Faucet lever design

The mixer is not only a design element, but first of all a manual tool (except for contactless models).

Photo: Legion-Media

When choosing a mixer, we advise you to pay attention to the tactile sensations, check whether the fingers and palm goes on the lever, as well as how easy it is in management and configuration.

Antonio Gaudi says that Antonio Gaudi, developing the design of mixers for the interiors of an apartment building La Pedrera in Barcelona, started not with sketches on paper, but squeezing handles from clay, imitating the movement of the hands of future users. Modern manual control faucets are customary to break into two main groups. Two handles are used in the two-links for the supply of cold and hot water. One-handed operations are managed by one arm-lever. The form of the latter is developed in accordance with the design of the mixer. But in any case, it must be "sharpened" to the comfort of use.

Digital Mixer Veris F-Digital (36 370 rubles). You need to connect to the source of electricity. Photo: Grohe.

Valves on a new way

Twentyl mixers today are presented both in the form of a traditional "Christmas tree" with two handles located on the housing and in the form of a model with spaced by writing and valves. Products are designed for mounting into the sink (either on the side of the bath) with three holes or for hidden wall mounting. In such mixers, conventional threaded taps-inks with rubber locking gasket are replaced by taps in the ceramic disks.

Handles - a single integer with a housing and spell: Joystick - Axor Starck V. Photo: Hansgrohe

Scope of application

Mixers with handles in the form of a traditional cross are primarily in demand when placing bathrooms in a classic style or in the Spirit of retro, such as Sinfonia (Grohe), Carlton (Hansgrohe). Cross-shaped handles were transformed into stylized minimalist cylindrical crossbars without decor, say ATRIO (GROHE), Terrano (Hansgrohe), Tara (Dornbracht).

Model Morgana with joystick. Photo: Hansgrohe.

Special convenience of capture are distinguished the face or petals of cylindrical valves. Thus, the mixers of the ATRIO Classic and Sinfonia series (GROHE) can be an excellent solution for the classic-style bathroom, and the UNO 2 and Starck X series (Hansgrohe), Lo (Roca) will fit into a modern interior. Rounded cylindrical handles, as a rule, also put on the side ends of shower thermostats - thus, on one axis, it is possible to place two elements at once, one of which adjusts the flow of water, and the other is its temperature.

In the category of expensive two-centiest mixers there are models with handles-embodied handlers made from Crystal Swarovski, Murano glass, semi-precious, and sometimes even precious materials.

The main disadvantage of two-dimensional models is that (in contrast to a single-grade mixer) to establish the desired temperature will have to spend more time

Once or two, and ready

Today, users prefer one-art (monocomand) models that are usually equipped with disk cartridges. The temperature and water consumption can now be asked through the light movement of the hand, finger or the edge of the palm, its back side and elbow (mixers with a very long handle). When the lever moves to the right or left or to himself, it is not difficult to regulate the temperature, and when moving up- down - pressure.

Technical nuance

The flow temperature is adjustable faster than in two-dimensional models, but only under the condition of the smooth stroke of the lever. Cartridges of leading European manufacturers are made of a special ceramic alloy and impregnated with lubricant, making a desired temperature in seconds.

In one-line models, the lever is located on top, in front or on the side - all options are convenient. Left -sham It is worth choosing mixers with a lever installed on top, and not to the right, or a modification for the left hand

Classification

Monocomand mixers are divided into monocomanda and joysticks actually. The device of the cartridge responsible for mixing water, and in the same case is identical, but the levers differ in design. Monocomanda - mobile completion of the housing. It is located on the side or in the upper part of the mixer (in this case, the lever is directed forward along the gland). The joystick lever (more often in the form of a thin metal rod) literally grows out of a small hole in the upper part of the monolithic case, as the gearbox handle in the cars, - Puravida (Hansgrohe), Moai (Roca).

Photo: Paini.

The form

The design of the lever, developed in accordance with the design of the entire mixer (except for the models of the hidden installation, when the handle seems to exist in itself), indicates not only about aesthetic, but also about the maximum management comfort. One of the trendy trends is a clear geometric shape. Flat rectangular handles, such as CityPlus (Laufen), L90 (ROCA), which are crowned with faceted housings, are convenient streamlined levers, which are completed with cylindrical cases - M2 (ROCA), ISSEN and REIN (WASSERKRAFT), located at right angles or aspirated up , arcuate, slightly chopped, long and shortened. Uncooked models are completed with a strict lever, often made in the form of a stick, - Essence (GROHE), Main (Wasserkraft).

The large group make up the mixers with an ergonomic lever in the form of a loop, say quadra (GROHE), which can have a triangular, rectangular or drowned form. The hole allows you to control the mixer, which is called one finger. The manufacturers' rules appear more and more models with a side view, such as Bingo Star (Kludi), CurvePrime (Laufen), Essence (GROHE), D-Line and Next Trendy (Vitra), La Belle (Villeroy & Boch).

Two-foam mixers are inferior in the technologicality of modern one-dimensional: the first is required more time to adjust the flow and temperature of the water, respectively, moisture consumption and cash costs increase. However, in Russia, old water heating columns are still used, which are suitable for mixers with only two valves. The most common products with the top lever are the most common: the flow and temperature of the water are quickly adjusted, in addition, the mixer can be placed as close as possible to the wall, which is relevant for a small room. Models with the top lever are equally comfortable for both left-handers and right-handers. Mixers with side lever on functionality and technologicalness do not differ from the models with the top. But they are more convenient for children who are difficult to reach the top lever. In addition, the side lever limits the falling water to the scum, therefore, it is less likely to be formed by lime raids, the mixer serves longer and looks presentable. However, for example, left-handers are inconvenient to use the lever located on the right. Faucets with a joystick lever are advanced modern models. By means of light touch, the flow and temperature of the water are practically instantaneously. The course of the joystick lever is the most smooth. For example, Grohe has developed Silkmove technology, which provides a very soft course of the lever. Joystick mixers are usually distinguished by an ultra-modern design and correspond to the rapid rhythm of life. In addition, according to many women users, it is very convenient to wear rings on the lever joystick when washing hands and dishes - the decoration does not slip and water will not get on it.

Irina Belozerova

GROHE RUSSIA products coach

Double standard

For two-dimensional models there are two versions of the lever device. The first is a traditional threaded (worm) with a retransable locking mechanism. Between the fully open and fully closed position of the crane-trays of the flywheel (handle) makes two turns around their axis (720 °).

The second, more modern - with a switched adjusting mechanism in the form of two ceramic plates. Such an element is called ceramic crane-bux or valve. Rotate the knob in such valves from the full opening until the opening is completely closed is only 90 or 180 °. Today, almost all European manufacturers prefer to produce products with a rotation of the handle 180 °. Thus, it was possible to expand the mixer control zone, it became easier to adjust water.

Twentyl mixers differ in versatility: they can be installed in one hole - two valves in the form of shoulders are located on the housing. Photo: Oras.

In foot with progress

In the latter generation mixers, instead of the usual valves or lever, buttons are increasingly used (for example, HansGrohe, Grohe), which can be both mechanical and sensory. Buttons are placed on the body of the product or next to it. The button-type models are connected through the adapter to the 220V power supply or operate from the battery.