Tap into the right one… Turn on the taps.
It’s crazy when you consider how many times you turn on and off a tap in a single day.
We simply do not think about it, but the choice of style, shape, finish and flow will affect how your kitchen is used on a day to day basis. Here are some facts to aid you in choosing the right taps for your lifestyle.
Budget
You should always think about your budget before purchasing todays taps, as they can run from £10 – £700+, but there are taps to suit every pocket and every lifestyle.
Cheap taps are not always the best option, but you should always have a good balance between quality and cost, as cheaper taps tend to not last very long, therefore making you buy and install again and again.
Always favour a good mid-range tap as a solid starting point, and one that has a lengthy manufacturers guarantee / warranty as this shows the makers have confidence in their products.
Style of Kitchen
If you have a modern kitchen with clean lines, this would demand a modern tap to match, however, the same tap would look strange and out of place in a traditional kitchen.
Take the time to visit showrooms (ours if you wish) and have a look at different taps in different settings.
This will give you a better understanding on the style of tap that would sit best in your kitchen.
Click here to find our showroom.
Function
Used for much more than filling the kettle, the tap these days is a very functional item.
‘Foodies’ will use a hose-type tap for cleaning veg, and rinsing dishes, some prefer taps that function in the traditional sense, some prefer levers to handles.
Just make sure your tap suits your needs and look for taps with ceramic discs incorporated in the workings as these are easier to control.
Finish
They come in other finishes that aren’t chrome…
The finish of your tap will depend on the finish your kitchen has. Shiny and chrome is the most obvious choice, as it’s easy to clean and keep bacteria-free.
Matt finish taps are not as popular, but these can give a nice edge to the kitchen, as it’s a ‘break from the norm’.
Feel The Pressure
Before you buy, check your house water pressure, the majority require high-pressure for modern taps to function well.
Cold water is not the issue here, it’s the hot-water. Always make sure you have a high-power pressure outlet, if not make sure they make a low-pressure version of that tap and it’s suitable. These are generally more expensive and less reliable.
These 3 ways can help let you know if you have the higher-pressure needed, and revolve around your boiler:
- Unvented System
- Combination Boiler
- Gravity Fed Pump System
Under no circumstances should a high-pressure water flow be fed through a low-pressure tap, as it can do permanent damage and put users at risk of injury and costly repair bills.
To Mix, or Not To Mix?
One tap or two taps…
It all depends if you want one tap that mixes the cold and hot water? Mixer taps allow you to regulate water temperature.
They save space and are very popular.
Filter Taps
The same, only purer…
These taps combine the standard tap with a water filtration system. They remove the limescale in hard-water areas.
The filter system sits under your counter out of vision, and it looks just like a regular tap.
Boiling Water Taps
Hot on the market…
The Boiling Water Tap is a pretty new addition, and delivers (almost) boiling water on tap (pun intended).
Make a cup of tea or coffee straight from the tap. This sort of system could save you lots of money over time, as it becomes cheaper than the energy-sucking kettle having to keep heating cold water from scratch.
These taps can be expensive though as they are the ‘new kid on the block’, expect to pay £750 and upward.
Conclusion…
Getting the right kitchen tap may seem hard at first-glance…
All options available can be daunting. Think about all you have just read before parting with your hard-earned money so you know for a fact you have made the right choice.
If you would like to discuss anything, please do not hesitate to contact us TODAY!
