The humble kitchen tap might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of kitchen design or even kitchen functionality. Yet, it plays a vital role in our daily kitchen tasks – from washing vegetables and dishes to filling pots for cooking.
This guide is here to help you navigate the myriad of choices available and to ensure that your kitchen tap not only complements your kitchen’s aesthetic but also serves your functional needs.
Understanding Kitchen Taps
Before we delve into the wide range of options available, it is essential to understand what a kitchen tap is and what its primary functions are. As a key component of the kitchen, the tap controls the supply of water – be it for cleaning, cooking, or drinking. The design and functionality of kitchen taps have evolved tremendously over the years. Today, you can find taps that offer filtered water, feature pull-out sprays, and even touchless designs that work on sensors.
Not only are kitchen taps a central part of your kitchen’s functionality, but they also add to its aesthetic appeal. A well-chosen kitchen tap can enhance the look and feel of your kitchen, while also providing reliable service for many years. However, with the numerous designs, materials, and features available in today’s market, selecting the right kitchen tap can be challenging. Our comprehensive guide aims to ease your decision-making process by providing you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
Kitchen Taps: Ultimate Buying Guide
Content:
- Introduction
- Understanding Kitchen Taps
- Importance of Kitchen Taps
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Taps
- Types of Kitchen Taps
- Pillar Taps
- Mixer Taps
- Single Lever Taps
- Dual Lever Taps
- Pull Out Spray Taps
- Boiling Water Taps
- Filter Taps
- Material Choices for Kitchen Taps
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome
- Brass
- Nickel
- Composite
- How to Install Kitchen Taps
- Maintenance and Care of Kitchen Taps
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Kitchen Taps
When selecting a kitchen tap, understanding the different types of taps can help you narrow down your options. Below we have detailed some of the most common kitchen tap types:
- Monobloc Taps: These taps typically have a single lever that controls both hot and cold water. They are a popular choice due to their ease of use and sleek appearance. Monobloc taps are suitable for almost all types of kitchens due to their versatile design.
- Bridge Taps: Bridge taps are a traditional choice that feature separate handles for hot and cold water. They are typically deck-mounted and have an ornate design that adds an old-world charm to your kitchen.
- Pillar Taps: Pillar taps come as two separate taps, one for hot water and one for cold water. They are a more traditional option and are often used in utility rooms or for a secondary sink.
- Pull-Out Spray Taps: These kitchen taps feature a spray head that can be pulled out from the tap’s body, allowing for more flexibility when washing dishes or rinsing vegetables. This feature is handy for larger sinks or for tasks requiring a higher water pressure.
- Single Lever Taps: Similar to monobloc taps, these taps have one lever that controls the temperature and pressure of the water. They are simple, modern, and easy to use with one hand.
- Wall-Mounted Taps: As the name suggests, these taps are mounted on the wall, rather than the sink or worktop. Wall-mounted taps can create a minimalist, clean look and make cleaning around the sink area easier.
- Filtered Water Taps: These taps offer a built-in water filtration system. They remove impurities from the water, providing you with cleaner, healthier drinking water straight from your tap.
- Boiling Water Taps: Offering instant boiling water, these taps are a great convenience in the kitchen. They are ideal for making hot drinks or speeding up cooking tasks like boiling pasta or vegetables.
Each type of tap offers unique benefits, and the best choice for your kitchen will depend on your specific needs, the style of your kitchen, and your personal preferences.
Material Choices for Kitchen Taps
Selecting the right material for your kitchen taps is an essential factor to consider. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, aesthetic appeal, and price points. Here are the most popular material choices for kitchen taps:
- Stainless Steel: Known for its strength and durability, stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchen taps. It’s resistant to rust and staining, making it ideal for a busy kitchen environment.
- Chrome: Chrome taps are stylish and affordable. They are also easy to clean and maintain, but they might show water spots and fingerprints more readily than other materials.
- Brass: Brass taps offer a classic and timeless look. They are sturdy and resist corrosion. However, they require regular polishing to maintain their shine.
- Nickel: Nickel taps are known for their long-lasting shine and durability. They are usually satin or brushed finished, which hides water spots and fingerprints well.
- Composite: Composite taps are made from a combination of materials (like granite and resin) and come in a variety of colours to match any kitchen decor. They are durable and resist scratches and stains well.
How to Install Kitchen Taps
Installing a kitchen tap can be a DIY project if you’re handy, or it might require the help of a professional plumber. Here are the general steps:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: This is crucial to avoid water running out during installation.
- Remove the Old Tap: Use a wrench to disconnect the water lines from your old tap. Then, unscrew the nuts holding the tap in place and remove the tap.
- Install the New Tap: Place your new tap in the hole on the sink. From underneath, screw the provided nuts onto the tap to hold it in place.
- Connect the Water Lines: Connect the water lines to the new tap, ensuring the hot and cold lines match correctly.
- Check for Leaks: Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, your new kitchen tap is ready to use.
Maintenance and Care of Kitchen Taps
Maintaining your kitchen taps can extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best. Here are some care tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your taps regularly with mild soap and a soft cloth to prevent mineral build-up. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the tap’s finish.
- Checking for Leaks: Regularly check your taps and the area underneath your sink for leaks. Early detection can prevent costly water damage.
- Professional Maintenance: If your tap develops a persistent drip or other issues, consider calling a professional. Some problems require technical knowledge to fix properly.
Remember, the specific care and maintenance instructions may vary depending on the material and finish of your kitchen tap. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen tap involves more than just picking one that looks good. It’s about finding a balance between form and function, understanding your kitchen’s needs, and picking a tap that fulfills them. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with all the information you need to make an informed choice. So go ahead, give your kitchen the tap it deserves!
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about kitchen taps.
Question: What’s the difference between a monobloc tap and a bridge tap?
Answer: A monobloc tap is designed with a single lever that controls both hot and cold water, whereas a bridge tap has separate levers for hot and cold water.
Question: How do I choose the right material for my kitchen tap?
Answer: The choice of material largely depends on your budget, aesthetic preference, and maintenance willingness. Stainless steel and brass are popular options due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
Question: Can I install the kitchen tap myself?
Answer: While it’s possible to install a kitchen tap yourself if you’re handy, it’s often recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure the installation is correct and secure.
Question: What should I consider when choosing a kitchen tap?
Answer: Consider your kitchen’s overall design, the tap’s material, type, finish, durability, ease of use, installation requirements, and price.
Question: Are there eco-friendly kitchen tap options?
Answer: Yes, there are eco-friendly taps available that help conserve water, such as those with aerators or sensor-activated taps that only run when they detect motion.
