Comparison Gromix 001 vs Haiba Mono 05 HB0301

The tap type is indicated by the type of controls installed in it. A number of features of both management and application in general depend on this. Nowadays, on the market you can find single cross handle, two cross handle, single lever (including those with additional touch control), non-contact and thermostatic taps, as well as push button models, which include both self-closing and thermostatic with a button. Here are the main features of these options:

— Single handle. Taps controlled by a single rotary handle (or a lever that moves in only one plane). In fact, they are not even "taps" as such, since they cannot mix hot and cold water and only regulate the pressure of the water supplied to them. It makes sense to use single handle models where the water temperature is constant and/or it makes no sense to regulate it — for example, in models for a kitchen filter (see "Suitable for"), for a washbasin where only cold water is used, or for an English-style washbasin, where hot and cold water is supplied from separate taps and mixed in the sink.

— Double handle. The classic design of taps, which does not lose popularity nowadays: two rotary handles responsible for...hot and cold water, respectively. This design is simple and inexpensive, while being reliable, moreover, it is convenient for precise temperature control. In addition, two handle taps are not afraid of the difference in the pressure of hot and cold water, and therefore it is recommended to use them with boilers. The disadvantage of this option is the impossibility of changing the pressure separately from the temperature and vice versa — any change requires turning both valves, while the pressure and temperature can fluctuate.

— Single lever. Taps where the flow of water is controlled by a single lever. Most often, turning the joystick from side to side in such models regulates the temperature, and tilting relative to the axis of rotation controls the pressure. This allows you to adjust the temperature without changing the pressure (and vice versa) and even “remember” the selected temperature option (just lower the lever to close without turning it sideways). At the same time, such devices are less accurate in adjustment than double cross handle ones.
Occasionally, you can also find a more specific variety — single-lever taps, supplemented by a separate temperature control lever (see below). In such models, the main joystick controls only the pressure.

— Push button. Models of mixers in which the control of turning the water supply on and off is assigned to a button. The first press turns on the water flow, the second turns it off. The button can be either an auxiliary means for conveniently turning on/off the water, or the main control element for the tap. In the latter option, to adjust the water supply pressure, the button is often made rotary.

— Self-closing. A variety of taps with button activation. However, here the button works on the principle of a timer: when you press it, water flows, and then a special mechanism gradually returns the button back, blocking the flow. Closing time is selected in such a way that one press allows you to more or less effectively wash your hands. Such devices are especially popular in public places, such as toilets of cafés, shopping centres, cinemas, etc.: there is no need to worry that an inattentive visitor will forget to turn off the tap. Most often, these taps are single-temperature, but there are also models with a temperature adjustment lever (see below).

— Thermostatic. Taps that have a thermostat function — that is, capable of automatically maintaining the temperature set by the user. Such models are extremely convenient: when the pressure or temperature of the water in the pipes fluctuates, you do not need to fiddle with the settings — the device will independently select the operating mode so that the outlet temperature does not change (or at least these changes are minimal). The main disadvantage of thermostatic models is the complexity of the design and, as a result, the high cost. In addition, many of them require an electrical connection. For control, models may include rotary controls or a button (see above).

— Non-contact. Models operated in a non-contact way — without the need to touch the device. This format of operation is most popular in washbasin taps (see "Suitable for"): in such models, a sensor is used that reacts to the presence of the user's hands under the spout. This is especially convenient in common areas where it is undesirable to touch the tap once again. There are other types of non-contact models — in particular, devices for the kitchen or shower. In the first case, it can be inconvenient to open an ordinary tap with dirty hands after kitchen work. At the same time, the control may not be completely contactless — there are devices with valves or other equipment for pre-setting the temperature, while the sensor in them works only as a water flow switch. And touchless shower taps necessarily have an additional control for setting the temperature; the sensor in them reacts not just to the hands, but to the whole person.

— Single-lever + touch. A variety of single-lever mixers (see above), equipped with an additional switch. As in conventional single-lever models, the joystick in such devices is used to adjust the pressure and temperature; the difference lies in the fact that the water is opened not by a lever, but by the mentioned switch. In other words, it is enough to set the optimal pressure and temperature once using the joystick — and then you can turn on the water by simply touching the switch. The device of the switch itself can be different: in some models, the entire tap's body plays its role, in others a special button or even a foot pedal is provided. The exception is the non-contact models described above — they may be similar in design and method of use, but all the same, these taps are classified into a separate category.

— Straight. Spout that have straight or almost straight shape and directed almost horizontally (other arrangements are highlighted in a separate paragraph — see “At right angle”). Generally, such a spout combines simplicity, practicality, and versatility. In particular, it can be of any length, and can also be rotary (see “Spout”), while being inexpensive to manufacture. Nowadays, straight spouts are extremely popular, and in almost all types of taps (see “Suitable for”). The exception is perhaps the kitchen application: this form is inconvenient for washing dishes by itself and leaves less space for dishes in the sink than other shapes (for example, angled or gooseneck spouts).

— Gooseneck. Taps with a spout in the shape of an arc, usually semicircular and rather steep. This design is most popular in kitchen taps, as it provides the necessary space for washing large dishes. Many models with such a spout are designed for washbasins — they also use a vertical installation, for which the arc is very convenient. And gooseneck bath taps are most often original premium models installed directly on the side of the bath (also horizontally).

— L-shaped. Spout in the shape of the letter “L” — with a vertical base and a horizontal “crossbar” extending from it. Thanks to this shape, the spout can be positioned at a sufficiently high height, which is especially conveni...ent when used in the kitchen or with a washbasin. Most of the L-shaped models refer to these specialization options (see “Suitable for”). According to the type of the tap (see the corresponding list), they are usually single-lever, while the joystick is located on the side; however, there are other options — both in the location of the joystick, and in the type of control.

— U-shaped. Spouts of this category resemble L-shaped models (see the relevant paragraph), in which the end of the spout is noticeably bent downwards. This gives them an original shape, as well as some resemblance to gooseneck models. U-shaped spouts are typically taller and are intended for use in kitchens or washbasins. At the same time, they are not as popular as the mentioned L-shaped ones, and even more so the gooseneck ones. In particular, because of the higher cost with no obvious practical advantages (although this form may well be optimal in terms of design).

— S-shaped. A variant that is predominantly found in bath models (including bath and washbasin solutions) as well as in some kitchen taps. The spout in this arrangement has the shape of the letter “S”, laid “on its side”. This design is well suited for wall-mounted models, where the spout outlet must be placed noticeably below the tap itself.

— At right angle. A straight spout located at a right angle relative to the tap body — directed from the base of the body up or down. This shape is especially suitable for washbasins and kitchens, and it is mainly found in taps of those specializations (see “Suitable for”). Most models with a similar spout have a fairly modern appearance, thanks to that they fit well into modern, high-tech interiors, etc.

— Curved at an angle. A spout that leans upward from the base of the tap and curves slightly downward at the end. The shape is in many ways reminiscent of the “at right angle” option, but it has its own characteristics. Firstly, such a spout can be made somewhat longer, which is convenient for kitchen use: the outlet is at a sufficiently high height and there is enough space under it to wash even large dishes without any problems. Most of the models in this category are just made for the kitchen. Secondly, for some users, this form is preferable from an aesthetic point of view (although, of course, this is a matter of personal taste). These spouts look more “cheap” compared to the products of the “at right angle” form factor and are extremely rare among top plumbing brands.

— Vertical jet. This type of spout is found among bidet taps. It involves vertical spraying of a water jet for taking a hygienic shower after visiting the toilet. The mortise vertical spray module is installed separately from the tap. Usually, the design also assumes a water return valve.

— Connected to overflow. Taps with a spout in the form of a flexible hose that connects to the overflow of the bathtub, and the water is poured through it. Thanks to such taps, minimalism is ensured in the appearance of the bathtub, which is caused by the absence of a classic spout. In addition, there is no need to make extra holes in the side of the bathtub to install the tap.

The diameter of the holes required to install the tap. This dimension allows you to assess whether the tap will be compatible with a sink, wall, etc., what dimensions the additional parts should have to install it, and whether the holes will need to be widened or narrowed.

— Brass. Alloy based on copper and zinc; at a relatively low price, it has good strength and corrosion resistance, due to which it has become widespread.

— Silumin. An alloy based on a combination of aluminium and silicon; it has good hardness and oxidation resistance, but it is rather brittle, and therefore it is used mainly in inexpensive models.

— Stainless steel. The most common material for inexpensive models. Steel is inexpensive and at the same time has high strength. Its disadvantage is a certain tendency to corrosion (especially with processing defects, even small ones), which practically does not affect everyday use, but can affect the durability of the tap.

— Zinc. Zinc products are similar in their main properties to the silumin products described above: on the one hand, they are inexpensive, on the other hand, they are quite fragile and not particularly durable. In addition, zinc is believed to be prone to corrosion, which can eventually degrade the properties of the water coming from such a tap and make this material unsuitable for kitchen use. Therefore, zinc bodies are not common, mainly among inexpensive bath and shower taps.

— Plastic. The simplest material used in the manufacture of taps. Due to its weak strength, it is not durable, but it does not rust. It is appropriate to use for sinks of rare use — for example, for a country house.