An elegant and stylish tap is enough to facelift your kitchen instantly. Ultimately, you’ll be using it the most after cooking units or hob. That’s why it is essential to choose the right type of kitchen tap.
But with multiple Kitchen tap styles, it’s not that easy to pick one right away. You may want the fancy chromatic type or the old-school golden faucet.
Well, worry not! Because this article is going to be your ultimate guide on how to choose a kitchen tap. So, sit back and keep on reading; after all, it’s not just a tap!
Everything You Need To Know About Different Types Of Kitchen Taps
Ultimately, the sky’s the limit when it comes to styling and features of taps. You can opt for an old-school bib style or go with the modern handless faucet.
But, in a nutshell, there are 10 main types of kitchen sink taps. Let’s have a quick look at the table given below for a better understanding.
| Kitchen Tap Types | Handle Style | How Does It Work? | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monobloc Single Mixer Tap | Single Handle | Fixed over the sink with connected hot and cold water | £30 – £200 |
| Dual Mixer Tap | Combined Twin Style | Separate handles for both hot and cold water supply | £50 – £300 |
| Pillar Taps | Separate With Each Faucet | Two faucets are fixed side-by-side with separate controls | £45 – £280 |
| Bridge Taps | Combined Handles With Bridge | A pipe runs between both hot and cold connections for the right temperature | £80 – £150 |
| Three Hole Taps | Separate Hot & Cold Control | Separate connection and handle control for both hot and cold water | £150 – £400 |
| Wall Mounted Taps | Combined Handles With Bridge | Fixed on the wall with a pipe runs between both hot and cold connection | £70 – £450 |
| Handleless Taps | Separate Control | Pressure activated at the end of the spout | £50 – £200 |
| Pot Filler Taps | Single Handle | Fixed right over the cooking unit. Usually, supply only cold water | £80 – 200 |
| Pull Out Spray Taps | Double Handles | Monobloc tap with a pull-out nozzle | £80 – 250 |
| Boiling Water Taps | Available In Both Styles | Fixed on the wall with a pipe that runs between both hot and cold connection | £150 – £500 |
- Basically, the type and style mainly represent the hot and cold water flow.
- In the UK, the chrome monobloc mixer is the most popular for residential use. While handless taps are mostly preferred in commercial kitchens, as they are easy to use.
- Pull-out spray taps are quite in demand as the adjustable nozzle helps a lot during rinse and sink cleaning.
- Usually, you have to pay an additional $20 to $50 for tap installation. In city centres, you are expected to pay around 20% more.
It is worth mentioning that, in its core nature, all 10 types are the advanced form of 3 types of taps.
- Monobloc (available in both single and dual mixer styles)
- Pillar Taps (budget friendly and mostly installed in pairs)
- Deck Mixer Taps (feature a single spout and use two tap-holes)
How To Choose A Kitchen Tap – 5 Things To Consider
Multiple options are great, but eventually, they confuse everyone. In a nutshell, the type and style depend on your personal preference. But, here are 5 things you must consider;
1. Water Pressure
It is the most crucial part. Always pick a faucet with high water pressure. But for that, you must also consider the pressure of water flow coming into your kitchen. With a low-pressure tap, you’ll end up with a clogged kitchen sink more often.
2. Size Of Your Tap
A small faucet will not be a proper fit over a large sink. Meanwhile, It is also best to avoid luxury bridge taps for small cooking areas. The best option is to opt for Monobloc with a pull-out spray nozzle.
3. Required Construction Work
If you’re tight on budget, then don’t pick wall-fixed taps, as they require more construction work. In the worst case, you may have to replace the whole kitchen worktop splashback, which will cost 10x more than a faucet.
4. Material And Functionality
Now, kitchen taps are made of different materials, including stainless steel, brass and chrome. When it comes to functionality, consider your frequent usage, the style you prefer and your budget.
5. Your Existing Kitchen
Certainly, you won’t be changing your kitchen decor theme to fit a faucet. For close and congested cooking areas, it is best to stick with simple designs. On the contrary, go with either a golden or metallic shade tap for open and wide kitchens.
Types Of Kitchen Taps FAQs
What is the best material for a kitchen tap?
Brass and stainless steel are two rust-resistant materials that are widely considered best for kitchen taps.
What size hole for the kitchen tap?
To install a single spout tap, a 22mm diameter hole is required. But, for taps with separate controls, a minimum of 32mm diameter hole is required.
How long should a kitchen tap last?
A faucet can last up to 10 years. But there is no one fixed number as it depends on the type of water (hard or soft) and whether it was installed properly or not.
Is it easy to change a kitchen tap?
If you can pull through a DIY project, then it is fairly an easy job. Otherwise, it is best to hire a professional for a proper installation.
How high should a kitchen tap be?
All standard kitchen faucets are between 8 to 10 inches in size and installed directly over the sink. It is best to opt for high taps, as they are more accessible, easy to use and give a margin of at least 8 inches.
Wrapping It Up!
Changing a faucet is a relatively easy task rather than choosing the style and design. In the UK, over 10 types of kitchen taps are available, but to this day, monobloc with single control handle type is widely preferred.
Before picking the “right type” consider your usage, material and your budget. It is best to opt for such a type that requires minimal construction or changes.
