Comparison Oras Saga 3911F vs Oras Vega 1812

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.

The angle of the water jet produced by the tap, relative to the vertical. Generally stated for full head; with partially blocked water, this angle is smaller. Anyway, the water jet is usually directed towards the user, and the greater the angle of inclination, the farther from the spout the point of incidence of the jet will be placed. However, in most cases this point is not critical; problems can arise only in very cramped conditions, with small basin sizes.

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.

In most cases, this is not one accessory, but a whole set that allows you to use the tap for showering. A mandatory element of the shower set is a shower head, in most cases it is supplemented with its own hose. In addition, the design may provide a mount for a watering can — on the wall or directly on the tap's body (for the second option, see below). But the purpose and functionality of the shower set may be different, depending on the specialization of the tap itself (see "Suitable for"). So, in bath and shower models, water can be supplied either through a spout or through a shower set, and an appropriate switch is provided for selection (sometimes automatic, see below). Shower-only taps do not have this switch. In models for washbasins, the shower set is designed for the so-called hygienic shower — washing certain parts of the body (primarily the groin area, etc.); the watering can for such a shower is small in size and is equipped with its own button that turns the water on and off. There are even kitchen taps with this function — the shower performs the same function as the pull-out spout. And the number of modes may not be limited to one. Several hand shower modes allow you to get a shower water jet of your favour — from classic small streams to one continuous stream, with all sorts of variations. The more settings provided, the wider the choice.

The diameter of the holes required to install the tap. This dimension allows you to assess whether the tap will be compatible with a sink, wall, etc., what dimensions the additional parts should have to install it, and whether the holes will need to be widened or narrowed.

The type of water pipes the tap is designed for.

— Hoses. With a flexible connection type, polymer tubes (hoses) are used to connect the tap to the water supply, which can bend well and are reinforced with a metal mesh for strength. This ensures ease and versatility of attachment — thanks to the flexibility of the pipe, it can be carried even in cramped places. On the other hand, such a supply is less durable and reliable than a rigid one. It is mainly used in models for kitchens and sinks (see "Suitable for"). Installation pipes may be included in the package of the tap; this point should be clarified separately.

— Rigid pipes. Such taps are designed for installing directly to metal water pipes. The advantage of this type is reliability and strength, the disadvantage is significant restrictions on the installation site: you either have to put the tap where the pipes were made during construction, or redo the communications, which is associated with great inconvenience and cost. On the other hand, such taps are usually used for bathtubs and showers, and in modern bathrooms, typically there are no problems with unsuccessful installation of pipes.

The height of the tap, measured from its base or lowest point to the highest point of the spout. The height of the spout partly determines the installation possibilities — in fact, this is the minimum vertical free space that is required for the tap. In addition, in models with horizontal installation (see "Type of installation"), the spout height is related to the jet height (see below).

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.