Comparison Imprese Vyskov 10340 vs Imprese Centrum 10400

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.

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 functions of a mixer mainly consist of design features, among which are the presence of a check valve, a pop-up waste, cold start, LED lighting, a temperature control lever, a display, auto-drain (hygienic rinse), a switch for washing machine/dishwasher, and a shelf for accessories. More details:

— Check valve. A check valve prevents water from moving backward through the mixer, for example, when there is a significant pressure difference between hot and cold water. This feature is relevant for those planning to install water meters: the presence of check valves on mixers is often a mandatory condition for installation requests, as such valves prevent meters from running backward. Additionally, it's worth noting the presence of a check valve in the mixer (especially single-lever ones, see "Mixer Type") if your home's water supply is prone to interruptions — such mixers perform much better during pressure surges in the plumbing.

— Pop-up waste. A device that allows you to close the drain hole in a sink, kitchen sink, or bidet (depending on the purpose of the mixer). It comes in two types:

— Lever pop-up waste. This type of valve is operated by a small...lever located behind the mixer, to the side, or at the front of the body. Raising and lowering it opens and closes the sink's drain plug.

— Push-button pop-up waste. Valves of this type are locked and unlocked by pressing the drain hole plug, which requires wetting your hand.

— Cold start. A feature found exclusively in single-lever models. The general principle of "cold start" is as follows: if you open the mixer with the joystick in the central (default) position, only cold water will flow out, not mixed warm water (as in more traditional single-lever devices). To add hot water and increase the temperature, you need to move the lever from the default position. This operation format can provide noticeable savings: by default, cold water flows from the mixer, and hot water is added only as needed.

— LED lighting. A lighting system based on LEDs — an efficient and economical light source. The purpose and functionality of such lighting can vary. In some models, it is installed on the spout and directed downward, allowing you to see the space under the mixer well even in low external lighting. Sometimes this lighting also illuminates the water stream, giving it an unusual appearance. There are also quite original systems — for example, with a transparent spout and LEDs at its base, creating the effect of a mixer glowing from within; in some models, the lighting even changes color depending on the water temperature. However, in any case, this feature significantly affects the cost, so it is mainly characteristic of premium-class products.

— Auto-drain (hygienic rinse). This system is equipped in mixers with additional electronics — mainly contactless models, as well as products with a thermostat or button activation. Auto-drain works as follows: at certain intervals (for example, once every 12 hours or once a day), the automation briefly turns on the water. This washes out harmful bacteria that tend to multiply on the internal surfaces of the spout and in the "stagnant" water inside the mixer. At the same time, the water consumption for hygienic rinsing is small, usually almost unnoticeable against the background of overall consumption.

— Temperature control lever. A feature found in mixers whose design initially does not include a temperature regulator — primarily contactless models, as well as products with one main lever or button activation (see "Mixer Type"). As the name suggests, the temperature control lever allows you to use such a mixer not only for controlling the flow but also for changing the water temperature.

— Display. Mixers that display the temperature and/or current water consumption. The display provides a clear visualization of settings and allows you to see what water and in what volume is flowing from the tap. However, the presence of a screen significantly affects the cost of the mixer.

— Switch for washing machine/dishwasher. A feature that can significantly simplify the connection of a washing machine or dishwasher to the water supply system. Mixers with a switch for a washing machine/dishwasher have a separate pipe for connecting the machine, as well as a switch that allows you to open and close the water supply to this pipe. Thus, to connect a washing machine or dishwasher, there is no need to install additional bushings, splitters, etc. — just connect the device to the existing outlet. And you can control the water supply directly from the mixer body, without having to crawl 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 mainly found in mixers for baths and/or showers (see "Purpose"): it is convenient to keep shampoos, gels, soap, and other cosmetic/hygienic products on the shelf.

Note that this feature is rare — mainly in high-end mixers (in particular, thermostatic ones) that initially have large body sizes. In more traditional models, there is no point in providing this design element — it is more reasonable to purchase a shelf as a separate accessory for the bathroom.

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.

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.