You do get what you pay for, so, considering how often your tap is likely to be used, it’s worth investing in one that’s built to last and comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. ‘Generally, the more expensive taps on the market are priced at this level due to the amount of technology involved to make them durable for everyday use,’ explains Ann-Marie Jones of Blanco UK. ‘For example, the introduction of the ceramic disc cartridge provides the ability to mix and deliver the full pressure of water in a simple quarter turn with one hand. This has a major influence on efficiency and design.’
Start by looking at styles, then think about how you use your kitchen and check out the functionality of various designs. Your perfect tap is out there!
Professional advice from:
Vivienne Warman of Kitchen Co-Ordination
Ann-Marie Jones of Blanco UK
Blakes London
Pillar taps
Pillar taps comprise a pair of taps – one for hot water and one for cold – that require two drilled holes in the sink or worktop. Pillars feature either knob, crosshead or lever handles and are often paired with traditional fittings, such as this butler’s sink.
Pillar taps comprise a pair of taps – one for hot water and one for cold – that require two drilled holes in the sink or worktop. Pillars feature either knob, crosshead or lever handles and are often paired with traditional fittings, such as this butler’s sink.
Milligan and Jessop
Monobloc taps
Most commonly used and more space-saving than pillar taps, monoblocs feature a single spout served by two connecting handles in three styles: knob, lever and crosshead. Monoblocs are the minimalist choice, because they only require one hole in the sink or worktop.
Most commonly used and more space-saving than pillar taps, monoblocs feature a single spout served by two connecting handles in three styles: knob, lever and crosshead. Monoblocs are the minimalist choice, because they only require one hole in the sink or worktop.
Found Associates
Mixer taps
Mixer taps have separate handles for controlling hot and cold water, which is mixed through a single spout. The tap and handles are fitted to the sink or worktop separately and, depending on which model you choose, require either two or three holes in your sink or work surface. Once again, mixer taps come in three handle styles: knob, lever and crosshead.
Mixer taps have separate handles for controlling hot and cold water, which is mixed through a single spout. The tap and handles are fitted to the sink or worktop separately and, depending on which model you choose, require either two or three holes in your sink or work surface. Once again, mixer taps come in three handle styles: knob, lever and crosshead.
David Churchill - Architectural Photographer
Bridge mixer taps
A bridge mixer is made for two tap holes in the sink, one for hot water and the other for cold water. It is identified by a ‘bridge’, which feeds the hot and cold water to a communal spout.
A bridge mixer is made for two tap holes in the sink, one for hot water and the other for cold water. It is identified by a ‘bridge’, which feeds the hot and cold water to a communal spout.
Nila Design
Single-lever taps
Single-lever taps comprise a single spout controlled by a lever. By moving the lever up and down, you can control the water flow rate; by moving it from right to left, you can control water temperature. Levers can either be mounted on the top or at the side of the tap body.
Single-lever taps comprise a single spout controlled by a lever. By moving the lever up and down, you can control the water flow rate; by moving it from right to left, you can control water temperature. Levers can either be mounted on the top or at the side of the tap body.
Blakes London
Wall-mounted taps
For an alternative solution to a standard sink or worktop-mounted tap, why not consider a wall-mounted tap like this one? It not only makes the sink area look less cluttered, it’s an excellent idea if you have very little worktop space.
See more of this industrial-style kitchen
For an alternative solution to a standard sink or worktop-mounted tap, why not consider a wall-mounted tap like this one? It not only makes the sink area look less cluttered, it’s an excellent idea if you have very little worktop space.
See more of this industrial-style kitchen
Chantries
Pull-out spray taps
Originally used in commercial kitchens, taps with pull-out spray heads work well in contemporary domestic settings, as they are aesthetically pleasing as well as hard-wearing. The pull-out spray makes easy work of rinsing vegetables and cleaning large pots and pans.
Originally used in commercial kitchens, taps with pull-out spray heads work well in contemporary domestic settings, as they are aesthetically pleasing as well as hard-wearing. The pull-out spray makes easy work of rinsing vegetables and cleaning large pots and pans.
Normandy Remodeling
Water-filter taps
Fans of freshly filtered water could consider shopping around for a water-filter tap. ‘They are convenient and easy to use, as well as cost effective compared to bottled water,’ says Ann-Marie Jones. Choices include a dedicated water-filter tap, usually smaller in size than the average tap, or what is known as a three-way triflow tap, which delivers hot, cold and filtered water.
Fans of freshly filtered water could consider shopping around for a water-filter tap. ‘They are convenient and easy to use, as well as cost effective compared to bottled water,’ says Ann-Marie Jones. Choices include a dedicated water-filter tap, usually smaller in size than the average tap, or what is known as a three-way triflow tap, which delivers hot, cold and filtered water.
TLA Studio
Boiling-water taps
There is no more waiting for the kettle to whistle with a boiling-water tap, which sits on your worktop dispensing boiling water in an instant, saving time and money. The device is serviced by a tank under the sink, where the water is heated and stored. ‘Do check the size of the tank to ensure it doesn’t take up too much space,’ advises Vivienne Warman.
As well as dedicated boiling-water taps, there are 3-in-1 taps that offer boiling water, cold water and standard hot water.
There is no more waiting for the kettle to whistle with a boiling-water tap, which sits on your worktop dispensing boiling water in an instant, saving time and money. The device is serviced by a tank under the sink, where the water is heated and stored. ‘Do check the size of the tank to ensure it doesn’t take up too much space,’ advises Vivienne Warman.
As well as dedicated boiling-water taps, there are 3-in-1 taps that offer boiling water, cold water and standard hot water.
Roundhouse
‘I seem to install an increasing number of boiling-water taps,’ says Vivienne. ‘In terms of placement, the main tap is usually aligned with the centre of the sink, with the boiling-water tap to either the right or left.’
You need to decide what temperature of water you want your tap to deliver – this varies between different makes and models, but can be as high as 100C.
You need to decide what temperature of water you want your tap to deliver – this varies between different makes and models, but can be as high as 100C.
Check your water pressure
Make sure your water pressure is compatible with your new tap. You don’t want to end up with a fantastic-looking design that doesn’t perform well. ‘Water pressure varies around the country, so it’s vital to understand what will work in your particular area,’ explains Ann-Marie Jones.
Make sure your water pressure is compatible with your new tap. You don’t want to end up with a fantastic-looking design that doesn’t perform well. ‘Water pressure varies around the country, so it’s vital to understand what will work in your particular area,’ explains Ann-Marie Jones.
Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors
Water pressure is measured in what is known as bar. A high-pressure tap usually requires 1.0 bar and above, while a low-pressure tap requires 0.3 bar and below. If you are opting for a more professional-style tap – one with a pull-out spray, for instance – you will need around 1.5 bar.
To learn more about water pressure throughout your home, read these tips on buying a new shower
To learn more about water pressure throughout your home, read these tips on buying a new shower
Stiff and Trevillion
Think about flexibility
Swivel spouts are obviously more flexible than fixed spouts, enabling you to switch quickly and easily between two bowls. Taps with a pull-out spray are also handy, not just for rinsing fruit and vegetables, but reaching across both sinks in a double bowl. ‘I find the majority of clients ask for a tap that has some sort of pull-out spray,’ says Vivienne Warman. ‘Other than in utility rooms, I rarely place static taps these days.’
Swivel spouts are obviously more flexible than fixed spouts, enabling you to switch quickly and easily between two bowls. Taps with a pull-out spray are also handy, not just for rinsing fruit and vegetables, but reaching across both sinks in a double bowl. ‘I find the majority of clients ask for a tap that has some sort of pull-out spray,’ says Vivienne Warman. ‘Other than in utility rooms, I rarely place static taps these days.’
Kitchen Co-Ordination
Make sure the tap will reach your sink
‘Once the type and style of tap have been decided, you need to consider the spout reach to ensure it will fit with your sink,’ advises Ann-Marie. ‘Each spout has a different reach, so make sure you take into account the positioning of the tap hole, if this is already in place, when choosing your design.’
TELL US…
Which of these kitchen taps would you (or did you) choose for your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
‘Once the type and style of tap have been decided, you need to consider the spout reach to ensure it will fit with your sink,’ advises Ann-Marie. ‘Each spout has a different reach, so make sure you take into account the positioning of the tap hole, if this is already in place, when choosing your design.’
TELL US…
Which of these kitchen taps would you (or did you) choose for your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
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