Kitchen Taps

Many homeowners tend to overlook the kitchen tap as a minor detail in their overall kitchen design. Although not as easy to spot as kitchen cupboards or worktops, the tap does make a significant difference in the overall look and functionality of your kitchen. This is why it’s important to take the time to discover the various styles and models out there to decide which is the perfect fit for your kitchen.  

With the advancement of modern technology and manufacturing, there is now a huge variety of kitchen taps to choose from on the market. This can make the decision a little tricker to narrow down – that’s why we’ve compiled a few key factors to consider when choosing the right tap for your kitchen.  

Water pressure plays a key role in deciding which kitchen tap is right for your home. Installing a tap that doesn’t fit your water pressure system will lead to weak performance and reduced functionality, so it's vital to understand which system your home utilises.  

Low pressure systems 

Low pressure water systems incorporate a cold-water tank typically installed in somewhere like the loft. They also utilise a hot water cylinder usually placed in an airing cupboard or similar location. If you have a low-pressure system, you will need to pick a tap specially designed for use.  

High pressure vented systems  

High pressure vented systems use a combination boiler with no hot or cold water storage tank. Cold water pressure from the mains is fed directly into the combination boiler which is then heated and pumped around the home. Some taps are only suitable for high pressure vented systems so it's important that you check. 

High pressure unvented systems 

High pressure unvented systems incorporate a hot water tank with no cold-water tank. The water is stored at mains pressure and heated by immersion heaters. You will usually find that most kitchen taps can be installed with this type of system. 

Whether fitted directly onto your basin or to the countertop behind, the correct amount of tap holes will need to be in placed to fit the style of the tap you choose.  

• 1 Tap Hole – Single tap holes are suitable for taps with a singular spout and lever attached. They work with monobloc, single lever and some mixer taps. 
• 2 Tap Holes – 2 tap holes are used for setups with two taps. This includes pillar and some mixer taps. 
• 3 Tap Holes – Some taps incorporate a single spout with two handles for hot and cold water. Mixer taps such as these will require 3 tap holes. 

Ask yourself this question: what will I be using my kitchen tap for? If the answer is washing dishes, then a pull-out spray model may be the most practical option for your home. If you only use the kitchen tap for hand washing and food cleaning, then a standard monobloc tap would accommodate your needs well.

For those who utilise their tap as a main source of drinking water, a filter tap will provide purified water with reduced impurities and contaminates. Alternatively, for those find themselves constantly boiling the kettle, a faster and easier alternative would be to install a boiling tap which provides an instant stream of hot water. 

The point we are trying to make is – choose a tap that is fit for purpose. If you own a dishwasher so rarely use your sink for washing up, there’s no point installing a specialist tap designed for washing dishes. Think carefully about your day-to-day routine and opt for a style that accommodates you and your kitchen. 

Whilst function and practicality must be key factors in your consideration, you will also want to choose a tap that fits well into the visual aesthetic of your kitchen too. With an array of traditional and modern styles available, you can have fun picking out a tap that perfectly emulates a touch of your own personal style. 

Perfect for bringing a timeless charm and elegance to your space, a traditional pillar tap with subtle curves and retro fittings would blend seamlessly into any classic kitchen design. For a more up-beat, modern vibe, a minimalist single lever kitchen tap, incorporating straight lines and clean-cut edges would look perfectly placed in a contemporary layout.