Comparison Franke Vega 115.0275.361 vs Bianchi Style VSCSTY2004SKCRM

Types of application provided by the design of the tap.

Modern taps can be designed for bath, shower, washbasin, bidet, kitchen, drinking water filter only and with the possibility of connecting to a filter. At the same time, many models are designed for several application formats at the same time — for example, functioning with a bathtub and a washbasin at the same time; and there are models without mixing water at all (with one connection pipe) — only for cold or only for already mixed water. More details in the separate paragraphs below.

— For bathtub. Taps used to fill the bathtub. Traditionally provided for wall mounting (see "Installation"), although there are exceptions in some specific models. In addition to a bathtub, such a tap can be used for a shower and/or a washbasin; in the first case, the design provides for the connection of a shower set, in the second, a long swivel spout that can be turned from the bathroom to the sink of the nearby washbasin.

— For shower. This option means that a shower set can be connected to the tap; sometimes such units are even supplied as a set (see "Spout design"). Specialized shower taps are exclusively wall-mounted or built-in (see "Install...ation"). At the same time, in addition to “shower-only” models, there are also “multi-purpose” products designed to be used simultaneously with a bathtub, and sometimes also with a washbasin (see “For bathtub” above).

— For washbasin. Specialized taps designed only for washbasins and have a relatively short spout, usually fixed, and can be installed in almost any way (except that floor models are a rather exotic option that has not gained distribution). Due to the similarity of washbasins with kitchen sinks, some models of a similar design can also be used as kitchen taps. Another, quite common, option is a hygienic shower for use with a bidet. Also note that the “washbasin” assignment can also be provided as an additional function in taps originally designed for bathtubs (see above).

— For kitchen. Taps for this purpose can be both highly specialized and provide other applications — for a washbasin (see above) or for a drinking water filter (see below). Anyway, such products are mounted mainly on a wall or tabletop, and the spout can be made quite high so that a pan or other large dish can be placed under. Also, in kitchen taps an interesting feature as a spring spout can be found (see "Spout design").

— For bidet. A bidet is a device in the form of a hygienic bath for washing the external genitalia and anus after going to the toilet. The classic bidet tap is installed directly on such a bath in a horizontal way (see "Installation"); the shape and design of the spout in such models is selected in such a way as to ensure effective ablution. However, in addition to this, the “bidet” category also includes specialized taps for a hygienic shower — a similar procedure carried out using a separate shower set. Such taps are built into the wall and do not require a separate bidet — a hygienic shower can also be used with a conventional toilet.

— For drinking water filter. Taps designed to supply drinking water from a tap filter, usually located under the kitchen sink. They are installed exclusively on the tabletop (see "Installation"), most often on the sink itself. Specialized models with only this equipment are distinguished by their small size and single-valve design (see "Tap type"). In addition, the possibility of connecting a drinking water filter can be provided as an additional feature in kitchen taps (see above). In such models, the spout has two holes — for "common kitchen" and for drinking water; each flow is controlled separately by its own valve (set of valves) or by a joystick.

— No water mixing. Taps that are designed to supply water at the still temperature. Outwardly, such models are no different from the classic ones: some are made with levers, others with a cross handle. But the key to them is the presence of only one pipe for supplying water. Accordingly, you can connect only cold, only hot or already mixed water.

— Feather. Single-lever faucets, in which the joystick lever for controlling the flow of water is made in the form of a small narrow stick. It resembles a pen in shape and structurally enters directly into the cartridge (unlike conventional models, where such a lever is part of a plate that is attached to the cartridge). The pen can be placed both vertically and horizontally (depending on the design of the mixer). At a minimum, these products have an unusual appearance, and for some users, a joystick pen may be more convenient to use. On the other hand, such joysticks are found mainly among premium mixers.

— Elbow (medical). Taps with a water regulation lever of an unusual shape, easy to use with your elbow. Such models are especially in demand in medical institutions, when the hands of a medical employee must always be clean and close the tap with them — already a violation of hygiene standards.

— Joystick with a hole. The characteristic hole in the handle of single-lever taps plays both a decorative role and a practical one. For some models, it serves as a design element of the tap, and in general, the hole can be used to conveniently adjust the pressure and temperature of the water (by prying with a finger and then turning or raising/lowering the lever).

— Straight. Spout that have straight or almost straight shape and directed almost horizontally (other arrangements are highlighted in a separate paragraph — see “At right angle”). Generally, such a spout combines simplicity, practicality, and versatility. In particular, it can be of any length, and can also be rotary (see “Spout”), while being inexpensive to manufacture. Nowadays, straight spouts are extremely popular, and in almost all types of taps (see “Suitable for”). The exception is perhaps the kitchen application: this form is inconvenient for washing dishes by itself and leaves less space for dishes in the sink than other shapes (for example, angled or gooseneck spouts).

— Gooseneck. Taps with a spout in the shape of an arc, usually semicircular and rather steep. This design is most popular in kitchen taps, as it provides the necessary space for washing large dishes. Many models with such a spout are designed for washbasins — they also use a vertical installation, for which the arc is very convenient. And gooseneck bath taps are most often original premium models installed directly on the side of the bath (also horizontally).

— L-shaped. Spout in the shape of the letter “L” — with a vertical base and a horizontal “crossbar” extending from it. Thanks to this shape, the spout can be positioned at a sufficiently high height, which is especially conveni...ent when used in the kitchen or with a washbasin. Most of the L-shaped models refer to these specialization options (see “Suitable for”). According to the type of the tap (see the corresponding list), they are usually single-lever, while the joystick is located on the side; however, there are other options — both in the location of the joystick, and in the type of control.

— U-shaped. Spouts of this category resemble L-shaped models (see the relevant paragraph), in which the end of the spout is noticeably bent downwards. This gives them an original shape, as well as some resemblance to gooseneck models. U-shaped spouts are typically taller and are intended for use in kitchens or washbasins. At the same time, they are not as popular as the mentioned L-shaped ones, and even more so the gooseneck ones. In particular, because of the higher cost with no obvious practical advantages (although this form may well be optimal in terms of design).

— S-shaped. A variant that is predominantly found in bath models (including bath and washbasin solutions) as well as in some kitchen taps. The spout in this arrangement has the shape of the letter “S”, laid “on its side”. This design is well suited for wall-mounted models, where the spout outlet must be placed noticeably below the tap itself.

— At right angle. A straight spout located at a right angle relative to the tap body — directed from the base of the body up or down. This shape is especially suitable for washbasins and kitchens, and it is mainly found in taps of those specializations (see “Suitable for”). Most models with a similar spout have a fairly modern appearance, thanks to that they fit well into modern, high-tech interiors, etc.

— Curved at an angle. A spout that leans upward from the base of the tap and curves slightly downward at the end. The shape is in many ways reminiscent of the “at right angle” option, but it has its own characteristics. Firstly, such a spout can be made somewhat longer, which is convenient for kitchen use: the outlet is at a sufficiently high height and there is enough space under it to wash even large dishes without any problems. Most of the models in this category are just made for the kitchen. Secondly, for some users, this form is preferable from an aesthetic point of view (although, of course, this is a matter of personal taste). These spouts look more “cheap” compared to the products of the “at right angle” form factor and are extremely rare among top plumbing brands.

— Vertical jet. This type of spout is found among bidet taps. It involves vertical spraying of a water jet for taking a hygienic shower after visiting the toilet. The mortise vertical spray module is installed separately from the tap. Usually, the design also assumes a water return valve.

— Connected to overflow. Taps with a spout in the form of a flexible hose that connects to the overflow of the bathtub, and the water is poured through it. Thanks to such taps, minimalism is ensured in the appearance of the bathtub, which is caused by the absence of a classic spout. In addition, there is no need to make extra holes in the side of the bathtub to install the tap.

Possibility to turn spout from side to side. In this way, you can change the location of the water jet, which can be useful in a variety of cases. This feature of the swivel spout is most popular in two varieties. The first is bath and washbasin devices, where one spout serves both the bathtub and the washbasin. The second is kitchen taps: the ability to rotate the spout is important in order to place large dishes in the sink.

Distance from the fixing point (for vertically mounted taps) or from the centre of the mounting hole (for horizontally mounted taps) to the middle of the spout. It is a characteristic that determines the "reach zone" of the tap.

The jet height is usually specified for taps with horizontal installation (see "Type of installation"). It is measured from the base of the tap to the spout outlet. The large height of the spout is important primarily for kitchen models (see "Suitable for"), because it allows you to place large dishes in the sink. This parameter is directly related to the height of the spout (see above): the height of the jet cannot be greater than the height of the spout. Thus, in fact, one has to find a compromise between the height of the jet and the dimensions of the tap, especially if there is little space for its installation.

A diverter is a device that switches a water flow between spout and shower head. The design of such a device and the way it is controlled can be different, in modern taps you can mainly find the following options:

— Button. Diverters of this type have the form of a button; but its design depends on the characteristics of a particular tap. In relatively simple mechanical models (most of them), the button is also made mechanical, and to switch from spout to shower, you need to pull it up. And switching in the opposite direction — from a shower to a spout — can often be carried out not only manually, but also automatically, when the water is turned off (see "Features — Shower / bath auto switch"). In some taps, auto-switching can also be blocked by the user (usually by turning the button in the up position).
In turn, in advanced electronic devices, such a diverter is made in the form of an electric button that closes the contacts that control the valve.

— Lever. Diverter in the form of a rotary lever. Most often, this lever directly controls the valve that switches the flow of water. This design is considered somewhat less reliable than push-button, but it is much simpler and cheaper, which makes it very popular — especially in relatively inexpensive taps. But in premium devices, this type of diverter can operate according to other, more advanced principles — for example, a lever can work as an electronic switch.

— Turning the spout. A r...ather rare and specific option: the role of the lever that controls the flow of water is performed directly by the spout, to the base of which a shower hose is connected. Such a control, usually, works as follows: while the spout is perpendicular to the tap body, water flows through it, and to switch to the shower, the spout turns, being under the tap. Such devices look interesting, and are convenient to use. On the other hand, they are quite complex and expensive, and the spout itself, for a number of reasons, is typically made quite short. Therefore, this variant has not gained popularity.

— Removable. A diverter located outside the body — usually between the tap itself and the spout. Typically, on one side of such a device there is a control element (most often a small lever or a rotary tap), and on the other, a pipe for connecting a shower hose. And the name "removable" suggests that this part can be easily removed if needed — unlike, for example, push-button or lever solutions, which are usually built directly into the tap body and are very difficult to dismantle or replace. Accordingly, after removal, the diverter can either be replaced with another one, or removed altogether by connecting the spout directly to the tap. This is the main advantage of this option: in case of malfunctions in the diverter, it can be removed without any problems for repair or replacement, while the tap (with the exception of the “shower part”) remains fully operational.

A feature found in bathtub and shower taps. The switch between the bath and the shower in such models is automated “in one way”: the shower must be turned on manually, and switching to the bath occurs without user participation, when the main tap is closed. In this way, unpleasant situations can be prevented when, after taking a shower, the tap remains switched to a shower, and careless turning on of the water can lead to a “flood”: even if someone forgets to switch the tap, thanks to the shower / bath auto switch, the next time you open it, the water will still flow through the spout.

Installation type for which the tap is designed. Nowadays, wall and sink taps (classic, freestanding and under the window), as well as built-in solutions, are most widely used — usually with installation in the wall, less often horizontally. Models built into the wall can be equipped with a bar(it plays the role of a kind of body and combines all the elements of the tap) or can be supplied without a bar(this option often allows you to choose the distance between the separate parts of the set). A special, rather rare and specific variety are floor taps.

Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Wall (vertical). Models designed to mount to a vertical surface, typically a wall. This installation method is found mainly in bath and/or shower models, but can also be used in other types of taps— in particular, kitchen ones.

— Sink (horizontal). Installation on a horizontal surface such as a washbasin or kitchen sink. This method is extremely popular in models for kitchens and washbasins, it is also used in traditional bidet taps, but in other varieties, for a number of reasons, it has not gained much popularity.

— Sink (under the windo...w). A special kind of taps, which, due to their design, can be installed under the window, without preventing it from opening and closing. This is achieved in two ways. The first is the ability to tilt the spout towards the washbasin or sink, thereby hiding the tap in the sink bowl. The second method is based on a special mount of the tap body to its base, which makes it easy to pull it out of the “base” and put it next to it.

— Built in (wall). Mounting method in which most of the structure is hidden behind a wall or other vertical surface. Outside, there are only elements for which it is essential: spout, valves, shower set, etc. Recessed installation provides a neat appearance and saves space. In addition, many models of such taps allow you to choose the distance between individual external elements and their relative position. However, embedding is noticeably more difficult than usual installation, and repair/maintenance of such a tap can be quite difficult. This option is used in models for baths, showers, washbasins, as well as some types of bidet taps (see "Suitable for").

— Built in (horizontal). Another type of built-in taps, designed, in accordance with the name, for installation on a horizontal surface. They have the same main advantages and disadvantages as the in-wall taps described above, but differ in specialization: this type of installation is most popular in “washbasin only” models, it is somewhat less common in bath and shower taps.

— Floor. Installation on the floor using a special stand, thanks to which the main part of the tap is placed at the desired height. Such models are expensive, and the installation itself is quite complicated, it requires a spacious room with a specific organization of plumbing. Therefore, this option has not received much distribution: it is used mainly in designer taps made for freestanding bathtubs or washbasins.