Who does the nicest kitchen taps?

[doggiedazy]

I've just bought a couple from Abode and not that keen on them. They are Brass, but coated and so look kind or plastic looking.

I would prefer something a bit more authentic looking, even if that means it ages over time.

Not remotely interested in an instant boiling water tap, but want a single level.

Anyone got any ideas or recommendations?

Not what you want hear, but it think you have money to burn looking for “nicest “

taps are shockingly made these days - particularly ones that are designed for looks rather than mechanics . They can last less than 5 years and it’s not worth replacing washers- you have to remove and replace whole tap

my advice is to check up on good quality solid build taps . Go for one that actually meets your needs vs looks pretty . Then lastly find the nicest looking one in your budget

any material other than stainless steel will become stained over time in a way you can’t get off due to calcium deposits . Your best sticking with tried and tested stainless steel you can use vinegar on to remove the deposits

🤷🏼‍♀️

Any recommendations?
I'm buying online so it's hard to test the quality

Aston Matthews do umlacquered finishes and have some info regarding their products which they call variously polished brass (starts shiny dulls over time), scuffed etc

but kitchen taps from them start at over £400 and up to £850

This company also does them bespoketaps.com/pages/finishes

No idea what they are like but also very expensive

I'm not sure why brass taps are so expensive when in their raw state as at least some of the regular chrome etc finish taps ar e actually brass underneath but perhaps that brass is poorer quality pitted and inconsistent and therefore gets plated

Perrin and Rowe taps are lovely and very solid but also quite spendy...

or go on a weekend break to Morocco and buy some at source (and maybe a few etc to sell on)

these Etsy ones all seem to be from there

www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=unlacquered%20brass%20kitchen%20faucet%20from%20uk

Yes, saw these on Google. The one I like is £445, not crazy prices (I think I've lost sight of what is reasonable anymore) but a 3 month lead time....

Yes I saw these, but I'm guessing Brexit customs cost will be £££?

Second Perrin and Rowe. I got an aged brass tap and the patina develops over time beautifully.

Saw those too!
I'd love to go to Morocco again, but that might bump the price up if I factor in holiday costs!

Good to know @pincushion5

I'll just have to make savings elsewhere!

Or go for the honest and humble look with these Bristan ones

www.showerstoyou.co.uk/bristan-x-head-high-neck-pillar-taps/

Hotels use stainless steel Grohe taps & shower fittings for a reason.

Aston Matthews
Perrin & Rowe
Catchpole & Rye

Have you got a kidney to sell?

ebay is pretty good for vintage, refurbished taps.

I have Perrin & Rowe - they’re lovely but I do slightly hate myself every time I get a glass of water.

Samuel Heath worth a look if you like the Perrin and Rowe look - not sure how they compare price wise, SH might be cheaper?

I liked our abode one, it was a gosford I think. Looked lovely. Fell apart within about 3 years and wasn’t repairable. So not that one

I'm more worried if I don't get the one I like then I'll hate myself every glass of water too!

Exactly the same for me!

Not sure what model it is but our bathroom tap is an Abode one, it was the most expensive tap in the whole house refurb, and it’s the only one that is pretty much useless 5 years on. It’s a monobloc tap but both handles drip constantly, despite having the cartridges replaced (which abode did send for free, but I had to pay a handyman to do).

It was disappointing and I don’t understand the Abode hype. I’ll never buy one again. Our cheaper taps have been far, far better!

Where are you Piglet John- he/she usually comes on and says Bristan. British made, lots of styles, and parts are accessible so you can repair if anything goes wrong. Lots of styles.

@doggiedazy
Grohe. Hansgrohe. Franke. John Lewis own brand. These most certainly last!

Yes but I want raw brass. Not practical ones (well both if I can have both).

P&R seem to tick all my boxes:
raw brass (uncoated)
one single lever that isn’t too thin
no fancy stuff like pull-outs
look lovely

Plus: made in the UK!

Perrin and Rowe is more affordable if you shop around - we got ours off Cut Price Kitchens. Which sounds dodgy but it was fine!

Hansgrohe (not Grohe) are usually very good. Check that they are the ranges made in Germany rather than elsewhere.