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— Photos: S. Ramesh Kurup

Touch of glamour: Sanitary ware of foreign brands on display at a showroom in Kozhikode.

Imported sanitary ware is fast becoming a fad among the younger generation of home owners. Most sanitary-ware showrooms in Kozhikode display a wide range of foreign plumbing accessories.

Kohler, Grohe and Toto are the foreign brands to which customers are most attracted. Faucets, toilets, baths and whirlpools of these companies are in high demand in Kozhikode.

Of course, these products come at a price, starting at Rs. 8,000 and reaching up to Rs. 2.5 lakh. However, these are fast-moving products, say sanitary-ware dealers.

The U.S.-based Kohler toilets come with a variety of performance-driven flushing systems engineered to meet the particular demands of the customer. If power is the main concern, Kohler’s technology delivers more than enough of it to meet any residential or commercial need.

If water is the key factor, Kohler has eco-friendly and ingenious products that save thousands of litres of water per fixture a year. And if one requires a clean and quiet performance, then, the company has the technology to reduce noise and rinse the bowl with an easy flush.

V. Giresh Bhat, of Sadguru at West Hill, says that Kohler has various types of toilets — one- and two-piece and wall-hanging ones. They come in different shapes, such as round-front bowls that require less space; elongated bowls that provide added comfort for adults; and compact elongated designs to fit in a round-front space.

Toilets with concealed trap-way feature a smooth surface at the rear where the trap-way will be normally visible. This facilitates easy cleaning and enhances the design.

Kohler bidets offer convenient localised washing to cleanse and refresh. These require less than a square metre of space and are available in horizontal and vertical spray options. The bidets are designed to complement one or more styles of its toilets for a unified aesthetic look.

For whirlpools and baths, clients can choose from a multitude of installation and comfort options to find a choice that is perfect for their bathrooms.

Durable materials such as cast iron and high-gloss acrylic form the foundation for ergonomic basin shapes in an array of styles.

One can choose from hydro-massage features to chromatherapy enhancements and transform the bathroom into a luxurious, customised retreat.

The water-tile body-sprays and showerheads have created a whole new standard for performance. The 22-nozzle models deliver a high volume, incredibly stimulating spray, while the 54-nozzle models give soothing hydrotherapy. The fully adjustable spray-face pivots accommodate the needs of the user. The overhead showering panel creates a luxurious deluge that transforms the shower into a home spa.

Dusseldorf- headquartered Grohe is known for the durability of its products ranging from bath showers and kitchen fittings. The sanitary-ware manufacturer controls eight per cent of the world market. Some of its products have set world-renowned standards of quality, engineering and design. This is also backed up by a five-year warranty covering any manufacturing defect, guaranteeing safe and reliable performance for years to come.

M. Shayed of Glamour Rooms on Bank Road says that Grohe offers a range of thermostatic, one- and two-handle mixers to suit the needs of your lifestyle, functional needs and requirements. The mixers deliver water at exact preset levels, almost immediately turning on the water.

The single-lever or one-handle mixers are drip-free and reliable. The two-handle mixers are known for durability and comfort. It allows users the instant choice of hot and cold water.

The brand also has come out with an exciting range of showers. Some of the varieties are wide spray, champagne spray, massage- pulsating spray, jet spray, rain spray and laminar spray. These showers are twist-free, keeping things straight.

The cool-touch design technology creates a thermal barrier to isolate the exterior surface of the hand-shower from the water passing through it. A simple wipe with a cloth or the palm of the hand is all it takes to remove lime scale from the elastic nozzles. The snap coupling has been designed to easily switch the hose between showers.

Toto of Japan is another brand that is becoming popular. Its technological innovations have improved faucets worldwide. Aqua-auto, thermostatic baths and wonder-beat and click showers of its are in high demand. There are also faucets for the kitchen as well as shampoo dressers.

The aqua-auto faucet is stylish, hands-free and energy and water saving. The absence of handle keeps the areas around the basin clean. These cannot be left running, making it both hygienic and economical.

The thermostatic bath faucet is a safe and comfortable shower unit. It has an insulating structure that keeps the water at the selected temperature.

The wonder-beat and click shower type has a circular burst stimulation, giving a health-oriented showerhead. The shower creates a pleasant massaging effect that is comforting and relaxing.

The shampoo dressers have adjustable showerheads. These can be changed or fixed for height. The company says, “Shampoo your head even while clothed without having to take a complete shower.” It has a one-touch operation with a lever near the spout to change the mode to soft stream or shower.

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