GROHE35601000 Rapido Smartbox Universal Rough-In Box, Starlight Chrome

I love, love, love the finished product using these valve boxes. These boxes permit very good water rate of flow and a wide variety of install options in terms of how many fixtures attached. The boxes themselves were pretty straightforward to install....I had to get them set up for my plumber but once he got the idea it was easy...just plug the ports you don't need and that's about it. Only word of caution is the the valve assemblies and covers are very pricey. Wow...yes. But they work fantastic. Temperature control is spot-on-perfect and so easy to use. I have them set up with two functions, hand sprayer and rain shower head. You can use both or either independently...works so well. So no regrets, but make sure you price the contraption you'll be putting inside this box before you get them.

Love this type of water mixer. Pressure is good

This is a review of Grohe 35601000 Rapido Smartbox Universal Rough-In BoxI am installing this shower control unit in my housekeeper’s bathroom (Figure-1).It is the GROHE 24110000 Grohtherm Single Function 2-Handle Thermostatic Trim, Starlight Chrome.In order to do that, I needed the corresponding rough-in box. This particular model works with several models of Grohe shower controls.Note: Unless you have some plumbing experience, and the right tools, I would recommend having a professional plumber install it for you.The Unit (Figure-2)The unit itself has:• 3 outlets 1/2-inch female• 2 inlets 1/2-inch female, for hot/cold water supplyIt fits into a hole with a diameter about 5.5 inches (13.9cm)Once the unit is through the wall, and properly mounted, you can attach the input water lines, and up to three output devices. The unit can be mounted on solid and dry walls (Figure-3).As you can see, I had to remove the drywall in her closet to get to the plumbing. I plan on installing a door there for easier access. I then cut an access hole into the shower, poked the unit through, and mounted it to the back with a piece of particle board. I have roughed-in the plumbing, but have not yet connected itIn this image, you can see the unit coming into the shower (Figure-4).Okay, it looks pretty messy; however, the type of shower construction used on this old shower made it almost impossible to cut a perfectly round hole without damaging the surrounding tiles. The good news is that this rough-in box is very versatile and forgiving. Once I do of bit of retiling, and add the trim piece, you will never know.And, that is this end of this review, because it is all about the rough-in box; not the shower controls.But I will say this… It is designed in an almost intuitive way, and very well built. I take my hat off to the designers at Grohe.FYI: On the seller’s page is an excellent video on this product and its installation.Happy Plumbing.

It has to be installed Juuuust right. It takes awhile for adjustments in temperatures to actually reach the spray handle or tub filler. It’s nice to be able to stick out a toe and turn off the water by pushing a button. The individual buttons twist to adjust the flow rate, the large temperature adjuster is simple to twist but once you adjust the temperature be prepared to wait a minute or two for your adjustment to actually affect what’s coming out of the tub filler or the shower handle.

I like this box. I have no pressure and flow issues with this universal rough-in box at my house. In my shower I have set up for a Grohtherm Smartcontrol Triple Function Thermostatic Trim with Control Module using 1) a Speakman S-2252 fixed shower head, 2) a Grohe 28444En0 hand-held shower head, and 3) a bathtub spout. When I use the fixed and the hand-held at the same time, I see no problem with the pressure on either head. ( I do not use the tub spout at the same time as the other two). The Grohtherm Smartcontrol has three individual volume adjustments. I have satisfactory volume for the two shower heads operating simultaneously at less than full volume adjustment.

It's a great and well thought out product -- but there are enough choices that it can be overwhelming to get your head around how to install and test it. The install videos on YouTube help, but the "Ikea style" directions leave a lot of questions unanswered.

I decided to go Grohe on my second bath remodel, my first one was Hansgrohe. Grohe seems to be way more sturdier and easier to install. Also, Hansgrohe unlike Grohe requires 3/4"NPT which is a slight pain especially when you have to transition to 1/2" PEX. German engineering in both cases is the top notch.

I bought this value and rest of Grohe shower system for our two bathrooms. These are one of the pricey shower systems but being a fan of German design, I assumed that it will be worth the extra money. But that was wrong assumption. My plumber followed the instructions that came with it which were no easy to follow. both of us looked at the installation video from Grohe's site. The video makes it look easy but the installation is not easy. It took the plumber double the time than usual valve. And even after that, temperature control will not work. After calling Grohe, they told us that we will need an extension kit which is additional $100+.