THE PERFECT TAP

THEY'RE HOT AND THEY'RE COOL WITH GOOD LOOKS AND SMART FEATURES HERE'S HOW TO PICK A DO-IT-ALL KITCHEN TAP

- OONAGH TURNER

It's almost a prerequisite now that your kitchen tap does it all. Providing instant boiling, sparkling or filtered water and looking super stylish all while saving on your water bills... the kitchen tap has come a long way from simple hot and cold. We've compiled some handy design ideas and energy-saving hints to help you find the right option for you.

The most popular kitchen taps are a monobloc tap, single-lever tap, deck-mounted mixer or pillar taps. There's a wide range of spout styles, from swan-like U-shaped to more contemporary square. A swivel spout is great for bigger sinks or islands, with some rotating 360 degrees. Meanwhile, pull-out taps are gaining popularity with an extendable hose and nozzle that can switch from standard flow to spray, handy for washing awkward-shaped utensils and for smaller kitchens without a dishwasher.

The are of your kitchen tap should fall at around 20 to 25.5cm high. If there are low cabinets, you could drop to three inches [7.6cm], suggests Michael Sammon at Wödår. You don't want your tap irritatingly bumping into units if it's too tall.