Advice Sought From Anyone, Professional Or Just A Diy Person

[Stargazer]

I intend to replace my kitchen sink tap as it is more than 50 years old and leaks around the base etc. I want to get a mixer tap but one which does not splash me when it hits a knife (maybe aerated). I want one what swivels or maybe even has an extending flexy part so that I can swish it round the sink. More importantly is there anything I should avoid due to problems that arise from state of the art designs? My frost free fridge freezer has proved to be a disaster!!
My present sink until would be imperial in measurement. I will have to buy a replacement. What should I look for? What is the best type to buy nowadays? Mine is stainless steel but I doubt that is the choice nowadays. Funds are limited and I live alone. Where should I go to look for the best selection - B & Q?
Thanks for any advice.

[The Builder]

First off, Starry, there's a good trade in "vintage" taps today. They have to be renovated usually, so don't rule that out if you'd like to keep the tap.

Difficult to recommend taps. It's a bit like recommending a car. They all do the same thing, but in a slightly different way. Perhaps steer clear of the "high rise" mixers...... ie those with a high spout, to avoid splashing.
Have a browse through here for a start...

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/kitchen-taps-by-style-2348-0000

Plenty of modern taps still operate in the traditional way..... washers; O-rings; seals etc.
The ones with the removable spout that you can use like a shower head are often quite simple in operation.
I think you can safely avoid the "poncey" market and still get one you like that'll be simple to maintain.

SS sinks are still one of the most popular to fit. There have been several love affairs with materials like "Astralite", which people have come to regret.
It depends on the style you'd like. Clay London and Belfast sinks, and French farmhouse clay sinks still sell well.

[Stargazer]

Thanks for your advice. I just need a replacement standard size double drainer but my one may be imperial measurement. I like the idea of that reisin type of material rather than s/s but is there a problem with that stuff? Can you look at my other question re extractor fans please.

[The Builder]

Stone & resin sinks are maybe what you're looking for. Similar material to heavy cast shower trays.
Maybe this ..............

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/franke-polar-white-calypso-6212-25311

No particular problems with any of the above that I know of. The old Asterlite ones stained very easily.

As far as size is concerned, a metric sink is likely to be slightly smaller than the old Imperial ones........ eg 900mm instead of 3'
A way around it might be to use a larger one and cut out more of the worktop for it.

[Dodger666]

Probably too late now but, you shouldn't need a new sink if you only want to replace the tap unless you particularly want to. Sink taps today are still 1/2" BSP(British Standard Pipe thread). I assume your old sink tap is also 1/2"BSP