Lets talk taps...

[MrsHarford]

just finalising our kitchen design and I'm totally overwhelmed with the kitchen tap options. does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations on the different designs and options available. we're not looking to spend loads of money and for me its all about function rather than form (though elegant would be good!)

Also check that your choice runs happily on the type of water pressure you have as some European taps work better with pumped systems 2bar or more !

Thanks, that's a good point. The water pressure seems good but how do I quantify that?

Well if you had a pressurised system - you would know as you'd need to check the pressure periodically - so I'd assume you haven't !
So you are running off mains pressure for cold and the hot ?! Well, that's affected the way it's heated ?!?! So when you see a tap you like - as if it is suitable or mains pressure water as apposed to pumped systems ... Or check with your local water authority for an idea of the mains pressure.
Other than that - choose something that's easy to stitch off with wet hands !! Easy to clean around !! And matches/blends in with the other items in your kitchen !! :-)

ah i see. will check with kitchen supplier. yes on the easy switch on/off i've already decided on a single lever. what about the extending hose things are they worth the extra? we're having an extra large sink (thanks to reading recommendations on here!) if that makes a difference...

the extending hose ones used to be the ones that needed more pressure - but I believe that quite a few are ok for British standard pressure now - but do check !!!

Taps with ceramic disks (and a joystick or quarter-turn knobs) are more troublesome.