Designing a new kitchen? The kitchen sink is often the butt of all suitcase related jokes, yet can be the last thing people consider. But kitchen taps/faucets (however you like to style them) can provide your kitchen sink with both class and character, thanks to the wide variety of traditional and modern designs available. With all that in mind, we’ve sourced our favourite taps from a range of retailers, including John Lewis, Very and Amazon. Featuring both modern and traditionally designed taps, there’s a kitchen faucet for every kitchen style.
- Complement your kitchen taps with the very best worktops
Kitchen tap know how
Despite a range of finishes, taps' functionality is quite simple: one half is plumbed into the cold water supply, the other half is plumbed into the hot water supply, and a central spout connects the lines together so you can regulate the temperature of the water flowing into your sink. Unless, of course, your kitchen faucet is for hot water only.
Which tap type to choose?
Before you go buying any kitchen faucet, it’s handy to know the different types that are out there, as some may not be compatible with your kitchen sink. If you’re looking at purchasing a deck mounted faucet, you’ll need to bear in mind the number of holes in your kitchen sink. While some taps have one central connection (monobloc), others may require one for hot and one for cold water, in addition to the main spout, equating to three separate holes.
Tap mounting options
It’s also worth considering that a kitchen faucet doesn’t necessarily need to attach to the sink. Faucets can also fix onto your countertop, giving you more leeway when it comes to deciding on the style of kitchen sink you would like in your kitchen, as you won’t be limited by the amount of holes it features.
1. Bristan Pistachio Easyfit Kitchen Mixer Tap
Neat, stylishly curved and easy to install - this one takes the top spot
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This tap not only makes it easy for you to install, it makes it easy for you to adjust pressure and temperature, too, due to its lever style control. Suitable for both low and high pressure water supply, this kitchen faucet is a safe all-rounder, and thanks to its curved neck, linear lever and gleaming chrome finish, it is subtly modern, making it the perfect choice for the everyday kitchen.
2. John Lewis Swan 2 Lever Kitchen Tap
Equally as elegant as our first pick, but with brushed nickel finish and two separate levers
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Brushed nickel provides a classy, elegant finish, and it doesn’t show up water marks as much as chrome. With two levers instead of one, you have greater control over the pressure and the temperature of the water. Thanks to its aerator, the volume of water is decreased, which may lower the amount of water you use overall. If you like the two lever style but prefer the chrome finish, this tap is also available in chrome.
3. Hyco Zen Solo 100°C Instant Boiling Water Tap
Kettle taking up too much space? Get hot water straight from the tap
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With its curved chrome finish, this hot water tap is the perfect choice if you’re looking for convenience when it comes to making a quick brew or giving the vegetables a head start on the boil. It requires the installation of the 3ltr hot water tank, but doesn’t necessarily need to be fitted next to your sink. Thanks to a pull out and turn safety lock, you shouldn’t need to worry about the tap being turned on unintentionally, however it’s worth considering that areas with hard water will require a filter to prevent it blocking up with limescale.
Like the idea of this type of tap? Find more in our dedicated buyer's guide of the best hot water taps.
4. Abode Linear Nero Monobloc Kitchen Tap
Contrasting matt black and chrome, this is a statement kitchen faucet for modern kitchens
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If you’re looking to make your kitchen faucet a stand out feature, this selection from John Lewis will certainly give your kitchen an edge. Blending a gleaming chrome finish with matt black stainless steel, this tap is the ideal choice for contemporary kitchens. With a single spout and one installation hole required, this tap should be compatible with most kitchen sinks, just bear in mind that there’s a designer price tag attached.
5. Perrin & Rowe Mayan 4338 Pillar Kitchen Tap
A beautifully traditional kitchen tap with two separate spouts
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If you’re a lover of traditional country kitchen style and quality, this kitchen faucet is the perfect choice. Featuring timeless cross head handles, low lead brass and thick chrome plating, this designer kitchen faucet should stand the test of time. Requiring two holes instead of one, you’ll need to check the fittings on your kitchen sink or bear in mind fitting these taps may be slightly more complex than fitting a standard monobloc.
6. Abode Stalto Professional Kitchen Tap
A professional kitchen tap with a domestic finish
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Putting really grubby plates in the dishwasher can block it up, so having a station where you can quickly rinse the plates is a handy feature. Although designed with professional kitchens in mind, this tap is slight enough to not look out of place in a domestic kitchen, whether ultra-modern or Shaker-style. With a multi-spray pattern shower head, you can choose the spray power, and because it only requires one hole, it shouldn’t be too hard to fix the tap in place either, whether it’s sink or worktop.
Read more about kitchen design
- Still considering which cabinetry to pick? Find 25 classic kitchen cabinet ideas here
- Find the best kitchen sink to go with your taps
