Comparison Idevit Merkur 0201-3505 500 mm vs Fancy Marble Elina 700 700 mm

— Suspended. Washbasins designed to be fixed to the wall. These models take up a minimum of space, but are quite difficult to install, because they require the installation on the wall of the corresponding attachments. It is very difficult to install. In addition, in most hanging washbasins, drain pipes (and sometimes eyeliner) often remain visible, which is not very aesthetic. You have to either put up with this, or go to certain devices (for example, independently build a bedside table to cover the pipes). At the same time, there are varieties devoid of this defect. These models are equipped either with a half pedestal (cf. «Complete»), or a full pedestal for installation on the floor. However, in the latter case still require a wall mount for stability, and therefore they are not attributed to the following floor.

— Vessel on stand. Washbasins designed for installation on a specially adapted pedestal. Somewhat easier to install than hanging ones, as they do not require brackets or other attachments - it is enough to put the sink on the cabinet and bring communication. In addition, drain and other pipes during installation are hidden in the cabinet, which provides a neat appearance, and the cabinet itself can play the role of locker. On the other hand, the need to search and select the cabinets creates additional hassle, such washbasins take more space than the hangin...g, and features of the design somewhat limit the variety of forms.

— Vessel on tabletop. Type of overhead washbasins designed for installation on the countertop. In many ways similar to the overhead models designed for cabinets (see above), but much easier to install: in this case, no specialized pedestal is required, any horizontal surface with a hole under the drain is suitable. This makes it much easier to choose a stand for this type of washstand, and they can have almost any shape.

— Mortise in tabletop. Washbasins designed for integration into a flat surface. They look quite elegant and take up a little space, in addition leave the user with the option: the sink can be built into the top surface of a special cabinet, and in the simplest shelf. In the first case, you can hide inside the communication, and the second option provides maximum free space. At the same time, this type requires both a suitable surface (cabinet or shelf) and a hole in it in the shape of a shell - with a certain skill it is possible to make it yourself, but it is better to contact a specialist.

— Mortise under tabletop. A variety of mortise washbasins (see above), in which the upper edge of the sink during installation is located not above, but below the countertop. This moment does not play a special role (except that it is somewhat easier to clean up water spilled on the countertop — it is enough to “drive” it with a rag to the edge of the sink), in terms of its main features, this variety is completely similar to the previous one.

— On washing machine. Washbasins designed to be fitted with a washing machine under the sink. This option is convenient primarily because it allows you to optimally use the space in the room. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that modern «washers» can differ markedly in size, and before buying it will not hurt to clarify the compatibility of the washbasin with a particular machine; and if the machine has a vertical load, this option is not applicable at all. The nuances of the installation in different models of such washbasins may differ, but most often the sink is attached to the wall, and the washing machine is supported only partially (although the role of the main support is still played by the «washer»).

— Floor. In full accordance with the name of such washbasins are integral structures of bowls and cabinets designed for installation on the floor. Their main difference from the suspended models with a bedside table (see above) is that they are able to stand steadily on a flat floor without any additional attachments. Due to this, the floor model can be, metaphorically speaking, installed even in the middle of the bath (the main thing - to deal with the supply of pipes). Accordingly, this type is the easiest to install. However, the floor models are quite expensive.

There are washbasins designed for several installation options - for example, models with the possibility of applying both to the stand and to the table top.

The majority of washbasins are made of ceramic and engineered stone. However, there are also rare copper, acrylic, stainless steel, enameled steel and even glass. More about each of them:

— Ceramic composite. The most common material for modern sinks. Today ceramic washbasins are made of: porcelain and faience. Porcelain has good strength, but is difficult to manufacture, due to which it is quite expensive and relatively rare. Faience is a little less durable, at the same time it is cheaper and looks no worse, thanks to which it has become widespread.

— Artificial stone. Most often, this term means injection marble - a composite material based on marble or quartz crumb with a filler of polyester resin with dyes. The main advantage of engineered stone is durability: it is almost the most resistant material used in modern shells. In addition, it looks very good and easy to clean. However, such washbasins are quite expensive.

— Glass. Glass can be referred to as a premium materials: it looks elegant, at the same time very original, which makes it well suited to various interiors, incl. and non-standard. The main drawback of glass is its fragility: it is somewhat worse to withstand damage than the above materials, a...nd requires careful handling. This is especially true for heavy objects - they should not be dropped on glass shells.

— Stainless steel. The main advantage of steel is extremely high strength: such a washbasin can fly off the anchorages, but will not break and is not likely to even warp. In addition, this material has a specific, rather stylish appearance. On the other hand, steel washbasins are not cheap, and therefore are produced rarely - mainly in consideration of special conditions of use when strength and/or vandalism are important. For example, such models are good for public toilets in stadiums or concert complexes.

— Acrylic. Most often, acrylic is a composite material that combines acrylic itself (high-quality plastic) with fiberglass. One of the important advantages of such washbasins is ease of care: the acrylic surface resists stains and streaks well, is easy to clean, and old dirt does not form on it. However such a washbasin scratches relatively easily, but at the same time, scratches can be easily removed by grinding and polishing. But among the more serious drawbacks, poor compatibility with some detergents (mainly based on petroleum products) and sensitivity to high temperatures can be noted. The latter is especially true for bathrooms with boilers, where much hotter water can come from a tap than from a regular plumbing. However, this material tolerates short-term contact with "boiling water" without consequences.



— Natural stone. Expensive and prestigious material used in premium, mainly designer, washbasins. The natural stone has a solid appearance, is pleasant to the touch, is excellent against scratches and easy to clean. In addition, the environmental friendliness of this material can also be recorded. On the other hand, natural stone is very expensive, and heavy weight makes transportation and installation difficult.

— Enamelled steel. Steel, additionally coated with a layer of enamel. The steel base is strong and reliable, and the coating looks nice and provides increased scratch resistance. In addition, it can be given almost any shade, and the design of such washbasins is not limited to gray-steel color «stainless steel». The price of enameled products can be different, depending on the brand and overall quality of manufacture. From their shortcomings we can call sensitivity to impacts - from this on the enamel may appear chipping.

— Copper. Copper washbasins are primarily a designer series of plumbing equipment. Most copper washbasins are created in an antique style, with a layer of patina created on the surface of copper, which is easy to give the plumbing an ancient look. In total, copper is valued for its excellent antibacterial properties. It is not uncommon for a copper washbasin to require a table top, as copper plumbing is very heavy.

Position of the bowl (sink) relative to the body of the washbasin.

— Centre. The most simple and optimal configuration, centered on the wide side of the shell. It is found in the vast majority of modern models of washbasins.

— Right. Positioning the bowl on the right will be by the way in non-standard conditions of installation of the washbasin. Such models are most often installed on corner cabinets, which are located in the left corner of the room. They can also be installed independently - under the wing of some washbasins with an offset bowl can be placed, for example, a washing machine.

— Left. Mirror version of the «right» bowl, placed on the left hand relative to the basin body. Plays practical value in non-standard conditions or acts as a design element of the bathroom.

— Left / right. In some washbasins, the manufacturer or store does not specify the exact placement of the bowl in the model name. The side of the sink must be specified at the stage of agreement with the seller of the goods, so that the purchase of a suitable washbasin was without surprises.

The wing is a flat surface located usually on both sides of the shell at the level of its upper edge; the arrangement on one side implies the corresponding one-way arrangement of the bowl (see above). Such a surface can play the role of a kind of shelf: it can, for example, put appropriate accessories for shaving or cosmetics when wearing makeup.

The overflow is a special opening located at the top of the shell. It prevents the transfusion of water over the edge: reaching the overflow, water through a special hose enters the drain pipe, which saves the bathroom from the «flood». Such a hose may be part of the wash basin, but most often it has to be purchased separately.

Note that overflow is designed for situations when the drain itself is closed (for example, by plugging); but if the drain is clogged lower (for example, in a siphon), this function will be useless - the water will still have nowhere to go from the filling shell. And therefore, the presence of overflow in the design of the wash basin does not eliminate the need to monitor the state of the sewer.

The diameter of the hole required for the installation of the mixer. This size makes it possible to understand the size of the mixer to be selected, the size of the additional parts to be fitted and whether the opening for an existing faucet has to be extended or narrowed.

There are many national stereotypes: many users find certain countries more attractive than others. However, nowadays these stereotypes are practically unfounded. Firstly, in the country of origin of the brand, often only the headquarters of the manufacturer is located, and the production may be located in another state. Secondly, the origin of a certain country is not yet a guarantee of quality: it all depends on how carefully a particular manufacturer controls its products. Therefore, to assess the quality, it is worth focusing not on “nationality”, but first of all on the reputation of a particular brand and the price category of the product. Among the countries represented are the following: Belgium, Germany, India, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, USA, Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan.