When picking out new taps for your kitchen, it may seem like an easy decision – but there are dozens of styles to choose from. The decision requires more than picking out a style that will complement your sink’s design and kitchen décor. Here, we will help you pick out which type of kitchen taps will best suit your household.

What Kinds of Kitchen Tap Are Out There?

Mixer Taps

A mixer tap ensures that both hot water and cold water are dispensed from the same spout. These are convenient to use – but only if your kitchen is already set up to have a mixer tap installed. Otherwise, you will have to change your plumbing in order to accommodate a mixer tap.

Pillar Taps

Pillar taps are two separate hot and cold taps, so the water only mixes when it hits the sink. While they are considered outdated, pillar taps are still present in many UK households. They are available in plenty of styles to suit your kitchen décor.

Bridge Taps

Bridge taps offer up convenience for homeowners that are not equipped to install mixer taps. The hot and cold water feed through two separate taps but combine in the spout. So, even if you can’t install a mixer tap, you can still take advantage of its benefits.

Types of Finishes and Materials For Kitchen Taps

The two most common materials you can find for kitchen taps are either stainless steel, or brass.

Brass is a material that is resistant to corrosion and rust, so it is very long-lasting. You can either find taps that retain their golden brass finish or feature a chrome finish for a more modern look.

Stainless steel is a less expensive material, but it is still very hard-wearing. They are easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep them in great condition for years; however, they can rust as the protective coating is worn away from cleaning the taps.

Types of Kitchen Tap Flow

There are two types of kitchen tap flow, each of which offers up unique benefits to the homeowner.

Dual Flow Taps

This tap keeps the flow of hot and cold water separate in the body to prevent uneven pressure. It also ensures that the hot water runs along the inside of the tap so that the spout does not become too hot to touch.

Single Flow Taps

With a single flow tap, the water is mixed throughout the body of the tap. It is considered to present a smoother flow when dispensing water.

Special Kitchen Tap Features

Outside of the traditional tap design that you can find as a standard in most kitchens, many taps in today’s market come with extra features that make tedious cleaning tasks much easier. You may find kitchen taps with extra features such as:

Aerator

Many taps are fitted with aerators, which control the flow of the water. They ensure a champagne flow, which is smooth and reduces water wastage over time.

Water Filter

You can purchase a tap with a built-in water filter. They keep your water clean and free of impurities. If you tend to purchase bottled water regularly, a water filter tap may be the best choice for your household.

Instant Hot Water

Hot water taps are a relatively new innovation, which deliver hot water on demand. They eliminate the need for a settle, and offer up boiling water whenever you need it. You can save a great deal of time when preparing hot drinks or boiling vegetables.

Pull Out Spray Nozzle

Pull out spray taps can make cleaning a breeze. They allow you to control the water with just one hand and offer up more flexibility. It is easier to fill up a mop bucket or water plants with a pull-out spray nozzle than with a regular stationary tap.