Perrin & Rowe

Chrome gives a bright, reflective look that pairs well with modern, minimalist kitchens and stainless steel sinks; many Perrin & Rowe Ionian and Phoenician taps are available in chrome. Nickel and pewter offer softer, more muted tones that suit traditional or shaker kitchens, the Pewter Ionian or Langbourn examples sit beautifully against timber or stone worktops. Gold makes a strong, glamorous statement and works well as an accent against deep cabinetry, as you'll see in the Gold finishes on the Ionian and Provence ranges. All finishes are applied to Perrin & Rowe's brassware, so you get consistent surface quality across the ranges.

A bridge tap, such as the Ionian or Langbourn Bridge models, has a raised, two-column look and often offers separate hot and cold controls for a classic aesthetic and clear temperature control. Standard mixer taps like the Phoenician or Provence consolidate hot and cold into one body with a single lever or crosshead, saving space and giving quicker one-handed operation. Bridge taps can feel more substantial and period-appropriate on a Butler sink, while mixers are compact and tidy for contemporary undermount or inset sinks.

The Armstrong and Phoenician mini instant hot water taps come with a tank and deliver near-boiling water immediately, so they save time for tea, sterilising bottles or blanching vegetables; prices on these models are higher, typically over the current product price,200. They are available in matching finishes so you can pair them with your main kitchen tap for a coordinated look. If you regularly need boiling water quickly, the convenience offsets the higher price; if you only make occasional drinks, a standard mixer may be more economical.

For heavy-duty use choose robust designs like the Ionian or Langbourn ranges, which are known for durable brass construction and are favoured by architects and professionals. Models that include a rinser are especially useful in a busy prep sink for rinsing vegetables or filling tall pans quickly. If you want fast operation, go for lever-handles rather than delicate crossheads; lever versions like the Ionian Lever provide single-handed control and speed.

Crosshead handles give a traditional, tactile feel and suit period kitchens, the Ionian Crosshead variants, but they take slightly more wrist movement. Lever handles offer quick, single-handed control and are easier if you often have wet or full hands; you'll find lever options across the Ionian and Phoenician lines. Triple-lever configurations, as seen in some Provence models, create a formal, symmetrical look while providing separate control points for softer temperature adjustment.