Kitchen Taps: Buyer's Guide

When designing your kitchen, the Kitchen Tap can be an overlooked yet essential area to focus on. Amidst the excitement of choosing cabinets, countertops, and state-of-the-art appliances, this small detail often needs the attention it deserves. However, a well-chosen kitchen tap can significantly enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your heart of the home. Think about it: kitchen taps are one of your home's most frequently used fixtures. Choosing a high-quality tap ensures durability and reliability, sparing you the inconvenience of frequent replacements or repairs. From a design perspective, a stylish tap can be the cherry on top of your kitchen décor, adding a dash of elegance that ties everything together.

Similar to choosing a basin tap, the importance of a good kitchen tap goes beyond aesthetics. It's a workhorse that facilitates various kitchen tasks, from washing dishes to rinsing vegetables or filling pots. The right tap can streamline your kitchen activities, making everyday chores more efficient and enjoyable. So, let's delve deeper into the world of kitchen taps together.

How do I know which Kitchen Tap to buy?

Choosing the right kitchen tap for your home can be complex, but don't worry - we're here to guide you through this decision. You must first know the number of tap holes (TH) in your sink. This is vital as it determines the type of tap you can install. The options are 0TH (no tap holes), 1TH (one tap hole), or 2TH (two tap holes).

If your sink has no tap holes (0TH), you'll need to opt for wall-mounted taps or high-rise mixer taps. For sinks with one tap hole (1TH), you can choose from monobloc taps, where hot and cold water controls are combined into one unit, which allows you to control the water flow and temperature with one or two handles. Finally, if your sink has two tap holes (2TH), you can go for pillar taps, where hot and cold water controls are separate. Remember to check if your tap includes a Kitchen Sink Waste as well!

Are cheap Kitchen Taps any good?

The question often arises regarding kitchen taps: Are cheap kitchen taps any good? The answer is more complex. You must consider factors such as material quality, functionality, special features, and brand reputation when assessing the value of a tap. It's essential to understand that price is only sometimes an accurate reflection of quality.

The price of a kitchen tap can also be affected by its brand. For instance, Nuie Kitchen Taps, renowned for their quality and reliability, start from £60 and increase to just over £130. These taps are a testament to the fact that you don't always have to spend a fortune to get a good-quality tap.

Are all Kitchen Taps the same size?

While it might seem that all kitchen taps are the same size, this is not the case. The size of a kitchen tap can vary based on its design and the specific needs of your kitchen. Generally, kitchen taps are larger than bathroom basin taps due to the heavy-duty tasks they're often required to perform. However, there's no standard size for all kitchen taps. Most kitchen sink mixers will suit a 30 - 35mm size hole. The tap size you need also depends on the number of mounting holes in your sink.

Kitchen Tap Finishes

When choosing a kitchen tap, your finish can significantly impact your kitchen's overall look and feel. Each finish brings unique style and character, offering a range of aesthetics from traditional to modern. Let's explore the finishes you can choose from:

Brushed Brass: An embodiment of timeless elegance, brushed brass taps offer a warm, golden hue that can make your kitchen look luxurious and sophisticated. The brushed finish also provides a beautiful texture, adding depth and character to your tap.

Chrome: Chrome taps, such as the Kartell Kitchen Sink Tap Collection, are known for their sleek and shiny appearance. They're a popular choice due to their durability and easy maintenance. With its mirror-like finish, a chrome tap can add a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen.

Nickel: Nickel taps provide a soft, lustrous finish. They're resistant to water spots and fingerprints, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens. Whether polished or brushed, nickel taps can add a chic, contemporary touch to your kitchen.

Black: For those who prefer a bold, dramatic aesthetic, black taps are an excellent choice. They're sleek, modern, and striking, making them a focal point in the kitchen. Black taps work well with various kitchen styles, from industrial to minimalist.

Brushed Bronze: Brushed Bronze taps exude a rustic charm. They offer a warm, rich colour that can create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. The brushed finish adds a tactile element that enhances the overall appeal of the tap.

How do I measure for a new Kitchen Sink Tap?

Measuring a sink tap might seem daunting, but it can be straightforward with the right approach and tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Identify the Type of Tap

The first step is to identify the type of tap you have. Is it a monobloc, where both the hot and cold water are dispensed from a single unit, or is it a pillar tap, where the hot and cold water come from two separate taps?

Step 2: Measure the Spout Height

The spout height refers to the distance from the base of the tap to the highest point of the tap. This measurement is crucial as it determines how much room you have under the tap to fill pots, pans, or other containers.

Step 3: Measure the Spout Reach

The spout reach is the distance from the centre of the tap base to the point where the water comes out. This measurement helps ensure the water flows into the sink correctly and doesn't splash onto your countertop.

Step 4: Measure the Tap Holes

If replacing an existing tap, you must measure the tap holes' diameter on your sink. This measurement will help ensure that your new tap fits into your existing sink.

Step 5: Measure the Distance Between Tap Holes

For pillar taps, measure the distance from the centre of one tap hole to the centre of the other. This is crucial to ensure your new taps fit your sink's pre-drilled holes.

What types of Kitchen Taps can I buy?

Kitchen Mixer Taps

A Kitchen Mixer Tap is an essential, versatile fixture for any modern kitchen. Merging hot and cold water streams from two inlets into one outlet allows precise control over water temperature and flow. Available in many styles and finishes, it can seamlessly blend with your kitchen's aesthetics. At Showers to You, we offer exceptional quality Kitchen Mixer Taps, ensuring durability and longevity.

Kitchen Tap Pairs

Kitchen Tap Pairs are a traditional fixture in many kitchens, offering distinct control over hot and cold water supplies. They consist of two separate taps designed to dispense hot or cold water. This design allows users to manually mix the water to their preferred temperature, offering a level of control that can be important for certain culinary tasks or personal preferences.

These taps come in various styles, from classic and vintage to sleek and modern, ensuring they can complement any kitchen décor. The materials used in their construction often include Brass, Stainless Steel, or Chrome, providing durability and longevity.

Pull Out Kitchen Tap

A Pull Out Kitchen Tap is a versatile fixture that brings convenience and efficiency to any kitchen. Its primary feature is a detachable spray head that extends from the main body, providing greater flexibility and reach.

This design is particularly beneficial when washing multiple pots and pans. The extendable spray head allows direct water flow over dishes, regardless of size or shape, making cleaning more efficient and minimising water splashing.

Instant Boiling Water Tap

An Instant Boiling Water Kitchen Tap is an innovative and essential tool in any modern kitchen. This advanced kitchen technology is designed to deliver boiling water instantly, directly from the tap, eliminating the need for a kettle or waiting for water to boil.

The key feature of an Instant Boiling Water Kitchen Tap is its ability to provide immediate access to boiling water. This increases efficiency in the kitchen and reduces energy consumption, as you only heat the exact amount of water you need.

Kitchen Filter Tap

A Kitchen Filter Tap, or a Water Filter Tap, is a specialised kitchen fixture with a built-in filtration system. This system is designed to reduce impurities in ordinary tap water, such as sediments, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants that affect its taste and quality. The filtration process involves passing the tap water through a sediment trap and a carbon filter before dispensing it.

One important consideration when choosing a Kitchen Filter Tap is the type of water in your area. A filter tap like the Bristan Empura Water Filter Chrome Kitchen Tap can be particularly beneficial if you live in a hard water area.

Why should I shop at Showers to You?

Showers to You provides a hand-picked selection of kitchen taps from top brands like Bristan, Nuie, Scudo, Ajax, Kartell, and Grohe. To speak with an expert, reach us via email at info@showerstoyou.co.uk, call us at 01472 242159, or use our online contact form.