interior. In them, water is supplied if hands are brought directly to the tap. In addition, it is easy to adjust the temperature with hand movements. Most models of this line are equipped with LED water backlight. By the way, such products, as noted by customers, are very sensitive to the quality of the supplied water.
- Thermostatic devices are a special category that makes it possible to select and maintain a water temperature mode. The design includes two handles, one of them regulates the pressure, the second sets the required temperature.
Hansgrohe
German bathtub faucets with shower in the domestic market are represented by several companies at once. Among them, the leader is Hansgrohe, which has become the progenitor of most subsidiaries. This company has existed for over 100 years. It has 3 directions in the manufacture of mixers:
- avant-garde;
- classic;
- modern.
About 20 years ago, another brand was born under the auspices of this company - Axor. The products of this brand are famous for their author's design. It is represented by entire collections. So, for example, in the Uno series there are only wall-mounted devices created by a duet of famous designers.
Grohe
It is one of the largest manufacturers, whose products are in demand around the world. You can choose any German mixer for Grohe bathtub with temperature control, adjustable water pressure, etc. The company offers a complete range - valve, touch, lever.
The company is not far behind the latest in this industry. So, recently, models equipped with a thermostat have begun to enjoy popularity. In them, before feeding, the water is preheated. You can also pick up devices whose valves or handles are completely absent, while shutting off or supplying water is done by means of a balloon.
The advantage of this manufacturer is that its production lines and service centers are located in almost all developed countries. Among the German Grohe faucets for a bathtub with a shower, you can equally choose both expensive exclusive models and low cost. The price range of products on average remains reasonably acceptable for high-quality structures.
Elghansa
This, according to consumers, is the most affordable producer in terms of price. But he also has models that are intended only for exclusive use. At medium prices, they have excellent quality.
The availability of spare parts, simplicity of design - these are the main advantages of this brand. Among Elghansa products, for example, you can choose German bronze taps for a bathroom with a retrostyle shower, or opt for chrome details.
Kaiser, Kraft, Kludi
Adapted to any style, the design and moderate prices of Kraft faucets have been attracting domestic consumers for quite some time. Judging by the reviews, these products are very popular due to the presence of a large number of service centers.
Kludi mixers also feature high functionality and the use of high quality materials that extend the life of each product.
But Kaiser products from domestic consumers cause mixed opinions. The fact is that a famous brand is often copied. At the same time, the price of copies is no lower than that of the original, but quality can seriously fail a reckless buyer.
Mixer selection
According to experts, a little overpriced prices at German faucets should not be alarming, since high-quality products cannot be cheap. There are a number of criteria that must be considered when choosing a decent plumbing:
- Most often, they are advised to buy products in the middle price range, which makes it possible to avoid overpaying or buying low-quality products.
- Each product must be accompanied by various supporting documents, as well as quality certificates.
- German mixers are always available with a wide nose, due to which the filling of the tank is much faster.
- The right model will allow you to choose a consultation with the designer.
- It is also worth considering the quality of accessories, since the smallest detail can visually change the interior.
In addition, it is necessary to choose a mixer, understanding the difference between all existing types of locking mechanisms. Because it is these elements that control the flow of water. Once again we will dwell on each of them.
Single lever mixers
Today, the most reliable and convenient are single-lever German bath faucets with shower. Here, water flows are controlled by a ball mechanism or a special removable cartridge. The selection of such a mixer allows you to adjust the temperature of the water and its pressure by moving the handle left-right and up-down. In this design, it is possible to instantly shut off water.
Valve mixers
They were incredibly popular in Soviet construction. These are lamb cranes, known to everyone since childhood. Here, for any supply of hot or cold water has its own separate faucet. Their principle of operation is based on twisting the holes of the screw device through which water enters. When the tap is loosened, a hole begins to open, and water enters the bathtub in a stream. When tightening, the feed access is blocked.
Thermostatic Mixers
It is worth noting that the models in this series have long been produced by well-known manufacturing companies. Thermostatic mixers are equipped with two handles, one of which regulates the water pressure, and the second has a scale for setting the required temperature.
The main task of a thermostatic mixer is the supply of water of a given pressure and temperature, which are independent of the temperature in the networks and pressure parameters. Automatically, the thermostat in the housing, as well as the pressure sensor, are responsible for performing these tasks in the control unit.
Cascade Faucets
In cascade mixers, the internal structure is not much different from any conventional analogue. A ball and valve method for supplying water may be provided there. Its main difference is the shape and width of the spout, which allows you to get the visual effect of a waterfall with the mixer turned on.
Electronic faucets
Such models of mixers belong to innovative sanitary fittings, which differs dramatically from mechanical counterparts. They do not have ordinary taps, handles or valves. It is enough to bring your hands to the device, and the water will pour from the tap by itself. This is due to the built-in infrared sensor that responds to any foreign object. He gives the command to the shut-off valve located here, while the water pressure and temperature are automatically regulated.