Over the past 100 years, engineering thought has introduced many important elements into the daily life of a person, without which it is now even difficult to imagine a normal existence. And, of course, one of the important scientific achievements is water supply. But what kind of water supply can you imagine without plumbing fixtures?
In this article, we will try to figure out how to choose the best mixer, consider the popular models of the Oras brand and find out why this company belongs to the category: the best manufacturers of sanitary ware, and its mixers are included in the ratings of high-quality and reliable products.
Content
In order not to make mistakes when choosing a mixer, first you need to figure out what they are and decide what exactly it is for.
Plumbing fixtures of this type are primarily intended for either the kitchen or the bathroom. In the first case, options for washing are used, which have a large curved spout, thanks to which it is convenient to draw liquid into the dishes and wash the overall containers. Sometimes such mixers have a special switch for filtered water, but a separate device can also be used for the filter.
The assortment for the bath is somewhat more varied. On request, a compact and handy washbasin fixture with short spout can be installed in a small room. You can use a combined washbasin model with a shower diverter. Universal appliance with long swivel spout and diverting flow between adjacent tub and washbasin. Mixers for bidet and hygienic shower are available separately.
The material from which these plumbing fixtures are made must be durable and reliable. Today, most devices are made of an alloy of silicon and aluminum, the so-called silumin. It differs in light weight, low strength, instability to alkali and acid, and also prone to scratches, but devices made of this material are much cheaper than other analogues.
According to buyers, stainless steel is distinguished by reliability, brass and alloys with chrome and enamel coatings are no less in demand. Such materials can be identified by their rather tangible weight.
Decor elements can include glass, wood, silicone, Swarovski crystals, artificial stone, ceramics and granite.
Mixers also differ in control system.Lever or ball connection and water regulation occurs by turning the lever. It can be either a single-lever or a double-lever unit, which will be relevant with a good pressure on the risers of at least 3 atmospheres.
The valve control is carried out by two valves for hot and cold water.
Modern technologies have reached plumbing, so you won't surprise anyone with touch controls. In this case, the operation of the device includes a motion sensor. The sensor device is usually powered by lithium batteries, which need to be replaced periodically, but can also be operated from the mains.
Mixers equipped with a thermostatic regulator, usually a special capsule with wax, allow you to set certain parameters of the temperature and pressure of the supplied liquid. But in this case, there must also be good pressure in the pipes.
Perhaps a portioned water supply will suit someone, which, after pressing, is supplied for a certain amount of time. Such devices are in demand in public places or for people with disabilities.
It is worth focusing on the shape of the spout. The bulk on the market is the traditional swivel or fixed tube version.
Kitchen appliances are convenient with integrated hose, flexible or pull-out spout.
The cascading spout is becoming very fashionable. With a wide and flat shape, they imitate a waterfall stream.
When buying a mixer, you need to take into account the installation method, the number and diameter of the mounting holes. It may be worthwhile to provide for a device with S-shaped eccentrics - special adapters for connecting with pipes for hot and cold water, the distance between which does not always correspond to the standard 15 cm. Such adapters are provided for vertical installation. The horizontal method provides for eyeliner. The flexible one breaks down faster, but it is an easier way to install the mixer. Rigid, consisting of metal tubes, is difficult to install, but it is a more reliable option.
But it is better to immediately provide for a device with a quick installation system, which allows you to simply fix the mixer mounts in the holes and tighten them with a wrench.
Some additional characteristics can increase the popularity of models, but they are not always appropriate and worth paying extra for. For example, devices with a non-return valve make it possible to protect the system from air shocks in the event of a sudden drop in pressure. This addition is appropriate in case of unstable head. But the eco-mode will reduce the water bill. It maintains the necessary pressure by mixing liquid with air. The same effect is with faucets with an aerator. If there is no additional filtering device, then it is worth providing a plumbing fixture with a built-in filter.
This brief overview will help you navigate the wide variety of variations and functionality of modern mixers, but below we will consider the best models from Oras and, perhaps, one more question will disappear by itself: which company is better to buy?
Finnish mixers Oras have been offering their products on the Russian market for quite a long time and have managed to win their fans. User reviews describe their plumbing fixtures as reliable, environmentally friendly and with a long warranty of up to 2 years. The only drawback is that the average price for their mixers is slightly higher than most competitors, but it is justified by the quality of the products.
All products are made of a non-oxidizing and safe brass alloy. The metal parts are covered with two layers of chromium-nickel spraying, and the plastic ones have 4 layers, which reduces the effect of high temperatures on them. All products are ISO9001 certified.
Plus, they always have a modern design and a very aesthetic look.
The package includes documentation with general information about the functions of the device and recommendations for installation, 2-year warranty, S-eccentrics with two decorative caps, gaskets with stainless steel mesh and the thermostat itself.
Two valves regulate water temperature and pressure. The left valve is labeled to help you adjust the temperature or limit heat to 38 ° C to prevent burns. The right valve controls the pressure. The shower is connected from below.
The main difference between this mixer, which must be taken into account when connecting, is not a standardized supply of hot and cold water. The cold supply is provided on the left side, and for the hot one - on the right. Mounting holes: 2 with 3/8 "connection size. Installation is vertical.
The device is made of durable chrome-plated brass.
Mixer dimensions 121 * 290, weight: 2.126 kg. Shower is not included in the package, it must be purchased separately.
The device can pass 16.8 liters per minute with a pressure of 100-1000 kPa. The maximum temperature of water heating is 80 ° C.
Average cost: 12,600 rubles.
Compact and stylish single lever basin mixer made of chrome-plated brass alloy. The material is environmentally friendly and safe.
The traditional spout is short and fixed. Its length is 98 mm and the height of the spout is 66 mm. Dimensions of the mixer itself: 144 * 161 mm. Total unit weight: 1.439 kg.
The letter F in the article means that the model comes with flexible eyeliner. There is one 3/8 ″ hole for mounting.
Water consumption 10.8 l / min with a working pressure of 50-1000 kPa. The maximum heating of the liquid is 80 ° C.
Average cost: 10,500 rubles.
The double-lever mixer for its intended purpose is ideal for the shower Eterna 6375U, as with all Oras products, made of chrome-plated brass alloy.
On both sides of the mixer there are valves for temperature and pressure regulation. A temperature valve with a switch and a limit button allows you to set the water heating up to 38 ° C.
The swivel spout, 150 mm long, is also a mode switch. With it, you can change the bath and shower modes. The watering can mount is located at the bottom.
Ecohed color cues indicate the optimal shower time without the need for water and energy. After giving certain signals after 4 minutes, the device automatically turns off the fluid supply.
With the spout, after switching to bath mode, you can set the filling time from 0 to 15 minutes.
Water consumption: 13.2 l / min with a working pressure of 100-1000 kPa. Maximum heating temperature: 70 ° C.
Installation method - vertical, not built-in. Number of mounting holes: 2, connection size: 1/2 ″. Hot water connection - on the right side.
Dimensions of the electronic thermostatic mixer 121 * 290 mm, weight 2.289 kg. The device operates on 2 lithium batteries 1.5 V.
Accessories: eccentrics, decorative rosettes, dirt filters and a non-return valve.
Average cost: 39,000 rubles.
Mixed type touchless touch-sensitive mixer automatically turns on and turns on water when you bring your hands to it. These devices are ideal for public spaces, people with disabilities and small children.
To adjust the temperature, a special handle is included with the mixer.After setting the necessary settings, it can be removed and replaced with a plug, protecting it from unnecessary intervention by children or unauthorized persons.
If the photocell built into the device is closed for more than two minutes and supplies water, then in order to protect against unnecessary consumption of water and energy, a limiter is provided in the mixers that automatically turns off the liquid supply after two minutes of continuous use.
This device has improved autofocus, it also has mud filters, a check valve and an aerator.
Spout: fixed, 96 mm long and 92 mm high.
Water consumption: 6 l / min at a pressure of 300 kPa. Working pressure: 100-1000 kPa. Maximum water heats up to 70 ° C.
2 holes for mounting have a connecting size 3/8 ", but it is possible to modify it for one pipe by installing a plug on the left inlet. The installation uses a flexible hose. Installation method: horizontal. Supplied complete with quick assembly system.
Power is supplied from the network, cable length: 0.5 m.
Average cost: 22,000 rubles.
The Saga 1933F single lever mixer is ideal for the kitchen. It is made of high quality chrome-plated brass alloy. A swivel traditional spout 240 mm long and 230 mm high and a small handle length allow you to comfortably use the functionality of the mixer, and the angle of rotation of the handle will allow you to easily adjust the required pressure and water temperature, for which the ball cartridge is responsible.
Water consumption: 13.8 l / min, working pressure: 50-1000 kPa. Maximum heating: up to 80 ° С.
There is one 3/8 ″ hole for the connection, using a flexible hose.
Built-in eco mode saves bills.
The sophisticated design is a welcome addition to the durability and practicality of the mixer.
Average cost: 6,000 rubles.
The Safira 1027 faucet with a ceramic cartridge is perfect not only for the kitchen, but also for any utility room. The included brush will allow you to wash a variety of dirty items.
The swivel spout, which is 211 mm long and 125 mm high, has a swivel angle adjustment. If desired, you can limit from 40 to 120º.
Appliance with the function of filling liquid into the dishwasher using a special valve.
Small lever swing angle: 90º. It reacts quickly to touch and allows you to easily adjust the parameters, while the built-in flow limiting and heating option saves water and energy. Maximum heating: 80 ° C.
Number of holes for mounting - 2. Rigid piping is carried out using 10 mm tubes. Bottom side brush connection with 1/2 ″ holes.
The water consumption at a pressure of 300 kPa 10 is 2 l / min.
Average cost: 18,000 rubles.
Polara 1448Y is a shower set with a hand shower. All elements: plumbing fixture, swivel wall hose holder and fixed holder are vertically mounted. Connection size for mounting 1/2 ″.
The ceramic cartridge is responsible for the regulation of water, the flow rate of which is 19 l / min at a pressure of 30 kPa. Working pressure: 100-1000 kPa.
Built-in additional options allow limiting the flow rate and temperature, the maximum heating of which is 90 ° C.
Average cost: 8493 rubles.
The Oras Alessi 8500F is an original compact washbasin unit with a pop-up waste from the elite Alessi collection.
The stationary spout 104 mm long and 63 mm high is equipped with an aerator to soften the flow of water. The shut-off valve is a ball cartridge.
Water is consumed at a rate of 11 l / min, working pressure: 50-1000 kPa.
The connection is made using a flexible hose. Hole diameter: 3/8 ″.
The hot and cold water markings, which traditionally denote a red and blue circle, have been replaced with plus and minus. The disadvantage of this model is that when turned on, this marking is hidden behind the switch.
The package includes the device itself with flexible connections, a bottom valve with rods to it, and documentation.
Average cost: 44,152 rubles.
The wide variety of mixers on the market can get your eyes off the ground. But when buying, no matter what company the model is, it is better to carefully study all the characteristics, quality of materials and features of the installation of a plumbing device.