Crane - maybe small, but one of the most important details in the bathroom. Each of us had to deal with the problem of choosing a new crane. Today, plumbing shops are available simply a huge number of diverse models. From this immense quantity you need to choose the crane that is suitable in all parameters. Despite its simplicity, the crane has many varieties, which differ from each other in their design, the installation method, form, size, manufacturing material, design, and many more parameters.
If your head goes around from such a variety, familiarize yourself with our article. In it, we will try to decompose everything connected with the bathroom cranes on the shelves. We will tell not only about the species available today, but also the most famous brands. And at the end we will give some useful tips on how to choose a good and suitable crane.
Review of species
During the existence of such a device, like a crane, a lot of models, differing from each other, have time to appear on the light of many parameters. Nevertheless, it is possible to combine them into several groups on certain criteria. Let's consider the main varieties.
According to constructive features
This group includes 4 types of cranes and mixers.
- Single-piece - Crane for the bathroom, which, as clear from the title, is controlled by one lever. Inside there is a ball cartridge, which ensures the rotation of the lever and switch the modes. Most often, such models are equipped with an additional control that switches the water supply to the shower. Plus a variety is the convenience and ability to adjust the temperature of the water. By cons can be related to careful care.
If the water is not very high quality, the cartridge will be clogged. It will have to be cleaned or change.
- With two valves - A more traditional sink or bathroom faucet. It continues to remain in demand for many decades. Equipped with two elements of control, two valves, one of which is responsible for the supply of hot water, and the second is for the cold. Inside the crane is the camera for mixing this water. This variety fits perfectly into any interior and has many design options.
- With thermostat - a crane capable of maintaining a given pressure and water temperature, regardless of its pressure. Residents of Russian multi-storey houses like no other familiar with the problem when during the reception of the soul the power of water supply is sharply reduced, and it becomes cold. It causes terrible discomfort. In a crane with a thermostat, it is enough to lay the pressure and temperature settings once so that it independently continue to support them.
Inside it is a special valve reacting to temperature differences.
- Contactless - Innovative crane in a modern bathroom. Additionally requires connection to the power grid. Some models can feed from battery or batteries. Inside the cranes are infrared or sensory sensors that respond to hand-up. Then the automatic water supply mechanism is triggered. As in the previous variety, the temperature and pressure parameters can be made in the crane. Contactless models are very comfortable and economical.
The look is vulnerable
The crane is a separate detail having its own varieties and features. The choice is also available 4 types.
- With long expulsion - Classic and comfortable type of cranes. If the sink and bath are located nearby, one such crane can be used. It allows you to save finances, and also facilitates installation, because you do not have to equip pipes.
- With short expulsion - no less popular variety. Great for small shells, but can be installed on the bath. Is posted, as a rule, right on the side. The structure of such models allows you to create a strong water stream, almost excluding splashing.
- With cascading spill - Original faucet unusual shape. It can become an interesting interior decoration in the bathroom. Therefore, a variety is very popular among designers. Flat, but the wide form of gland allows you to organize a real little waterfall in your apartment.
- With swivel expulsion - Crane capable of turning in any direction. It is very convenient and efficient if several shells are located nearby.
By installation method
Methods of mounting the crane over the years have also been improved and modified. As a result, we have 3 varieties, depending on the installation.
- Wall - The crane is embedded directly into the wall above the bathroom or sink. Traditional option for Russian apartment buildings. The length of the gland is a big role that the water in the fall does not pour onto the sides.
- Floor - Unusual location for the crane, which is used in the development of special designs of the bathroom. It looks great when the bathroom itself is located in the middle of the room and also built into the floor. However, such a decision is very expensive and time consuming.
- Currency - Crane, placed on the side of the shells and baths, which most often have already prepared for this hole.
These are all the main varieties of cranes, but this differences between models are not limited.
Material
The material has a great influence on the overall quality of plumbing. It depends on the reliability, features of functioning, appearance and service life. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying the advantages and disadvantages of materials when buying a crane.
- Copper, Bronze and Brass - The most popular metals. Specialists in the field of plumbers are recommended to give preference to them. Cranes from these materials have an affordable price, durable, and also differ in stylish appearance.
Additionally, they are covered with chrome or nickel, which makes them even more attractive.
- Stainless steel - no less popular material. It is possible, it is not as stylish as the above metals, but still looks very pretty. It costs it cheaper, and the strength indicators are much higher.
If you are important for you reliability for reasonable money, stop your choice in stainless steel.
- Silumin and plastic - Materials that are less and less used for the manufacture of cranes. They are cheapest, but possess extremely low strength indicators. Such plumbing is hardly able to withstand at least one year of operation.
- Ceramics - The most expensive material for the most luxurious interiors. Different with a variety of forms and designs. For example, the gold-plated ceramic mixer few people can afford. The disadvantage of ceramics is its fragility at such a high price. With such a plumbing you need to observe maximum accuracy.
In everyday life, the crane is counted for subject matter, and no one wants him to fail at the most inopportune moment. That's why Do not chase as cheap.
Choose models from high-quality materials if you want a long uninterrupted product service.
Design options
If you want your crane not only convenient and efficient, and also wondered perfectly, you should pick it up under the bath. Here are the most suitable options:
- Steel baths - combined with wall-mounted models or mortar, but when drilling holes on strikers can be easily damaged by enamel;
- Cast iron baths - can be combined with all types of cranes, except for mortar, as it is simply impossible to do holes in the cast iron;
- Acrylic baths - the most universal in terms of compatibility, but the material is easily damaged, it must be taken into account when installing;
- Separate baths - Placed in spacious bathrooms, where it will be appropriate to put an outdoor crane or placed on the side.
And now let's take a look at bright examples of design.
- The unusual design of the crane relating to the variety of cascade.
- Stylish white crane with short sculpt.
- Classic example of an outdoor crane.
- Elegant ceramics crane with gilding.
- Standard wall crane with lever.
Popular brands
The manufacturer's name plays a less role as plumbing. It is better to overpay for a well-known, but proven brand than spending money on cheap products from unknown firms. You will have to choose from imported and domestic models. Germany produces the most reliable products, "German quality" has long been synonymous with high-class products known to the whole world. The most famous manufacturers of plumbers are considered:
- Hansgrohe;
- EDELFORM;
- Wasserfale.
Italy and Sweden produce plumbing, no less popular and high-quality than German. Especially their products are popular in Europe:
- Geberit;
- Valencia;
- Albatros.
China is known to many of their cheap, but low-quality products. However, this is not a completely correct opinion. Certain representatives are not inferior to European companies. In addition, most German and Italian plumbers are going to Chinese factories. Consulting Chinese manufacturers:
- Goldman;
- Appolo;
- Baraka.
In terms of price and quality ratio for the Russian resident, domestic manufacturers are most noteworthy:
- Rossinka Silvermix;
- Aquatic;
- Arcon.
Choosing a tap from one of these firms, you definitely do not lose. However, all of the above names, it is only a drop in the sea of brand plumbing in the market. In order not to get lost in it, check out our seats.
How to choose?
The selection of the crane primarily depends on the installation site, whether it is a sink or bath, as well as from their parameters and features. Your financial capabilities should be taken into account. If the room has a small area, and the bath and sink are located close to each other, it is worth choosing a turning faucet with a long expulsion so that, if necessary, it was possible to redirect the flow of water to the right place. This will save free space.
And in spacious bathrooms you can install any kind.
It is better to purchase all the elements of plumbing like a crane, watering can and the mixer from the same manufacturer. They also need to be combined with each other outwardly and enter into the overall interior of the room. We have already said about the significance of the brand.
Buy cheap cranes from unknown Chinese manufacturers is not so profitable as it may seem.
If practicality and convenience for you are more important than design and multifunctionality, you should not overpay. Take an ordinary one-dimensional crane or type with two valves. The same applies to the material of manufacture, Steel or brass is the perfect choice. In general, this is enough to choose the crane that is suitable for you. But before you grab your favorite model, you should familiarize yourself with its detailed characteristics and requirements. Even one small inconsistency may noticeably increase the number of works and problems when installing.
On how to choose the right bathroom mixer, look in the video below.