ᐅ Experiences with Steinberg Faucets?

Hello everyone,

I need your expertise regarding bathroom fittings, specifically Steinberg.

We really like the chrome fittings for the washbasin (concealed installation – Series 135 or 280) and the bathtub (rim-mounted 160) from Steinberg. However, I have read relatively little and not necessarily positive feedback about their quality, which makes me a bit uncertain. Steinberg itself only mentions a brief "Made in Germany" statement on their website and prefers to focus on the appealing design.

In a forum and elsewhere, I have also read that some production takes place in China, reportedly not in the best quality, and that customer service as well as availability of spare parts are not core strengths of Steinberg.

Now I am unsure whether these are just isolated opinions or if I might have to tear open my walls again after a relatively short period because the fittings fail. Defective fittings can happen elsewhere too, but of course I want to minimize the risk as much as possible.

Is anyone here more familiar with this manufacturer? Would I be better off with Hansgrohe (currently in focus for the shower) or a higher-end Grohe series? Or are they all on a similar level, and there is no need to worry?

Thank you very much for your opinions 🙂

Ysop*** schrieb:

Does anyone here have more experience with this manufacturer?

Steinberg Series 160: Feels like the same quality as Grohe, etc. Also not exactly cheap. Used for about three years without any issues.

Hansgrohe and Grohe have similar company histories to Adidas and Puma, or to Schillig in furniture.

I am a fan of Hansa and Hansgrohe. I prefer Hansgrohe because I have called them directly twice and received such competent information that I appreciated it. I talked with a lady on the phone for 30 minutes about the overhead shower; she even told me about her own model, and eventually it was the right fit for me.

But if you like Steinberg, then go for it. They are probably manufactured in China (what isn’t anymore?), but nowadays that is not necessarily a disadvantage. Besides, these things can always be completely replaced.

For me, the deciding factor is usually the feel and how easy it is to operate. If it felt good to me, I would choose it without any worries.

pagoni2020 schrieb:

If you like Steinberg, then just go for it. They are probably manufactured in China nowadays (what isn't?), but that’s not necessarily a disadvantage anymore. Besides, such parts can always be fully replaced later.

China itself wouldn’t bother me as long as the quality is right. What I don’t like is when something is labeled "made in Germany" but is actually produced elsewhere.

Is it possible, in case of need, to completely replace concealed fittings without damaging the tiles? That wouldn’t be such a big issue if something doesn’t fit.

Reliable manufacturers include KWC and Arwa; first, their products are very durable, and second, spare parts are available for decades. Hansgrohe is also well established and trusted.

I would advise against chrome-plated fittings – the coating tends to peel off after a few years, and then it cannot be repaired.

Ysop*** schrieb:

What I don’t like is when something is labeled "made in Germany" but is actually produced elsewhere.

I understand, but nowadays it’s usually difficult to verify that. I once bought a nice faucet, but the metal was so thin that I didn’t like it. For built-in (concealed) fittings, the corresponding flush-mounted module also needs to fit, so you’d have to stick to the specific manufacturer in that case. Based purely on my experience and gut feeling, I keep coming back to Hansa and Hansgrohe, not Grohe.

Nice-Nofret schrieb:

Reliable brands are, for example, KWC and Arwa; first, they are very durable, and second, spare parts are available for decades. Hansgrohe is also proven. I would recommend avoiding chrome-plated fittings – the coating tends to peel off after a few years, which can’t be repaired.

I wasn’t familiar with those two brands; they look good but are rather expensive.