Choosing the Best Kitchen Taps - The #1 guide UK
Choosing the Best Kitchen Taps
When refurbishing your kitchen, choosing the best kitchen tap can make a massive difference in the overall look & functionality.
There are so many choices available when selecting a kitchen tap that you may feel overwhelmed at first.
From pull-down sprayers and single-handle mixers to speciality faucets for filling pots or washing large items like dishes, choosing the perfect kitchen tap requires research.
You will want to consider factors such as the design of your sink or countertop, what type of water supply you have (cold-only or hot/cold), your budget and personal preference.
With careful consideration, you can find a kitchen tap that looks beautiful, functional, and practical.
Best styles of kitchen taps
Consider the style when choosing the best kitchen tap that complements your kitchen. There are many styles to choose from, including traditional, modern, and industrial, as well as smart taps.
Adding the best kitchen taps to your home can upgrade any kitchen style, no matter your design. With a wide variety of options available, choosing one that best complements the overall aesthetic is essential.
Traditional Kitchen Taps
Traditional kitchen taps come in classic designs that evoke a timeless elegance and style, such as bridge and Victorian.
Bridge taps have a high-arching spout with two separate handles that control the hot and cold water flow separately. They have been popular since the end of the 19th century when they were first introduced to kitchens, and they remain a classic choice today.
The elegant design adds character to any traditional or vintage-style kitchen while providing easy access to hot and cold water.
Modern kitchen taps - The best tap for style
Modern kitchen taps have a contemporary look that will instantly update any kitchen style.
Updating a kitchen with modern fixtures is an easy & cost-effective way to create a stylish and sophisticated space.
Modern kitchen taps come in an array of styles, from single-lever mixers to tall taps with extendable spouts, making it easy to find one that fits your lifestyle.
Modern taps are designed to be convenient & stylish, with sleek lines, smooth curves and high-quality finishes, including chrome and stainless steel.
There is also the option to choose single or dual lever taps, allowing you to control the temperature more accurately.
Most modern tap designs have anti-scalding features, so you know you are always safe when handling the spout.
They are also made with water-saving technology, which helps save on water usage while still providing powerful streams of water for use in daily tasks such as hand washing or dishwashing.
Tall Kitchen Taps - The best taps for someone that is busy in the kitchen
A tall kitchen tap with an extendable spout can be the perfect choice for most kitchens, providing plenty of reach and flexibility for washing dishes, filling pots or just rinsing vegetables.
Tall taps are more than just a design statement; they provide extra space beneath them so you can quickly fill taller pots and buckets.
An extendable spout makes it even easier to access hard-to-reach spots in the sink.
Plus, this type of tap is often made from quality materials that will last for years to come.
It's also important to look out for features such as anti-scald technology or pull-down sprayers – great additional features that make cleaning up simple and stress-free!
Boiling Water taps - The best taps for instant hot water
Boiling water taps provide instant hot water for cooking, making drinks, cleaning dishes, etc. They can easily be installed on the sink or countertop to make boiling water even more accessible in your home.
A key benefit of instant boiling water kitchen taps is convenience; you no longer need a kettle or stovetop to heat your water – press a button, and you'll have hot water ready in seconds!
This feature is handy for busy households that require quick access to hot drinks throughout the day. In addition, it can save significant amounts of energy compared to traditional methods of heating your drink or food.
Filter Taps - The best taps for freshwater
Kitchen filter taps are designed to improve the quality of the water in your home by removing impurities such as chlorine, sediment or other contaminants that may affect its taste or smell.
They also reduce limescale build-up, which can interfere with plumbing systems and damage appliances.
With many styles and finishes available, there are now numerous options when choosing a kitchen filter tap for your home, from traditional swan neck designs to contemporary versions.
Before selecting a tap for your kitchen, consider its function too — choose from single-lever or double-handle designs depending on how you plan to use it in day-to-day life.
Pot Filler Taps - The best tap for the active cooker
A pot filler tap is a type of kitchen faucet that is designed specifically for filling pots with water.
It is usually mounted on the wall above the stove and has a long, flexible hose that can be extended over the stovetop to fill pots with water.
Pot filler taps are convenient because they allow you to fill pots with water without carrying them to the sink and back.
They are handy for heavy pots or for people with mobility issues.
Pot filler taps are also helpful for people who use a lot of pasta, rice, or other grains that require a lot of water to cook, as they can save time and effort by eliminating the need to carry pots back and forth to the sink.
Some pot filler taps are also equipped with a shut-off valve, which allows you to control water flow more efficiently.
Finish of Kitchen Taps
Choosing a kitchen tap with the right finish can take time due to the many available options.
The finish is significant, as you need to be pleased that it matches your existing décor.
Chrome Kitchen Taps
The most common kitchen tap finish is chrome, which provides an easy-to-clean surface and a timeless aesthetic.
Chrome kitchen taps are incredibly versatile and will work with almost any design style – from contemporary to classic. Although they don't typically provide additional functionality, they offer a bright and shiny look that can make your kitchen feel new.
Chrome taps also require very little maintenance and cleaning, making them ideal for busy homes where time is scarce.
Plus, chrome finishes are very affordable compared to other materials, such as stainless steel or brass.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Taps
Stainless steel kitchen taps should be one of the top options on your list. Not only do stainless steel taps look modern and sleek, but they also have excellent durability.
This is particularly important in a busy family home where multiple users rely on the tap daily. Stainless steel kitchen taps are resistant to corrosion, rust and scratches - making them an ideal choice for kitchens with high levels of usage.
The market is full of modern designs that feature smooth curves and stylish finishes - such as brushed silver or chrome plated - making them an attractive addition to any kitchen décor.
It is also easy to match existing fixtures and fittings when using a stainless steel tap, allowing for quick installation without replacing other appliances.
Brass Kitchen Taps
Brass kitchen taps are becoming increasingly popular for many homeowners who want to add an elegant and luxurious touch to their kitchens.
With various shapes, sizes, and finishes available today, it is easy to find brass kitchen taps that perfectly complement any decor style.
When choosing the right brass kitchen tap for your home, it is essential to consider factors such as installation requirements, flow rate & water pressure.
It's also beneficial to research how easy the tap is to maintain and clean.
Many brass kitchen taps come with a range of features like pull-down sprayers or single-lever handles – all of which can be beneficial additions when selecting the perfect piece for your space.
Additionally, please spend some time speaking to the experts in our showroom to compare prices and ensure you get the best quality product at a reasonable price point.
Gold Kitchen Taps
Gold kitchen taps are a must-have for anyone looking to incorporate modern design into their home.
Incorporating gold décor in the kitchen is a popular trend that has been dominating the market recently, and gold kitchen taps fit perfectly into this trend.
Not only do they make a statement in any room, but they also add a touch of luxury and elegance.
These stunning additions to any kitchen will be sure to draw attention and turn your space into something special.
Gold kitchen taps come in many different shapes, sizes and styles so that you can find something perfect for your dream kitchen design.
From traditional Victorian styles to contemporary designs, there's sure to be an option that fits your unique style and taste.
And with many different finishes available – from brushed gold tones to shiny, sleek surfaces – it's easy to find a tap that will match the rest of your décor.
Choosing the right size kitchen tap
When choosing the best kitchen tap, ensure you choose the right size for your needs. You'll need to measure the space where the tap will be installed. This will help you determine the maximum height, width, and depth that the tap can be.
Remember that you'll need to allow enough room for the tap to be easily accessible and for any hot and cold water connections.
You should also consider the size of the sink or basin on which the tap will be installed.
A tap that is too small may look out of place on a larger sink, while a tap that is too large may be difficult to use or not fit properly.
If you need help determining the right size tap for your kitchen, it's a good idea to measure the space and bring the measurements with you when shopping.
You can also consult with one of our sales team for guidance.
How to measure for a kitchen tap
To measure the area for a kitchen tap, follow these steps:
- Measure the distance from the edge of the sink to the nearest wall or obstruction, such as a backsplash. This will give you the maximum width of the tap.
- Measure the distance from the top of the sink to the underside of any overhead cabinets or shelving. This will give you the maximum height of the tap.
- Measure the depth of the sink. This will help you determine the maximum reach of the tap. This is the distance from the base of the tap to the tip of the spout.
It's a good idea to use a tape measure or a ruler to get accurate measurements. You should also measure in multiple places to ensure you get the most accurate measurements possible.
When shopping for a kitchen tap, bring these measurements with you to ensure that you choose a tap that fits properly in your kitchen.
Also, consider measuring the space for any hot and cold water connections and the space needed for the tap handle to move freely.
How to clean a kitchen tap
To clean a kitchen tap, you can follow these steps:
- Fill a small bowl with warm water & add a few drops of dish soap. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the water & use it to wipe down the tap, paying extra attention to areas with built-up grime or hard water stains.
- Rinse the tap with warm water to remove any soap residue.
- If the tap is still dirty or has hard water stains, try using a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to scrub the tap. Apply the mixture to the tap & let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with warm water when you're finished.
- For an extra-deep clean, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a speciality tap cleaning brush to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
- Dry the tap with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
- If your kitchen tap has built-up limescale, consider using a limescale-removing product. You can find these in any supermarket. Follow the instructions, and your tap should clean up nicely.
Use gentle cleaning products and techniques on your kitchen tap to avoid damaging the finish.
If you're unsure what cleaning products or methods are safe for your tap, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's instructions or a professional plumber.
How to change a kitchen mixer tap
Changing a kitchen mixer tap can be a DIY project if you have some basic plumbing skills and the right tools.
Here are the steps you can follow to install a kitchen mixer tap:
- Turn off the water supply: Before you begin, locate the shut-off valves under the sink & turn them off to prevent any water from escaping.
- Remove the old tap: Use a basin wrench to loosen the mounting nuts that hold the old tap in place. Once the nuts are loose, gently lift the tap out of the sink.
- Install the new mixer tap: Place the new tap into the hole in the sink and secure it with the mounting nuts.
- Attach the water supply lines: Connect the hot and cold water to the tap using the appropriate connectors.
- Turn the water supply back on: Once the mixer tap is securely installed and the water supply lines are attached, turn it back on and test the tap to ensure it is working correctly.
It is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific installation instructions and to use caution when working with plumbing fixtures.
If you are not confident fitting it yourself, contact a plumber as it will be easy for them.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options available, and it might take some research to find the best kitchen tap.
When it comes to choosing a kitchen tap, the options are plentiful. We are sure that if you follow our advice above and look at some of the products in our online shop, you will find the perfect tap for your needs, whether a simple one-handle design or a pull-out spout with sprayers and unique features.
It would be best if you researched the options before making a final decision to ensure you buy the best tap for your needs.
