Ultimate Kitchen Tap Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the perfect kitchen tap, the multitude of choices available can be overwhelming. Whether you're remodelling your entire kitchen or simply looking for a quick replacement, choosing the right tap requires some research. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with all the information and advice you need to find your perfect kitchen tap. From understanding the different types and styles to considering factors like colour, brand, and eco-friendliness, we've got you covered.

Kitchen Tap Types Kitchen taps come in various types to suit different needs and preferences:

kitchen mixer taps

Kitchen mixer taps offer a convenient and versatile solution for modern kitchens. With the ability to mix hot and cold water flows from a single spout, these taps provide precise control over water temperature, making tasks such as dishwashing and food preparation more efficient. Available in various sizes, finishes, and designs, kitchen mixer taps can effortlessly complement any kitchen decor. The inclusion of swivel spouts adds flexibility, allowing for easy manoeuvring and reaching different areas of the sink. 

Magna in brushed brass kitchen tap

Pull-out spray kitchen taps

Pull-out spray kitchen taps are a perfect choice for individuals who frequently engage in washing up and want an added level of convenience and efficiency. These taps are equipped with a practical pull-out spray nozzle that allows users to direct a high-pressure jet of water precisely where it is needed. This versatile feature is particularly advantageous when cleaning pots, pans, and dishes, as the powerful spray stream effortlessly removes stubborn food particles and grease, making the cleaning process a breeze.

Melior in brushed stainless kitchen tap

The extended reach of the pull-out spray nozzle ensures that no corner of the sink is out of reach, providing enhanced flexibility and manoeuvrability. With the ability to switch between a regular water flow and the powerful spray function, these taps offer a seamless transition between everyday tasks and more intensive cleaning requirements. Whether you're rinsing off vegetables or tackling tough grime, pull-out spray kitchen taps provide the convenience and functionality needed to simplify your kitchen chores.

Kitchen bridge taps

Kitchen bridge taps are a timeless choice that brings a touch of elegance and tradition to any kitchen. These taps feature two separate entry points for hot and cold water, creating a "bridge" where the streams merge before flowing out of a single spout. The unique design not only adds a distinctive visual appeal but also offers practical functionality. With separate controls for hot and cold water, users can easily adjust the temperature to their preference. This allows for greater control over the water flow, ensuring the perfect balance for various kitchen tasks such as washing dishes, filling pots, or preparing meals.

Bridge tap

The combination of classic aesthetics and reliable functionality makes bridge taps a popular choice among those seeking to create a timeless and sophisticated look in their kitchen. Whether you have a traditional or modern kitchen decor, bridge taps provide a charming focal point that adds a sense of character and style to the heart of your home.

Instant boiling water taps

Instant boiling water taps are a game-changer for those who value convenience and efficiency in their kitchen. These taps are designed to provide not only regular hot and cold water flows but also instant boiling water on demand. They are especially popular among frequent hot drink enthusiasts or individuals who often find themselves boiling water on the stove for various purposes. With an instant boiling water tap, you no longer need to wait for the kettle to boil or waste time and energy on the stovetop. The tap is connected to a boiler tank, which rapidly heats the water to boiling point, ready to be dispensed at any time. This feature not only saves precious time but also offers energy efficiency by only heating the exact amount of water needed.

Boiling water tap

The convenience of having instant boiling water at your fingertips is undeniable, whether you're making a quick cup of tea, preparing instant noodles, or speeding up your cooking process. It's worth noting that these taps often come with safety features to prevent accidental burns, such as childproof handles or built-in filters to remove impurities. Instant boiling water taps combine practicality, speed, and safety, making them an excellent addition to any modern kitchen that values convenience and functionality.

kitchen filter taps

Kitchen filter taps offer a practical solution for those who value clean and great-tasting water in their homes. These taps are equipped with a high-quality filter kit that effectively purifies the water supply, ensuring that you can enjoy refreshing and purified water directly from the tap. With concerns about water quality and the presence of impurities, such as chlorine, sediments, and unpleasant tastes or odours, kitchen filter taps provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to buying bottled water. The filter kit, typically consisting of activated carbon or other filtration media, effectively removes impurities and contaminants, leaving you with cleaner and healthier water.

By installing a kitchen filter tap, you no longer need to rely on expensive bottled water or cumbersome filtration pitchers. You can confidently fill your glass, make drinks, or cook with water straight from the tap, knowing that it has been purified and filtered to enhance its quality. These taps are not only convenient but also environmentally friendly, as they reduce plastic waste from disposable water bottles. Additionally, filter cartridges are generally replaceable, ensuring that you can maintain the performance and effectiveness of the filtration system over time. Kitchen filter taps provide an accessible and long-term solution for enjoying great-tasting water in your home, promoting both your well-being and sustainability.

Kitchen pillar taps

Kitchen pillar taps offer a nostalgic charm and are a fitting choice for those seeking a traditional look in their kitchen. While they have become rarer in modern kitchens, pillar taps can add a touch of elegance and complement classic kitchen styles. These taps are operated individually, with separate taps for hot and cold water, allowing for precise control over the water temperature. They often feature a timeless design, with intricate detailing and ornate handles that exude a sense of old-world charm.

Kitchen pillar tap

Installing kitchen pillar taps may require drilling into the worktop or sink to accommodate the separate taps, ensuring a secure and stable connection. This installation process may require the assistance of a professional plumber or skilled DIYer to ensure proper alignment and functionality. Despite their diminishing popularity, kitchen pillar taps remain a captivating option for those who appreciate the aesthetics of traditional design and seek to create a vintage-inspired kitchen ambiance.

Kitchen Tap Styles When it comes to style, you have two main options to consider:

Contemporary kitchen taps

Contemporary kitchen taps epitomise modern design principles with their sleek and minimalist aesthetics. These taps boast simple, unfussy designs characterised by clean lines and a streamlined appearance. They eschew intricate embellishments and decorative elements in favour of a sleek and understated look. With their minimalist approach, contemporary kitchen taps effortlessly blend into any modern kitchen setting, offering a seamless integration with the overall design theme.

Their popularity stems from their ability to create a polished and refined atmosphere while providing functionality and efficiency. Whether it's a monobloc mixer tap or a pull-down spray tap, contemporary kitchen taps are designed to be visually unobtrusive and effortlessly complement the surrounding decor. The emphasis on simplicity and elegance ensures that these taps remain a popular choice for homeowners seeking a modern and sophisticated aesthetic in their kitchens.

Traditional kitchen taps

Traditional kitchen taps draw inspiration from vintage designs, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. These taps have endured the test of time and continue to be a popular choice for those seeking to create a classic and charming atmosphere in their kitchens. One of the defining features of traditional taps is their attention to detail, often showcasing intricate patterns, decorative motifs, and added embellishments. Cross head or ceramic handles are commonly found, adding to the vintage appeal and providing a tactile and nostalgic experience.

Traditional kitchen tap

Traditional kitchen taps are especially well-suited for rustic, country, or classical kitchen styles, where they effortlessly enhance the overall aesthetic and create a warm and inviting ambiance. The combination of elegant design elements and durable construction ensures that traditional kitchen taps not only bring a touch of elegance to the space but also provide reliable functionality for everyday use. Whether you're seeking to restore the charm of a period home or simply appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage-inspired designs, traditional kitchen taps offer a captivating blend of style and functionality.

Kitchen Tap Considerations In addition to type and style, there are other factors to consider when choosing a kitchen tap:

Exploring Stylish Colours for Your Kitchen Taps

In addition to the timeless chrome finish, there is a rising trend in the world of kitchen taps towards embracing a variety of colours and metallic finishes. This shift allows homeowners to add a touch of personalisation and style to their kitchens. With an array of options available, you can now choose from a wide range of colours such as black, white, grey, gold, brushed nickel, copper, and even combinations thereof. Each colour brings its own unique character and charm, allowing you to create a kitchen space that truly reflects your taste and complements your overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer the sleek and modern look of black or white, the warmth and elegance of gold or copper, or the contemporary appeal of brushed nickel, the choice of colour for your kitchen tap can make a significant impact. It adds a visual element that ties together the design elements of your kitchen, creating a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere. By considering different colours and metallic finishes for your kitchen tap, you have the opportunity to infuse your space with personality and create a standout feature that enhances the overall visual appeal of your kitchen.

Harnessing Eco-Friendliness

When choosing a kitchen tap, it's important to consider eco-friendliness and water efficiency. Opting for taps that incorporate features designed to promote water conservation can have a positive impact on the environment and your water bill. One such feature to look out for is aerators or flow restrictors. Aerators are devices that mix air with the water flow, creating a steady and even stream while reducing the overall water consumption. By introducing air into the water, aerators maintain the feeling of strong water pressure while using less water. This not only helps to conserve water but also reduces energy usage required for heating the water. Flow restrictors, on the other hand, limit the flow rate of water without affecting the water pressure. These devices regulate the amount of water that flows through the tap, effectively reducing water wastage during everyday tasks such as washing dishes or hands. By opting for taps equipped with aerators or flow restrictors, you can significantly reduce your household's water consumption. This eco-friendly approach not only benefits the environment by conserving water resources but also helps to lower your water bills over time. Many reputable brands prioritise sustainability and offer eco-friendly options in their range of kitchen taps. When shopping for a tap, look for products that are specifically labelled as water-efficient or eco-friendly. By making a conscious choice to install a water-efficient tap, you contribute to sustainable water management and play your part in conserving this precious resource for future generations.

How to fit a kitchen tap

While we'd always recommend hiring a professional tradesperson to carry out any plumbing work, if you're a confident and experienced DIYer, fitting or changing a kitchen tap is something you should be able to do yourself. For full step-by-step instructions, check out our guide to changing a kitchen tap.

How much does it cost to fit a kitchen tap

After seeking advice from kitchen fitters throughout the UK, we've estimated the cost of fitting or replacing a kitchen tap to be somewhere between £100 to £110. Of course, this can vary for different reasons, including geographical location. The cost of fitting a kitchen tap can also be influenced by the specific requirements of the installation. Factors such as the complexity of the plumbing system, the accessibility of the existing pipes, and any additional work needed to accommodate the new tap can all impact the overall cost. For example, if significant modifications or repairs are needed to the plumbing system, it may incur additional charges.

Choosing the perfect kitchen tap involves considering the type, style, colour, brand, and eco-friendliness. 

Take your time to explore various options, consult with professionals if needed, and assess your requirements and budget. With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision that will not only enhance the functionality of your kitchen but also add a stylish finishing touch to your culinary space.

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