Comparison Grohe SmartControl 29124000 vs Grohe SmartControl 29148000

The tap type is indicated by the type of controls installed in it. A number of features of both management and application in general depend on this. Nowadays, on the market you can find single cross handle, two cross handle, single lever (including those with additional touch control), non-contact and thermostatic taps, as well as push button models, which include both self-closing and thermostatic with a button. Here are the main features of these options:

— Single handle. Taps controlled by a single rotary handle (or a lever that moves in only one plane). In fact, they are not even "taps" as such, since they cannot mix hot and cold water and only regulate the pressure of the water supplied to them. It makes sense to use single handle models where the water temperature is constant and/or it makes no sense to regulate it — for example, in models for a kitchen filter (see "Suitable for"), for a washbasin where only cold water is used, or for an English-style washbasin, where hot and cold water is supplied from separate taps and mixed in the sink.

— Double handle. The classic design of taps, which does not lose popularity nowadays: two rotary handles responsible for...hot and cold water, respectively. This design is simple and inexpensive, while being reliable, moreover, it is convenient for precise temperature control. In addition, two handle taps are not afraid of the difference in the pressure of hot and cold water, and therefore it is recommended to use them with boilers. The disadvantage of this option is the impossibility of changing the pressure separately from the temperature and vice versa — any change requires turning both valves, while the pressure and temperature can fluctuate.

— Single lever. Taps where the flow of water is controlled by a single lever. Most often, turning the joystick from side to side in such models regulates the temperature, and tilting relative to the axis of rotation controls the pressure. This allows you to adjust the temperature without changing the pressure (and vice versa) and even “remember” the selected temperature option (just lower the lever to close without turning it sideways). At the same time, such devices are less accurate in adjustment than double cross handle ones.
Occasionally, you can also find a more specific variety — single-lever taps, supplemented by a separate temperature control lever (see below). In such models, the main joystick controls only the pressure.

— Push button. Models of mixers in which the control of turning the water supply on and off is assigned to a button. The first press turns on the water flow, the second turns it off. The button can be either an auxiliary means for conveniently turning on/off the water, or the main control element for the tap. In the latter option, to adjust the water supply pressure, the button is often made rotary.

— Self-closing. A variety of taps with button activation. However, here the button works on the principle of a timer: when you press it, water flows, and then a special mechanism gradually returns the button back, blocking the flow. Closing time is selected in such a way that one press allows you to more or less effectively wash your hands. Such devices are especially popular in public places, such as toilets of cafés, shopping centres, cinemas, etc.: there is no need to worry that an inattentive visitor will forget to turn off the tap. Most often, these taps are single-temperature, but there are also models with a temperature adjustment lever (see below).

— Thermostatic. Taps that have a thermostat function — that is, capable of automatically maintaining the temperature set by the user. Such models are extremely convenient: when the pressure or temperature of the water in the pipes fluctuates, you do not need to fiddle with the settings — the device will independently select the operating mode so that the outlet temperature does not change (or at least these changes are minimal). The main disadvantage of thermostatic models is the complexity of the design and, as a result, the high cost. In addition, many of them require an electrical connection. For control, models may include rotary controls or a button (see above).

— Non-contact. Models operated in a non-contact way — without the need to touch the device. This format of operation is most popular in washbasin taps (see "Suitable for"): in such models, a sensor is used that reacts to the presence of the user's hands under the spout. This is especially convenient in common areas where it is undesirable to touch the tap once again. There are other types of non-contact models — in particular, devices for the kitchen or shower. In the first case, it can be inconvenient to open an ordinary tap with dirty hands after kitchen work. At the same time, the control may not be completely contactless — there are devices with valves or other equipment for pre-setting the temperature, while the sensor in them works only as a water flow switch. And touchless shower taps necessarily have an additional control for setting the temperature; the sensor in them reacts not just to the hands, but to the whole person.

— Single-lever + touch. A variety of single-lever mixers (see above), equipped with an additional switch. As in conventional single-lever models, the joystick in such devices is used to adjust the pressure and temperature; the difference lies in the fact that the water is opened not by a lever, but by the mentioned switch. In other words, it is enough to set the optimal pressure and temperature once using the joystick — and then you can turn on the water by simply touching the switch. The device of the switch itself can be different: in some models, the entire tap's body plays its role, in others a special button or even a foot pedal is provided. The exception is the non-contact models described above — they may be similar in design and method of use, but all the same, these taps are classified into a separate category.

The functions of the tap are mainly design features, among which the are check valve, bottom valve, cold start, LED backlight, temperature adjustment lever, display, auto-drain (hygienic flush), washer/dishwasher switch< /a>, shelves for accessories. In more detail:

— Check valve. The non-return valve prevents the flow of water through the tap in the opposite direction — for example, when there is a large pressure difference between hot and cold water. This function will be relevant for those who are going to install water metres: the presence of check valves on mixers is often a prerequisite for fulfilling an application for installation, because such valves prevent counters from spinning in the opposite direction. In addition, you should pay attention to the presence of a check valve in the tap (especially a single-lever tap, see "Tap type"), if there are interruptions in the water supply of your house — such taps behave much better in case of pressure surges in the water supply.

— Drain valve. A device that allows you to close the drain hole in the sink, kitchen sink or bidet (depending on the purpose of the tap). There are two types:

— Lever drain valve....To control the operation of such a valve, a small lever is used, located behind the tap, on the side of it or in front of the body. Raising and lowering it opens and closes the drain plug in the sink.

— Pressing drain valve. Valves of this type are locked and unlocked by pressing the drain plug, for which you need to wet your hand.

— Cold start. A feature found exclusively in single-lever models. The general principle of operation of the “cold start” is as follows: if you open the tap with the initial position of the joystick, it will not bring out mixed warm water (as in more traditional single-lever devices), but only cold water. To add hot water and raise the temperature, you need to deflect the lever from its initial position. Such a format of work can provide significant savings: by default, cold water comes out of the tap, and hot water is added to it only if necessary.

— LED light. Lighting system based on LEDs — an efficient and economical source of illumination. The purpose and functionality of such a backlight may be different. So, in some models, it is installed on the spout and directed downwards, which allows you to clearly see the space under the spout even in low ambient light. Sometimes such illumination also illuminates the stream of water, giving it an unusual appearance. There are also quite original systems — for example, with a transparent spout and LEDs at its base, which creates the effect of a tap glowing from the inside; and in some models, the lighting also changes color depending on the temperature of the water. However, anyway, this feature significantly affects the cost, so it is typical mainly for premium products.

— Autodrain (hygienic flush). Such a system is equipped with taps with additional electronics — mostly contactless models, as well as products with a thermostat or a button switch. The autodrain works as follows: at a certain rate (for example, once every 12 hours or once a day), the automation briefly turns on the water. Due to this, harmful bacteria are washed out of the device, which tend to multiply on the inner surfaces of the spout and in “stagnant” water inside the tap itself. At the same time, the consumption of water for hygienic washing is small, usually it is practically not noticeable against the background of general consumption.

— Temperature adjustment lever. A function found in taps, which design initially does not imply a temperature controller — primarily non-contact models, as well as in products with one main lever or with button activation (see "Tap type"). As the name implies, the temperature control lever allows you to use such a tap not only to control the pressure, but also to change the temperature of the water.

– Display. Taps that display temperature and/or current water flow. The display provides a clear visualization of the settings and allows you to see what kind of water and how much is flowing from the tap. However, the presence of the screen significantly affects the cost of the tap.

— Washer/dishwasher switch. A function that can significantly facilitate the connection of a washing machine or dishwasher to the water supply system. Taps with a washer/dishwasher switch have a separate pipe for connecting the dishwasher, as well as the switch itself, which allows you to open and close the water supply to this pipe. Thus, to connect a washing machine or dishwasher, you do not need to install additional bushings, splitters, etc. — just connect the device to an existing output. And you can control the water supply directly from the tap body, for this you do not need to get under the sink or into another hard-to-reach place.

— Shelf for accessories. Most often, the role of such a shelf is played by the upper part of the body, specially made flat. This feature is found mainly in bath and/or shower taps (see “Suitable for”): it is convenient to keep shampoos, gels, soaps and other cosmetic/hygiene products on the shelf.

Note that this function is rare — mainly in high-end taps (in particular, thermostatic ones), which initially have large body sizes. In more traditional models, it makes no sense to include this design element — it is wiser to purchase a shelf as a separate accessory for the bathroom.

The maximum water flow during the operation of the tap, in other words, the maximum amount of water that it can pass through in a minute. This characteristic is important, foremost, for models designed for baths (see "Suitable for"): the greater the throughput, the faster the bath will fill. However, the meaning of this paragraph is not limited to this. First, flow information can be useful in certain calculations related to water supply — for example, to calculate the required pump capacity. Secondly, high-end taps can be equipped with aerators to achieve a powerful and efficient jet with low water consumption; the consumption indicated in the characteristics allows you to evaluate the efficiency of such devices in comparison with analogues.

Type of additional finishing provided in the tap. This item can specify several options — this means that this model is available in different design options. And if the finishing material coincides with the body material, this means that there is virtually no additional coating; this is found, in particular, among taps made of stainless steel, which itself is quite resistant to corrosion.

In modern taps, the following types of finishing are used: granite, chrome, chrome with granite, chrome with gold, matte chrome, stainless steel (glossy or brushed), brass, nickel, copper, bronze, gold, as well as brushed in one color or another. Here are the features of each option:

— Granite. Granite is characterized by a pleasant appearance, moreover, it is available in an abundance of different colours, allowing you to choose a tap for the design of the kitchen. Of its advantages, it is worth noting high durability, absolute resistance to corrosion and good sanitary characteristics (prevents the growth of bacteria). The main disadvantage is the high...price.

— Chrome. Chrome plating is applied to metal surfaces primarily for corrosion protection; it has a characteristic shiny (almost mirror-like) appearance. Chrome provides high resistance to oxidation and damage, yet looks good and is inexpensive — as a result, it is one of the most widely used coating materials. Its main disadvantage is the tendency to get imprints on it over time; their removal is associated with certain troubles.

— Chrome/granite. The combination of chrome and granite finish in one product. See above for more details about the features of each of these materials, but here we note that their combination implies the presence of different types of finish in different parts of the tap. Thus, the design acquires a more original and stylish appearance, greater hygiene and resistance to contamination than pure chrome, while being cheaper than pure granite. And from the point of view of the overall design of a bathroom or kitchen, it is this combination that in some cases turns out to be the best option.

— Chrome/gold. The combination of chrome finish with individual "gold" sections. The features of chrome are described above, and the "gold" elements give the product a rich appearance, while a fairly large number of buyers prefer this combination to the “solid gold” finish.

— Matte chrome. A matte variation of chrome finish (see above). On such a surface, dirt, and prints are much less noticeable than on a classic glossy; in addition, it may be more suitable in design or simply more pleasing to the eye than glossy. At the same time, the creation of matte surfaces is associated with certain difficulties, and therefore they are relatively uncommon.

— Stainless steel (glossy). Stainless steel finish is generally similar in characteristics to chrome — it is durable and resistant to corrosion. However, such a surface is somewhat different in appearance and for a number of reasons it is used mainly in premium-class models — including taps made entirely of "stainless steel" (such models, in fact, have no finish).

— Stainless steel (brushed). Similar to matte chrome, such steel is more resistant to dirt than glossy (see above), otherwise it is completely identical to it.

— Brass. Brass coating is most often combined with a body made of the same material (that is, there is actually no special finish in such a tap). One of the advantages of such a surface is a pleasant golden hue, which is especially suitable for retro-style taps. At the same time, the cost of such products for a number of reasons turns out to be quite high, besides, they are prone to the appearance of hard-to-remove prints. Therefore, they are quite rare.

— Nickel. In terms of characteristics, nickel finish is similar to chrome and is used for the same purposes, however, for a number of reasons, it is much less common than chrome.

— Copper. Finish of characteristic reddish color. Copper can give an “old” look even to a modern product, and for retro-style taps, it can be simply irreplaceable. On the other hand, this material is expensive, in part because it is difficult for copper to provide sufficient corrosion resistance.

— Bronze. Bronze is an alloy based on the copper described above and is used similarly — mainly to provide an authentic look to retro-style taps. The main difference between the two materials is the color — the bronze is somewhat darker, and the red colour is not as pronounced in it (although specific shades in different models can also be different). In addition, this material is easier to make resistant to corrosion, so bronze products are much more common than copper ones.

— Gold. Yellow alloy finish to imitate the look of gold. It is used to give the tap a rich appearance, while at the same time it is expensive in itself, as a result of which it is used mainly in premium models — in order to emphasize the level of the product even brighter. On the practical side, like any material of this level, it is characterized by high resistance to oxidation, but resistance to pollution and ease of cleaning can be different (although in most cases these indicators are also on top).

— Brushed. A brushed finish that is applied specifically to give the product a certain color — most often black or white, but other options are also found. Accordingly, the main advantage of this option is a non-standard appearance: with paint, you can achieve colors that are not available with other types of finish. At the same time, any paint perfectly resists corrosion, and the differences between different models of taps with such a finish are mainly in durability and scratch resistance. These characteristics, usually, directly depend on the price category of the product.

The warranty period claimed by the manufacturer for a certain tap model is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the normal operation of the device. The specific terms of the warranty may vary, however, usually, it covers factory defects and malfunctions caused by the fault of the manufacturer or seller and discovered during normal use, without violating the rules; if such defects or malfunctions appear during the warranty period, the manufacturer undertakes the obligation to correct the situation at its own expense — up to replacing the tap with a working one.

Nowadays, you can find taps with a guarantee of 4 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years and even 25 years. In general, the longer the warranty period, the more reliable the product is, the higher its overall quality, ceteris paribus, but the more expensive it will cost compared to analogues.