Kitchen Taps
When you’re designing your kitchen, the choice of kitchen tap may not be the most pressing consideration. However, you’ll be surprised at the big impact little details such as the right tap can make to the overall look and feel of your new kitchen.
A prominent feature on the worktop or kitchen island, your taps should complement the size and design of your kitchen sink as well as the overall kitchen scheme, and be a joy to use every day.
At Price Kitchens, we carry a large range of superior tap fittings in a wide selection of both classic and contemporary styles and a choice of finishes. Not sure where to start? Here’s some handy tap buying advice to talk you through all the options.
Water Pressure
Before you get to pick out your favourite tap styles, it’s important to check your water pressure since the type of water system you have in your house will determine the most suitable choice of kitchen tap. Do you have a:
• Low pressure (or gravity fed) system, with a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard? If so, you’ll need a tap designed to work with a low pressure system.
• High pressure vented system, with a combi boiler (probably in the kitchen) fed direct from mains pressure cold water, and no storage tank? All kitchen taps are suitable for this type of system.
• High pressure unvented system, with a hot water tank that stores mains pressure water heated by a central heating boiler or immersion heater? Most taps can be used with this kind of system.
Types of kitchen tap
Kitchen taps broadly fall into the following 3 categories:
Pillar taps
• Supplied as a traditional pair of taps – one for hot, one for cold
• Available in a wide range of designs
• Easy to install
• Best choice for limited budgets
Mixer taps
• Two tap holes and separate hot and cold levers/handles mixing the water through a single spout
• Traditional and modern designs available
• Stylish and practical choice for everyday use
Monobloc taps
• Typically feature single lever handle to control both the water temperature and flow
• Easy to use
• Wide choice of designs, particularly for contemporary and minimalist styles
Once you have chosen the right type of kitchen tap, look out for clever optional add-on features that can enhance its functionality and save you time on everyday tasks. These include:
• Swivel spouts that can be moved for easier access to the sink
• Pull-out mixer with extendable hose and spray tap
• Integrated water filter
• On-demand boiling water taps
When it comes to aesthetics and design, it’s all down to your personal preference. Whether you are looking for a sleek and simple tap, a traditional or retro design, or the latest kitchen tap trends, there’s a wealth of choice out there including some extremely innovative designs.
There’s also plenty of choice in terms of materials and finishes, from popular chrome and stainless steel taps to brass fittings, even copper and matt black finish.
For inspiration and information about your new kitchen taps, take a look at our range of kitchen sinks and taps or pop into our large showroom. Whatever your style and design scheme, we can help you provide the perfect finishing touches to your dream kitchen.
