Taps & Showers April 2006

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Hudson Reed Goes Pro in the Kitchen

New from Hudson Reed is the stylish Pro side action stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Mixer.

The new Pro side action sink mixer from Hudson Reed introduces the lasting good looks of brushed stainless steel into the kitchen. The clean minimalist design features a high neck swivel spout with a right angled turn and the long reach that is suitable for use with multi bowl sinks.

The side action water control operates a ceramic disc cartridge to adjust both flow and temperature, with the single lever long enough to be convenient when used with wet hands.

Designed for use with water systems operating at a minimum pressure of 0.5bar, the Pro sink mixer adds a note of elegance in the modern kitchen, with a finish that will never tarnish or fade.

Like all Hudson Reed products, the Pro kitchen mixer is covered by the company's no quibble 10 year guarantee and will follow customers home at a suggested selling price of £170 including vat.


Grohe Adds Modern Look to its Universal 'Avensys' Shower Range

The new 'Avensys Modern' thermostatic mixer from brassware and shower manufacturer, Grohe, is now available.

The new version of the existing best selling mixer recognises the need in the UK market for a product that possesses up-to-the-minute looks, works with high, low or variable pressure water supplies, and is therefore compatible with all plumbing systems.

The Avensys Modern includes many of Grohe's exclusive new features to provide an enjoyable showering experience. The high-performance thermostat delivers water to the shower at the desired temperature within seconds of being turned on and then maintains that temperature regardless of water or pressure fluctuations in the system, ensuring a safe shower for all the family.

The Avensys Modern has a sleek, sophisticated design finished with the Grohe StarLight® chrome plating that maintains its deep mirror-like finish for years. Two separate levers control temperature and water flow.

The product sits comfortably in the cosmopolitan style sector of the market and is a perfect partner for Grohe's Essence range of brassware. The Avensys Modern is available in a concealed or exposed version and can be combined (as pictured) with the new Grohe Tempesta handshower, featuring Grohe DreamSpray® technology for an exhilarating shower.

In the rare case of any maintenance work needing to be carried out, the trim plate can be effortlessly removed without the need to remove the handles, meaning the whole valve can be removed from the wall without disassembling the product.

Tel: 08708 488877
Web: http://www.grohe.co.uk


New Francis Pegler/Brita Water Filter Taps Launched

The launch of the new Francis Pegler/Brita water filter tap range targeting the huge potential market for Brita filtered water in the home has taken place.

Research undertaken by Brita suggests that although one in five UK households own a jug water filter, there is an unexploited market for consumers who are reliant on convenience - those who demand 'instantly available' Brita filtered water in their homes. To meet this demand, two leading companies in their respective fields have joined together to offer the marketplace just that - instant Brita filtered water...on tap.

This range of three attractive models will grace any kitchen and sees Brita teaming up with Pegler to offer the marketplace Brita filtered water solutions for every environment.

The new range includes a 3-way variant offering hot, cold and Brita filtered water in a modern or traditional style, and a separate filter tap providing Brita filtered water only. All three models feature ceramic disc technology, ergonomic design and smooth, precise controls. The Brita filter cartridge will last on average for 3 months/500 litres. The filter taps incorporate a lifetime filter indicator that changes from green, to amber to red when the Brita filter needs changing. Cartridges are easy to change - a simple twist action is all that's required to do the job.

The three new filter taps are the 3-way Titanium, the 3-way Rosedale and the Solo Nebula. All come with a five-year guarantee, in quality chrome finish, and are easy to install using push-fit connectors.

Pegler's Mike Dickinson says the product development of the new range is the result of two companies with a vision: ‘No one questions Brita’s dominance of the UK water filter marketplace but the company needed a strong partner to support the product development of the delivery point - the tap. Pegler has been a leader in the production of taps for many years and the quality of our products is acknowledged worldwide. The combination of Brita's water filter 'know-how' and Pegler's expertise in producing high quality flow control mechanisms has resulted in an exceptional range of products to meet the demand for instantly available Brita filtered water.’

The range of taps has been manufactured to the most testing of standards and all three models are WRAS approved to comply with Water Regulations. The Brita cartridge uses Brita technology to deliver genuine Brita filtered water. It utilises dual ingredients - activated carbon which reduces chlorine, organic impurities and improves clarity - whilst ion exchange resin dramatically reduces water hardness which causes scale and scum on hot drinks. In addition, it reduces heavy metals such as lead, copper and aluminium.

Full details of the new Francis Pegler/Brita water filter taps can be obtained by visiting http://www.pegler.co.uk or by calling 0870 1200 284 and asking for information.


Launch of Fuente Tap Range

Fuente, part of the Teka Group, has launched a new range of kitchen taps aimed at the quality kitchen specialist market.

Over the last 20 years, the kitchen tap has evolved from a simple utility item to become an integral design statement in the kitchen. The Fuente range provides taps to harmonise with modern and traditional kitchen settings in a variety of finishes.

The Fuente range has been created specifically for the UK market to ensure compatibility with variable water pressures.

Manufactured to the highest of standards and from the best materials available, the taps are subjected to rigorous testing procedures and are supplied with a five-year manufacturer's guarantee.

The extensive marketing support package includes; exclusive packaging, a distinctive point of sale display, consumer focused literature and a substantial advertising campaign.


Showerlux Heading Straight for Success with Linea Launch

Emerging from the success of its Eden collection and answering the trade's demand for a competitively price-pointed premium door range, Showerlux is launching Linea.

Linea is a new flat glass contemporary door range from the Coventry based shower manufacturer with a choice of five door options featuring aluminium frames and chrome effect door handles. The entry price point is set at £550 making it not only a very affordable consumer proposition but also a range that will deliver high volume sales for the trade.

The company says that the new range of shower doors and accompanying panels is already predicted to become one of Showerlux's best selling lines.

As Bob Bowler, Managing Director of Showerlux, explains, ‘Showerlux has a long history of innovative design, launching the original walk-in range in Urban and the first curved shower door range in Eden. For our next launch, we wanted to focus our attention on developing a more versatile product range that will provide a suitable door option for the majority of the population, whether they are furnishing a large or small bathroom or an en-suite. This group are attracted by the quality provided by Showerlux but often don't have the available space for one of our larger enclosure models.

‘Linea is such a winner because it is a versatile range with lots of size options range and has been designed to a very high specification using quality materials. It really is one of the most superior doors you can find on the market at the present time. We're expecting it to be very popular with the specification sector and it will also be perfect for bathroom designers and planners to incorporate into their design specifications, particularly wet room installations.’

Linea has evolved from the award winning Eden range with a variety of configurations, from the more traditional door and side panel, to the more innovative space enhancing showering solutions such as Linea Slider. This product has two fixed panels and two central glass sliding doors giving optimum access and a huge showering area.

 

Alongside Linea Slider, the other flagship product of the new range is the Linea In-Line door which will appeal to consumers looking to maximise their available bathroom space. It incorporates a fixed panel which enables bathroom furniture and sanitary ware to fit adjacent to the shower creating maximum space in the bathroom and also creates a larger showering area inside. In-Line is available with either Pivot or Bi-Fold doors.

Dependent on the door option, there are a number of design features which are characteristic of the Linea range. The key features include chrome effect profiles, slim magnetic sealing for minimal styling with watertight confidence and concealed fixings.

Optional extras include a functional integral shelving system providing a storage solution for shower gels, shampoo and soap and Showerlux's Glass Shield, a technology offering advanced protection against the dulling effects of limescale build up and residue on glass. Optional integral ABS capped acrylic trays are available with some models such as the Linea Pivot and Bifold. Customers should also consider recommending the Linea doors with Showerlux's SLX thermostatic valve range which offers a co-ordinating showering solution.

Prices for Linea start at £550 (exc. VAT). For a Showerlux Linea brochure, please call 0800 138 1658 or for further information, visit http://www.showerlux.uk.com.


Stainless Steel a Must Have in the Bathroom

Samuel Heath has introduced a new stainless steel finish, which will be available on an array of products. Stainless steel has been fashionable in the kitchen for quite some time now and Samuel Heath has adapted the finish for the bathroom.

The stainless steel finish has been developed so that it can be plated onto the solid brass bathroom accessories, taps and showers that Samuel Heath is known for.

The company says that the finish will be at the cutting edge of interior design in bathrooms and will comfortably withstand the strains placed on the modern bathroom. The new stainless steel finish has undergone rigorous trials; it has been salt sprayed for over 240 hours to ensure that the finish can withstand even the most extreme conditions.

The new stainless finish will be available on selected lines. These will include key products from the Xenon™ tap, shower and bathroom accessory range, from the Novis range of accessories and from the new Fairfield collection. A broad selection including 40 different taps and showers, plus over 100 different bathroom accessories from shower baskets to free standing accessories will also be available in this new finish.

Samuel Heath has known for a long time that a balance of finishes and an eye for detail is what successful interiors are all about. For further information on this new finish and other Samuel Heath products including taps and showers simply go to http://www.samuel-heath.com


Grohe Refines Popular Eurodisc Range for UK

Recognising the needs of the UK market, Grohe has modified its Eurodisc range of brassware so that it is compatible with high and low pressure water supplies. This advance means Eurodisc will work in any UK home or commercial building and to a high standard of performance.

Aside from the pressure adjustments, the new Eurodisc is also packed with Grohe's new technologies. The design is distinctive with a simple, chic and sporty design, finished in Grohe StarLight® chrome plating. Grohe StarLight® has been developed over 40 years to create seamless, durable, gleaming chrome for Grohe's products.

The distinctive fin shaped lever moves smoothly, thanks to Grohe SilkMove®. The Grohe cartridges are crafted from an advanced ceramic alloy and coated with a Teflon lubricant to make for a seamless and luxurious movement of the cartridge. Aside from this, Grohe SilkMove® technology ensures a lifetime of maintenance free use. Coupled with an extra generous operating angle, allowing a gradual temperature change, the company says that Eurodisc is a pleasure to use.

New low and high pressure variants have also been added in order to broaden the range. A single hole bath filler and bath shower mixer are suitable for more minimalist bathroom design. New wall mounted and deck mounted designs also create options for a wider range of bathrooms.

For further information about Grohe, to request or download a brochure or locate a local stockist, visit http://www.grohe.co.uk or call 08708 488877


Practical And Stylish: the Franke Simplon

With today's customers demanding more of a co-ordinated look in the kitchen, Franke has launched the Simplon tap, which complements two of its most popular sink models.

The Simplon tap lever has been cleverly designed to match the drainer grooves of both the Simplon and Erica sinks and Franke believes it will become an extremely popular choice for people looking for complete coordination.

John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, commented: 'When people buy a sink, they generally want to purchase a tap as well. By designing the Simplon tap we're not only offering consumers a truly coordinated look in the kitchen but we're also making the decision process of which tap to choose much easier.'

The Simplon single lever tap is sleek and simple in appearance and has a series of design elements which make it extremely practical.

The single lever controls hot and cold water and also varies the rate of flow, while the ceramic disc control ensures the lever moves in a smooth action.

The Simplon tap is available in a choice of Chrome or SilkSteel.

http://www.franke.co.uk


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