Thermostatic mixer showers, do you get what you pay for?

[rich65]

I'm wanting to fit a Thermostatic mixer shower soon and was wondering about the large range in prices and whether they all reflect the quality you get or do you pay a large premium for a brand name?

If quality varies with price, what is the difference? is it longer lasting internals, better quality chroming etc?

Can I get a good shower for under £200?

Can anyone point out the differecnces between these units,

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bristan-oval-thermostatic-chrome-mixer-shower-exposed-flexible/38413

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/triton-unichrome-dove-3224-17444

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/grohe-grohtherm-3000-exposed-3225-15166

The shower will be connected to a combi boiler, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Rich

 

[Jake1886]

I fit pressure balancing shower mixers when the supply is fed via a combi. I normally fit the Moretti as its cheap and looks nice, which is mainly what every one wants. But fit the Grohe if you want quality.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/grohe-pre...ancing-thermostatic-chrome-mixer-shower/51969

http://www.screwfix.com/p/moretti-lungo-pressure-balancing-mixer-shower-flexible-kit/35955

 

[ChrisR]

As long as you get one which is "external" ie not buried in the wall, you'll always be able to get a whole new mixer qyite cheaply. My local merchant is currently charging about £66.
By the time the cartridge needs replacing, chances are the knobs will look old as well, and it's much easier to replace the lot.

Most of this stuff is made in China and you can pay loads for nothing much different.

Bear in mind that if you look at the Chinese wholesale suppliers, you can get the mixer, hose, rail, handset, all metal and chrome platred, for well under a tenner!

 

[xr4x4]

I fitted a £69 one on a unvented system, was great.

Must admit was only there 3 months tho.

 

[Whitespirit66]

I wouldn't hesitate to fit any of the mixers on your list. Yes, the Grohe is the pick of the bunch. It will probably perform marginally better, and last longer, but then again it is 5 times more expensive than your cheapest choice. 5 times dearer, but not 5 times better however.

I have fitted loads of the cheaper Triton ones, and rarely get problems. Most of them have been in daily use now for several years.

I would probably look upon the Triton as almost throwaway when it eventually goes wrong. However, with the Grohe, it's quality build and excellent parts backup, means you are more likely to repair it.

Not much help deciding, down to how much money you want to invest in one.

 

[rich65]

Thanks for all your replies guys, looks like I wont need to break the bank then. I'm tempted by the Moretti.

Thanks again for the help.

Rich

 

[Whitespirit66]

Moretti are just Screwfix's cheap range. Sounds Iti, probably chinese made.

Pay a few more pounds, and buy from someone who's been manufacturing brassware for years, Trition, Bristan, Grohe.