A clear answer to the question of which plumbing is more practical and durable does not exist. And cast iron, and acrylic, and steel products have their advantages and disadvantages. However, most often, users make a choice not in favor of steel. But all prejudices disappear when you get acquainted with the sanitary ware Kaldewei (Germany). This German company launched a product on the market that completely neutralized all the known shortcomings of steel plumbing products.
A little bit about the brand
Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co has been operating on the market for over 100 years. Nowadays, the enterprise is one of the recognized leaders in the plumbing manufacturing segment. The brand’s products are unique, during the technological cycle, the main material and its coating are combined with strong chemical bonds and become an indivisible whole. This distinguishes Kaldewei sanitary ware from similar products of other brands.
German bathtubs are made using the latest innovative technologies from the highest quality materials. Plumbing is highly regarded by consumers worldwide.
The company won a number of Interior Innovation Award: for example, in 2014 the steel bath of this brand without seams received the title of Best of Best, and the Conopool bath became the winner of the Winner title.
Advantages and disadvantages
Kaldewei baths quite quickly conquered the European and world markets. This is not surprising, given the undoubted advantages of technology in comparison with models from other manufacturers.
- Impact resistance. Due to the special technology of material production, the surface of the bathtubs is characterized by increased density, resistance to wear and mechanical damage.
- Security. Any bathtub of a German brand has a non-slip coating.
- Purity. The surface of the bath is non-porous, therefore pathogenic microflora does not develop on it.
- Easy to operate. Plumbing Kaldewei quickly and easily cleaned. It is characterized by a persistent reaction to a variety of chemicals. The appearance and operational parameters of the models remain unchanged after contact with cleaning products, hair tonics, medical additives and other solutions.
- Warranty. The manufacturer gives a 30-year warranty on all products.
- Comfort of use. The creators of the plumbing took care of the convenience of their consumers, so the products are manufactured taking into account the physiological bends of the human body.
- Sound absorption. The assortment list of the manufacturer includes an additional set of soundproof coating. The use of such a bath brings a person only the most pleasant emotions and allows to achieve a noticeable relaxing effect.
- Easy installation. Kaldewei bathtubs are installed very quickly, any physically developed person can cope with the work without involving third-party specialists.
- Price. Among the large assortment of the manufacturer, you can find a model for any wallet, while each of them will differ in a pleasant price / quality ratio.
The company is justly proud of the durability of its product. The long service life is explained very simply - steel 3.5 mm thick has reduced thermal expansion, so that the surface does not become cracked for a long period of active use.
The Kaldewei bath is almost impossible to scratch, all products are resistant to ultraviolet, so they do not lose their brightness, even when in the sun. The heat-resistant coating protects the bowl from the flame of a candle and charcoal of a cigarette. The metal has good thermal insulation, so the bath heats up pretty quickly.
For the greatest comfort of the user, backs, handles and armrests are provided. Kaldewei bathtubs add uniqueness to special anti-mud coatingdue to which water rolls off the surface of the bowl, taking with it all the impurities, as well as limescale.
The undoubted advantage of the brand's sanitary ware lies in the breadth of the assortment. The list of models includes more than 200 items of various designs and shapes.
Product color palette includes 25 shades, therefore, products of this brand can be in harmony with any stylistic decision of the interior. As for the shortcomings, the Kaldewei sanitary ware is almost devoid of them. However, as consumer reviews indicate, with prolonged use, there is still a risk of microcracks and chips.
In fairness, it should be noted that these unpleasant phenomena are the result of careless operation of the bath.
Shapes and sizes
Steel bathtubs of the Kaldewei brand harmoniously fit into the bathroom of any size and interior due to the material used, the variety of shapes and dimensions of the product. The most popular are bathtubs with dimensions of 150x70 and 170x70 cm. However, the undoubted advantage of the range of this brand is the fact that any buyer can easily choose a bathtub of any other size. The company offers models with parameters 140x70, 170x75, 180x70, 180x80, 160x70, 170x73 and even 200x100 cm.
Moreover, any product, regardless of size and shape, can be additionally equipped with self-cleaning and anti-slip coatings and a set for sound insulation.
Materials
The German company Kaldewei was the first brand that managed to produce a unique one-piece bath without a single weld. This technology was a real breakthrough not only for the brand itself, but also for the entire plumbing market. All Kaldewei bathtubs are made of steel-enamel material; its manufacturing technology includes 4 stages.
- Mixing the raw materials. At this stage, oxides and silicates are mixed, as a result, a high-quality base is formed for the further production of plumbing.
- Melting. The resulting mixture is transferred to a furnace heated to 1300 degrees. During melting, a homogeneous composition is obtained, it is cooled with ice water, and from the hardened non-plastic mass specialists of the enterprise receive glassy crystals - the so-called frits.
- Grinding The resulting enamel frits with the addition of natural components are processed in ball mills for 5-6 hours, the result of processing is the formation of an enamel slip.
- Application and firing. The enamel slip is sprayed evenly onto the metal sheets and placed in an oven, heating them to 850-900 degrees. As a result of this treatment, a durable composite material with a thickness of 3.5 mm is obtained, of which the coating value is 6 mm, and the metal frame is 2.9 mm.
The resulting material is environmentally friendly and safe to use.
Models
The range of Kaldewei bathtubs includes the most beautiful products made in a modern or classic style. For example, Saniform Plus bathtub has a familiar design, in which any unnecessary elements are absolutely excluded. Such bowls are ergonomic and easy to use. The size grid starts from 140x70 cm and ends with 180x70 cm. A self-cleaning and anti-slip coating is provided.
The Cayono 751 Easy-Clean is a stylish, freestanding bowl. The model is very popular among owners of large bathrooms, it is distinguished by the absence of legs and the stability of the sidewalls. Thanks to this design, the bathtub becomes convenient for operation both for its intended purpose and for performing various economic tasks. Bathtubs of this series are available in the range from 150x70 cm to 180x70 cm. The package includes handles, as well as audio system for maximum relaxation.
Conoduo bathtub combines an unusual design and a non-standard shape. Such a product will decorate any interior and make the adoption of hygiene procedures as comfortable as possible. The bathtub blends harmoniously into rooms decorated in an ultra-modern style. The dimensional grid is presented in the range from 170x75 cm to 200x100 cm.
Oval-shaped bowls are very popular - Ellipso duo oval. Such products look very beautiful, their design is characterized by simple but smooth lines. The unusual form allows you to take hygiene procedures not only alone, but also together.
How to choose?
Like any other high-quality equipment, Kaldewei is often replaced by fakes. In order to avoid fraud, you need to pay attention to the correctness of the transaction of sale.
- The seller, upon request, is required to provide all hygiene certificates and certificates of conformity.
- When purchasing a bath, the representatives of the trading company must give you the check, as well as the contract of sale (depending on the specifics of the seller’s work, this can only be a check).
- The product passport with its individual code must go along with the bath, the passport is glued to the bowl.
A little tip. If you want to be completely sure that you are buying a reliable and high-quality product from a German manufacturer, give preference to Kaldewei dealers in your area
How to care?
Caring for a bathtub of this brand is very simple, since steel, thanks to its anti-mud coating, copes with cleaning itself. Nevertheless, in order for plumbing to serve you faithfully for many years, you should adhere to some recommendations.
- After each use, the enamel on the surface should be rinsed with warm water, and then wiped with a soft damp cloth or suede. This is especially true for products of a dark color, as otherwise a noticeable limescale will appear on them.
- Light soiling can be cleaned with the most common detergents.To neutralize more significant contaminants, it is recommended that you first soak the stain with a more concentrated detergent solution.
- When limescale appears, you can remove it with a warm solution of vinegar with water, taken in a ratio of 1: 1. Keep in mind, you need to use table vinegar, and not vinegar essence. After plaque cleaning, the plumbing is thoroughly rinsed with water.
- When using body care cosmetics containing oil or fat, an oil film often appears on the surface, this type of pollution significantly increases the risk of slipping and often leads to injuries. To remove them, you must use alkaline cleaners that can dissolve fat, and after processing the surface should be treated with sour milk and rinse thoroughly with water.
- To clean the kaldewei bath, abrasive cleaners and compositions containing sand, intensive acid-base solutions are not allowed. It is recommended to use a soft cloth to clean the surface. The use of metal sponges, hard brushes, as well as washing powder is not recommended.
Review Reviews
When buying plumbing, in particular, bath bowls, most consumers are trying to find a “middle ground”. Steel plumbing Kaldewei, as evidenced by the reviews, prove the full compliance of models with this criterion. Most buyers highlight the undoubted advantages of products of this brand:
- high quality combined with affordable price;
- the ability to choose a product for bathrooms of any non-standard shapes and sizes;
- fast heating;
- ease of cleaning.
It is noted that the coating is actually resistant to damage, any attempt to scratch it with pointed objects ended in failure.
Kaldewei bath overview see in the next video.