The Ultimate Guide for Choosing and Buying a Kitchen Tap
Upgrading your home with the perfect kitchen tap can be overwhelming with the multitude of choices available.
From sleek contemporary mixer taps to traditional bridge designs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Then there’s the question of finish, size, features, water pressure and installation to consider.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before choosing your new kitchen tap, from the different styles and finishes available to the practical considerations that could make all the difference when it comes to everyday use.
Popular Types of Kitchen Taps
Kitchen Mixer Taps
Kitchen mixer taps offer a convenient and versatile solution for modern kitchens. With the ability to mix hot and cold water flows from a single spout, these taps provide precise control over water temperature, making tasks such as dishwashing and food preparation more efficient.
We have a huge range of kitchen mixer taps available in various sizes, finishes, and designs, that can effortlessly complement any kitchen decor. The inclusion of swivel spouts adds flexibility, allowing for easy manoeuvring and reaching different areas of the sink.
For a simple, versatile option, the Magna Brass Kitchen Mixer Tap is designed with a 360-degree swivel spout, precise temperature and pressure control and a brushed brass finish.
Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Taps
Pull-out spray kitchen taps are a perfect choice for individuals who frequently engage in washing up and want an added level of convenience and efficiency. These taps are equipped with a practical pull-out spray nozzle that allows users to direct a high-pressure jet of water precisely where it is needed.
This versatile feature is particularly advantageous when cleaning pots, pans, and dishes, as the powerful spray stream effortlessly removes stubborn food particles and grease, making the cleaning process a breeze.
The Melior Brass Pull Out Spray Kitchen Mixer Tap offers both flow and spray functions alongside a 360-degree swivel design, combining practicality with a statement finish.
Kitchen Bridge Taps
Kitchen bridge taps are a timeless choice that brings a touch of elegance and tradition to any kitchen. These taps feature two separate entry points for hot and cold water, creating a "bridge" where the streams merge before flowing out of a single spout. The unique design not only adds a distinctive visual appeal but also offers practical functionality.
With separate controls for hot and cold water, users can easily adjust the temperature to their preference. This allows for greater control over the water flow, ensuring the perfect balance for various kitchen tasks such as washing dishes, filling pots, or preparing meals.
The Vetus Brushed Brass Bridge 2-Hole Traditional Kitchen Tap combines a traditional bridge design with a sweeping high-rise spout and dual-handle controls.
Pot Filler Kitchen Taps
Designed to sit above your hob, pot filler taps make filling large pans easier by bringing water directly to where you're cooking. Their articulated design also means they can be folded away when not in use.
Our new pot filler kitchen taps combine this practical functionality with the considered finishes and detailing of The Qualis Collection, making them both a useful addition and a statement feature in your kitchen.
Choosing The Perfect Tap For Your Kitchen
Choose a tap that fits the overall style and aesthetic of your kitchen. Consider the finish, shape, and design of the tap and make sure it complements your cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Consider the height and size of your sink and make sure the tap will fit and be comfortable to use. If you have a large sink or a high-arc tap, you may want to choose a tap with a higher spout height.
Think about what you need from your kitchen tap. Do you want a pull-out spray, adjustable flow rate, or water filtering capabilities? Make sure the tap you choose has the features you need. Make sure the tap you choose is suitable for the water pressure in your home. If you have low water pressure, you may need to choose a tap with a low-flow rate.
How Do You Choose a Kitchen Tap Finish?
Brushed Brass
Brushed brass brings warmth and sophistication to a kitchen. Its softer appearance works particularly well alongside natural materials such as timber, stone and marble.
For a cohesive look, consider pairing your tap with other brushed brass kitchen hardware and accessories.
Antique Brass
Antique brass offers a richer, more characterful appearance, making it particularly suited to traditional, heritage and transitional kitchens.
The hand-applied nature of The Qualis Collection's Antique Brass finish means subtle variations in tone and texture can occur, giving each piece its own character.
Brushed Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel offers a clean, understated finish that works effortlessly across a range of kitchen styles.
It's a particularly versatile option if you want your tap to complement stainless steel appliances without creating too much contrast.
Matt Black
For something bolder, matt black creates a strong contrast against lighter cabinetry and worktops.
It can work particularly well in contemporary kitchens, but black fixtures can also add a modern edge to more traditional spaces.
Kitchen Taps From The Qualis Collection
Choose a tap that fits the overall style and aesthetic of your kitchen. Consider the finish, shape, and design of the tap and make sure it complements your cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
Consider the height and size of your sink and make sure the tap will fit and be comfortable to use. If you have a large sink or a high-arc tap, you may want to choose a tap with a higher spout height.
Browse our full range of kitchen taps, and if you’re looking for inspiration on what kitchen tap fits with your kitchen, find out more about the art of coordination.
Kitchen Tap FAQs
How much does it cost to fit a kitchen tap
After seeking advice from kitchen fitters throughout the UK, we've estimated the cost of fitting or replacing a kitchen tap to be somewhere between £100 to £110. Of course, this can vary for different reasons, including geographical location.
The cost of fitting a kitchen tap can also be influenced by the specific requirements of the installation. Factors such as the complexity of the plumbing system, the accessibility of the existing pipes, and any additional work needed to accommodate the new tap can all impact the overall cost. For example, if significant modifications or repairs are needed to the plumbing system, it may incur additional charges.
How to fit a kitchen tap
While we'd always recommend hiring a professional tradesperson to carry out any plumbing work, if you're a confident and experienced DIYer, fitting or changing a kitchen tap is something you should be able to do yourself. For full step-by-step instructions, check out our guide to changing a kitchen tap.
