Comparison Grohe Grohtherm 1000 34161000 vs Hansgrohe Logis 71605000

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.

Material and design features of the valve(s) responsible for opening and closing water in the faucet.

— Rubber. Material for valves in inexpensive single and double-handle faucets (see "Faucet Type"). Rubber is low-cost, easy to replace, and resistant to water with impurities (unlike ceramics). On the other hand, rubber valves have a relatively short lifespan — as they wear out, they begin to leak and need to be replaced from time to time.

— Ceramic. These valves are based on a pair of metal-ceramic plates polished for maximum contact and sealing. They can be used in both handle and lever faucets (see "Faucet Type"). This material is much more durable than rubber, and in the case of a single-lever faucet, it also makes adjustment easier, as the friction between the plates is minimal, making it much easier to move the lever than with a ball valve. The downside of ceramics is their sensitivity to water contamination with solid particles — if they get between the plates, they can compromise the valve's seal. Therefore, it is recommended to install filters before such faucets.

— Electromagnetic. A type of valve used in all contactless faucets (see "Faucet Type"), as well as some models of other designs — in particular, button and single-lever with touch. As the name suggests, an electromagnet is responsible for opening and closing the water in such mode...ls. In most models, the valve has only two positions — "open" and "closed" — and does not allow for pressure adjustment. However, a temperature regulator may be provided — for example, in the form of a corresponding lever (see above). Electromagnetic valves are quite efficient but expensive, and they also require external power to operate.

— Ball. A type of valve originally developed for single-lever faucets (hence the tendency to call such devices "ball valves," which is technically incorrect). This valve is based on a spherical element with a special slot through which water is supplied; as the lever moves, the slot takes different positions, determining the water pressure and temperature. In household faucets, this type of valve is considered outdated and is used very rarely.

Unit for mixing hot and cold water in wall-mounted taps and sensor models. Concealed mixing units are installed primarily at the stage of construction or overhaul of housing. The tap's units are hidden in the installation box directly in the wall. The external mixing unit usually has two openings for the supply of cold and hot water, a hose with mixed water which enters the tap. The outdoor control unit is equipped with a handle for adjusting the water temperature.

The distance from the extreme front to the extreme back of the tap determines the installation possibilities of the device. In comparison with the depth of the jet, it gives much more visual data precisely on the dimensions of the entire tap, especially for models where there is either no spout (built-in models) or the spout is not the longest part of the set (vertical taps).

Country of origin of the brand under which the tap is marketed. Usually, it is indicated by the "homeland" of the manufacturing company or by the location of its headquarters. The brands under which modern mixers are produced come mainly from the following countries (in alphabetical order): Austria, Belgium, Germany, India, Spain, Italy, China, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Sweden.

There are many stereotypes associated with the “nationality” of brands and products, but most of them have no basis nowadays. First, the actual place of production is often different from the brand's country of origin. Secondly, the quality of the goods depends not so much on geography, but on the policy of a particular company and how carefully this very quality is controlled in it. Therefore, you should pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if you fundamentally want or (do not want) to support a manufacturer from a certain state. Quality is best judged by the reputation of a particular...brand and the overall price category of the tap.