Top tips for buying a kitchen tap? Need a new one...

[PurplyBlue]

The current tap is ancient and seizing up, so needs replacing.

I know nothing about taps. Any help much appreciated, like what to avoid and good places to get one from.

The current one comes out of one hole, and has a lever which you pull up to turn on, and swing left / right to change from hot / cold.

It needs to be able to swing between the double sinks.

TIA

We had to replace our kitchen tap last year. My plumber said don't choose another one with ceramic plates in it (not sure what they do though...) as when it starts dripping as our old one did, you can't just replace a washer, you have to replace the whole tap. He also said to get a recognised manuracturer rather than a generic or own brand, because then you can easily get spares. We bought this Bristan one and have been very pleased with it. He got it for us and fitted it, for a bit less than the RRP shown there.

you are describing a Joystick tap. They have a ceramic cartridge inside and are particularly troublesome.

For the major makes, replacement parts can be obtained, usually at high cost.

Less troublesome are taps where you have a turny knob for hot, and another for cold. If the knob has a quarter turn, it has a ceramic cartridge. If it rotates several times, it has a washer or a simpler cartridge. That sort is easier and cheaper to maintain.

I am especially fond of Bristan taps. You occasionally see last-year's range on offer on ebay. Or try here

You can get a cheap "Architekt" brand at Plumbworld.

If you have plenty of money there are some very fashionable brands around. As a rule of thumb, the less they look like taps, preferably with sharp edges and square pipes, the more stylish they are considered, and the higher the price.

...too slow!

the ones with the capstan heads will be especially simple and long lived, and are very easy to operate with wet hands. Some people will not like them, and prefer these freakishly ugly things.

Brilliant! Thanks both.

Will have a browse of the Bristan taps - I like that Renaissance one.

PigletJohn - Yes the current joystick one is a total pita - you get a free shower with every dish-washing session as it's so stiff and jerky and difficult to control the flow (ooh er missus). I'm with you on the square taps, won't fit with our decor at all!