Choosing a Kitchen Tap for Thai Water

Many Thai condos and houses run lower mains pressure than European taps assume. Check the minimum pressure the tap requires before falling in love with it, particularly for pull-out sprays and boiling water taps.

Water in much of Thailand leaves visible scale. Brushed and PVD finishes disguise it far better than polished chrome, which shows every drop. Whatever the finish, a quick dry with a cloth after use is what keeps a tap looking new.

The ceramic cartridge is the part that fails. Choose a brand with available spares rather than an unbranded tap that cannot be serviced, because replacing a cartridge is a ten-minute job and replacing a tap is not.

Measure the clearance between spout and sink base against your tallest pot. A high-arc or pull-out tap that lets you fill and rinse a wok comfortably is worth more day to day than any styling detail.