Comparison Imprese Krasa f03408601AA vs Franke Vega 115.0275.361

— 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).

An angle to turn the drain. It is worth considering that in our case the angle is not considered relative to the center position, but the overall angle is right-left. In this way, the 110 degree value allows to rotate the mixer slurry with respect to the center position by 55° to the right and left.

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.

The diameter of the cartridge used in the tap.

The cartridge is called the "heart" of the tap — the part directly responsible for adjusting the pressure and/or temperature of the water (in some models — also for switching between spout and shower). The main dimension of this part is precisely the diameter. However, in fact, this size becomes relevant only if it is necessary to replace the cartridge. But when choosing a tap, it does not really matter — from the point of view of characteristics, only the overall dimensions of the device depend on the diameter of the cartridge, and then quite approximately and without a fundamental difference between individual models.

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.

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 maximum allowable thickness of the tabletop in millimetres for installing the tap into it without the need to modify the mounting hole.

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.