Mixer with thermostat: electronic, mechanical. Advantages and disadvantages

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Mixer with thermostat
  • Features
  • How to choose
  • "Smart" mixer
  • Functional principle and internal device
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Mixer with electronic thermostat
  • Manufacturers
    • Grohe
    • Hansgrohe
    • Oras
    • Connection

During the hygiene procedures the classic two-valve or single-lever mixer is forced to waste time onregulation of water temperature. An alternative for those who want to always receive a water jet at a selected temperature is a thermostatic mixer: the water temperature and its head can be programmed.

This unit will maintain the required water flow temperature even when the pressure in the main water supply network changes abruptly. Such devices appeared on the market not so long ago and are designed to increase comfort when using plumbing devices.

Features

The mixer, supplemented with a thermostatic device responsible for maintaining the temperature at a given level, is considered a very convenient device.

This mixer is available in two models:

  • mechanical;
  • electronic model.

In the mechanical version of the , the device is controlled by a handle, a valve or a lever with a different design.

Mechanical mixer with thermostat

The electronic model has a liquid crystal screen, and the control is touch-sensitive or push-button.

Electronic thermostat mixer

There are also contactless with the infrared sensor, even more convenient to operate.

Non-contact with the infrared sensor

Such mixers have appeared thanks to economical Europeans, who do not want to spend more on using the benefits of civilization. They have a temperature scale on which the selected value is set, as well as a temperature limiter that prevents the increase above the specified value. Inside such mixers is a heat regulator, responsible for the ratio of hot water to cold, as well as a device that regulates the head of the water flow.

Before switching on the user selects the desired temperature and the desired head. If the device functions qualitatively, it allows you to get water with a comfortable temperature and constant head pressure.

Mixers with a thermostat are among the products of almost every manufacturer that produces accessories for the kitchen and bathroom. At the same time, the models are both simple and designer.

How to choose

First of all, it is determined with the type of device operation, that is, choose an electronic or mechanical mixer.

In the electronic version of , it is easier to set parameters by pressing buttons or on the touch panel, but such a mixer requires a power supply( battery or AC adapter).

The mechanical mixer is more reliable, and thanks to the manual switching it often works faster.

When selecting the important place and the mixer will be installed. Devices are divided into faucets for shower, kitchen sink, bidet, but there are also universal models.

Mixer with thermostat and shower

Also determine the type of mixer attachment, because the installation can be performed:

  • open( external);
  • in a hidden way.

As mixers are produced in different designs, they are also selected for the style of the room.

"Smart" mixer

This mixer is an intelligent gadget. He remembers those who use it, and recognizes faces.

As a result, according to the preferences, he himself includes the water of the desired temperature and head pressure.

Smart mixer gadget
Smart tap - gadget at hand in the bathtub
Smart mixer gadget

Since the mixer is equipped with a touch screen, you can use it to enter your e-mail, get familiar with the weather forecast, make adjustments to your plan, etc.

Principle of operation and internal device

The main reason why the developers created a thermostatic mixer wasthe desire to obtain at the outlet water with an unchanged stable temperature, which will not be influenced by pressure in the water supply. Externally, the mixer with a thermostat is similar to an ordinary one, especially if it is a mechanical model.

Some of the thermostatic mixers work thanks to the thoughtful complex mechanics, the functioning of the others is due to the interaction of the electricians and the mechanisms, however, in all the principle of operation is similar, since it is based on a thermostatic valve. Such a valve mixes hot and cold water to the desired parameters.

In each thermostatic mixer there is a fuse, preventing accidental temperature rise, for example, due to careless movement of the hand. Such a fuse is usually represented by a red button, which must be pressed to increase the temperature. This function is especially valuable for families in which there are small children.

The design of the mixer with thermostat includes:

  • housing;
  • pressure regulator;
  • thermostatic valve.

In cheaper models, the valve is made of rubber or leather. It wears out pretty quickly, although it is easily replaced. In the more expensive models, the valve is made of ceramics, so its wear is less. The mixer body is often represented as a long cylinder with water outlets.

Stylish thermostatic mixer

Pros

In addition to the main advantage of the thermostatic mixer in obtaining water of a certain temperature, the device also has the following advantages:

  • Cost-effectiveness. Thanks to precise settings, unnecessary waste of water is excluded, because you will not need to choose a comfortable temperature after opening the tap( it will immediately flow such water that you need).
  • Security. You can safely wash, without worrying that too hot or icy water will go out of the tap.
  • Comfort. The reaction of the mixer to changes in water temperature and pressure is very fast, and the washable person will not even notice that the conditions in the general communications network have changed.

Cons

The disadvantage of a mixer with a thermostat is its high cost. But for many this minus is insignificant, after all it is completely covered by practicality and convenience of use.

In addition, there is such a disadvantage as a rather complicated repair. Repair services in relation to such devices are not in all cities.

Mixer with thermostat: appearance

Mixer with electronic thermostat

Difference from mechanical models is the presence of a liquid crystal monitor. In this monitor, the user sees the temperature values ​​of the water that will flow out of the mixer. The electronic type of the mixer is controlled by touch or by pressing the buttons.

The advantage of choosing such a mixer is the possibility of creating programs. Depending on the need for a certain time, turn on the desired program and get water with the parameters that it provides. In some devices, additional functions can also be programmed, for example, water analysis. Of course, their cost is much higher than mechanical mixers or conventional electronic models.

The thermostatic electronic mixer is operated via the AC adapter or from a normal battery. Some manufacturers add special sensors to electronic devices. For example, equipping the device with an infrared sensor allows you to control the mixer remotely.

Mixer with electronic thermostat

Manufacturers

Russian manufacturers do not produce such products, so let's focus on the main foreign companies offering thermostatic mixers to consumers.

Grohe

Research and testing is called the best of these mixers products of the German manufacturer Grohe. The products of this company are attracted by their design and innovative technologies. Installation of such mixers can be both external and hidden.

All mixers from Grone are divided into 3 lines according to their appearance and style:

  • Cosmopolitan( minimal models with geometric shapes);
  • Authentic( antique);
  • Contemporary( democratic and modern models).
Grohe mixer with electronic thermostat

Hansgrohe

Another excellent German manufacturer offering innovative equipment is Hansgrohe. Its faucets with a thermostat are made of brass, and as this material quickly heats up, the models are provided with effective cooling.

Depending on the type of cooling system, all Hansgrohe mixers are divided into series:

  • 5000( reliable luxury water-cooled mixers);
  • 2000( middle class of mixers with plastic coating of brass body);
  • 1000( economy version).

The company also offers an innovative Ecostat series with high capacity, attractive design and elegant form.

HansGrohe mixer with electronic thermostat

Oras

You can also purchase sanitary fixtures from the Finnish company Oras. The thermostat in its mixers is enclosed in a plastic casing. The latest models are additionally equipped with one more lever for blind people.

When choosing a device from Oras, keep in mind that some models are produced for European countries( the water distribution is done differently than in Russian houses).

Oras mixer with mechanical thermostat

Connection

Note that the installation of a mechanical mixer type with a thermostat is as simple as installing a conventional mixer.

But for electronic models often need a specialist. As a preparation for the installation of a thermostatic mixer, it is advised to install filters that will clean both cold and hot water. So you will extend the service of the new device.

The installation of the mixer was discussed in detail in another article.

If you have purchased a model adapted to domestic water distribution, then installation problems are not expected. It is easiest to install a kitchen faucet, since its installation requires only the connection of flexible hoses. If the purchased model is incompatible with the existing wiring, you will have to perform a thorough rework of the water pipe.

If the pipes supplying water differ, it is recommended to install a model in which there is a non-return valve. It will not only prevent mixing of water, but it is also able to block the flow if the supply of water in any pipe is turned off.

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