Shower racks with a mixer: what are and how to choose?

Shower racks are a convenient alternative to standard boxes. Their popularity is primarily due to ergonomics and versatility.

Shower racks are a type of shower systems with a mixer. The latter also come in the form of panels (those, in turn, have a larger set of options, but require more space for placement). The shower column is a simpler design, having the form of a bar, in the upper part of which a shower head is fixed, in the lower part there is a mixer. Often the mixer is equipped with another watering can on a flexible hose.

Such a headset is a compact system that does not take up much space and is designed to receive water procedures. Such a simplified design allows you to organize a shower corner in almost any part of the bathroom. One has only to take care of the drain on the floor (it should be located at a slight angle so that the water quickly collects to the drain hole) and close the resulting space with a curtain. The shower column with tap can also be fixed above the bathtub.

Modern models have many functions, which allows you to turn the process of taking a shower not just into a hygienic procedure, but into a real spa session. In addition, modern designs are equipped with shelves and hooks, so you can easily and in one style organize a functional space in the bathroom.

As already mentioned, the simplest design of the shower column is the column itself, the mixer and the watering can fixed at the top. However, other options are possible, we will consider each of them in more detail.

• Stand with thermostat. It includes a shower with a rigid stand and mixer, as well as a thermostat. The task of the latter is to regulate the temperature of the water, eliminating the risk of burns or hypothermia.

• Bath spout. Allows you to use both a shower and fill a bath with water. The latter becomes possible due to the presence of a small spout and a switch on the counter (transfer of water to the shower or spout).

• Rack with 2 types of watering cans. This view has already been described - one watering can is fixed at the top of the bar, it is motionless. The second is mounted on a flexible hose, so that a stream of water can be sent to any hard-to-reach place. An overhead shower is usually equipped with many functions, the ability to regulate the pressure.

Many models have different shower options. - tropical rainfall, cascade, relaxing shower with small drops, etc. To switch from one mode to another, such products are equipped with a special panel or levers. Sometimes interchangeable shower heads are included.

Shower racks can differ not only in the complete set and a set of additional options, but also in the installation method. They can be fixed on the floor in the bathroom, installed in the shower, but more often mounted on the wall in the bathroom (that is, in the font itself). Longer racks are designed for self-installation near the wall, as well as in showers. They are suitable for installation near the bathroom, if the font is not close to the wall. If the rack is located above the bowl of the bathtub, and the bathtub itself is installed close to the wall, then the rack needs to be shorter.

Depending on the characteristics of the mixer, the shower racks can be divided into 2 types.

• Valve They have 2 valves connected to pipes with hot and cold water. By adjusting the valves, you can achieve the optimum temperature of the water. Such systems are easy to use, allow you to more accurately control the temperature of the water, durable.
• Single lever Management of cold and hot water, as well as their "mixing" occurs with a single lever. This does not allow to achieve the same precise temperature settings as when using the valves. The locking mechanism is represented by a cartridge equipped with an aluminum or ceramic plate. In general, the lever mechanism is also characterized by durability, but it is susceptible to grains of sand in the water. It is best to use a single lever mixer in combination with filters for deep water purification.

Contactless water supply systems are becoming increasingly common. Water begins to pour out automatically when a person enters a shower. Such devices, although they are more expensive, but in the end, their use is more economical, since it does not lead to an excessive consumption of water.

A variety of materials can be used to make the stand and overhead shower. however, all of them are united by the main requirement - to be resistant to corrosion. Classics are stainless steel products. Such products for a long time are not covered by rust, are characterized by strength and durability. To provide them with additional strength and give a more attractive appearance, steel surfaces are coated with a nickel or chrome layer. From this product acquires a characteristic shine. Stainless steel racks are universal - they are suitable for both classic and modern interiors.

More durable and expensive are brass models. The material also resists corrosion and has a high margin of safety. Such products are characterized by a noble appearance and harmoniously fit into retro interiors.

Plastic models have a more affordable price and diverse designs. There are models coated with chrome or nickel, due to which the material manages to simulate a metal surface. Plastic is not afraid of moisture, but even its most durable version cannot boast of reliability and durability. If you are looking for elite and unique models, you can consider the option of rack made of durable steel or tempered glass. Often the product is complemented by elements of stone, forged metal. Undoubtedly, such a design will be durable and will bring a touch of luxury and aristocracy to the interior, however, such a stand will cost a lot.

The leaders of the modern plumbing market are products from Italy and Germany. They demonstrate reliability and durability, stylish design. However, the cost of such structures is usually high. Virtually inferior to these racks in quality, but have a more affordable rack cost from Finland and the Czech Republic. Plumbing is considered to be of lower quality from China, Korea, Russia.

It should be understood that many eminent European brands have manufacturing facilities in the same China and countries of the former Soviet space. It is in such factories that products with manufacturing defects are most often created. However, this is not an immutable rule.

If you are looking for a premium product, pay attention to Italian stands Cezares They are made of stainless steel, can be coated in bronze, chrome, gold. Another famous Italian manufacturer of luxury racks - Novellini Most models are equipped with a thermostat. A minimum of functions and a maximum of quality - this is about the racks from the German manufacturer Grohe. The material is stainless steel, the rack has a round shower with two modes of operation.

Convenient can be considered a model Wasser Kraft A005 from the brand of the same name. In addition to standard elements, the stand has a watering can on a flexible hose. Material - chrome-plated stainless steel, also has a special anti-lime coating. Overhead shower can work in 3 modes. This model is functional and affordable. The product is also equipped with two watering cans Lemark LM8801C. True, the overhead shower already has 6 operating modes. The wall-mounted model is made of chromed stainless steel with the ability to change the height of the overhead shower. In general, the product has many positive reviews. However, there is an opinion that for such a modest functionality, the price of the rack is a bit high.

More functional can be called a model River River 11. It is equipped with a top watering can and a watering can on the hose, as well as a bath spout. It features a stylish design combining acrylic and tempered glass. Refers to wall racks, mixer - single lever, cartridge type. It is in high consumer demand, however, some users note an increased noise level of the device in some modes.

A similar set has a rack Timo Polo SX-1100. We should also talk about the materials used - this is stainless steel, brass and a special enamel coating of high hardness. Due to this, the components are characterized by strength and external attractiveness, no limescale deposits on the surface, even with mechanical impact scratches do not appear.

You should immediately decide in which place the rack will be mounted. Its appearance depends on it.Be sure to also determine the method of installation of the product - it will be open or hidden. Pay attention to the quality of the product, preference should be given metal structures. An alternative but more expensive option is tempered glass racks. However, it is worth remembering that such a model may not fit into all classic interiors.

As for the mixer material, the models with brass "stuffing" more durable. If the product has a flexible hose, then the option with a metal braid will be more reliable. It is worth determining whether you need additional options, since the price of the product depends on this. A standard rack is a bar with a mixer and overhead shower. It is enough to take water procedures. However, if you plan to get maximum relaxation and massage effect, it makes sense to pay extra for a set of options.

If the shower column is mounted in a bath bowl, it is recommended to choose a product with bath spout and additional flexible shower. This will save on the purchase and installation of a separate bath mixer.

Immediately determine whether the installation of the rack will be open or hidden. The second option looks more attractive, but the installation process is more time-consuming. This option may not work if the bathroom has already been repaired - there are tiles or panels on the walls. They will have to be disassembled for a concealed installation system, in addition, some part of the bathroom space will be “eaten”.

Despite the fact that the watering cans on hinges are somewhat more expensive than the rack, in which it is stationary, this is a reasonable waste. Especially if the product will be used by several family members of different sizes. The watering can itself should have a diameter of at least 15-20 cm. If we are talking about a soul with the function of tropical rain, the diameter of the watering can is from 20-25 cm. The most convenient shapes are a circle and a square.

It cannot be argued that the larger the size of the watering can, the better. It is much more important to find a balance between comfort during the adoption of water procedures and economical water consumption.

In the next video you will find a brief overview of the shower column with Frap F2434 mixer.