Grohe Avensys Modern Thermostatic Shower Mixer

I bought this to replace my existing Grohe mixer, which was the traditional version - the only difference being the style of the handles. I needed to do this because I did not want to remove tiles to enable different pipe locations in the wall. From this point of view it was perfect and overall fitting was quite easy.However the blanking plug was missing in the box. Initially I contacted Amazon and they replaced it without any query and so, with me sending back the first one. I took delivery of a second supposedly new box. But the same blanking plug was missing from this one also. It cannot be co-incidence that the same part was missing from 2 boxes. I contacted Grohe, who said that if it was one of the other components within the whole unit, they could have sent me a spare one, but apparently the blanking plug does not have it's own reference number - probably because it should be part of the whole unit and it is not a part to normally fail - hence they were unable to send me one. I explained that the same part was missing from 2 boxes and there must be a problem - they said that they had never heard of such a thing before and could not explain it but asked me to send photographs and an explanation and the would investigate for me. I heard nothing since then.Eventually I bit the bullet and used the old plug from my existing unit - not ideal because it it is obviously older looking with some limescale (with a nice shiny unit all around it!) and the inbuilt "o" ring seal was worn. But wityh the use of some PTFE tape it works without any leaks.So I have a new shower that works without leaking (the reason for replacing in the first place - after at least 15 years or so), but with a slightly soiled looking part in the middle - hence my disappointment.But here is the killer - before placing this review I quickly looked through some previous reviews and the same part was missing for someone else. This is very bad on behalf of either Grohe or Amazon - I cannot say who. It makes me wonder if something sold as new is in fact a "return" and should thus be described differently.

I have been using this for a few weeks now and it has proved excellent. I have always found Grohe products reliable which is why lots of hotels install them. The maximum temperature limit is sensible and you cannot scold yourself and water flow is fine. Both controls move smoothly and complete control results with an enjoyable shower experience. If you are considering the one lever Grohe Unit I would advise against it - I went that route and had to return it for this one. I have already submitted a review on that one.

I had this mixer fitted in my old house and was really happy with it so when I moved house I ordered one again. All I can say is that Grohe's manufacturing or quality control has seriously lapsed. I am now on my third mixer - the first one wouldn't let enough hot water through, the second made a screaming sound (you could hear it all over the house) and the third one wouldn't turn off.Fitting was done by a professional plumber, who discussed the problems with Grohe technical support (who weren't a lot of use).I would go for something else but already have the pipework and tiling completed so I just need to find one of these which works as well as my old one did.

Works nicely, plumber said it was easy enough to fit, looks good.The only thing I will say is that when I turn it off the handle shuts the water off at 12 o clock position, but there is further travel on the handle to about the 2pm position, I don't like this.

The replacement shower mixer arrived next day but alas the blank plug was missing from the packaing. Lucky i used the plug from the old unit and fitted the mixer in quick time. Excellent service and quality but marred by the unit being incomplete