How to choose a bathroom faucet with a shower: types, characteristics + manufacturer rating

Manufacturer rating

When choosing types of bathroom faucet, you need to remember that products from well-known manufacturers guarantee the reliability and durability of the product.

The best manufacturers of European quality products are companies from the following countries:

• Czech;
• France;
• Germany;
• Spain;
• Switzerland.

You need to learn more about some manufacturers and their products.

1. Grohe equipment (Germany)

The company's products are durable and highly reliable. The service life of the equipment is more than 10 years. The bath manufacturer is considered the best in the plumbing market. Grohe models are a great range of products suitable for even the most picky consumer. Grohe faucets are suitable for all bathroom styles. With them, you will forget about problems with plumbing for many years.

GROHE Euroeco kitchen faucet

2. Hansgrohe Company (Germany)

The quality of the produced models is at a high level. Mixers are reliable and durable. An ideal choice for small bathrooms, as most of the models are made in a minimalist style. The service life of products is from 7 to 10 years.

For the production of sanitary equipment, brass and cermets of the highest quality are chosen. The chromeplated covering protects products from a rust. The range of prices is so wide that each buyer will choose the appropriate option.

Hansgrohe Logis bath faucet

3. Jacob Delafon (France)

All models of cranes are divided into several groups, with different equipment. The warranty for all models is 5 years, and the service life is on average 13-15 years.

There are models with water flow limiters, pushbutton switches, built-in thermostats. Faucets have a special coating that protects against limescale.

Jacob Delafon faucets Aleo

4. Geberit products (Switzerland)

Models of the Swiss company Geberit are easy to install, resistant to mechanical stress.

They have high rates of ergonomics and work almost silently.

The products of this company are considered very prestigious, so their prices are very high.

GEBERIT Piave touchless washbasin faucet, wall-mounted

5. Roca products (Spain)

The equipment of this company has the most suitable combination of price and quality. Models are produced in various styles and they all have a unique design. The warranty for the products is 7 years, and this indicates the reliability of the products.

Basin faucet with pop-up waste Roca

6. Oras equipment (Finland)

Oras products have earned an excellent reputation in the global sanitary ware market.

The average service life is 12 years. Mixers are made of brass and ABS plastic. Protected from rust by chromium or nickel coating. The company produces taps of all styles, so the range is quite wide.

Oras built-in mixers

7. Teka firm (Spain)

The products of this company meet European quality standards and have certificates of conformity. The warranty period of service is 5 years, but the equipment lasts several times longer.

The company offers a wide range of faucets of various colors, shapes and stylistic solutions.

Kitchen faucet Teka ML (chrome)

8. Firm Vidima (Bulgaria)

The Bulgarian manufacturer for the production of taps uses heavy-duty ceramic plates that trap foreign inclusions.

To prevent the formation of rust, the products are coated with nickel and chromium. All models are provided with a water saving system and have excellent characteristics.

Single lever mixer VIDIMA CALISTA B0878AA

9. Lemark equipment (Czech Republic)

Production meets all requirements of the Russian consumer. Mixers are made of stainless steel, brass, and the cartridge is made of ceramics.Products are coated with a special composition that does not allow corrosion.

Faucet Lemark Benefit LM2541C on board the bathtub

10. Imprese Company (Czech Republic)

Cranes of this brand are able to meet the needs of each consumer. Very reasonable prices with good quality.

Single lever bidet mixer IMPRESE PODZIMA LEDOVE

The warranty period for products is 5 years, but they last much longer. Another plus is ease of maintenance.

To make the bathroom faucet convenient to use, the first step is to decide what functions it will perform.

Since the modern plumbing market provides a rich selection of various devices, you need to at least understand this variety a little. Read the article carefully and you will be able to make the right choice.

Best value for money bathroom faucets

Consider 4 faucets that have the best value for money.

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L single lever watering can complete chrome

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L is a mid-priced wall-mounted faucet that costs between 12,000 and 15,000 rubles.

A distinctive feature of the model is the body design. It is a hollow cylinder located in a horizontal plane. A spout is connected to it in front, a shower hose is connected to it in the back. There are no conventional valves. Instead, a small lever is placed on the right side of the device, which controls the pressure and temperature of the water. On the left side of the case there is a small button that switches the water supply to the shower.

The spout nozzle is made in the form of a watering can. This allows even distribution of the flowing liquid. Spout length is 40.6 cm.This does not impose any restrictions on the owner of the WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L, since the design easily covers the distance from the bathtub to the sink.

The material from which the body of the model is made is nickel-plated brass. This ensures high structural reliability and long service life.

The delivery set includes a hose and a shower, as well as an independent mount for them, designed for installation on the wall.

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L single lever watering can included chromium

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 single lever shower head complete chrome

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 is a relatively inexpensive mixer for installation on a vertical surface, which costs from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles.

Its design is more traditional than that of the previous participant in our rating - the water supply regulator and the shower switch are located in the center of the body one above the other.

Adjustment of pressure and temperature is carried out with just one lever.

Hose and watering can are included in the delivery. It also includes an independent mount that is designed to mount on a wall or other vertical surface.

The body of the device is made of brass and coated with a shiny anti-corrosion nickel coating.

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 single lever shower head complete chrome

Grohe Concetto 32211001 single lever chrome

Grohe Concetto 32211001 is a relatively inexpensive bathroom faucet from a well-known European brand. Its design is similar to that of the WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L - the body of the device is a cylinder with a water regulator at one end and a shower switch at the other.

The delivery set includes a shower hose and a watering can, as well as an independent bracket for mounting them on the wall.

Grohe Concetto 32211001 is only suitable for a bathroom where the sink has its own faucet. This is due to the length of the spout, which is only 15 cm. In addition, this part of the structure is motionless. Spouts are of two types:

• with aerator;
• with a watering can.

If desired, the spout can be changed by purchasing separately a part of a different variety.

The device can only be mounted on a wall.

Shower / spout switch - automatic. It turns on when the user picks up the shower hose.

The cost of Grohe Concetto 32211001 in Russian retail is from 6,500 to 8,000 rubles.

Grohe Concetto 32211001 single lever chrome

Lemark Luna LM4151C single lever watering can included

Lemark Luna LM4151C is a mid-range faucet from a European company. It is made of brass alloy, which is covered with a shiny anti-corrosion coating. The fixture is designed exclusively for wall mounting.

The pressure and temperature of the water is controlled by a single knob located in the upper part of the body. Below it is a manual shower/spout switch.

The delivery set includes a shower hose, a watering can and a bracket for mounting them, designed for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface.

Lemark Luna LM4151C costs from 6,500 to 7,500 rubles.

Lemark Luna LM4151C single lever watering can included

Types of bathroom faucets

The most obvious difference is how they are managed. Many consider models with two valves obsolete, but they are still in demand among buyers, because they allow you to adjust the water temperature more finely than lever valves.More modern models can not only scare away with their unusual principle of operation, but also do not fit your design. For example, only valve mixers can be used in retro style, and no others.

Lever now also become familiar to consumers. They are convenient in that they set the temperature much faster: just one movement may be enough. This saves not only time, but also water. It is unlikely that anyone now does not know the principle of their operation, but just in case, for the eternal “ventilators”, let me remind you: turning left or right adjusts the water temperature, and up and down - the pressure of the jet.

Touchless and sensor faucets are just beginning to gain popularity. But since their cost is much higher than the previous two, not everyone can afford them, so many could see such models only in some modernly equipped public toilets (or visiting wealthy friends).

These faucets react to the warmth of the hands, which activates the flow of water. In some models, it lasts a certain specified time, and in some, more modern ones, it depends on the position of the hands. Temperature and pressure are controlled by a lever. This is convenient because you can set the setting that is convenient for you once and do not adjust it again, except for some specific cases. This also saves time and water.

And, finally, the highest hi-tech - a mixer with a thermostat. You initially set the range of temperatures and pressure, beyond which it should not go - in some models with levers, in some - on a special screen. This is a salvation for families with small children, but by no means cheap.

Mixer rating

Despite the abundance of different brands and models, finding a good mixer is not so easy.Each buyer needs a durable, comfortable to use, high-quality assembled crane

How to sort out among all offers only the most reliable, high-quality ones? By what criteria can plumbing be evaluated? To name the best faucets, experts took into account the following characteristics:

• Types - by type of construction, purpose, method of attachment;
• Purpose - for kitchen, bathroom, shower, bath / shower, sink;
• Length, spout method - watering can, switch, shower, etc .;
• The way of location is in the traditional, hidden way;
• Production materials - stainless steel, brass, silumin, ceramics, plastic;
• Additional options - heating, eco-mode, aerator, filter;
• Accessories - accessories, nozzles, keys, switches;
• Design - universal, designer models.

There is also an unspoken rating - reviews of customers who have evaluated the features of different brands, models from their own experience. The experts relied on them, as well as on the recommendations of the masters of plumbing equipment.

The best showers

Criteria for a competent choice

Saving on the purchase of such an important device is definitely not worth it. “Managing water” should be simple, pleasant and safe

The assortment of faucets in stores is striking in its diversity - from the usual "classic" designs to exclusive high-tech devices. Dozens of companies, hundreds of models.

And it's definitely not easy to make a choice. Especially considering the fact that the quality of the lion's share of products leaves much to be desired.

How not to make a mistake? It is necessary to carefully study the design and functionality of various types of devices, the materials from which they are made, and the methods of installation.And to clearly understand that there will be no “candy” for the ruble: a solid, durable device always has a decent cost.

It's a good idea to immediately decide on a manufacturer you trust. Read reviews, look for important information in trusted sources. When it comes to everyday use of equipment, comfort is as important as reliability.

Buying a mixer from an unknown company is sometimes a significant savings, but the quality of such a device often does not meet the expectations of the buyer and the promises of the manufacturer.

The high prices for sanitary ware of popular brands are caused not only by the “reputation fee”. The figures in the price tag are also affected by the fact that many well-known companies collaborate with eminent designers to create aesthetic and ergonomic products, and many faucet models are truly unique.

The guarantee for faucets of proven European companies is usually 5 years. And such devices will serve at least 10 years.

In addition, firms can use special technologies and their own proprietary coatings that are many times superior in quality to conventional materials.

It is worth noting that any "famous" manufacturer always has a number of models from the budget price segment. This equipment is of good quality, but in a modest design and with a minimum of pleasant bonuses.

Chinese-made devices sold on the domestic market often have fake certificates, low-quality parts, and are covered with compounds hazardous to health. It is not advisable to purchase such products in order to save money.

Appliances that you like, you must definitely conduct a face-to-face “test drive”: touch, twist. This will help to intuitively feel "your" unit.

Steel, brass, ceramic or silumin - choose the best

Equipping the bathroom, pay attention not only to the principle of operation, design and method of fastening the faucet. Be sure to ask the sellers what material it is made of:

• Stainless steel is the most practical and most popular option. The mixer made of steel is reliable, durable, inexpensive, looks good in any interior.
• Brass or bronze have a longer life, look stylish, but are also more expensive.
• Ceramics attracts with a variety of designs, interesting shapes. The disadvantages include fragility and high price;
• Silumin is a cheap, but the most unreliable material. The service life of a mixer of any configuration is 1-2 years.

If you need a high-quality faucet that works clearly and without failures, opt for brass or steel.

TOP best faucets

Check out our ranking of the best appliances. Perhaps you will like something and do not have to puzzle over the choice for a long time.

Pay special attention to these two models. Lemark Partner LM6551C - wall-mounted sample, with a long swivel spout for 4,800 rubles

The body is made of chrome-plated brass. This is a single-lever unit with a ceramic cartridge that is comfortable to set up. The design itself has a holder for a watering can, so there is no need to install an additional mount on the wall.

Lemark Partner LM6551C - a wall-mounted sample with a long swivel spout for 4,800 rubles. The body is made of chrome-plated brass. This is a single-lever unit with a ceramic cartridge that is comfortable to set up.The design itself has a holder for a watering can, so there is no need to install an additional mount on the wall.

Pros:

• quality materials and assembly;
• standard landing size - 150 mm;
• The kit comes with everything you need for installation.

Minuses:

• small watering can;
• there are no soul modes.

Gappo G1148 is a popular view today for building on board a bathroom, costing from 11,000 rubles. This is a Chinese product, but it is very well made. The structure is made of brass with a high-quality white top layer and chrome-plated details. A ceramic cartridge is installed inside. The faucet has an open spout, which looks very unusual and impressive.

Pros:

• Beautiful design;
• there is everything you need for installation;
• durable paint on details.

Minuses:

• non-standard hose connectors;
• watering can made of plastic.

5 more popular options:

Design

There are many design solutions for faucets. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors. There are chrome and more concise forms, there are matte and retro options. The choice depends on the taste preferences of the person, as well as on the material condition.

There are faucets in which the flow of water is highlighted in different colors. Most often blue and red. The color emphasizes the temperature of the water: for hot water - red, for cold - blue.

There are mixers with various modifications of the water jet. You can put on a special mesh on the faucet spout, which would prevent water from splashing. And it is possible to install a cascade mixer, then the water stream will flow in a beautiful cascade or waterfall.

You can choose between faucets that bring a retro touch to the interior, especially if they are covered with bronze or copper, and lever devices.

For people who are passionate about originality in the interior, there is an opportunity to opt for cranes made in the form of toys or small copies of motorcycles, steamboats and much more.

The black color of the taps looks very advantageous and stylish. It does not get as dirty as chrome plated, water smudges and drops are visible on its shiny surface. Black color is given by bronze or copper, which are applied to a brass mixer. They usually look antique and noble. The cost exceeds the average price for faucets. But the quality and beauty are worth it.

The white color of the faucets is also very popular. It is obtained by chrome or enamel

Care must be taken with enamel, as a poorly coated faucet can quickly crack. Therefore, in this case, it is impossible to save on mixers, otherwise you will have to buy a new product.

Mounting types

Most often, the system is mounted on the wall - this is the traditional option and the most reliable. However, not the only one.

There are also mortise designs that are installed directly into the body of the bath. Of course, in this case, you will have to forget about combining with the sink. Yes, and on the bath you need to make special holes, if they are not provided by the manufacturer.

Similar to the wall-mounted version, but more modern - wall mounting. Outside, there is only a small aesthetic spout, a control panel and a watering can, and all the "insides" are hidden in the wall. This is the main disadvantage: in the event of a breakdown, you will have to destroy the wall.

Design technique - installation of the system on the floor. It is difficult and expensive, but it looks very impressive.

Control principle

The first question that confronts the buyer: what type of mixer to choose: single-lever or two-valve? Or spend money and install a thermostat?

Two-valve

There are two levers on the mixer: for cold and for hot water. Flow adjustment is done by turning these switches. Two types of crane boxes are possible here.

Worm gear - a rubber locking cuff, when the valve is turned, it extends the stem, shutting off the water. This is the simplest and most reliable mechanism. The repair consists mainly in replacing the rubber gasket. But you will have to do this often, because it wears out quickly.

Of the minuses, it should be noted the inconvenience of operation: in order to set the desired temperature, you need to suffer a lot by turning the valves a few turns. Also, such mechanisms have instability of the set settings. This is due to the change in the properties of rubber during heating and cooling.

Ceramic - the design assumes the presence of two ceramic plates with holes, while one of them is motionless. During the tuning process, the movable plate moves, increasing or decreasing the clearance between the holes, thus changing the parameters of the incoming fluid.

It is a durable system, easy to use: it is enough to turn the valves 90 or 180 ℃. When installing this option, the right decision would be to immediately install a pre-filter to clean coarse particles. If sand gets between the plates, this will cause a breakdown and there will be a need to replace the axle box. And it's not cheap.

Single lever

One lever is used to control temperature and pressure. Turning up-down and right-left allows you to instantly and accurately adjust the optimal settings.

The mixing of the liquid takes place in a special cartridge, the internal structure of which is similar to that of the faucet-box ceramic models. Inside are two ceramic plates with windows.Temperature and pressure vary depending on the size of the combined lumen.

Sometimes there are cartridges with polymer plates on sale. They are cheaper and have a much shorter service life than their ceramic counterparts.

thermostatic

Rare and expensive type. The user sets the desired settings in advance, and when the tap is turned on, water is supplied at the desired temperature. At the same time, significant savings are noted, because water is not wasted.

You can control such a device using flywheels with modes. The most advanced ones are equipped with a display and a touch panel for settings.

In addition to high cost, such devices have a number of disadvantages:

• electronics is sensitive to high humidity, and therefore fails pretty soon;
• due to the small distribution, it is very difficult to find spare parts.

Installation rules

In order to properly install the wall-mounted mixer, you first need to determine the height at which the product should be. Above in the paragraph on dimensions, advice was given regarding the height of the mixer from the floor and from the edge of the bathroom.

The distance between the centers of the fittings is 150 mm. With the help of eccentrics, you can maneuver it horizontally and vertically by another 5 mm.

Please note that it is not necessary to use tow (linen) for sealing. For best effect, it must be smeared

This will create difficulties that can be avoided by using fum tape. They are easy to use and reliable, like a sealant.

Installation diagram:

It is necessary to carefully study the instructions and check the integrity of all structural details.
Clear the pipes by opening the water. This must be done to avoid blockages.
Take two eccentric bushings and see if they fit the threads. If suddenly they are too small, then compensate for this with a large amount of fum tape.
Install one eccentric into the pipe, without applying much effort while doing so.
Install the second eccentric. Don't screw it all the way. See if the mixer fits the eccentrics. Clamping nuts must exactly match the threads of the eccentrics.
Install decorative bowls. They should fit snugly against the wall.
Install the seals that came with the mixer into the tightening nuts. Screw the nuts onto the eccentrics. Make it very tight and tighten with a wrench to be sure.
See how tightly the eccentrics and nuts are installed

To check this fact, it is recommended to open the water
This step must be done very carefully and pay attention to any leakage.
Assemble the faucet completely, reinstall the spout, flexible hose and shower head.
When finally connecting the faucet, be careful not to damage the surface of the faucet.

The installation process is shown in detail in the video below.

Mixers Hansgrohe (Germany)

They are practically no different from their main competitors Grohe and are most often mentioned in pairs as a guarantee of reliable and trouble-free plumbing.

Bath faucet HANSGROHE Logis 71311000. Price — 70 USD.

Hansgrohe faucets have a stylish minimalist design and look chic in both modern bathrooms and classic interiors. The brand's products are guaranteed for 5 years, but according to user reviews, with proper use and care, these faucets are practically "indestructible".

HANSGROHE Talis S 72111000 sink faucet. Cost — 170 USD.

Hansgrohe faucets also feature the perfect combination of design, functionality and ergonomics. The company regularly pleases with innovations in the field of sanitary equipment, annually releases new models of faucets, including wall-mounted and with a hygienic shower.

HANSGROHE PuraVida 15081000 sink faucet. Cost — 250 USD.

Hansgrohe mixers are presented in a wide price range, the cheapest options can be purchased for 50 USD. well, elite models with maximum functionality and impeccable design cost around 1000 USD.

Bath faucet HANSGROHE PuraVida 15771000. Cost - 600 USD.

Varieties

Combined mixers have been produced for a long time and do not lose popularity with the consumer. A hose is used to connect the faucet and the shower, allowing the elements to be placed at a distance from each other. Models differ in the way they open, the presence of additional functions, dimensions and shape. A special watering can allows you to change the modes of water supply, has an ergonomic design. There are the following types of mixers:

with two valves

This type of mixer belongs to the classic variety of taps. On the sides are valves for hot and cold water, allowing you to adjust the pressure and manually adjust the temperature. They are easy to use and low cost. The handles are easy to unscrew. Models will appeal to fans of traditional design.

Water regulation is carried out using a block-node, which is part of the structure. The two-valve model has a long service life - it rarely breaks due to the simplicity of the device. The disadvantages include the presence of rubber gaskets in the design, which quickly fail and require replacement.The price of Russian-made mixers ranges from 2 to 6 thousand rubles.

single lever

This is a fairly common model, which is in great demand among the consumer. To turn on the water, you need to lift the lever. Temperature control is carried out automatically using the built-in ceramic or spherical cartridge. The first is made in the form of two durable plates, characterized by a high level of wear resistance. Individual parts, like the adjusting head of the ball mechanism, are made of stainless steel.

thermostatic

This model is the most modern type of cranes, equipped with sensors. Stylish design allows you to integrate it into high-tech interiors. On the front side there is a panel with switches for setting the required water temperature.

touch

Such a mixer has a built-in sensor that reacts to the approach of hands. Water turns on automatically, which helps save time. Most often, models are purchased for restaurants, public toilets, shopping centers. The water temperature is set in advance - the visitor cannot change it on his own.

For the manufacture of models used stainless steel. The most popular and affordable option is steel with an anti-corrosion coating, which is distinguished by its versatility, strength and affordable price. Brass and bronze have an attractive appearance, they allow you to create custom-shaped faucets. An interesting option allows you to create ceramics, but it is quite brittle.

Rating of popular manufacturers from Europe:

• Grohe, Elghansa, Hansgrohe, Jado, Hansa (Germany);
• Timo, Oras (Finland);
• Lemark (Czech Republic);
• Jacob Delafon, Valentin (France);
• Gustavsberg (Sweden);
• Bugatti, Fiore, Bandini (Italy).

Spout design

After evaluating the above parameters, you should take a closer look at the spout. It can be fixed or rotating relative to the body. The second allows you to save money and put one appliance for the bath and sink. Of course, if they are in close proximity. Such a spout should be quite long - at least 30 cm.

If you plan to install only for the bathroom, then it is advisable to buy a mixer with a short spout. It is much more compact, looks neat and, thanks to the one-piece molded body, lasts longer.

It would also be useful to pay attention to the spout nozzle and what kind of flow is formed at the outlet:

• aerator - creates a jet consisting of a mixture of water and air. Thanks to this, savings are achieved, while the pressure remains strong;
• cascading - the stream comes out of the tap in the form of a water curtain, in another way it can still be described as a mini-waterfall. It certainly looks spectacular, but the resource consumption increases significantly.

How much does a faucet cost

For the buyer, when choosing, far from the last place is the price:

1. For example, a Jacob Delafon Carafe E 18865 sink faucet with a joystick, a ceramic cartridge, an aerator, a swivel spout and a built-in filter costs about 20,400 rubles.

2. For a washbasin and a bathtub with a shower (WasserKRAFT Isen 2602L): 1 grip, a long swivel gander, a watering can with a hose, a shower switch - ≈ 5500 rubles.

3. For a bath with a shower (Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34155000): 2 valves, thermostat, built-in filter, ceramic cartridge, eco mode - ≈ 12,000 rubles.

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

5.For a bath (TEKA Alaior 22.121.02.00): 1 grip, ceramic cartridge, brass body, vertical mounting, aerator - ≈ 7400 rubles.

6. For the shower (Grohe Grohtherm-1000 34143000): 2 levers, thermostat, stainless steel housing, built-in filter, check valve - ≈ 15,800 rubles.

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

Prices are valid for Moscow and the region as of 2017.