How to choose a reliable bathroom faucet with shower: review of the best models and comparison of characteristics

When renovating a bathroom or after a leak appears in the taps, the apartment owner is faced with the question: how to choose a good bath faucet. Stores offer such a wide range that the task is not easy. Many manufacturers produce outwardly similar designs and different mechanisms for opening and closing the tap. Materials, types of fastening, prices differ, so first they understand the technical details, and only then go shopping.

Control principle

The first question that the buyer faces is: what type of mixer should he choose: single-lever or double-valve? Or spend money and install a thermostat?

Two-valve

The faucet has two levers: for cold and for hot water. The flow is adjusted by turning these switches. There are two types of crane boxes possible here.

Worm-type – a rubber shut-off collar; when the valve is turned, the rod extends, shutting off the water. This is the simplest and most reliable mechanism. The repair consists mainly of replacing the rubber gasket. But you will have to do this often, as it wears out quickly.

Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to note the inconvenience of operation: in order to set the desired temperature, you need to suffer a lot by turning the valves several turns. Also, such mechanisms exhibit instability in the settings. This occurs due to changes in the properties of rubber during heating and cooling.

Ceramic - the design involves the presence of two ceramic plates with holes, while one of them is stationary. During the adjustment process, the movable plate moves, increasing or decreasing the gap between the holes, thus changing the parameters of the incoming liquid.

This is a durable system that is easy to use: you only need to turn the valves by 90 or 180 ℃. When installing this option, the correct solution would be to immediately install a pre-filter to remove coarse particles. If sand gets between the plates, it will cause damage and the need to replace the axlebox will arise. And it's not cheap.

Single lever

A single lever is used to control temperature and pressure. Rotating up and down and left and right allows you to instantly and accurately adjust the optimal settings.

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

Sometimes cartridges with polymer plates are available for 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 touch panel for settings.

In addition to being expensive, such devices have a number of disadvantages:

• electronics are sensitive to high humidity and therefore fail quite quickly;
• Due to the low distribution, it is very difficult to find spare parts.

Advantages and vulnerabilities

The advantages of the options are paid for by their characteristic features and difficulties.

A wall-mounted model with a shower is the easiest to install, but the finish will inevitably be splashed due to its high location, and you will have to stretch to adjust the flow. A fairly large faucet is not always harmonious with the interior of the room. The connections of a moving gander “cry” over time, and sometimes the tube breaks off in the hands of an unlucky owner. The inconvenience is usually offset by the lower cost of samples.

Single lever cast from LEMARK

Elghansa ECOFLOW BETA with swivel jib

Classic minimalism

The causes of problems are often due to careless installation: deviations in the center distance; eccentric skew, ends out of one plane; pinched gaskets - contribute to the violation of the tightness of the joints.

A built-in mixer is the best choice for a shower. Nothing extra that takes up space, just a cover with a small handle, an ergonomic hose, and a shower head. The shut-off and control unit is located inside the box (i-box), which is placed in the wall, taking into account the connecting dimensions of the overhead group. There are built-in modifications that represent an entire body recessed into a niche.

The need for wiring under the cladding complicates the application. Minor leaks are invisible, so unexpected breakdowns are likely. It is difficult or impossible to maintain or repair the system without completely removing the hidden components. High reliability costs money; little-known budget brands do not guarantee it.

Placing a built-in unit with a thermostat in the partition.

Installation operations require qualifications and special tools. Upon completion, it is recommended to check the network by hydraulic testing in accordance with SP 73.13330.2016, paragraph 7.2.

Explanatory videos:

From GROHE:

Domestic masters:

Fashionable acrylic bathtubs allow fittings to be inserted on any side. The tap on the side is always at hand for those who like to soak in some water. The design is small-sized and practical.

Laconic valve design.

The cast, non-rotating spout is free of potentially leaking moving joints and will withstand significant loads. However, there is no need to grab onto it, because the lambs are separated. The gander does an excellent job of filling the tank: a smooth, powerful stream, minimal splashes without the risk of breaking off the rotating part.

The shower head is inserted into the socket, the hose is wound under the side, and is easily pulled out to the length desired by the user. There are no twists that reduce the service life of the headset, the corners are free from loose sleeves.

Washbasin models with a fixed spout dominate. Companies offer a range of standard sizes of different heights; an innovation is a jet tilted by an aerator.

The highest hygiene is provided by sensor modifications, activated by moving the palm near the sensor.

Collection M2 Roca

Kludi contactless sample

The connection is made from below, using rubber-metal, corrugated stainless steel hoses; copper tubes; metal-plastic. It is inconvenient to tighten the housing studs under the sink; the angle of rotation of the key is limited. Oxidized hardware cannot be disassembled, so stainless steel fasteners are preferable.

Floor solutions are the elite of the world of faucets. In addition to their direct purpose, they emphasize class and give compositional completeness to the interior. Products of excellent quality are not affordable for everyone: brands start from hundreds of thousands of rubles. A floor stand needs a spacious open plan; a flagship is cramped in a typical bathroom of a multi-story building.

Roca Loft series

The supply of water through pipes laid in the floor requires a serious approach to waterproofing, assembly and testing. Warm electric floors impose additional restrictions.

Mounting type

It would be wise to think through this parameter even before the repairs begin, because it determines how communications will be laid. If you are simply replacing an old mixer with a new one, then similar fasteners are a prerequisite for installing new equipment.

• On the wall

The most common type of fastening is when the device is attached to cold and hot water supply risers using union nuts. In this case, water supply pipes can be hidden behind decorative trim or placed in front of the wall.

This is the easiest design to connect and repair. But here, too, there are models with installation that requires considerable effort: this is an option when only control points are within sight, and all other components are built into the wall.

• On board bath

Most often, for this type, a bathtub with existing holes is used or you have to make them yourself. An acrylic font is most suitable for these purposes.

Such products also differ in appearance: it can be a monoblock, similar to a sink faucet, or a device with elements spaced along the side. In the second case, flexible hoses or a rigid connection are used for installation, which requires special care and precision.

It must be taken into account that to access the structural components you will have to move the bathtub, and this is not always possible.

• To the floor

This type is difficult to install, since the pipes have to be laid under the floor and lead to the installation site of the bathroom. Typically, this option is used in spacious rooms, for free-standing bathtubs.

In addition, such racks are not particularly stable, so it is not so difficult to damage it by tearing it out of its place.

Technical features

A bathroom faucet with a shower has a number of technical differences from devices designed for a washbasin or kitchen sink.

• the devices are not equipped with a special “shower-bathtub” switch, small in size and weight. The installed shower set provides the water flow with the desired temperature. Many models have a low spout of a rotary or fixed type;
• Almost all models of shower faucets have flexible adjustment, a long holder for the shower head, and are designed for wall mounting;
• elite models are additionally equipped with electronic control units for setting a comfortable water heating temperature, strength, and direction of the jet;
• the devices have several external openings through which the water stream enters the bath.

You can choose and then install several options for faucets in your bathroom - for a bathtub, washbasin, shower.

Spout design

After assessing the parameters described above, 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 install one device 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 it only for the bathroom, then it is advisable to buy a faucet with a short spout. It is much more compact, looks neat and, thanks to the one-piece 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 stream consisting of a mixture of water and air. This results in savings, but the pressure remains strong;
• cascading - the flow comes out of the tap in the form of a curtain of water; in another way it can also be described as a mini-waterfall. It certainly looks impressive, but resource consumption increases significantly.

Content

1. Control type
2. Rating of the TOP 7 best faucets with bath shower Ledeme H87 L3187
3. Grohe Grohtherm 1000 New 34143003
4. Edelform Irida ID1810
5. Grohe GRANDERA 23318000
6. LEMARK LM4712G
7. Grohe Lineare 19965001
8. MILARDO AMUSBLCM1

Switching mechanism “spout - shower”

The switching mechanism between spout and shower is:

• push-button – to switch the flow you need to press the button or lift it. Such a system quickly becomes unusable due to weakening of the spring and wear of the valve;
• lever - the mode is adjusted by turning the switch 90 - 120 ℃. This is a fairly reliable mechanism, but in case of failure, it is difficult to find a compatible element;
• ball - to turn on the shower, turn the handle 180 ℃. This is a quality design that lasts a long time. But if it breaks, it is impossible to repair it - you will have to change the mixer.

Connecting hose

One of the weak points of the mixer is the hose connecting the body and the shower head. This is where a leak first forms and the need to replace the part arises. Therefore, you need to take a closer look at its properties. The hose can be:

• plastic - characterized by long service life, but when cooled it loses flexibility. Therefore, if you are used to taking a cool shower, be prepared to meet resistance in the form of a poorly bending hose;
• rubber - most often has a metal braid, which over time begins to diverge and grinds the rubber, which is already losing elasticity due to lime deposits;
• silicone - metallized or foil internal and external braiding protects against damage. Therefore, the connector looks attractive, and at the same time has significantly higher reliability indicators in comparison with the previous version.

To prevent leaks at the hose connection points, select a device that has a swivel installed - a bearing that allows the watering can to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the hose without any damage.

Shower Heads

After pouring, inspect the shower head and its features. It is made of metal or plastic. Plastic ones break faster, but are cheaper. But metal ones are more durable, although you need to pay more for them.

Particular attention should be paid to the nozzles. It is better if they are rubber, since they are easier to clean from limescale and sand.

Most modern watering cans are equipped with several water supply modes. You can adjust the intensity of the pressure and the direction of the jets as you wish.

Material

Its reliability and operating life depend on the material from which the device is made.

• Stainless steel

Shows good performance characteristics, lasts a long time and looks decent. The only disadvantages are excessive massiveness and high price.

• Brass

A popular option because it combines two main advantages: excellent performance and reasonable price. Typically, such models have a decorative coating, and therefore provide the opportunity to choose a faucet that matches the design.

• Bronze

It will cost more than brass, but it is stronger and more reliable. These devices are not hidden under any kind of coating, since bronze itself looks very attractive, especially for decorating a retro bathroom.

• Ceramics

Ceramics are used to decorate individual elements of the mixer: for example, valves, shower heads. This material is fragile and can crack and split upon impact, and it is not cheap. Because of this, it is used quite rarely.

• Silumin

An alloy of aluminum and silicon additives, a very porous and brittle material, and is also susceptible to corrosion. Cheap Chinese devices are usually made from silumin. However, the savings here are questionable: such a crane will not last long.

It is easy to distinguish silumin products by weight. It will be much lighter than its brothers.

Popular brands

Quite a lot of companies produce bathroom faucets; how to choose the right option in this case. There are several popular options among manufacturers:

• Grohe company. Mixers of this brand are characterized by high quality at low cost.
• Danish-made DAMIXA mixers are characterized by high technology and stylish design. When using them, there is a reduced water consumption.
• Finnish ORAS faucets have a stylish design and are made of modern materials and alloys. Reliable, durable and easy-to-use devices.

To summarize, it can be noted that when choosing plumbing fixtures - bathroom faucets for showers, you should take into account the cost of the devices, their appearance and functionality.

Coating

As already indicated, bronze items are usually not hidden under any decoration. In this case, the metal can be polished with a mirror shine or matte. In the second case, over time it becomes covered with a noble greenish patina.

But faucets made of brass and stainless steel are often coated. It happens:

• chromed - mirror or matte, silver in color or with a tint that disguises the metal as another material, for example, gold;
• enameled - a polymer layer that allows you to disguise the faucet as ceramic, give it the texture of stone or simply a colored coating (pictured).

Please note that any coating will sooner or later be erased and the “true essence” will appear. Therefore, if you choose products with spraying, then avoid cleaning with abrasive agents and be prepared for the fact that sooner or later the outer layer will begin to wear off anyway.

Enamel devices, among other things, must not be subjected to mechanical shock, otherwise the enamel will become cracked and break off.

Manufacturers

The quality and reliability of the mixer is guaranteed by the name of the manufacturer. Self-respecting brands always provide a guarantee for their products, which inspires trust. Among foreign companies it is worth highlighting:

• Grohe (Germany);
• WasserKraft (Germany);
• Jacob Delafon (France);
• Damixa (Denmark);
• Teka (Spain);
• Oras (Finland);
• Gustavsberg (Sweden).

Russian products also deserve attention. The following brands receive positive reviews: Aquatika, Argo, Iddis, Milardo.

Products from famous brands cannot be cheap, and here, more than ever, the rule “the stingy pays twice” is relevant. Therefore, it is better to spend money once and enjoy flawless operation for at least several years than to buy a new faucet every few months.

TOP best faucets

Check out our rating of the best devices. Perhaps you will like something and won’t have to rack your brains for a long time over the choice.

Pay special attention to these two models.

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

Pros:

• high-quality materials and assembly;
• standard landing size – 150 mm;
• The kit contains everything required for installation.

Minuses:

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

Gappo G1148 is a popular type today for installation on the side of a bathroom, costing from 11,000 rubles. This is a Chinese product, but it is made very well. The structure is made of brass with a high-quality top layer of white color and chrome-plated parts. 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 parts.

Minuses:

• non-standard connectors on the hose;
• plastic watering can.

5 more popular options:

1. ARGO YORK for RUB 6,758.
2. GROHE BauLoop for RUR 6,653.
3. OLIVE'S VASCO 27201VS for RUB 3,952.
4. Rossinka RS33-32 for 4,530 rubles.
5. Rossinka Y40-353 RUR 3,630

Comparison table of the presented models

The characteristics of the devices considered are summarized in the table.

Where can I buy

The best place to purchase a faucet is a large plumbing or hardware store. It is possible to order the device via the Internet from the following sellers (the links lead directly to the mixers - open and select):

• Baucenter - there are both the usual wall-mounted and built-in options;
• All Tools – 329 items of different types;
• Leroy Merlin – different types of models available.

Just don't be tempted by cheap products from the markets. Most often these are low-quality goods from the Middle Kingdom or counterfeit brands. In any case, you need to require all accompanying documentation.

Criteria for choosing wisely

The range 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 making a choice is certainly not easy. 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 installation methods. And it’s clear to understand that you can’t get “candy” for a ruble: a good-quality, durable device always has a decent price.

Mixers for bathroom furnishings are divided into valve and single lever. In the first, the pressure and water supply are controlled using two valves

According to the type of mechanism for closing/opening the flow of hot and cold water, valve mixers are divided into limited rotation, reciprocating and rotating

Two-valve faucets include retro-style devices with ball mechanisms and control levers. They work in a similar way to ball valves.

According to the installation method, all types of faucets for installation in the bathroom are divided into wall-mounted and rim-mounted plumbing fixtures

Double-handle bathtub-mounted faucets can look like separate water flow controls

Single-lever mixers are also available in two versions: for wall installation and mounting on the side of a bowl

Single-lever varieties are equipped with disk or ball cartridges as mechanisms for controlling the flow of hot and cold water

Both single-lever and wall-mounted valve mixers can be attached to the sides of the bathtub using support adapters

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

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

High prices for plumbing fixtures from popular brands are caused not only by “payment for reputation.” The numbers in the price tag are also influenced by the fact that many well-known companies collaborate with famous designers to create aesthetic and ergonomic products, and many faucet models are truly unique.

The warranty on faucets from trusted European companies is usually 5 years. And such devices will serve for at least 10 years.

In addition, companies can use special technologies and their own patented coatings, which are many times superior in quality to conventional materials.

It is worth noting that any “renowned” 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 coated with compounds hazardous to health. It is not advisable to purchase such products in order to save money.

Devices that catch your eye should definitely be given a full-time “test drive”: touch, twirl. This will help you intuitively feel “your” unit.