Design Guide to Kitchen taps
The kitchen mixer tap is the hardest working piece of equipment in
the home. From filling the kettle to rinsing vegetables, it is used
throughout the day, every day. Therefore it is essential to invest
in a tap that not only looks good, but is also built to last.
Atrio two-handle kitchen mixer
Design Styles
A kitchen tap should be chosen for its perfect balance of design
and function. It should enhance the work area and be effortless to
use, even with greasy hands. A smooth handling of the lever is very
important in order to ensure a precise adjustment of water flow or
temperature.
For an architectural open-plan space, choose a single-lever mixer
with refined lines to echo the purity of the room. For a
traditional kitchen select a two-handle mixer. Keen cooks will
appreciate pull-out rinsing sprays and mousseurs – both make light
work of rinsing out pots.
Two-handle taps
The classic styling of a two-handle taps allows them to adapt to
any kitchen environment. Mounted in a single hole in the sink or
the worktop, they feature individual levers or handles to control
the hot and cold water supplies.
Single-lever tap
Single-lever mixer taps enable you to control the water flow and
temperature with one hand. Ceramic discs in the tap cartridge allow
fingertip control of the water mix, leaving your other hand free to
use the rinsing spray. Levers can either be mounted on the top or
at the side of the tap body.
Tap Finishes
Stainless steel and chrome taps complement all style of kitchens.
Sparkling chrome will add a highlight to the kitchen area and
enhances the look of composite work surfaces and sinks. Stainless
steel, a material known for its anti-bacterial qualities, gives a
professional look.
What should I look for?
Look out for a solid metal tap body with ceramic discs in the
cartridge for smooth easy-to-use actuation. A quality tap will last
a lifetime so select a design with timeless appeal.
It is false economy to buy a cheap tap, as you will only have to
replace it a few years time. If your budget is tight, try and save
money elsewhere in the kitchen.
Choose a tap that comes with a guarantee – this shows that the
manufacturer is confident that its products will deliver for years
to come.
Before purchase, check that your water pressure is compatible with
your choice of tap. For optimal performance, many taps require a
minimum flow pressure of 1.0bar.