Few other kitchen elements play such a main role as kitchen taps do. Moreover, the choice in kitchen mixer taps will very likely be with you for years, sometimes even decades! But are you ready to make such a huge decision? Well, don´t worry if the answer is no because we are here to help you make an informed decision.
Read on as we unveil all the details the best kitchen mixer tap needs to have to be your best companion.
How to choose the best tap for your kitchen
The first thing you need to know about kitchen taps is that they are an integral part of family life. Indeed, they will play a crucial role in your kitchen and, besides looking awesome, they need to be reliable. We all know that a dripping tap is as close to a nightmare as household life goes.
Let’s go through some of the main items to check before making the big decision. You can consider this a mini buying guide that can help you make a better, more informed decision.
Pressure compatibility is a must
Has it ever happened where you fully open the kitchen tap and get only a weak water stream? This might not be because of the tap itself, but because of the pressure available in the plumbing system. To meet this diverse demand, companies created different taps to accommodate different pressures.
If your house’s pressure is 1 bar or above, your choice of taps is only limited by taste and shape. If you have less than a bar available, then you’ll have to get one to work with lower pressure specifically. This will drastically narrow your search.
How do you find out what kind of pressure your house has? A qualified plumber can tell you. Call one before you go shopping for a tap, otherwise, the design you’ve always dreamt of can make for a very frustrating tap.
To mix or not to mix?
The first question you need to ask is whether you want a single or double spout to control hot and cold water. Most people look for mixer taps for the kitchen because they occupy less space and are handier to work with when doing the dishes, cooking, and such.
They come in two main configurations which are twin-handles and single-levers:
- Twin handles – Twin handles design is great for dialing in the exact amount of cold and hot water you want to add to the mix. On the other hand, they occupy more space behind your sink.
- Single lever – Single-lever mixer kitchen taps don’t allow you to dial in each side but still allow you to control water temperature. Moreover, most of them feature a dual movement that lets you dial in temperature horizontally and amount vertically. They are perfect for small areas since they occupy less space.
Mind the size!
Speaking of space, this might seem like a no-brainer but sometimes we get so hooked up by a model that we don’t think about the physical space for it. Going back to our previous item, what if we love a twin-handle design but only have the space for a single-lever design?
Taking proper measurements of the space available is a definite must before we go shopping. Buying the most beautiful kitchen tap and then having to remodel the entire kitchen to make it fit is not my definition of fun either.
Materials matter too
Talking about your new kitchen sink tap and not mentioning materials is a recipe for disaster. As you might have seen, taps come in a variety of materials. Some of them will give you a classier look while others a more classic one.
For example, you can get brushed stainless steel to keep a low profile or go full-on shine with a chrome tap featuring a shiny finish. In the same vein, you can go for a timeless look choosing a material like bronze or copper.
To make this decision, you should always consider two things: the effort in keeping it looking amazing and the style you’re after. Indeed, a chrome tap with a shiny finish needs a lot of maintenance to stay like that, and others, like brushed stainless steel ones, need close to none.
Also, if you have a modern kitchen, perhaps copper or bronze are not the best options. On the other hand, they will look amazing in a timeless, classy kitchen environment.
Retro or futuristic?
Your new kitchen tap will convey a message. Moreover, it will be the center of attention in your kitchen. Indeed, whether we like it or not, the sink and its surroundings draw all the looks. That being said, it is possible to choose what message we want to convey.
Choosing a futuristic design is a statement that can go well with a modern kitchen. By this, I mean that it can sit comfortably next to avant-garde appliances, matte-color furniture, and such. On the other hand, retro kitchen taps will give the magic touch to your classic kitchen needs.
Choosing either of those options will cascade into deciding not only the design but also the materials and size.
Pull-out is a clever choice too
Commonly found in modern high-quality kitchen tap mixer designs, pull-out taps are a great idea. For example, if you want more freedom to wash vegetables or hard-to-wash appliances, pull-out spouts are amazing. That being said, they will also come at an extra fee.
If you have a dishwasher and don’t need to work your way around difficult surfaces often, you might be wasting your money. Otherwise, it will make your days a lot simpler.
What about colors? Taking into account the surroundings
The market is flooded with modern kitchen tap finishes and there is a reason behind it. An increasing number of people are taking chances and getting colorful kitchenware for their homes.
A golden rule of design is that every item needs to work well with its surroundings. If your kitchen can take a black satin or brushed nickel tap, it will enhance the entire room. On the other hand, if you went for a classic design for the entire kitchenware, a modern tap will be an alien object.
Conclusion
Follow our advice before you choose your new kitchen mixer taps. Moreover, go surfing the internet after you finished this article and narrow down your search using the criteria above. While at it, don´t forget to also check for pressure and space.
Always remember that the best kitchen mixer tap is the one that will enhance the looks of your kitchen. You and your loved ones deserve the best tap you can afford; go out and buy your best companion for decades to come!
