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

Not only cold, but also hot water supply is an undoubted advantage of living in an urban environment. However, the quality standards are such that in its pure form, hot water has a very high temperature, and in order to cool it and mix it with a portion of cold water, a mixer is used – a special device that allows you to spot water dosing and adjust the pressure and temperature. Modern mixers are multifunctional devices characterized by high quality workmanship and aesthetic appearance, and all the buyer needs is to choose the optimal model.

The best mixer manufacturers. Which company to choose?

Like any other type of sanitary equipment, mixers are produced by a great variety of manufacturers, from inexpensive Chinese models to high-quality products from well-known European manufacturers. When choosing a faucet for a bathroom or kitchen, preference should be given to the products of those manufacturers whose name is on hearing:

1. Jacob Delafon

2. Lemark

3. Hans Grohe

4. WasserKRAFT

Types of mixers

Single grip mixers

The most easy-to-use devices that allow you to accurately dose the pressure of water and its temperature. The control element is a knob, by turning it left-right, the temperature of the supplied water is adjusted, and pressing up or down increases or vice versa, decreases the power of the jet.

Advantages

• Ease of use and installation;

• A huge variety of models and design solutions;

• You can change the power of the head without changing the temperature;

• Sensitive regulation of the temperature of the supplied water;

disadvantages

• Demanding water quality – may require the installation of a purification system;

Valve mixers

Classic models, in which the temperature and power of the head are controlled using two valves, for hot and cold water, respectively. The simplest valve mixers have a traditional design with a silicone or rubber washer, more advanced ones are equipped with special ceramic plates with slots through which water is supplied. The latter are good in that a large number of valve revolutions are not required for installation in the extreme positions.

Advantages

• Comfortable, reliable and durable;

• They are unpretentious in operation and work without problems even with water of dubious quality;

• A wide variety of performance styles and aesthetic appearance;

disadvantages

• The need for regular maintenance, replacement of rubber gaskets and ceramic washers;

• Modern models are quite expensive;

Thermostatic mixers

Devices, the key 'trick' of which is to maintain a given water temperature in any conditions. When the water flow rate changes, such devices automatically adjust the head of the second flow in order to compensate for the temperature change. Due to their design features, there are two different types: classic, mechanical and more advanced, electronically controlled. Another feature of this class of devices is the ability to set the minimum and maximum water temperature – regardless of the specific settings, you will not be able to burn yourself or get under an ice stream.

Advantages

• Constant water temperature;

• Spectacular appearance;

• Reliable and unpretentious;

• Safe to operate;

• Very economical;

disadvantages

• The ability to work only when both hot and cold water is present;

• High price;

Faucets with touch control

Most modern and advanced devices. As such, there are no controls in them – water is supplied by bringing a hand to a special infrared sensor powered by batteries. The water temperature is controlled by a compact mechanism installed on the side of the device.

Advantages

• Compact, stylish and easy to operate;

• High water saving;

• They have no mechanical elements that can fail;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Not quite suitable for conditions in which constant regulation of the water temperature is required;

Mixer selection parameters

In order to choose the really right mixer that will provide maximum functionality and will serve faithfully for more than one year, you need to pay attention to many different characteristics.

Basin mixer installation method

A parameter that has a huge impact on the ability to operate in a particular room. So, for the kitchen, the mixer is best suited, which is mounted directly into the sink, and the water supply is carried out using flexible corrugated hoses. Conversely, when it comes to the bathroom faucet, many people prefer wall-mounted faucets with a shower head;

Liner method

As noted above, all mixers can be divided into two general categories. The first is a rigid liner: it is used for wall mounting the mixer. The second type is a flexible hose using flexible metal hoses or corrugated pipes. It is used in hard-to-reach places and where it is not possible to bend a thick metal water pipe.

Shut-off valve type

Regardless of the design of the mixer, installed shut-off valves can be attributed to several types. Classic rubber and leather valves are used in two-valve mixers, where you can also find multi-disc ceramic shut-off valves. The mechanism, presented in the form of a cartridge, is used in single-stop mixers, as well as in modern sensor and thermostatic devices. It can be based on both a traditional ball and an innovative ceramic locking element, which is characterized by a much lower noise level.

Cover type

Currently on sale you can find faucets made of both stainless steel and non-ferrous metals – copper, brass, chrome. Devices made of powder metal – silumin are also widely used. As a decorative coating, chrome plating or gilding is widely used, and recently coatings that imitate natural stone, marble and other similar materials are gaining popularity.

Which mixer to choose

1. For a kitchen sink, a classic single-grip mixer is probably the best option. Controlling it is as easy as shelling pears, you can even turn on the water with your elbow. The height and extension of the 'spout' entirely depend on the size and depth of the sink installed – with small sinks it is more convenient to operate low, up to 15 centimeters in height, models, while 30 cm mixers work better with larger sinks;

2. Fans of innovative technology will surely like thermostatic mixers, as well as devices with touch control. They are best installed above the sink in the bathroom, it is there that they fully reveal their functionality;

3. When choosing a bathroom faucet, it is best to give preference to two-valve models equipped with a shower head. The removal of the 'spout' of such a mixer depends on the overall dimensions of the installed bath;

4. If tap water will be used not only for household needs, but also for drinking, a mixer that allows the installation of a filter should be preferred.

How much does a mixer cost?

1. The cost of modern single-grip mixers with a ceramic cartridge currently fluctuates at the level of 5-7 thousand rubles;

2. High-quality double-lever mixers with a ceramic cartridge and a shower head cost a little more, about 10-15 thousand rubles;

3. Advanced models equipped with an aerator, built-in filter and many other useful functions, the main control of which is a joystick, are distinguished by a rather high price – about 18-20 thousand rubles;

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose the right heated towel rail, the secrets of choosing a sink for a bathroom, the features of choosing tiles for a toilet and a bath, and the main criteria for choosing a quality bath.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.