Top 10 Best Kitchen Tap Styles to Buy in 2023

Trends and Technology

The year 2023 continues to witness exciting innovations in kitchen design, especially when it comes to tap styles. The most remarkable transformation is arguably the tech integration in kitchen tap styles, propelling them from merely functional to technological marvels. Touchless taps, temperature control, and water-efficient taps are becoming the norm, striking the perfect balance between luxury and environmental responsibility.

Touchless Taps

Convenience, hygiene, and water conservation all come together in the form of touchless taps. These innovative taps utilise motion sensors to activate the water flow, reducing the need to physically touch the tap – an excellent choice for hygiene-conscious households.

Temperature Control

Imagine having your water at the ideal temperature every time, at the touch of a button. With integrated temperature control, that’s precisely what you get. Whether it’s for making tea, filling a pot for pasta, or washing your dishes, temperature control taps provide perfect precision and convenience.

Water-Efficient Taps

Eco-conscious homeowners would do well to consider water-efficient taps. These innovative designs reduce water consumption without compromising on performance, making them an environmentally and budget-friendly option.

Top 10 Kitchen Tap Styles

Dive into the specifics of each tap style to gain an understanding of their functionality, appearance, distinct features, advantages and disadvantages, cost range, durability, brand reputation, installation process, and maintenance needs.

Pull-Out Taps

Pull-out taps feature a spray head that pulls out towards you, giving you the ability to reach difficult spots and fill large pots with ease. They shine in smaller sinks or workspaces where space-saving is crucial. Their streamlined look matches modern kitchen aesthetics and they’re usually priced in the mid-range, making them accessible for various budgets.

However, the water flow might not be as strong as other styles. Regarding durability, the pull-out mechanism’s quality is crucial. Top brands like Grohe and Delta offer high-quality pull-out taps with excellent durability. Installation can be somewhat complex due to the pull-out mechanism and may require professional help.

Pull-Down Taps

Pull-down taps offer the same convenience as pull-out taps but with a spray head that pulls down, making them ideal for deeper sinks. Their elegant arching design lends a refined aesthetic, fitting perfectly in modern kitchens.

However, they may not be as versatile in reaching around the sink or filling pots on the countertop. Pull-down taps range from affordable to high-end, depending on the material and brand. The installation process is similar to that of pull-out taps, and they share comparable maintenance needs.

Commercial Style Taps

Commercial-style taps, with their tall, arching design and powerful spray, add a professional touch to your kitchen. Their standout feature is their superior functionality, boasting high water pressure and a versatile range of motion.

On the downside, their strong water flow could lead to splashing, and their bold design might not suit all kitchen styles. Pricing can be steep due to their advanced features, and their heavy-duty design requires careful installation.

Separate Spray Taps

These taps offer a separate, detachable sprayer that provides more flexibility and convenience for washing larger or awkwardly-shaped dishes. The main drawback is the need for an extra hole in the sink or countertop for installation.

Separate spray taps usually have a traditional aesthetic and are available at various price points. Durability and maintenance depend on both the tap and the sprayer’s quality.

Pot Filler Taps

Pot filler taps, typically installed over the stove, allow for easy filling of large pots. They eliminate the need to carry heavy pots full of water from the sink. However, their installation is more complex and requires a dedicated water supply near the stove.

Aesthetically, pot filler taps add a professional touch to your kitchen. They can be quite expensive due to the specialised installation but are a real-time-saver and back-saver for avid cooks.

Single Handle Taps

Single-handle taps control both hot and cold water from a single lever, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. They are simple to install and easy to operate but offer less precise temperature control compared to double-handle taps.

Prices for single-handle taps are generally affordable, making them a popular choice for those on a budget. Durability depends largely on the brand and the material used.

Double Handle Taps

Double-handle taps offer separate handles for hot and cold water, allowing for precise temperature control. They boast a classic aesthetic, ideal for traditional kitchen designs. However, they require more installation work due to the dual handles.

The cost can vary based on design intricacies and brand reputation. If maintained properly, double-handle taps can be highly durable due to fewer moving parts in the design.

Bar Taps

Bar taps are smaller secondary taps, often used alongside a main tap or in smaller sinks like a prep or bar sink. They are convenient for multitasking but require additional installation and maintenance.

Bar taps come in a wide variety of styles to match your main tap, and prices vary based on material and brand. Their durability is comparable to that of standard taps.

Touchless Taps

Touchless taps use motion sensors to control water flow, offering excellent hygiene and water conservation. They are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchen designs. Installation can be more complex due to the sensor technology and will likely require professional help.

Prices are typically on the higher end due to the advanced technology, but the convenience and water-saving features often justify the cost.

Filtered Water Taps

Filtered water taps provide instant access to filtered drinking water, eliminating the need for separate water purifiers or bottled water. They offer tremendous convenience but require the installation of a water filtration system, and filter replacements are a recurring maintenance need.

Filtered water taps can range from affordable to high-end, based on the filtration technology used. Despite their higher initial cost and maintenance needs, they can save money in the long run by reducing bottled water purchases.

Aesthetics and Design

Remember, while functionality is critical, so too is the tap’s aesthetic. Your tap should align with your overall kitchen design and personal style. From sleek, minimalist designs to more classic, ornate options, there’s a tap to suit every kitchen aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Tap

When selecting the perfect tap for your kitchen, consider factors such as functionality, unique features, cost range, durability, material, brand reputation, installation process, and maintenance needs. A perfect tap is one that matches your kitchen design, meets your functional requirements, and falls within your budget.

It’s also worth considering the tap’s installation process, which may require professional help and its maintenance needs. Ensure that the chosen tap is made from durable, high-quality materials that will withstand the test of time. Finally, take into account brand reputation. Do your research and choose a reputable brand known for its quality and after-sales service.

Conclusion

When designing or renovating your kitchen, don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right kitchen tap. Not only can a stylish, functional tap add to your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, but it can also significantly enhance your kitchen’s functionality. So, whether you are drawn to the modernity of touchless taps, the efficiency of water-saving options, or the simplicity of single-handle taps, there’s a perfect kitchen tap waiting to redefine your culinary space in 2023.