PRODUCT FEATURE Kitchen Sinks & Taps

EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK

Perrin & Rowe’s Phoenix ‘C’ Spout 3-in-1 Hot Water Tap The sink and tap have come a long way from their humble origins. Far from being just a place to wash up, the choice of sink and tap is now much more considered.

We’ve heard countless times that open-plan living has revolutionised the way that we live and design our homes, but it’s interesting when you drill down to see how certain products have adapted to meet this demand.

One such evolution of interest to installers is the rise of undermounted or flushmounted designs. Mike Heath, Product Manager at BLANCO UK, comments: “The largest impact in the last five years has been the growth of undermount models in the market.” With their streamlined design, undermounted models have become the go-to product for anyone creating a high-end, minimalist style kitchen. Jeanette Ward Communications Manager at Franke comments:“Flushmounted sinks are emerging as a major trend at the moment because they achieve a streamlined aesthetic that gives any kitchen a premium look. However, they do involve specialist fabrication which can eat into a homeowner’s budget.

“The largest impact in the last five years has been the growth of undermount models in the market.”

Mike Heath, Product Manager at BLANCO UK

A way to get a very similar look is to install the new generation of sinks that feature low profile edges. For example, a stainless steel inset sink with a thickness of 0.8mm would sit just above the work surface. This gives the impression of it being flushmounted but with the benefit of it being very easy and quick to install because it’s actually a standard inset. This style gives installers the option to offer the premium look of a flushmounted sink whilst keeping the costs down for the client.

“Flushmounted sinks are emerging as a major trend at the moment.”

Jeanette Ward, Communications Manager at Franke

So does size matter? David Cole, Sales Director at Perrin & Rowe, thinks so: “The most common kitchen sink is a bowl and a half. However, single, double and triple bowl options are becoming more popular.” Mike adds: “Large single bowls and sinks are also popular models in today’s market, as they allow for added functionality whilst being sleek in design and thus integrating seamlessly in the kitchen environment.”

Taps have also benefited from a renewed interest in this area of the kitchen. Mike comments: “Taps have graduated from simply being functional to being functional ‘statement pieces’ and choice has increased with more ‘European’ taps available as the growth of pressure systems increases in the UK.”

There’s also increased functionality available, as David highlights: “Hot tap technology has developed dramatically, becoming a must-have addition for homeowners who want boiling hot water instantaneously.” He continues: “We have just introduced a new 3-in-1 kitchen tap that dispenses hot, cold and up to 99°C steaming hot filtered water.

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Franke’s Largo Workcentre shown with Olympus Spring chrome tap

... cont Eliminating the need for a separate filtered water source and outdated kettle, this new 3-in-1 hot tap is also controlled digitally with its easy-to-use LCD touch screen for the height of convenience and practical application.”

When it comes to advising clients, Mike recommends that you, “check carefully that the client’s choice not only meets their requirements but is easily accommodated in the furniture.” He adds: “It is worth considering, where possible, keeping the site plumbing and drainage services in the same area. Moving gas, electric, water and waste can be expensive and eat into the budget.” Regarding the choice of tap, Mike advises: “It is essential to establish if the supply is low or high pressure, gravity or balanced. Most tap suppliers will indicate the pressure and installation guidelines which, to avoid potential problems, should be strictly adhered to.” “Hot tap technology has developed dramatically, becoming a must-have addition for homeowners who want boiling hot water instantaneously.”

David Cole, Sales Director at Perrin & Rowe

When selecting a hot tap, David notes that, “quality, function and performance will vary greatly from brand to brand, so ensure the model you install has a tank, which is WRAS approved. This will guarantee the hot tap is fully accredited, operates safely and can be installed without fault.” And for filter taps, David recommends that you remember to “allow for more space under the sink, as you need to accommodate the filtration system, which consists of the filter housing and cartridge. The filtration unit is approximately 31cm high and fits neatly under the sink in any standard base unit or kitchen cabinet.”

Perrin & Rowe www.perrinandrowe.co.uk Franke www.franke.com Blanco www.blanco.co.uk Astracast www.astracast.com

Blanco Elon XL 8 S Pearl Grey

Astracast Plateau Flush fit 1

Perrin & Rowe’s Phoenix 3-in-1 Hot Water Tap

Introducing the new Perrin & Rowe 3 in 1 hot tap

New advanced technology Dispenses hot, cold and up to 98°C steaming hot filtered water from 1 tap Perfect for hot drinks, cooking, food preparation and cleaning Innovative 2.4 litre digital tank with touch screen display Water saving, time saving and energy efficient Spit-free with zero run off

Always innovating, never duplicating