Design Guide to Kitchen taps 

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.

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.