TOP-5 compact mixers with a joystick for a washbasin

The very compact washbasin faucet Grohe BauLoop 23337 belongs to inexpensive products from a well-known German manufacturer. The model has an interesting design and is controlled by a single-lever joystick mounted on a flat spout top platform. The rounded lines of the joystick with a petal-shaped metal lever with an internal oval cutout are typical for all BauLoop series devices united by this common feature. The symmetrical stroke of the lever within an angle of 100° allows you to accurately select the temperature of the mixed water.

The overall height of the structure is 148 mm with a spout depth of 90 mm. The GROHE EcoJoy aerator, angled at 20°, efficiently aerates the water at a constant flow rate of 5.1 l/min, saving up to 50% of a valuable natural resource. The ceramic cartridge ∅ 28 mm, installed in the device for precise and easy adjustment of pressure and temperature, is made with GROHE Longlife technology, which does not use Teflon-coated locking plates. The faucet features durable GROHE StarLight chrome finish, resistant to abrasion and stains, ensuring that it retains its original look for a long service life. The manufacturer gives this model a 5 year warranty.

The quick installation system and complete G 3/8 inch flexible hoses are unlikely to help speed up the connection of the device due to discrepancies with the pipe standards of old domestic water pipes. In addition to the basic model, the manufacturer offers a modification equipped with a chain for the drain plug. If you need a bottom valve function, for which, moreover, you will not have to pay extra, then we recommend that you pay attention to the modification of the model Grohe BauLoop 23335000 from 2 649 up to 4 803 ₴ that has this addition.

The Hansgrohe Logis 71100 washbasin faucet is a product of the large Logis faucet family, which embodies the innovative trends of the German sanitary ware industry. The model is not a novelty, but the pleasant design, compactness, workmanship and excellent performance keep the faucet in the constant focus of consumer interest. The device has a strict design with a short cylindrical body, turning into a fixed straight spout with a flat platform on top, where a neat ceramic shut-off valve control lever is installed. The height of the structure and the depth of the spout are 163 mm and 108 mm, respectively. The height of the jet from the aerator, set at an angle of 33°, is 93 mm, forming the so-called. the comfort zone of the ComfortZone 100 washbasin, which is determined by the approximate length of the inclined jet.

The device is equipped with a 1 1/4" Hansgrohe Push-Open bottom valve and a temperature limiter, which is an invaluable advantage if the device will be used by children. The Hansgrohe EcoSmart technology used in the model, which combines proprietary design solutions for the aerator and flow restrictor, saves up to 60% of water every day without any noticeable discomfort in the water supply. Installed in the faucet spout, the Hansgrohe AirPower aerator enriches the water with air, creating a powerful voluminous jet. And the constancy of pressure during pressure fluctuations in the water supply system is ensured by a flow restrictor made of elastomer. Thanks to EcoSmart technology, water consumption at a standard pressure of 3 bar was reduced to 5 l / min, allowing the model to be classified as an economical class.

An additional advantage of the model is the ability to use it together with instantaneous water heater. But the G 3/8 connecting thread of 450 mm flexible hoses familiar to Europe, which comes with the mixer, can upset residents of old houses, where there are completely different piping standards. The faucet model left a positive impression with balanced features and price.

The single-lever basin mixer Oras Safira 1011F belongs to the product line of the Safira series of a well-known Finnish manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen sanitary ware. The design style of the line, where the common denominator of all devices is a slightly curved control lever, is rather controversial and not perfect. Perhaps a flat plane of the lever, running parallel to the top face of the spout, would have looked more harmonious. In addition to this detail, the model, which has a traditional chrome finish, does not particularly stand out from its classmates with its appearance.

The reach of a straight fixed spout with 115 mm protrusion to the outlet point, as well as a jet height of 94 mm inclined at an angle of 23°, are at the level of average values. The HONEYCOMB aerator has improved limescale protection, making it easy to care for. With a total faucet height of 165 mm, given the closed water supply lever, the model looks quite compact. The device is equipped with a ceramic cartridge ∅ 40 mm with the ability to limit the temperature and water flow.

The high water flow rates of 10.8 l/min at a nominal water pressure of 3 bar are far from the economical characteristics of the best German appliances. And this can not be attributed to the positive aspects of the model. The mixer can operate in the pipeline pressure range from 0.5 to 10 bar at a recommended pressure of 5 bar. The device is equipped with a mounting kit and flexible connection hoses with G 3/8 threads, which are not suitable for water pipes in Soviet-era buildings.

The AM-RM trademark is trying to pass itself off as an international European brand with German origin by putting appropriate price tags on its products. Meanwhile, the rights to TM belong to the Russian company from St. Petersburg Aquaart Group. The company's products are far from the original German faucets Grohe, Hansgrohe and Kludi in terms of quality, as buyers refer to in their reviews, but it is worth noting the interesting design of the AM-PM faucet models, which look very attractive.

The AM-PM Spirit V2.0 F70A02100 washbasin faucet differs from boring counterparts with an extraordinary futuristic design that immediately attracts attention. The angled body seems to lean forward, giving the impression of dynamic movement. The flowing transition lines into the spout, which has a jet height of 102 mm, support its top platform, which is not perfectly flat. On this slightly convex and curved surface is a check valve control lever that has fully earned the right to be called a joystick. Unlike traditional designs with one arm, it has a two-arm lever on the central rack. Such a joystick lends itself better to control with the palm of your hand, and not with your fingers, which takes some getting used to. The outlet of the spout has a hidden aerator that can be adjusted within 7°. The service life of the mixer declared by the manufacturers, which can withstand 500 thousand on / off cycles, rather indicates the quality of the ceramic cartridge.

Please note the non-standard diameter of the mounting hole, which is 32 mm, and the equipment of the device with flexible hoses 400 mm long with the European standard for the thread of the fastening nuts G 3/8, which can cause problems with connection in old houses. A solid 10-year faucet warranty has a separate 5-year warranty on the cartridge and 2 years on other parts. Despite the fact that AM-PM designer sanitary ware looks good and is executed on a solid four, it is clear that the quality of the product is overrated. And even the long warranty period that the manufacturer gives for its products cannot affect the feeling that the brand's products have the right place in the middle price segment.

The prestigious PLUS X Award for Most Innovative Brand 2017 and the German Design Award 2018 confirm Kludi's leading position in the German and European sanitary ware market. The Ameo table-top products feature a bluish-reflective mirror chrome finish and a range of faucet heights. Washbasin faucet in the bathroom Kludi Ameo 410260575 is similar to dozens of commercially available models, but in terms of functionality, characteristics and quality of every detail, it is simply beyond the reach of second-tier manufacturers.

The body of the appliance is slightly tilted forward, due to which the 120 mm spout protrudes 135 mm deep into the structure. The side parts of the body, the thin flat lever, as well as the upper part of the spout have flat areas that form parallel lines, and the repetition of the bends of the lever and the body create a harmonious outline of the mixer. The convenience of the working area of the washbasin is due to the sufficient height of the jet of water coming out of the spout, which is 95 mm. The practical s-pointer Eco aerator saves up to 40% of water and makes it possible to reduce its consumption to 6 l/min at a pressure of 3 bar. The aerator is equipped with a swivel insert that allows you to adjust the angle of the jet within 12°, which simplifies the adaptation of the faucet to sinks of various shapes. And equipping the device with a ceramic cartridge with a HotStop temperature limiter completely eliminates the risk of scalding with too hot water.

The device is completed with an installation kit for a quick installation system and flexible hoses G 3/8 inch for connection to the water supply. Keep in mind that in homes with old plumbing, an additional G 3/8" to G 1/2" pipe thread adapter will be required to connect the faucet. With the exception of this small detail, common to all European models, the device is very good in terms of its performance, workmanship and durability, which makes its high cost not surprising.