Picking a new kitchen tap is more than a design choice—it’s a decision that impacts your daily kitchen routine, the functionality of your sink, and the overall look and feel of the room. Whether you are renovating your entire kitchen or simply upgrading your fixtures, the tap you choose will make a big difference to both style and practicality.
With so many tap types available, from traditional twin lever mixers to modern single-lever pull-out sprays, it can be difficult to know where to start. Each option offers its own benefits, whether that’s classic elegance, space-saving convenience, or added features like filtered water and boiling water taps.
Colour and finish are just as important as design. Today’s kitchen taps come in a wide range of finishes, including chrome, matt black, brushed brass, copper, and stainless steel, making it easy to find a style that perfectly matches your kitchen sink and overall décor. This guide will help you understand the key factors so you can choose the best kitchen tap for your home.
Types of Kitchen Taps Explained
When choosing a new kitchen tap, the first step is to understand the different tap types available. Each has unique features designed to suit different kitchen layouts and lifestyles.
When choosing a new kitchen tap, the first step is to understand the different tap types available. Each has unique features designed to suit different kitchen layouts and lifestyles.
Tap Type
Key Features
Best For
Mixer Taps
Combine hot & cold into one spout; single or twin lever
Every day use in most kitchens
Pull-Out Spray
Flexible hose, multiple spray settings
Busy kitchens, rinsing, and cleaning large sinks
Filter Taps
Built-in cartridges for purified water
Households wanting clean, great-tasting water
Boiling Water Taps
Instant 100°C hot water; often 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 designs
Quick cooking, hot drinks, time-saving homes
Wall-Mounted Taps
Mounted to the wall; free up worktop space
Compact kitchens or farmhouse-style sinks
Traditional vs. Modern Tap Designs
When selecting a new kitchen tap, style plays a big role in how well it complements your kitchen. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer a traditional tap design or a modern tap design.
Traditional Tap Designs
Traditional kitchen taps usually feature twin levers or crosshead handles, often with more decorative details. They pair perfectly with ceramic sinks, farmhouse kitchens, and heritage-inspired interiors. Finishes like polished chrome, brushed nickel, and antique brass are popular in this category. Traditional taps tend to prioritise timeless style over extra features, though some now incorporate filter functions for added practicality.
Modern Tap Designs
Modern kitchen taps favour minimalist lines, sleek finishes, and single-lever control for a contemporary look. Popular in new builds and updated kitchens, they often include features like pull-out spray hoses, boiling water functions, and integrated water filters. Modern finishes such as matt black, brushed brass, and gunmetal grey make it easy to match taps with modern sinks and appliances.
Choosing the Right Tap Finish
The finish of your kitchen tap is just as important as its style or type. The right choice will complement your kitchen sink, worktops, and appliances, while also being durable enough to withstand daily use.
Popular Tap Finishes
Chrome – A classic choice, easy to clean and suits almost any kitchen style.
Stainless Steel / Brushed Steel – Durable, fingerprint-resistant, and perfect for busy households.
Matt Black – A bold, modern option that pairs well with contemporary kitchens.
Brushed Brass / Gold – Adds warmth and luxury, popular in both modern and traditional designs.
Copper – A standout finish that creates a striking focal point.
Gunmetal / Anthracite – A subtle, modern alternative to black with a softer tone.
Things to Consider
Durability – Hard-wearing finishes like stainless steel or chrome will resist scratches and marks.
Cleaning – Lighter finishes hide water spots better, while darker ones may need more care.
Kitchen style – Match your tap finish with cabinet handles, sinks, and other fittings for a coordinated look.
Trends vs. timeless – Choose whether you want a finish that’s on-trend now (like matt black) or a classic finish that won’t date quickly.
Tap Features: Pull-Out, Filtered, and Boiling Water
Modern kitchen taps offer far more than just hot and cold water. Many designs include advanced features that improve convenience, efficiency, and hygiene in the kitchen.
Pull-Out Spray Taps
Pull-out spray taps include a flexible hose that extends from the spout. This makes rinsing vegetables, filling pans, and cleaning large sinks much easier. Many models also offer multiple spray patterns, from a standard flow to a powerful jet.
Filtered Water Taps
Filtered kitchen taps incorporate a built-in filter system that provides clean, purified water directly from the tap. This improves taste, reduces chlorine and impurities, and eliminates the need for bottled water or filter jugs. Options range from 3-in-1 taps (hot, cold, filtered) to 4-in-1 taps that also include boiling water.
Boiling Water Taps
Boiling water taps deliver instant 100°C water, perfect for tea, coffee, or cooking. These taps save time, reduce the need for a kettle, and can be more energy-efficient. Most systems include safety features such as child-proof handles and insulated spouts to prevent accidental burns.
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.
