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 at the points of analysis by mixers. Thanks to the management of these products, users get water with the specified parameters of pressure, temperature and even portions. The devices are made by many companies, and with different designs and principles of work, moreover, from different materials for any sanitary appliances. Not surprisingly, finding two absolutely identical models on the market is not easy. The conclusion suggests itself: you need to choose a mixer with skill - you need to take into account many nuances before buying.
Content:
The best manufacturers of mixers - which company to choose
It is advisable to choose plumbing with a preliminary determination of one or several reliable manufacturers. There are a lot of companies in the modern market, but not every one, in terms of the quality of its goods, 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
For some buyers, the names of these brands may suffice to purchase the right product. But they will not always be enough to determine exactly the instrument that fits best. For more prudent consumers who want to get the most useful information and choose a specific model, it is recommended to read the rating of the best mixers.
Types of faucets
Types of mixers on the device and the principle of operation
Modern appliances, in which cold and hot components are mixed before the water supply, differ from each other in different characteristics, including the method of control, depending on the design and principle of operation.
Single Capture Mixers
Single gripper faucets consist of a handle, a housing, a spout and a cartridge. They are controlled by a lever with one hand: in a circular motion left / right - to adjust the temperature of the liquid; up / down - to increase / decrease the pressure. When acting on the gripper, a ceramic plate with notches or a metal ball with holes moves, as a result, the flow channels narrow and expand, and, as a result, the parameters are adjusted.
Benefits:
- ease of use - temperature and pressure are quickly set with one hand;
- as a result of emergency settings, water is saved;
- simple installation;
- long service life;
- designer variety.
Disadvantage:
- in case of poor water quality, the cartridge often fails - sometimes it is necessary to change not only the element, but also the entire device - in this case a coarse filter is prudently installed.
2-valve faucet
2-valve faucet boxes have their customers. They are produced in two versions: classic - with a reciprocating mechanism and a rubber or silicone gasket; modern - with round ceramic plates, the top of which, when turned, adjusts the size of the bottom hole. The main difference between the versions is that in the first case a lot of turns will be needed to fully open / close the crane, in the second case less than one (a quarter or half).
Benefits:
- modern model: noiseless operation; long service life when working with clean water; fast flow control - turning 180 ° takes a split second;
- classic model: unpretentiousness to the quality of the liquid; reliability of the metal mechanism; high maintainability - replacing the gasket is not difficult; small price
Disadvantages:
- modern device: sensitivity to water with impurities - work with low-quality liquid leads to rapid wear; relatively high cost;
- o classic device: inconvenience and inefficiency resulting from multiple rotation of the valve; frequent replacement of rubber gaskets.
Thermostatic faucets
Over time, thermostatic mixers that react when operating on the intensity of 2 streams become more and more in demand. There are they electronic with / to the screen and mechanical. In the first case, a panel is used on which the water supply is turned on and off, as well as its temperature and pressure are regulated. In the second - all manipulations are performed with two levers. Such a product is as safe as possible for children - regardless of the temperature of the supply fluid, the output never has more than +38 ° C when the settings are on.
Benefits:
- safety - it is impossible to get burned or get under the ice stream;
- temperature stability according to settings;
- independence of pressure in the system;
- economical consumption;
- the ability to manually disable the recorded parameters;
- long service life;
- spectacular stylish design.
Disadvantages:
- functioning only in the presence of water in both pipelines;
- high price.
Touch Faucets
The new generation of mixers is represented by sensor devices that operate from the mains or batteries, are made without a handle, are controlled by a small hidden screw, and are turned on when the infrared sensor responds to an object moving directly next to the spout. Such models are created by innovative technologies.
Benefits:
- maximum convenience;
- hygienic;
- economical and safe.
Disadvantages:
- roads;
- not quite suitable for the kitchen, where water of different temperatures is often used.
One of the most common plumbing modifications is a batch device, which after pressing works up to 1 minute. This product is good to use in places where you need maximum savings.
Types of mixers by purpose and place of installation
1. Washing
Of all plumbing fixtures available in a private house or apartment, the sink is most used, so the mixer for it should be as reliable and convenient as possible. On the market for the kitchen offers a variety of models from simple to "space" designs that can meet the most sophisticated requirements. By type, the most popular are 1-gripping products, which allow the hands not to be distracted from work, followed by 2-lever ones. Under bowls of different sizes with 1 or several sections, various “nozzles” were selected: low and high; short and long; semicircular and L-shaped. In more expensive devices arranged retractable spout, equipped with EPDM rubber or PEX hose and a watering can-shower. The innovative filtration system is built in with a separate release for clean drinking water.
2. Bathroom
For appliances that are installed in the bathroom, models are available both individual and universal. The latter include: a classic or thermostatic 2-lever housing, a watering can with a hose, a swivel spout with a length of 0.3 m, a switch to the shower — such products are mounted on the wall of small bathroom apartments between 2 sanitary appliances. For washbasins, instances of different types of controls are provided with mounting on a wall or on a shelf with 3 or 1 hole - in the latter case a flexible connection is preferred, independent of the location of the connection pipes. The product for a bath with a shower is performed with a short spout, mounted vertically or cut into a side, in addition, the watering can can be fixed to the rod, to the holder, to the body. Individual mixers with independent connection are also available for these devices - floor installation is possible.
3. Bidet
A bidet is a hygienic ceramic device, which is usually installed next to the toilet, and, depending on the layout, in a bathroom or in the same bathroom. The mixer, designed for this bowl, in many technical parameters resembles an analog for the sink - it also happens to be single-lever or double-lever, selectively equipped with a thermostat, mounted on a shelf through 1 or 3 holes. A distinctive feature is the presence of a rotary aerator, due to which the jet changes direction. Currently, in addition to the classical model, there is also a modification that is successfully installed on the toilet.
Mixer selection options
Technical and consumer specifications
You can choose a mixer by several very important criteria. But it would be better to take into account, if not all, then at least a maximum of subtleties and nuances. Even before going to the store, manufacturers who can be trusted are determined; the purpose of the device is for a bidet, sink, sink, bath or shower; Type of model - 1-lever, 2-valve, thermostatic or non-contact. And also: a style that must fit into the design of the room, and the maximum amount of money that meets the intended quality of the product
When buying a washing device, attention is paid to the technical parameters of the spout: the length should be such that the jet falls into the center of the bowl; the height is chosen to fit the size of the dish; angle of rotation is required to ensure the operation of additional compartments. Proceeding from the expediency, the package can include additional options: a sliding watering can, a filtration system, adapters for machines - washing and dishwashing. If the bathtub and the sink are located next to each other, a rational choice is a universal model with a “gander” about 30 cm long. It is better to buy a ceramic cartridge as a check valve - it is the most practical one. At the ends of the spout should stand aerator - thanks to him, the water is mixed with air, as a result, the flow becomes more economical.
Materials manufacturing and installation methods
The most popular and most practical material is stainless steel, distinguished by reliability, durability, inexpensive price and design versatility. No less running gear - brass and bronze with a stylish look, durability and an acceptable price.
Ceramics has specific properties - external attractiveness and interesting forms as opposed to fragility and high price. The cheapest, but also short-lived - silumin, which can be coated with nickel and chromium.
Buy a mixer a little - it must also be installed, so choose the option of installation, which can be vertical and horizontal, as well as wall, recessed, mortise and floor. At the final stage, the completeness is necessarily checked, a 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 most valuable when you hover specific examples:
1. Obviously, it is better to buy a device with a lever for washing, because with dirty hands, it will be possible to open / close water even with an elbow when using dirty hands. There is also no doubt that ate two bowls, the spout for the operation of both containers should be turning.
2. For deep washing suitable high "gander."
3. Using a spout with a retractable watering can is much more convenient than without it - if necessary, you can always rinse the bowl or fill the bucket.
4. Practically different models with filtration systems, the choice of supplying ordinary and drinking water.
5. For small sinks, short devices are suitable - up to 15 cm, and for dimensional ones - long (from 30 cm). In order 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 “spout” - the risk of injury is reduced.
7. If the bath and the washbasin are nearby, it is advisable to install a universal system with a long "gander."
8. For lovers of long bathing preferred embedded models that are mounted on the side.
9. In order to save, 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 destination, the best quality devices are equipped with a ceramic cartridge.
How much is a mixer
For the buyer, when choosing, the price is far from the last:
1. For example, a Jacob Delafon Carafe E 18865 sink mixer with a joystick, a ceramic cartridge, an aerator, a swivel spout and a built-in filter cost about 20,400 rubles.
2. For a washbasin and a bath with a shower (WasserKRAFT Isen 2602L): 1 grip, long swivel “gander”, a watering can with a hose, a switch to the shower - ≈ 5500 rub.
3. Bathtub with shower (Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34155000): 2 valves, thermostat, built-in filter, ceramic cartridge, eco-mode - ≈ 12000 rub.
4. For the sink (Hansgrohe Focus E 31700000): 1 lever, traditional spout, bottom valve, flexible connection - ≈ 4100 rub.
5. For a bath (TEKA Alaior 22.121.02.00): 1 gripper, ceramic cartridge, brass body, vertical installation, aerator - ≈ 7400 rub.
6. For the shower (Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34143000): 2 levers, thermostat, stainless steel body, built-in filter, non-return valve - ≈ 15800 rubles.
7. For a bidet (Lemark Luna LM4119C): 1 gripper, ceramic cartridge, watering can, wall holder, recessed mounting - ≈ 5600 rub.
Prices are relevant for Moscow and the region as of 2017.
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