Another kitchen taps thread......

[PartridgePearTree]

We are going to be building an extension with a new kitchen next year but our current kitchen tap desperately needs replacing so I'm planning on getting one that will last and moving it to the new kitchen when we're ready.

I like traditional in style and quite fancy one in aged brass but have yet to find the style I like in the usual brands that get the best reports on here (bristan / franke / grohe).

I've found the following ones that I like the look of but can anyone shed some light on which might be the best to go for.... (And can the Perrin & Rowe one be worth that much more than the others??)

PERRIN & ROWE PHOENICIAN KITCHEN MIXER TAP (£403)
www.just-perrin.co.uk/4460-perrin--rowe-phoenician-kitchen-mixer-tap-with-porcelain-lever-handles-2218-p.asp

Deva Georgian Monoblock Kitchen Sink Mixer with 1/4 Turn, Swivel Spout and Diverted Flow in Bronze. (£210)
www.taps4less.com/PP/D-SM056BZ.html

Little Mono Double Handle Monobloc Mixer Tap (£110)
www.wayfair.co.uk/diy-plumbing/pdp/belfry-kitchen-little-mono-double-handle-monobloc-mixer-tap-bfkt1101.html?piid=20655791

Abode Ludlow Antique Bronze Monobloc Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap (£135)
www.tapsuk.com/abode-ludlow-antique-bronze-monobloc-kitchen-sink-mixer-tap-at1028-p10788

Hydra Evie Pro kitchen tap in antique brass (£110)
www.taps4less.com/PP/HI-EVIEPRO-BR.html

I see you like taps with ceramic cartridges. Ask the vendor what they charge for a pair of replacement cartridges.

I haven't chosen ones with ceramic cartridges for a reason, these just happen to be the ones I like aesthetically. I take it from your comment that they are generally expensive to replace? I think that is what has gone wrong on our current taps. How often do they tend to need replacing? And what would the alternative be?

for imported taps, they may be unobtainable in a year or two. For major brands, they can be ridiculously expensive. It's a good idea to find out before you buy.

I don't know typical life, but they are less durable than taps with a washer. The ones with a single joystick seem particularly troublesome. You can buy washers in any high street or plumbers merchants that will fit taps made yesterday or a hundred years ago, at negligible cost.

Taps with washers have a knob or capstan that screws up and down, rather than a quarter-turn lever.

You are looking at monoblock taps (one-hole) which will usually have tiny tails the size of a pencil, which will reduce flow from the tap.

For some brands, parts are reasonably priced. I'm assuming you won't like this tap, but I see a bsnk c mt#spares replacement valve is listed at £4.06

Have a look at their 1901 or regency range.

I'm not fond of polishing so I wouldn't choose a brass tap.

Thanks PigletJohn that's all really helpful, will give it all some thought!