GROHE24151EN3 Atrio Dual Function 2-Handle Thermostatic Trim, Brushed Nickel InfinityFinish

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First, do not attempt to install this assembly unless you are a professional plumber. I have replaced every faucet in my home, grew up with a general contractor, and used to work in construction. I spent most of my young life on job sites, and I’m no stranger to basic plumbing or repairs. In general, I have no problem following written instructions. This assembly has a required rough-in-set sold separately (GROHE Rapido SmartBox 35 601 000) —it currently sells for additional $88. You need this piece to install the faucet.Second, this fixture comes entirely unassembled. There are approximately 20 pieces in the box. That would not have been as much of an issue if said pieces were each labeled (they are not) and the directions were clear (they are not)I included photos of the directions to give you an idea.Lastly, while the plate on this unit is high quality chrome, both knobs covers (center of visible knobs) are made of PLASTIC. I could not believe that a shower assembly at this price point came with visible plastic on the knobs. The assembly is made in Germany and is aesthetically beautiful, but I don’t foresee longevity in this fixture due to many plastic parts. I can’t recommend it in good faith.

Now this is what a shower control should be. One knob to control flow and the other to control the mixer. I've been living with these pathetic single handle shower knobs for too long. Beautiful piece of hardware that literally does spruce up the entire bathroom. Yes, it's expensive, but it's a really, really nice piece. And the added functionality is surprisingly noticeable, even though I normally just crank both knobs up to high.I'm not really sure why people are making such a big deal out of the installation. The rough-in kit itself (sold separately) really makes a lot of sense. I mean, it's pretty easy to install - even as a retrofit - and it allows for some leeway. I don't necessarily like that it seems to be proprietary, but Grohe makes enough high quality products that all seem to use the same kit that I don't think it's a big deal. In fact, I'm probably going to go all Grohe in my bathrooms for now on (as long as they keep bring decent, classic designs over here rather than the overly modern Euro-designs I usually see in foreign hotels).Install isn't too crazy (I am an Engineer, but only some plumbing experience), but I think I get the crux of it: I've figured out long ago that German engineering gets more complicated all the time because individual engineers and companies are always trying to make a name for themselves by doing something "different" and sort of claiming that it's superior in a way the layman can't understand, but really, it just ends up being more complicated than it needs to be. That's why I used to love BMWs, but now I probably wouldn't buy one. I guess I can deal with it on the shower level, because if I ever have to take it apart again, the worst that will need to happen is just buying a replacement.Anyway, it's beautiful, it's expensive, it's a lot better functionality-wise than my previous unit. And it will allow you to use the appropriate amount of water if you're lucky and/or smart enough to have an unlimited shower head (the best case scenario, where you decide how much water you use - not the Government. Save while knowing you can waste at your discretion).I like it.

I once had to walk home because neither my son nor I could figure out how to get our new VW Passat to start after eating out at a nearby restaurant. Turned out to be a simple but non-obvious extra step needed, which we interpreted as typical of excellent but non-obvious German engineering.The same proved somewhat true of this shower control. It looks like simplicity itself: one rotating lever for water flow and another for water temperature. However, there's a confusing complication. the temperature control has a detent button to not let you choose a temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit unless another button on the lever is pressed while rotating the lever. That very much did not please my wife the first time she tried to get the water warmer, and took five minutes to do so.Our professional installer was also a bit displeased - that the opening diameter for installing the control in our new shower stall was larger than any tool he had available for cutting the opening. He managed to get the job done anyway, but definitely a complication.As others have noted, a rough-in box is also required.The benefit of this valve, beyond looking good, is that it is designed to maintain the selected temperature, regardless of variations in flow and temperature reaching it. That's an important safety feature for anyone too young or too old to handle such variations.Overall, it works and looks great, now that we have figured it out and gotten it installed.

I've had 2 different plumbers out to try to make this piece work. It fell apart soon after installation. The temp control is not consistent or reliable. For $350 I expected higher quality materials and reliable temp control. I would not buy Grohe again and if it wasn't past the return period I would be requesting a refund.

The best thing I like about this bathroom thermostat is its classy design. And the thing I dislike the most of: price.Having said that its good to have two separate knobs for water flow and water temperature. And the knobs are as smooth as they come.The installation definitely needs to be done by a trained professional. No one would like to get in trouble for a water damage or any other damage. Another thing that I don’t appreciate is that after paying such a huge amount on money; one has to still shop for accessories.I thinks it’s a good faucet for those who like modern design and not a good one for those who don’t want to spend this much money just for a good design.