Franke UK - Products and Company Details

Gorgeous glass

Glass is now widely used on worktops, splashbacks and sinks for modern effects. One example is Franke's Kubus KBV 611 and KBV 651 fashionable glass sinks, with durable stainless steel bowls. They also now feature a groove around the drainer to help contain spillages and make for easy cleaning. Adding extra design appeal, the drainer boasts an etched matt surface, which is slip-resistant, while the perimeter surface has a reflective shiny finish.

LED spray has light touch

The Rolux Pull-Out Spray tap from Franke exudes contemporary style; with its bright LED light it adds atmosphere and drama to any kitchen. The unit's white light illuminates the water delivery, creating a stunning visual effect. Even when the tap is turned off the appearance is equally striking, and useful, as the LED acts as ambient lighting in the kitchen. As part of the Franke Specialist Range, the model is also available in chrome.

A super-slim sink profile

The design of the stainless steel Laser LSX 611 and LSX 651 sinks has been revisited by Franke to further enhance the range. The sinks now incorporate a 50 mm radii main bowl, low profile semi-integrated basket strainer waste and hygienic overflow. According to the firm, the sinks now offer super-slim edge profiles so that they are virtually flush with the work surface, they have also added a deeper dimension to both the bowl and drainer. The range is quick to install thanks to Franke G-Clips which automatically grip the worktop saving time.

Performance in granite

Composite stone sinks have always been popular due to their choice of colours and designs, however they don't offer the same stain resistance or durability as stainless steel. Franke has now launched its DuraKleen Plus, which offers "unbeatable performance", says the firm. Franke's DuraKleen Plus technology makes its Fragranite sinks very tough. Thanks to the sink's granite construction it is able to withstand temperatures of up to 280 degrees, and will now also tackle cleaning problems associated with composite sinks. DuraKleen Plus works by bonding the granite particles closer together, creating a smoother and flatter surface, minimising limescale build-up.

Rotondo adds circular style

In line with the current trend for curvaceous kitchens, Franke have launched the Rotondo RUK 110, a ceramic circular single bowl sink available in both black and white versions. The bowl has a diameter of 390 mm and a depth of 180 mm. The bowl is ideal for areas where space is limited, and will fit into a 500 mm-wide base unit. The unit is supplied with Franke's patented G-Clip fittings, providing an extremely close connection between sink and worktop. The G-Clip fittings use innovative technology to ensure that the weight is distributed from the sink bowl laterally. Manufactured from kiln-fired porcelain, the RUK 110 has a tough, smooth impervious surface which is resistant to household chemicals. Various accessories are available to accompany the product.

Classically symmetrical tap

Franke's new Basel tap has a pleasing symmetry to make it "a future design classic", believes the firm. The new Basel tap is part of Franke's Specialist range, a collection of precision-made taps, combining design with build quality. The tap’s design is simple yet chic, with a high, curved spout, making it easy to get large pans underneath, a curved base and smooth lever-style handles for easy operation. A ceramic disc mechanism provides smooth operation, within a brief quarter-turn rotation. For splash-free operation the nozzle has a built-in perlator, which adds tiny air bubbles to the water, softening the flow. Franke taps are guaranteed against defective materials for one year, in relation to coatings, and finishes, and five years in relation to moving parts.

Deceptively small sink

Franke has developed a sink that's "ergonomically designed" to maximise the available space, with a spacious bowl that fits into smaller than average cabinets. The Largo LAX 110 45 is part of the firm's Specialist range, and is designed for more 'bijou' kitchens or users looking to maximise storage space. The product will fit into a 500 mm wide base unit, says Franke, but still has modern looks and generous proportions. Being undermounted, the model ensures the surface of the worktop is uninterrupted. The Largo is fitted from underneath using Franke's G-Clip fittings that provide a close connection between sink and worktop. They distribute the sink bowl's weight laterally through the use of simple metal clamps that can be fitted quickly. The bowl is 445 mm x 390 mm x 175 mm high, and accessories are available.

Slinky solid steel taps

The new Panto and Eos solid stainless steel taps from Franke are designed to compliment Franke's stainless steel sinks while providing aesthetically pleasing, easy to use taps. Franke's Panto tap is a monobloc design with a dual-lever, quarter turn action while the Eos is a single lever mixer. Both taps feature a swivel 'J'-spout complete with built-in Perlator to give a what the firm calls a “champagne-like flow�. The Panto and Eos are the first solid stainless steel taps to be offered by Franke in the UK. Both have ceramic valves and are supplied with non-return valves to ensure UK bylaws compatibility. The taps work at a minimum 0.5 bar pressure.

Minimal style and effort

The new Maris range from Franke offers minimalist style in its new range of sinks. The Maris MRG 611, which has a large singular bowl and the MRG 651 which features one and a half bowls, represent the contemporary design available within the range. Available in Polar White, Graphite, and two new colours, Coffee and Portland Grey, the range is suitable for any kitchen, and are reversible. With practicality in mind, the 651 comes with a stainless steel strainer bowl, and an optional glass chopping board is available with both options. The Maris is part of the Pro-Value range of sinks from Franke, which come with a 25-year guarantee as standard. Franke claims to offer designs with outstanding performance that's impossible to beat.