BUYING GUIDE

Types of Kitchen Taps: Choosing the Best Option for Your Space

BUYING GUIDE

Types of Kitchen Taps: Choosing the Best Option for Your Space

Choosing the best kitchen tap for your space is about more than just finding a design that complements your aesthetic. The right tap should suit the way you use your kitchen every day, work seamlessly with your existing sink or worktop, and be compatible with your plumbing and installation requirements. Whether you are replacing an old tap or planning a complete kitchen renovation, understanding the different types of kitchen taps available can help you make an informed choice.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common kitchen tap styles, including single lever mixer taps, pull out taps, boiling water taps and pot filler taps. We’ll also explore the practical features to consider before purchasing, helping you to choose a tap that combines both everyday functionality and timeless elegance. 

For further advice, browse the rest of our expert tap buying guides.

How To Choose The Right Kitchen Tap

Before selecting a kitchen tap, it is important to consider how your sink is used on a daily basis and whether your chosen tap is compatible with your existing layout. 

Think about whether the tap will serve your main kitchen sink, an island or a utility room, as each space has its own requirements. It is also important to consider the number of tap holes already available in your sink or worktop, particularly if you are replacing an existing tap rather than starting from scratch. 

Checking product specifications and technical drawings before you purchase will help to ensure the tap is suitable for your installation and minimise the risk of unexpected plumbing work. Explore our full range of kitchen taps to compare installation options and features.

Match Your Tap To Your Sink Setup

Your existing sink configuration plays an important role in determining which tap is the best fit for your space. Most monobloc taps require a single tap hole and combine hot and cold water through one spout, making them one of the simplest options for replacement projects. Sinks with two tap holes are generally suited to bridge mixer taps, which feature separate hot and cold controls that are connected by a central spout.

Larger or more specialist installations with three or more holes may accommodate additional features such as a separate pull-out tap. If your sink or worktop does not already have tap holes, a wall mounted tap may be the most suitable option, although we advise consulting a professional plumber before making any alterations.

Pairing your tap with compatible kitchen sinks will also help achieve the best fit and finish.

Different Types Of Kitchen Taps

Single Lever Mixer Taps

Single lever mixer taps are among the most popular types of kitchen mixer taps, offering straightforward control over both water temperature and flow through a single handle. Their intuitive design allows for easy one-handed operation, making everyday tasks such as washing produce, rinsing dishes or filling pans more convenient.

As they typically require only one tap hole, single lever mixer taps are often an excellent choice for both new kitchens and replacement installations. Their streamlined appearance also complements contemporary kitchen designs, while practical features such as smooth ceramic cartridges ensure precise control over water flow.

When choosing this style, remember to allow enough clearance behind the tap so that the lever can move freely.

The Giro Single Lever Kitchen Mixer Tap is one example of how this tap design will look in your space.

Pull-Out Kitchen Taps

Pull-out kitchen taps feature an extendable spray head that can be pulled away from the main spout, giving you greater flexibility when carrying out everyday kitchen tasks. They are particularly useful for rinsing fruit and vegetables, washing large dishes or cleaning corners of a deep sink, before the hose neatly retracts into place.

Many pull-out taps include ceramic cartridges that provide smooth control over water temperature and flow, alongside aerators that introduce air into the water stream for a softer, more controlled flow with reduced splashing. These practical kitchen tap features make pull-out models an excellent choice for busy households, although it’s important to ensure there is sufficient space beneath the sink for the hose to extend and retract without obstruction.

Boiling Water Taps

Boiling water taps combine multiple functions into one convenient fitting – dispensing boiling, filtered cold, and standard hot and cold water from a single spout. By removing the need for a kettle, boiling water taps free up valuable worktop space while making everyday tasks such as preparing hot drinks or filling saucepans quicker.

Although highly practical, boiling water taps do require additional under-sink space to accommodate the heating tank and filtration system. Planning for this during installation will help to ensure the system fits comfortably within your kitchen layout.

Pot Filler Taps

Installed on the wall above or beside the hob, pot filler taps allow you to fill large pans exactly where you’ll be cooking, removing the need to carry heavy pots from the sink. The articulated arm extends easily during use before folding neatly back against the wall when no longer needed.

Available in both traditional and contemporary styles, pot filler taps are a practical addition to larger kitchens where the cooking area is positioned away from the sink. Because they require a dedicated water supply near the hob, they are generally easier and more cost-effective to install during a full kitchen renovation than as part of a retrofit project.

Kitchen Tap Spout Designs

The shape of a tap spout affects both its appearance and everyday practicality. From tall, curved designs to modern angular styles, choosing the right spout can make everyday tasks easier while complementing the overall look of your kitchen.

Swan Neck Spouts

With their elegant, curved silhouette, swan neck spouts remain one of the most popular kitchen tap styles. Their generous height provides extra clearance beneath the spout, making it easier to fill tall pots, jugs and vases while comfortably washing larger cookware.

Available in both traditional and contemporary designs, swan neck taps suit a wide variety of kitchens and pair timeless styling with everyday practicality.

View the Asbury 4-Hole Traditional Kitchen Tap to learn more about the swan neck designs we offer.

Square Spouts

Square spouts feature clean, angular lines that complement modern kitchens. The geometric profile creates a minimalist appearance while still providing the functionality needed for everyday use. This style works particularly well alongside sleek cabinetry, handleless units and architectural kitchen designs.

The Vuito Modern Square Kitchen Tap demonstrates how a square spout can create a bold yet refined focal point.

Swivel Spouts

Swivel spouts rotate up to 360 degrees, offering greater flexibility around the sink. This makes them particularly useful for 1.5 and double bowl sinks, where the spout can be moved between basins when rinsing dishes, filling pans or cleaning the sink.

The Pure Chrome Pull Out Swivel Kitchen Tap combines the convenience of a swivel neck with the flexibility of a pull-out spray, making it an excellent option for busy kitchens.

Kitchen Tap Colours And Finishes

Choosing the right kitchen tap colours can have a significant impact on the overall look of your space. Our range of finishes includes brushed gold, chrome, aged bronze and matte black, each offering a different aesthetic to suit contemporary and classic kitchens alike.

For a cohesive finish, consider coordinating your tap with your kitchen sink, cabinet handles and other brassware throughout the room. Matching finishes helps to create a considered design that feels balanced and intentional without overwhelming the space.

What Is The Best Kitchen Tap For My Space?

Choosing the best kitchen tap for your space is dependent on how you use your kitchen, the layout of your sink and the features that are most important to you. While some households prioritise flexibility for food preparation and cleaning, others may value space-saving designs.

Understanding how each tap works and where it performs best will help you narrow down the most suitable option for your kitchen.

Explore LUSSO Kitchen Taps

The best kitchen tap is one that complements both your lifestyle and your kitchen layout. Whether you are looking for the simplicity of a single lever mixer, the flexibility of a pull-out tap, the convenience of boiling water or the practicality of a pot filler, choosing the right tap begins with understanding how your sink is used and what your installation allows.

Alongside functionality, your choice of finish can help bring your wider kitchen design together by coordinating with sinks, hardware and appliances. Before purchasing, always check product specifications and technical drawings to ensure compatibility with your existing setup.

To learn more, explore the full collection of LUSSO kitchen taps, or browse our expert buying guides to discover the benefits of LUSSO taps, which kitchen finish is best for your space, and more.
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Published by Aidan Cooper