Engineering thought over the past 100 years has introduced many important elements into everyday 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 plumbing. But what kind of water supply can be imagined without plumbing fixtures?
In this article, we will try to figure out how to choose the best faucet, consider the popular models of the Oras brand and find out why this company is included in the category: the best manufacturers of plumbing fixtures, and its faucets are 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 designed for either the kitchen or the bathroom. In the first case, washing options are used that have a large curved spout, thanks to which it is convenient to draw liquid into dishes and wash overall containers. Sometimes such faucets have a special switch for filtered water, but a separate device can also be used for the filter.
The range for the bath is somewhat more diverse. On request, a compact and handy sanitary fixture for a washbasin with a short spout can be installed in a small room. You can use the combined model for the sink with a shower switch. A versatile appliance with a long swivel spout and a switchable flow between adjacent tubs and washbasins. Separately there are mixers for a bidet and a hygienic shower.
The material from which these plumbing fixtures are made must be durable and reliable. To date, most devices are made of an alloy of silicon and aluminum, the so-called silumin.It is characterized by low weight, low strength, alkali and acid resistance, and is also prone to scratches, but devices made from 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 a fairly tangible weight.
Decor elements may contain glass, wood, silicone, Swarovski crystals, artificial stone, ceramics and granite.
Mixers also differ in the control system. Lever or ball inclusion and water adjustment 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.
Valve control is carried out thanks to two valves for hot and cold water.
Modern technologies have also reached plumbing, so you won’t surprise anyone with touch controls. In this case, the operation of the device includes a motion sensor. The touch device is most often powered by lithium batteries, which need to be replaced periodically, but can also be operated from the mains.
Faucets equipped with a thermostatic regulator, usually a special wax capsule, allow you to set certain parameters for the temperature and pressure of the supplied fluid. But in this case, there must also be good pressure in the pipes.
Perhaps, a portioned supply of water is suitable for 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 available on the market is the traditional swivel or fixed tube version.
Kitchen appliances are convenient with a built-in hose, flexible or pull-out spout.
The cascade spout is becoming very fashionable. With a wide and flat shape, they imitate a waterfall jet.
When buying a mixer, you need to consider the method of installation, the number and diameter of the mounting holes. It may be worth considering a device with S-shaped eccentrics - special adapters for connecting to 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 this is an easier way to install the faucet. Rigid, consisting of metal tubes, is difficult to install, but this is a more reliable option.
But it is better to immediately provide a device with a quick installation system that allows you to simply fix the mixer mounts in the holes and tighten them with a wrench.
Some additional features can increase the popularity of models, but they are not always appropriate and it is worth overpaying for them. For example, devices with a check valve allow you to protect the system from air shocks in the event of a sudden drop in pressure. Such an addition is appropriate for unstable pressure. But the eco-mode will reduce the water bill. It maintains the necessary pressure, mixing the liquid with air. The same effect is with mixers with an aerator.If there is no additional device for filtering, then it is worth providing a plumbing fixture with a built-in filter.
This brief review 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 Oras faucets 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 great warranty of up to 2 years. The only drawback is that the average price for their faucets is slightly higher than most competitors, but it is justified by the quality of the products.
All products are made of non-oxidizing and safe brass alloy. The metal parts are coated with two layers of chromium-nickel sputtering, and the plastic ones have 4 layers, which makes it possible to reduce 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 an overview of the functions of the device and recommendations for installation, a 2-year warranty, S-shaped eccentrics with two decorative caps, gaskets with a stainless steel mesh, and the thermostat itself.
Two valves regulate the temperature and pressure of the water. The left valve has markings to help you adjust the temperature or limit the heat to 38°C to protect against burns. The right valve regulates the pressure.The shower is connected below.
The main difference of this faucet, which must be taken into account when connecting, is not a standardized supply of hot and cold water. For cold, the supply is provided on the left side, and for hot - on the right. Mounting holes: 2 with connecting size 3/8″. The installation is vertical.
The device is made of durable brass with a chrome finish.
Mixer dimensions 121*290, weight: 2.126 kg. The shower is not included and must be purchased separately.
The device can pass 16.8 liters per minute with a pressure of 100-1000 kPa. The maximum water heating temperature is 80°C.
Average cost: 12600 rubles.
Compact and stylish single-lever washbasin faucet made of chrome-plated brass alloy. The material is environmentally friendly and safe.
The spout is traditional short and fixed. Its length is 98 mm, spout height is 66 mm. Mixer dimensions: 144*161 mm. Weight of the entire device: 1.439 kg.
The letter F in the article means that the model comes with a flexible eyeliner. For mounting, one hole with an installation size of 3/8″ is provided.
Water consumption 10.8 l/min with working pressure 50-1000 kPa. The maximum heating of the liquid is 80 °C.
Average cost: 10500 rubles.
The double-lever faucet is ideally suited for the shower Eterna 6375U, like all Oras products, it is made of brass alloy with a chrome finish.
On the mixer on both sides there are valves for temperature and pressure regulation. A temperature valve with a switch and a limiter button allows you to set water heating up to 38 ° C.
The 150 mm long swivel spout is also a mode switch. With it, you can change the modes of the bath and shower. The mount for the watering can is located below.
Color signals Ecohed-button suggest the optimal shower time without wasting water and energy. After giving certain signals after 4 minutes, the device automatically turns off the fluid supply.
With the help of the spout, switching to the bath mode, you can set the filling time from 0 to 15 minutes.
Water consumption: 13.2 l/min with working pressure 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 is on the right side.
Dimensions of the electronic thermostatic mixer 121*290 mm, weight 2.289 kg. The device is powered by 2 1.5 V lithium batteries.
Accessories: eccentrics, decorative rosettes, mud filters and non-return valve.
Average cost: 39,000 rubles.
The Touchless Touch Mixer Faucet automatically turns the water on and off when you put your hands on it.Such devices are ideal for public places, people with disabilities and for young children.
To adjust the temperature, the mixer comes with a special handle. After setting the necessary settings, it can be removed and replaced with a plug, protecting children or unauthorized persons from unnecessary intervention.
If the photocell built into the device is closed for more than two minutes and supplies water, then in order to protect against unnecessary waste 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 dirt filters, a check valve and an aerator.
Spout: fixed length 96 mm and height 92 mm.
Water flow: 6 l/min at a pressure of 300 kPa. Working pressure: 100-1000 kPa. Maximum water is heated up to 70 °С.
2 mounting holes have a connecting size of 3/8″, but can also be modified for one pipe by installing a plug on the left liner. The installation uses a flexible hose. Mounting method: horizontal. Supplied complete with quick mounting system.
Power comes from the mains, cable length: 0.5 m.
Average cost: 22,000 rubles.
The Saga 1933F single-lever faucet is ideal for the kitchen. Made from high quality chrome plated brass.The swivel traditional spout 240 mm long and 230 mm high and the small length of the handle 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 flow: 13.8 l/min, working pressure: 50-1000 kPa. Maximum heating: up to 80 °С.
For connection there is one hole with a diameter of 3/8″, while a flexible eyeliner is used.
Built-in eco-mode saves bills.
Exquisite design is a nice addition to the durability and practicality of the faucet.
Average cost: 6000 rubles.
The Safira 1027 faucet with ceramic cartridge is perfect not only for the kitchen, but also for any utility room. The brush included in the kit will allow you to wash various contaminated items.
The swivel spout, 211 mm long and 125 mm high, has an angle of rotation adjustment. If desired, you can limit from 40 to 120º.
A device with the function of pouring liquid into the dishwasher using a special valve.
Angle of rotation of the small lever: 90º. It responds quickly to touch and makes it easy to set the desired parameters, while the built-in flow and heating limit option saves water and energy. Maximum heating: 80 °C.
The number of mounting holes is 2. Hard connection is carried out using 10 mm tubes. Side brush connection is lower with holes 1/2″.
The flow rate of water at a pressure of 300 kPa 10 is 2 l/min.
Average cost: 18,000 rubles.
Polara 1448Y is a shower complex with a watering can. All elements: sanitary ware, swivel wall-mounted hose holder and fixed holder are vertically mounted. Connecting size for mounting 1/2″.
A ceramic cartridge is responsible for regulating the water, the flow rate of which at a pressure of 30 kPa is 19 l / min. Working pressure: 100-1000 kPa.
Built-in additional options allow you to limit the flow of liquid and the maximum heating temperature of which is 90 ° C.
Average cost: 8493 rubles.
Oras Alessi 8500F is an original compact washbasin fixture with a waste valve, part of the elite Alessi collection.
The stationary spout, 104 mm long and 63 mm high, is equipped with an aerator that softens 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 with a flexible conduit. Hole diameter: 3/8″.
The labeling of hot and cold water, which is traditionally indicated by a red and blue circle, has been replaced by 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 a flexible connection, a bottom valve with rods to it and documentation.
Average cost: 44152 rubles.
From a wide variety of faucets on the market, eyes can run wide. But when buying, no matter what company the model is, it is better to carefully study all the characteristics, the quality of materials and the installation features of the plumbing fixture.