Kaldewei bathtubs: features, varieties, tips for choosing
There is no definite answer to the question of which plumbing is more practical and durable. Both cast iron and acrylic and steel products have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, more often than not, users make a choice not in favor of steel. But all prejudices disappear when you get to know Kaldewei (Germany) plumbing fixtures. This German company launched a product on the market that completely neutralized all the known disadvantages of steel sanitary ware.
A little about the brand
Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co has been on the market for over 100 years. Today the company is one of the recognized leaders in the sanitary ware segment. The brand's products are unique; during the technological cycle, the main material and its coating are united by strong chemical bonds and become an indivisible whole. This distinguishes Kaldewei sanitary ware from similar products from other brands.
German baths are made using the latest innovative technologies from the highest quality materials... Plumbing is highly regarded by consumers all over the world.
The company has won a number of Interior Innovation Awards: the brand's seamless coated steel bathtub was named Best of Best in 2014, and the Conopool bathtub was named Winner.
Advantages and disadvantages
Kaldewei bathtubs quickly conquered the European and world markets. This is not surprising, given the undoubted advantages of technology in comparison with models from other manufacturers.
- Impact resistance... Due to the special production technology of the material, the surface of the baths is characterized by increased density, resistance to wear and mechanical damage.
- Security... Any German brand bathtub has an anti-slip coating.
- Purity. The surface of the bath is non-porous, therefore pathogenic microflora does not develop on it.
- Easy to operate. Kaldewei sanitary ware is quick and easy to clean. It has a persistent reaction to a wide variety of chemicals. The appearance and performance parameters of the models remain unchanged after contact with cleaning agents, hair tonics, medical additives and other solutions.
- Guarantee. The manufacturer gives a 30-year warranty for all products.
- User comfort... The creators of plumbing have taken care of the convenience of their consumers, so the products are made taking into account the physiological curves of the human body.
- Sound absorption. The assortment list of the manufacturer includes an additional set of soundproofing cover. The use of such a bath brings a person only the most pleasant emotions and allows you to achieve a noticeable relaxing effect.
- Ease of installation. Kaldewei bathtubs are installed very quickly, any physically developed person can handle the work without the involvement of third-party specialists.
- Price... Among the large assortment of the manufacturer, you can find a model for any wallet, and each of them will have a pleasant price / quality ratio.
The company is rightfully proud of the durability of its products. The long service life is explained very simply - steel with a thickness of 3.5 mm has a reduced thermal expansion, so that the surface does not crack during a long period of active use.
The Kaldewei bathtub is almost impossible to scratch, all products are UV resistant, so they do not lose their brightness, even when in the sun... The heat-resistant coating protects the bowl from candle flames and cigarette embers. The metal has good thermal insulation, so the bath heats up rather quickly.
Backrests, handles and armrests are provided for maximum user comfort. The uniqueness of Kaldewei bathtubs gives special anti-mud coating, thanks to which the water rolls off the surface of the bowl, taking with it all the dirt, as well as limescale.
The undoubted advantage of the brand's sanitary ware lies in the breadth of the assortment. The list of models includes more than 200 items of various designs and shapes.
The color palette of products includes 25 shades, therefore, products of this brand can be in harmony with any stylistic solution of the interior. As for the shortcomings, Kaldewei plumbing is almost devoid of them. However, as consumer reviews point out, with long-term operation, there is still a risk of microcracks and chips.
In fairness, it should be noted that these unpleasant phenomena are the result of careless use of the bath.
Shapes and sizes
Steel bathtubs from Kaldewei brand harmoniously fit into the bathroom of all sizes and interiors thanks to the material used, the variety of shapes and dimensions of the product. The most in demand are baths with dimensions of 150x70 and 170x70 cm. However, the undoubted advantage of the model range of this brand is the fact that any customer can easily pick up a bathtub of any other size. The company offers models with parameters 140x70, 170x75, 180x70, 180x80, 160x70, 170x73 and even 200x100 cm.
At the same time, any product, regardless of size and shape, can be additionally equipped with self-cleaning and anti-slip coatings and a set for sound insulation.
Materials (edit)
The German company Kaldewei was the first brand to produce a unique one-piece pool without a single weld seam. This technology has become a real breakthrough not only for the brand itself, but for the entire plumbing market. All Kaldewei bathtubs are made of steel-enamel and are manufactured in 4 stages.
- Mixing of raw materials. At this stage, oxides and silicates are mixed, as a result of which a high-quality base is formed for the further production of sanitary ware.
- Melting. The resulting mixture is transferred to ovens heated to 1300 degrees. In the course of melting, a homogeneous composition is obtained, it is cooled with ice water, and from the hardened non-plastic mass, the specialists of the enterprise obtain glassy crystals - the so-called frits.
- Grinding. The resulting enamel frits with the addition of natural components are processed in ball mills for 5-6 hours, the result of processing is the formation of an enamel slip.
- Application and firing. Enamel slip is sprayed evenly onto metal sheets and placed in ovens, heating them to 850-900 degrees. As a result of such processing, a durable composite material with a thickness of 3.5 mm is obtained, of which the size of the coating is 6 mm, and the metal frame is 2.9 mm.
The resulting material is environmentally friendly and safe to use.
Models
The Kaldewei bathtub assortment includes the most beautiful products in a modern or classic style. For example, the Saniform Plus bathtub has a design familiar to everyone, in which any unnecessary elements are absolutely excluded. Such bowls are distinguished by ergonomics and ease of use. The size grid starts from 140x70 cm and ends with 180x70 cm. Self-cleaning and anti-slip coating is provided.
The Cayono 751 Easy-Clean is a stylish freestanding bowl. The model is very popular with owners of large bathrooms, it is distinguished by the absence of legs and the stability of the sidewalls. Thanks to this design, the bath becomes convenient for use both for its intended purpose and for performing various household tasks. Bathtubs of this series are produced in the range from 150x70 cm to 180x70 cm.The package includes handles, as well as audio system for maximum relaxation.
The Conoduo bathtub combines an unusual design and a non-standard shape. Such a product will decorate any interior and make the adoption of hygiene procedures as comfortable as possible. The bathtub fits harmoniously into rooms decorated in an ultra-modern style. The size grid is presented in the range from 170x75 cm to 200x100 cm.
Oval bowls are very popular - Ellipso Duo Oval... Such products look very nice, their design is characterized by simple but smooth lines. The unusual shape allows you to take hygiene procedures not only alone, but also together.
How to choose?
Like any other quality technique, Kaldewei is often replaced by fakes. In order to avoid fraud, it is necessary to pay attention to the correctness of the execution of the purchase and sale transaction.
- The seller, upon request, is obliged to provide all hygiene certificates and certificates of conformity.
- When purchasing a bath, the representatives of the trade company must give you a check, as well as a purchase and sale agreement (depending on the specifics of the seller's work, this can only be a check).
- Together with the bathroom, the product passport with its own individual code must be included, the passport is glued to the bowl.
A little advice. If you want to be completely sure that you are buying a reliable and high-quality product from a German manufacturer, give preference to Kaldewei dealers in your region.
How to care?
Taking care of the bathroom of this brand is very simple, since the steel, thanks to the anti-dirt coating, copes with cleaning itself. Nevertheless, in order for the plumbing to serve you faithfully for many years, you should adhere to some recommendations.
- After each use, the enamel on the surface should be rinsed with warm water and then wiped off with a soft damp cloth or chamois leather. This is especially true for dark colored items, as otherwise a noticeable limescale will appear on them.
- Light dirt can be removed with the most common detergents.To neutralize heavier stains, it is recommended to first soak the stain with a more concentrated detergent solution.
- When limescale appears, you can remove it with a warm solution of vinegar with water, taken in a 1: 1 ratio. You mean, you need to use table vinegar, not vinegar essence. After cleaning the plaque, the plumbing is thoroughly rinsed with water.
- When using body care products containing oil or fat, an oily film often appears on the surface, this kind of contamination significantly increases the risk of slipping and often leads to injuries. To remove them, it is necessary to use alkaline cleaning agents that can dissolve fat, and after treatment, the surface should be treated with sour milk and rinsed with plenty of water.
- To clean the kaldewei bathroom, do not use abrasive cleaners or formulations containing sand or strong acid-base solutions. We recommend using a soft cloth to clean the surface. The use of metal sponges, hard brushes, and washing powder is not recommended.
Review overview
When buying plumbing fixtures, in particular, bathroom bowls, most consumers are trying to find a middle ground. Kaldewei steel sanitary ware, as evidenced by reviews, proves that the models fully comply with this criterion. Most of the buyers highlight the undoubted advantages of the products of this brand:
- high quality combined with an affordable price;
- the ability to choose a product for bathrooms of any non-standard shapes and sizes;
- fast heating;
- ease of cleaning.
It is noted that the coating is actually resistant to damage, any attempts to scratch it with pointed objects ended in failure.
For an overview of the Kaldewei bathtub, see the following video.