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Planning a new kitchen is exciting, but the amount of choice can make it feel overwhelming. From layouts and finishes to sinks, taps, and appliances, deciding what works best for your kitchen and budget isn’t always easy.
At Taps UK, we make designing your kitchen simple. With a wide range of products and expert advice, you can choose with confidence and create a kitchen that’s practical, stylish, and enjoyable to spend time in for years to come.
Choosing the Right Sink for Your Kitchen
When planning your new kitchen, one of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right sink. With so many styles and materials available, it’s worth knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each option before deciding what suits your kitchen best.
Ceramic sinks remain a popular choice thanks to their timeless design and smooth finish. They look at home in both modern and traditional kitchen spaces. If cared for properly, a ceramic sink can last many years, but keep in mind that they are more prone to chips and cracks from heavy impacts.
Another strong option is the granite sink, valued for its durability, heat resistance, and ability to withstand the knocks of a busy kitchen. Granite sinks are available in a wide range of colours, including black, grey, white, and cream, often with a speckled effect that adds depth to the surface. They do require regular cleaning to avoid staining, but with proper care, they will last for many years. Leading brands for granite sinks include Franke, Blanco, and Schock.
If you prefer a more traditional style, a Belfast sink (also known as a Butler sink) could be ideal. Known for their deep bowls, they are practical for washing large pots and pans and are available in single or double designs. Brands such as Rangemaster, Villeroy & Boch, Reginox, and Shaws offer excellent Belfast sink options, with Shaws particularly respected for their classic designs.
How to Knock Out a Tap Hole in Your Kitchen Sink
When fitting a new kitchen sink, you may need to create a tap hole. For many people, this sounds daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a straightforward process.
If you’re not confident tackling this yourself, Taps UK offers a Tap Hole Service. Both standard and express options are available, carried out by experienced fitters to make installation easier.
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, we provide a full step-by-step guide on how to knock out a tap hole in ceramic or granite sinks. This covers:
Tools and equipment needed
Best practices to avoid damage
Common mistakes to watch out for
We also include a guide on what not to do, based on some of the most common mishaps we hear about. Taking time to review this information will help you avoid costly errors and get your kitchen sink set up correctly.
Instant Boiling Water: Benefits of a Kettle Tap in Your Kitchen
After choosing the right sink and tap for your kitchen, it might be time to consider a kettle tap. Instead of waiting for a traditional kettle to boil, a kettle tap gives you instant boiling water, making it quick and easy to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at any time.
Kettle taps offer several benefits:
Convenience – instant boiling water on demand
Energy efficiency – only heat the amount of water you need
Safety features – designed to prevent accidental use, ideal for family kitchens
Not only can a kettle tap save you time, but it can also help reduce energy bills and make your kitchen more efficient.
When designing a new kitchen, the tap plays a bigger role than many people realise. It’s not only a functional feature but also a focal point that can influence the overall style of your kitchen.
Today, there’s an extensive range of taps available in different colours, finishes, and designs, making it easier to find one that suits your taste and complements your sink and worktops. From modern minimalist styles to timeless traditional designs, the right tap can truly complete your kitchen.
Brands such as The Tap Factory and Perrin & Rowe offer excellent examples, with a wide choice of premium taps that combine style and durability.
Best Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Kitchen
A well-designed kitchen should not only be functional but also a space you’re proud of. Keeping it looking its best comes down to regular care, using the right cleaning products, and avoiding the wrong ones.
With so many options on supermarket shelves, it can be difficult to know which cleaners are safe for sinks, taps, and worktops. The wrong choice can damage finishes and reduce the lifespan of your kitchen surfaces.
To make maintenance simple, we recommend using specialist sink and tap cleaning products. They are formulated to protect surfaces while keeping your kitchen fresh, clean, and long-lasting. For more guidance, see our blog on why specialist sink and tap cleaners are worth investing in.
Why Every Kitchen Can Benefit from a Waste Disposal Unit
You’ve cleaned your kitchen and everything looks spotless, but an unpleasant smell can still linger. Food scraps left in the bin, especially in warm weather, are a common cause of unwanted odours that spoil the atmosphere of your kitchen.
A simple and effective solution is a waste disposal unit. These units grind down food waste so it goes directly into your drainage system instead of sitting in the bin. This not only helps keep your kitchen fresh but also makes it easier to manage household waste.
Key benefits of a waste disposal unit:
Removes food waste instantly, reducing odours
Helps keep your kitchen clean and hygienic
Saves bin space and makes disposal more convenient
Environmentally friendly, as less food waste goes to landfill
Why Auto Sensor Bins Are a Smart Choice for Your Kitchen
The humble bin plays an important role in every kitchen, but hygiene is more important than ever. Touching a dirty bin lid after preparing food is far from ideal, which is why auto sensor bins are becoming a popular solution.
Benefits of auto sensor bins in the kitchen:
Hands-free operation – opens and closes with a simple wave
Improved hygiene – reduces contact with germs and bacteria
Available in a wide range of colours and sizes to suit your kitchen
Convenient and easy to use for busy households
Products like the Inmotion auto sensor bin make daily life easier and help keep your kitchen clean and hygienic. For a deeper look, see our guide: Auto Sensor Bins: How They Work and Why You Need One.
Conclusion
Keeping your kitchen clean, fresh, and practical comes down to choosing the right products. From sinks and taps to waste disposal units and auto sensor bins, every detail plays a role in making your kitchen a space that’s both functional and enjoyable.
Choose the right kitchen sink material (ceramic, granite, or Belfast) based on style and durability
Consider a kettle tap for instant boiling water, and added convenience
Select a tap that complements your kitchen design and daily needs
Use specialist cleaning products to protect surfaces and extend their lifespan
Install a waste disposal unit to reduce odours and manage food waste efficiently
Upgrade to an auto sensor bin for improved hygiene and ease of use
What type of sink is best for a busy family kitchen?
Granite sinks are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making them ideal for heavy daily use. Belfast sinks are another option if you need deep bowls for larger cookware.
Are kettle taps safe to use with children in the home?
Yes. Most kettle taps feature built-in safety mechanisms, such as child-lock functions and insulated spouts, to prevent accidental activation or burns.
Do auto sensor bins really make a difference?
Absolutely. Sensor bins improve hygiene by reducing contact with surfaces and make waste disposal quicker and easier, especially when cooking.
Are waste disposal units eco-friendly?
Yes, they help reduce landfill waste by breaking down food scraps at home. They also keep your kitchen cleaner and fresher.
Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.
