Kitchen Taps style
In terms of appearance there are several kitchen taps design types to choose from. A very popular style is the monobloc which has two handles on either side of the body, one for hot and one for cold. These kitchen taps classically feature tall curving spouts, although there are some shorter designs.  Another popular choice is single lever kitchen taps. This simplified version of the monobloc contains all tap functionality within one lever - up and down for pressure, left and right for temperature. There are also pull-out spray single lever tap designs available. There are then more specialist designs such as individual pillar taps, bridge kitchen taps which suit traditional ceramic farmhouse sinks and deck taps which have a single flat mounting platform.
Kitchen Taps Finishes
 The most popular material choice for kitchen taps is chrome, however stainless steel provides a luxury alternative offering exceptional quality and a supreme, long lasting finish. If you prefer more of a subtle lustre than a bright sheen, look out for brushed stainless steel and chrome, or brushed nickel (the most textured of the three). For a classic and timeless look there are options in warm toned metals such as bronze, polished gold, pewter and polished brass.
Single or dual flow kitchen taps
Some kitchen taps offer single flow operation and some are dual flow. Within a single flow tap, there is one channel mixing hot and cold water within the tap, A dual flow tap contains two channels which separates the hot and cold sources until they leave the tap. The benefit of this is a faster response changing between hot and cold water. A single flow tap will need to empty the existing water contained within the spout before responding.
Kitchen taps valve types
There are various valve options which control the kitchen taps functionality. For single lever models, the lever controls the tap with two directional motions. The Progressive Valve tap is the recently developed next generation of the single lever design where temperature and water pressure are controlled within a single motion, be it turning a lever or twisting a control knob. All other designs utilise either basic compression valves or more superior quarter turn valves which offer immediate response.
Kitchen taps now have more features, functions and styles than ever before. So extensive is our range of kitchen taps that your only problem is likely to be deciding which one is perfect for you and your lifestyle. If you are struggling to make your mind up, why not start by asking yourself a few simple questions.
Have you already set your heart on a particular style of sink?
In some cases, this may limit your options to a certain kitchen taps style, for instance a bridge or deck tap or a pair of pillar taps are required for a sink with two tap holes.
Are your needs quite specialised?
If you would like filtered water straight from the tap, you should be thinking of a filter tap that delivers hot, cold and purified water from a single fitting. You never need buy expensive bottled water again. Or maybe you need a tap with a pull-out sprayhead. Easy to control and versatile enough to tackle all kinds of kitchen tasks
Are kitchen taps looks more important to you?
Perhaps your number one priority is kitchen taps that are pleasing on the eye. If you want the best quality material available, our stainless steel kitchen taps not only look beautiful, they feel it too. An exact match to stainless steel kitchen appliances and a luminescent appearance that will stand the test of time. Or does your kitchen demand a more traditional gold or bronze finish, to co-ordinate with your choice of kitchen decor?
What about the style of your kitchen?
 Maybe you should choose kitchen taps according to the kind of kitchen you are planning. You will find something in our collections to work seamlessly with every setting, from period or country-style charm to the sleek, contemporary look of many modern homes.
Do you value functionality above everything else?
Kitchen taps that are easy and intuitive to use. Those who prefer separate levers for hot and cold should choose a monobloc type. But if you'd rather have the simplicity of one lever - left and right for temperature, up and down for pressure - then you might find our single lever taps suit you better. If you like this style of tap then you'll love our advanced lever system Progressive Valve kitchen taps. They increase the temperature and pressure in one smooth movement.
Water pressure
Some kitchen taps require more hot water pressure than others in order to achieve the same flow rate. A pressurised water heater system will provide sufficient water pressure for any of our kitchen taps. An unpressurised system may not, and the pressure should be calculated before choosing a tap that states a minimum requirement. To do this, measure the distance in height from the water tank to the tap and divide by 10. This gives the water pressure in bars. It is important to bear in mind any bends or junctions in the pipework as these will reduce the pressure. If in doubt about how to calculate your hot water pressure, contact your plumber for professional advice. Water pressure can be increased by adding a separate water pump to support your hot water supply. |
