Grohe kitchen faucets: features, types and choices

Kitchen sink faucet is equipment that should be carefully selected and not worth the cost. Ergonomics, high-quality metal, functionality and wear resistance of all parts, modern design are all the reasons for the popularity of kitchen faucets of one of the leaders in the plumbing industry - the German manufacturer Grohe.

At the dawn of the 20th century in the German town of Schiltach, the descendant of craftsmen of cloth-makers Hans Grohe decided not to continue the family weaving business, but to create a new business. He opened a workshop that began to specialize in plumbing and was named after its creator, Hansgrohe.

Hans's design talent and business acumen quickly made the brand a success. Its products have conquered the markets of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The average son of Grohe - Friedrich, did not want to rest on his father’s laurels, and decided to apply the knowledge gained to create his own company. In 1936, he acquired a small brass factory.

The postwar years - the time of rapid growth of the company. In 1956, Grohe bought the thermostat factory, which became its subsidiary. Grohe faucets with thermostat, which maintain a constant comfortable temperature, are still considered one of the best in the world. In 1968, Grohe introduced a novelty - its version of a single lever mixer. Brands Hansgrohe and Grohe for a long time were related, not competing, but subsequently became independent.

In 2004, the Groet family loses control of the companies, completely transferring them to American shareholders. Today, the Grohe brand is part of the large construction corporation Lixil (Japan). Japanese owners do not want to miss consumers who are accustomed to trust the label "Made in Germany".

The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf, the main technology laboratory and design bureau still operate in the Black Forest, so Grohe continues to position itself as an independent premium-quality brand from Germany. Mixers are assembled at factories in Germany, Portugal and Thailand. Colossal cash injections of investors allow paying much attention to innovative developments and expanding the range on a large scale: it is updated by 25% every 2 years.

Since the inception of the brand, the foundation of its philosophy has become quality, profitability, advanced technology and stylish design. The kitchen faucets of the brand compete with dignity even with premium products from Italy, which has a long tradition of sanitary production. Advantages of German faucets:

• all models are covered by a warranty of 5 years;
• assistance and advice can be obtained by calling the Grohe representative contact center toll-free number, and the service network includes more than 55 offices throughout the country;
• products are presented in a wide price range: from 3,000 to 200,000 rubles;
• Grohe produces mixers of various modifications;
• the company does not use cheap alloys for cases, but durable brass and durable chrome StarLight or steel SuperSteel;
• the brand uses unique developments of its laboratories: SilkMove, CoolTouch, EcoJoy - they are responsible for safety, water and energy conservation, wear and corrosion resistance;
• the pride of the company was the innovation of recent years: models with the supply of tap, filtered, boiled and even carbonated water with separate water pipes and one spout;
• faucets are available in several colors: glossy and matte chrome, gold, white and black, in interesting shades of metal “dark graphite”, “cold dawn”, “warm sunset”, “antique bronze”;
• installation of Grohe sanitary equipment is quite simple: the kit contains detailed assembly instructions, there are video manuals. It is possible to call a specialist service center.

With the mass of advantages of Grohe mixers, the following disadvantages should be noted:

• a lot of fakes;
• high cost;
• not too much choice of colors;
• sensitivity of the elements of the mechanism to water quality.

The flip side of Grohe's fame and popularity is the frequent counterfeiting of the brand. The original mixer will have a clearly engraved logo, it is also present on the crimp sleeves of the inlets.

A fairly high price of some Grohe models can also stop buying. But this cost is justified by the excellent quality of all elements of the German product. Low-cost Chinese mixers that flooded the market often repeat the design of eminent companies, but their “filling” is short-lived, so the savings can soon turn into unnecessary costs. Modern kitchen faucets have gained color: red, purple, green - today they can be any.

Grohe's vibrant color can only be seen in the Essence range on flexible silicone hoses. Due to the popularity of sinks made of artificial porcelain in the assortment of many brands, mixers with a composite coating of various shades have appeared, which allows you to create a complete set. Unfortunately, the Grohe brand does not find such options.

Often breakdown of mixer parts is possible due to poor water quality: a ceramic cartridge can become clogged with tiny particles of sand and impurities. The mechanism developed by German engineers is designed for clean running water, because in Europe there are strict environmental requirements and standards. The use of water filters will help to avoid this problem.

Depending on the operating principle, the kitchen faucet may be like this.

• Dual valve - these are traditional models (Costa, Arabesk series), when the left and right valves are independently responsible for the supply of hot and cold water. It is necessary to regulate the temperature with two hands, and this is not too comfortable for the kitchen. The mechanism is based on the use of ceramic Carbodur cranbucks.

• Single lever - the most common and practical type of devices (Euroeco, Concetto, Euro Smart Cosmopolitan models). The built-in ceramic cartridge with SilkMove technology allows you to easily control the pressure and temperature of the jet with a gentle movement of the handle. The location of the lever is top or side.

• Sensory - such devices (Minta Touch) have a lever for adjusting the temperature and intensity of the water flow. But if your hands are dirty, you can lightly touch the sensor on a clean area of ​​your wrist or forearm to activate a spout of cold water and rinse your hands without dirtying the faucet. Automatically the water will turn off after 60 seconds. One of the latest developments is Essence Foot Control. To turn on the water in it, you need to touch the sensor with your foot (it is installed on the cabinet door profile under the sink).

A mixer with a retractable spout will solve many problems: it is easy to fill any container with it, use a directional stream for cleaning. All models can be equipped with an aerator: its mesh breaks a stream of water, making it softer.

Many Grohe models are already loved by customers and have a lot of praise. Model Wave cosmopolitan there is a medium and high spout. Even an average spout will allow pouring water into the overall containers. Traditional in form Grohe Eurosmart New (32534002) inexpensive, suitable for small washing, has an aerator, the necessary comfort provides rotation of 140 degrees.

In a tall model Eurosmart new applied EcoJoy adjustment technology: with less water, the jet has a sufficient pressure. The Grohe Start series includes the device in a stylish Super Steel shade. Quick installation technology Quickfix facilitates its installation, allowing it to be performed even by an amateur.

Good single-lever models of Grohe Minta with C- and L-bend. They are equipped with a retractable watering can with an aerator / shower jet switch, their rotation radius with fixation is 150 or 360 degrees. The matte mixer in black velvet color is especially effective. Wealthy consumers are ready to invest in a Grohe Blue Minta New Pure kit with a filter, because it allows you to use purified drinking water directly from the tap by switching the lever.

Grohe products combine superior design and functionality. Such a faucet will become a decoration of the kitchen and an indispensable assistant in daily affairs. Grohe assortment has mixers for any interior solution. Maybe only deliberately aged retro models to the style of Provence or magnificent baroque can not be found in the collections presented today. Two-valve devices are suitable for the traditional classic interior, and laconic single-lever fit into minimalism, loft and other modern styles.

Kitchen faucets suggest several placement options: for sink, countertop or wall. When choosing a kitchen faucet it is necessary to build on the dimensions of the sink: ideal if the jet is directed directly into the drain.

A sink with two sinks requires a swivel mixer or a model with a flexible hose. An all-metal or flexible silicone watering can can have a changeover from the usual to the shower, which is very convenient for washing greens, berries, fruits.Grohe has faucets with even 360 degree spout rotation, such as the Minta Touch. This design gives the maximum level of comfort.

High precision machining of all parts, threaded joints and surfaces provides a fairly simple installation of the Grohe mixer. For independent work you will need such tools:

• adjustable wrenches;
• open end wrench;
• pliers;
• screwdrivers.

You also need to have FUM tape and sealant on hand. Branded packaging includes detailed instructions, a mixer, flexible hoses, gaskets. Before installation, be sure to turn off the water supply. Read the instructions carefully. Observe the labeling of the flexible hose fittings for hot and cold inlets. After installation, it is necessary to check the operation of the mixer and the tightness of all connections. Turn on the pressure of the water and with dry hands run over all places of the fasteners, they should not be wet. The mixer spout must not leak when closed.

Choosing a Grohe mixer for your kitchen, you should respect the result of the work of highly qualified specialists, especially if you purchased a rather expensive model. The technique has well-thought-out ergonomics, therefore:

• do not tighten the valves with excessive force;
• turn the rotary lever smoothly;
• gently pull out the flexible watering can;
• To avoid chips and deformation, protect the mixer from shock.

When cleaning, do not use chemicals with aggressive acids (including acetic acid) and abrasive powders. Enough wet sponge with soapy solution. The initial shine is easy to maintain by wiping the mixer dry after each use. Grohe has developed a special soft care product for chrome surfaces - GrohClean. It will help to avoid the appearance of lime stains and deposits, and if they are already there, it will carefully remove them.

For how easy it is to install a Grohe single lever kitchen mixer with pull-out spout, see the next video.