[/FONT Does anyone here have any information on the reliability of Hansgrohe and KWC thermostatic mixing valves? Also how durable are tempress pressure balance valves?

We install Grohe / HansGrohe faucets for over 20 years. GroheTemp mixing valves were sold on US market years before it became required by Code. It is my opinion that Grohe is a well made faucet and will give you years of service.

Days of KWC faucets - any faucets - are long gone. They are highly overpriced and replacement parts are expensive. They seem to be very fragile and frequent service is required. I would not recommend any KWC faucets.

In my opinion: If you want functional, middle of the road, faucets, go with Price Pfister. Just like most of brands on market today, Price Pfister is available in just about any finish,shape, and design.

If you like more modern, perhaps even sleek, European designs, than go with Grohe / Hans Grohe brands. Also, Grohe has the BEST hand-held sets including hose, rail, wall unions and hand-held shower head. No other manufacturer comes even close...

I agree that Grohe is an excellent product. I have a KWC faucet for my kitchen and it is fantastic. Just not sure of their shower valves.