You’d be forgiven for thinking there aren’t many things to consider when buying a tap for your kitchen. However, the best kitchen taps in 2021 are design-rich and filled with technology. We’ve picked out the gems fit for your home.
In our expert guide, we rank the best kitchen taps of 2021. All of the kitchen taps we’ve highlighted are on sale via Amazon and land at a range of price points. Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered.
On this page:
- Where’s the best place to buy kitchen taps?
- The 10 best kitchen taps of 2021
- How to install a kitchen tap
- Hiring a plumber from Amazon
- Best kitchen tap 2021: Buyer’s Guide
Where’s the best place to buy kitchen taps?
You might think that you’ll find the best kitchen tap deal at a local high street retailer, but that’s not always the case. We’ve got proof that shopping online can help you save some money, which means more spare cash to improve other parts of your home.
If you’re looking for a bargain, we recommend searching websites such as eBay and Amazon for the best value and widest range. Both of these sites will let you filter down to the features that matter the most to you. You’ll have the added bonus of viewable Amazon customer reviews, too. However, note that you’ll have to wait at least a day for delivery if you buy from eBay or Amazon.
Alternatively, if you want to get your kitchen tap on the same day you order, try the click-and-collect services offered by retailers including B&Q, John Lewis, Wickes or Ryman. These are likely to be more expensive than online-only shops.
The 10 BEST Kitchen Taps 2021
RRP: £420.54 The GROHE K7 sits deservedly in our list of the best kitchen taps 2020. It looks great, with its scratch-resistant StarLight chrome finish that prevents limescale buildup. Those good looks are paired with a practical and powerful design. The 140-degree fixed swivel on this kitchen tap lets you aim a powerful jet of water into any section of the sink. Meanwhile, the detachable 360-degree spray lets you direct a powerful jet (or fine spray) in any direction. This may be a rather pricey kitchen tap, but you’re ultimately paying for quality manufacturing and materials. The end result is a stylish and practical kitchen tap that’s built to last. Select our buying link below to find out more.
RRP: £214.83 People who’ve bought the BRITA Waterbar swear by it, so we absolutely had to include it in our roundup. It’s essentially a tap that’s split into two parts – hot and cold water control on one side, BRITA-filtered drinking water on the other. Of course, the filter meets BRITA’s high standards, protecting you from limescale and chlorine that’s usually found in tap water. The Waterbar comes bundled with one cartridge and each filter is designed to last for 1,200L or four months. Replacing the filters is a breeze. In fact, installing the tap is also straightforward if you have some DIY skills. Failing that, it’s a simple job for any qualified plumber.
RRP: £233.99 This premium kitchen tap from Grohe is backed by over 100 glowing customer reviews on Amazon. It has a pull-out spray head with full 360-degree rotation that combines comfort with convenience. A high spout on this popular kitchen tap means you’ll have no troubles filling up taller jugs with water. You’ll easily be able to slide jumbo pots underneath the Grohe 32168DC0 to let you scrub and rinse. You can grab the pull-down spray head to make the task even easier. Finished in SuperSteel, this kitchen tap is well protected against the elements thanks to a durable, scratch-resistant finish. It’s the perfect addition to your kitchen if you’re looking to add a touch of class.
RRP: £119.99 Here’s another popular kitchen tap to consider if you don’t want to spend more than £150. This sturdy Gappo model has a solid brass construction and a SEDAL ceramic disc cartridge. Gappo promises that this cartridge provides ‘a lifetime of smooth operation and drip-free performance’. Like many of the other kitchen taps we’ve included in our best of 2021 list, this model has a pull-down design. In other words, cleaning your dishes and the sink itself is a breeze with the flexible nozzle. On top of that, the high-arch spout makes more room for larger pots and pans.
5Insinkerator 3-N-1 Steaming Hot Water Tap
RRP: £351 The Insinkerator 3-N-1 is a great option for any home. As its name suggests, it has three key features. The headliner is 2.5 litres (100 cups) of instant boiling water. On top of that, it filters limescale and chlorine from cold tap water. Finally, it’s a normal, everyday, hot and cold kitchen tap. The instant boiling water feature on this popular kitchen tap is fully adjustable thanks to a digital scale on the water tank. It has a self-closing safety feature, which prevents users from accidentally scalding themselves. Like all instant hot water taps, the Insinkerator only uses a few pence in electricity to run per day. This is thanks to its high-end insulated water tank that keeps water hot throughout the day.
RRP: £103.66 We really like the sleek, minimal design of the Hansgrohe Focus Kitchen Tap 160. This affordable kitchen tap features a long handle and the swivel spout can be adjusted in three steps: 110 degrees, 150 degrees or 360 degrees. Hansgrohe is confident that its kitchen tap creates plenty of space between the spout and the sink, giving you ample room to get your chores ticked off. The tap uses the brand’s AirPower technology to mix a generous amount of air into the water. The brand says this makes the water jet ‘full bodies, velvety soft and less liable to splash’.
It’s worth noting that this budget-priced kitchen tap from Hansgrohe comes with a 5-year warranty package. Select our exclusive buying link below for more details on getting this tap in your kitchen.
RRP: £67 This sub-£100 kitchen tap offers a cheap way to add some style to your kitchen. It uses a single handle for speedy use and temperature control and comes in a Chrome finish. The top kitchen tap from UKTaps is built to last, made from a solid brass construction that guarantees quality. This is another example of a popular high-arched, pull-out spray tap with 360-degree rotation. For less than £100, you can’t go wrong with this sophisticated tap. You’ll also get attentive after-sales service from the manufacturer.
RRP: £231.30 The Talis S kitchen tap is packed with technology. For starters, it uses the brand’s AirPower function, which mixes air with your water to stop you from getting soaked while you’re scrubbing dishes. This kitchen tap has a swivel range of 150 degrees and two spray modes. Laminar spray is meant for ‘targeted filling’, while Shower spray is better-suited to rinsing. When you’re done using this pull-out spray tap, simply place it back in the spout. Easy. Flaunting such a clean, simple design, this is a tap that will sit neatly in any kitchen. The tempting price tag sweetens the deal.
RRP: £162 If you want a high-quality kitchen tap, but still fancy an old-fashioned design, the Franke 115.0028.205 kitchen tap could be just what you’re looking for. This affordable kitchen tap offers total control with a 360° rotatable spout and single-lever operation.
RRP: £39.99 If you’re not looking to spend too much on your kitchen tap, but still want a unit that does the basics and looks great, this united from Taps UK is a great option.
This classy tap is easy to install and comes with a durable chrome finish that will look great in any kitchen. It’s got a high-arch that frees up plenty of sink space and is 360-rotatable.
Tools needed to replace and install a new kitchen tap
You don’t need a lot of tools to replace a kitchen tap. If you have the following, you’ll be able to install the vast majority of kitchen taps yourself. Just watch the video below for a demonstration.
- Adjustable spanner
- Box spanner
- Screwdriver
- PTFE tape
How to install a new kitchen tap
If you have the time to spare, and a reasonable toolkit, there’s nothing stopping you from installing your new kitchen tap. Watch the video below to see the steps involved in removing your old tap, and installing your new one.
Hire a plumber to install your kitchen tap via Amazon
Amazon is now going one step further. You can now buy services from Amazon. This means you can buy your new kitchen tap and hire a plumber to install it for you too. All through Amazon. There isn’t a fixed rate for this service as it will depend on what plumbers charge in your area. However, we recently tested the service out with a South West London postcode and got quoted £85.
What’s included:
- Removing old Tap and drain stopper
- Typical installation time of 1 hour
- Installing customer-supplied Tap, handles, and drain stopper
- Reattaching supply lines
- Service is intended for indoor Taps only
Click here to get a Kitchen Tap Replacement quote from Amazon.
Best Kitchen Tap 2021: Buying Guide
Below you’ll find several features to consider before making your purchase. Remember, there’s no right or wrong choice for any of these. You should make your decision based on personal preference and budget.
See also: Best Bathroom Extractor Fan & Best Bathroom Paint
Fixed or flexible/360-degree spout: Flexible spouts used to be a feature reserved for restaurants or industrial kitchens. The main benefit of a flexible tap is versatility when washing up or filling oversized containers, making it a desirable feature. The downside is that they are modern looking so don’t fit in with every kitchen’s design. The solution here is to look for a pulldown flexible tap that’s hidden inside a fixed spout.
Faucet/Nozzle: If versatility is what you’re looking for then we suggest paying close attention to your tap’s faucet. Most taps come with a basic design that simply channels the water into your sink. More developed faucets let you manipulate the stream.
See also: The 6 BEST Halogen Ovens.
Aerator (aka flow constrictor): These are the taps your find in nice hotels and restaurants. They mix air and water to provide two main user benefits. First, it saves the amount of water you use. Second, it reduces the splash when the water hits the sink.
Filter taps: This is the same principle as filter water jugs. The only difference is that these taps actively filter as they draw water from the pipe, giving you an unlimited supply of chlorine-, bacteria- and lead-filtered drinking water. Taps with built-in filters also reduce the build-up of limescale in your appliances. The downside is that you have to replace the filter every six months to keep it effective.
Instant boiling water: High-end kitchens sometimes come with instant hot water functionality. This is a great feature if you live in a busy household where people come and go regularly.
If this is an option you want, make sure your tap has a childproof safety feature and a temperature warning indicator. It’s also worth considering the size of the tap’s tank if you’re looking to dispense large amounts of boiling water.
Buying a mixer tap with that dispenses instant boiling water can be expensive. If you’re looking to save money it might be advisable to buy a dedicated instant boiling water tap to sit next to your traditional mixer.
LED Temperature Lights: Say goodbye to scalding your fingers as you test your tap’s water temperature. Faucets fitted with LEDs that react to water temperature let you visually see how hot/cold the water is via blue, green and red lights. Note that this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker when buying your tap as LED faucets are more commonly retrofitted.
Read next: Best Sandwich Maker.
FAQs
Who makes good taps UK? ›
Bathroom Taps are what we are known best for, here you will find the most reputable brands of mixer taps available in the UK including Bristan, Crosswater, Hudson Reed, Ultra and Roper Rhodes with newer exciting brands like Flova Uk, all made from the highest quality materials.
Are Franke Kitchen Taps good? ›Franke are a well-known appliance brand and their sinks and taps are particularly high-quality.
What is the best material for a tap? ›High-Speed Steel Taps
High-speed steel (HSS) has remained a popular tap material for decades because it can maintain its integrity while threading, despite high temperatures and vibration.
In order to select the right size tap, measure the area where it will be placed, then choose a tap with the corresponding spout height and reach, made of the material you prefer. Water pressure is important to check before buying a kitchen tap as many taps require a minimum pressure of 0.1 bar.
Is Bristan better than Grohe? ›For quality and reliability, Bristan beats Grohe by a tiny margin.
How do I choose a tap? ›- KNOW YOUR WATER PRESSURE. To get a decent flow of water from your taps it is vital that you choose ones that are appropriate for the water pressure in your home. ...
- CHECK THE TAP HOLES. ...
- SELECT THE STYLE. ...
- WHAT'S IT MADE OF? ...
- THE PERFECT FINISH.
Brand Spotlight - Perrin & Rowe Taps
Perrin and Rowe taps are designed and manufactured in the UK offering a large variety of styles, designed for both modern and traditional homes.
Given the ever-improving quality of taps, modern tap designs can be expected to last between 15 and 20 years typically.
Are bristan taps made in China? ›Apparently ALL their new range of taps come from China now. Previously most of their taps were made by Damixa/Bristan. Just think twice before you part with your money.
Are bristan taps made in Britain? ›Over the years that followed our brand promise has always stayed the same - to deliver a great range of taps and showers, designed and engineered in Great Britain, together with creating extraordinary customer experiences every time.
Is Franke made in China? ›
Franke is a leading supplier of kitchen sinks and the equipment that goes with them including faucets, ovens, vent hoods, and waste disposal equipment. Franke designs but does not manufacture its faucets. About 80% of Franke faucets are made in China, up from 50% just seven years ago.
Who makes Franke? ›| Type | Limited Company |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Aarburg , Switzerland |
| Key people | Patrik Wohlhauser, CEO Michael Pieper, owner |
| Revenue | SFr 2.557 billion (2021) |
| Number of employees | 8,130 (2021) |
The Series is informed and inspired by Highland, which has for 25 years proudly designed, assembled and sold cooktops in Australia. Having inherited the Highland range, Franke will sustain a treasured legacy, ensuring the passion and dedication for quality performance lives on.
What are the 3 types of taps? ›So what are the types of taps? There are 3 main taps you should be familiar with and they are: Taper, Plug, and Bottoming tap. The taper tap can be identified by the visible and pronounced tapering of the cutting edges. This provides a very gradual and less aggressive cutting action.
What type of tap is best for stainless steel? ›Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) is harder and more wear resistant than TiN. It is used on stainless steels, cast iron and aluminum alloys.
What should I look for when buying a kitchen mixer tap? ›Whatever your preferences, make sure that your taps are easy to use, and easy to adjust to get the right balance of hot and cold water if you have a mixer tap. Look out for taps with ceramic discs incorporated into the workings, as these are often easier to control than other types of tap.
Can you change a kitchen tap yourself? ›Replacing a kitchen tap is a fairly simple job to complete – you just need to have patience, a manual, and the right tools. Make sure you are extra careful when tightening, well, anything – over-tightening a single nut can lead to damage.
Are Twyford taps any good? ›Twyford has been producing quality and reliable taps since its inception in 1849. With well over 160 years of experience, it should come as no surprise that their collection is both exquisite and highly functional. The most interesting aspect is that there are numerous styles and varieties to choose from.
Are bristan sinks any good? ›Bristan is a well-known name when it comes to kitchen sinks. Producing high-quality, durable and stunning pieces to create a look like no other. Whether it's stainless steel for a sleek and shiny finish or glass for a truly stylish approach, you can't go wrong!
What are the four types of taps? ›Tapping tools are divided into four types: straight flute tap, spiral point tap, spiral fuse tap, and forming tap.
Which tap is good for hard water? ›
If you're continually fighting hard water spots and build-up, consider installing matte-finished faucets. Look for brushed or satin nickel, brass, or bronze. Make sure to clean the faucet frequently so that these build-ups don't become stains.
Are lever taps better? ›Lower water consumption
Single-lever mixers use much less water compared to two-handle mixer taps. As it takes less time to set the temperature, less unused water ends up flowing straight down the drain with a single-lever mixer tap. This is good news for the environment – and your water bill!
Rohl buys Perrin & Rowe and Jörger faucets from their respective manufacturers and distributes them in the U.S. and Canada under their original brand names. Rohl gained access to Moen's distribution channels and the option of deep-pocket capital investment in the development of innovative products.
Where are Pegler taps made? ›High Quality British Products
Born and bred in Yorkshire, Pegler represent the best of the British entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
About Sauber Group
Sauber is globally renowned as one of the world's leading high-tech brands. The pioneering and innovative company was founded in 1970, making its Formula One debut in 1993.
Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials for kitchen sink taps and other taps worldwide since it does not get rusted, is durable, and requires less maintenance. These faucets will often last for 18 to 20 years if they are properly maintained. Different designs of these faucets are available.
How much do plumbers charge to change a tap UK? ›Replacing sink taps – £112.5– £250 ( some charges VAT) + Material if needed. Replacing basin taps – £112.5– £250 ( some charges VAT) + Material if needed. Replacing a mixer tap costs –£112.5– £250( some charges VAT) + Material if needed. Replacing a bath tap– £112.5 – £250( some charges VAT) + Material if needed.
Do you need a plumber to change taps? ›Hiring a qualified plumber is the best option for replacing taps, particularly if your taps are leaking or a part has come loose. A plumber will do the job properly, saving you time and stress, whilst ensuring you don't have to pay any extra from doing the job yourself and creating more damage.
Who owns bristan taps? ›In 2002, Bristan's success attracted the attention of global housewares company, Masco. The US-based business purchased the company and joined it with A&J Gummers and Heritage Bathrooms to form the Bristan Group.
Is bristan a UK company? ›Bristan is a popular brand of plumbing products in the United Kingdom, mainly found in bathroom fittings. It is also the name of the parent company, Bristan Group.
Is vellamo a good brand? ›
Vellamo products include lengthy guarantees, making them an excellent pocket-friendly choice without compromising on quality. From beautiful granite sinks through to an outstanding range of boiling water taps, Vellamo sets the pace for style, function and price.
Why is my bristan tap dripping? ›The most common cause for a dripping tap or shower is limescale/water-borne debris. This can either block the valve so that it can't close properly, or corrode the valve and seating which allows water to sneak through.
How do you remove a bristan mixer tap head? ›How to change a Bristan tap cartridge/valve & general ...
Where are Heritage Bathrooms manufactured? ›Established in Bristol in 1985, Heritage Bathrooms creates stunning bathroom suites that combine the best of British classic bathrooms design with modern, reliable engineering. Every Heritage product is designed in Britain with many of their ranges, including all of their furniture, being made in the UK too.
Which sink is better Blanco or Franke? ›Blanco's sinks are made of 80 percent granite mixed with pigments and resins, while Franke's are closer to 90 percent granite. The higher the resin component in a granite sink, the more durable and less likely the sink is to etch or scratch.
Where are Blanco sinks made? ›MADE IN CANADA and engineered in Germany, BLANCO SILGRANIT® is Canada's leading coloured sink material, a unique and durable composite that comes in more than 100 models and seven colours.
Where are Franke appliances made? ›Part of the Franke story is that they recently inherited the Highland range. For over 25 years, Highland had been producing superb examples of cooktops - designing and assembling them for the Australian market from a small Melbourne factory.
Are stainless steel taps better than chrome? ›Stainless steel is more durable than chrome. It's corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, and tarnish resistant. Depending on the environment, however, it is not completely immune to all stains or wear and tear.
How do you clean a Franke tap? ›Cleaning your Tap's Aerator - YouTube
What is a monobloc kitchen tap? ›Monobloc kitchen taps are the most popular kind of kitchen tap – they have a single spout to dispense both hot and cold water.
Are lever taps better? ›
Lower water consumption
Single-lever mixers use much less water compared to two-handle mixer taps. As it takes less time to set the temperature, less unused water ends up flowing straight down the drain with a single-lever mixer tap. This is good news for the environment – and your water bill!
What's the difference between deck mounted and surface mounted taps? Deck mounted taps and surface mounted taps describe the same style of taps. Their terms mean that the bottom of the tap sits on the surface it is mounted on (whether that be a basin, bath or trough).
What are the 3 types of taps? ›So what are the types of taps? There are 3 main taps you should be familiar with and they are: Taper, Plug, and Bottoming tap. The taper tap can be identified by the visible and pronounced tapering of the cutting edges. This provides a very gradual and less aggressive cutting action.
Which tap is good for hard water? ›If you're continually fighting hard water spots and build-up, consider installing matte-finished faucets. Look for brushed or satin nickel, brass, or bronze. Make sure to clean the faucet frequently so that these build-ups don't become stains.
Are Twyford taps any good? ›Twyford has been producing quality and reliable taps since its inception in 1849. With well over 160 years of experience, it should come as no surprise that their collection is both exquisite and highly functional. The most interesting aspect is that there are numerous styles and varieties to choose from.
Are stainless steel taps good? ›Stainless steel taps are as smooth on the inside as they are on the outside, thus meaning that the tap will remain uncontaminated. This also therefore means that there is no chance of any build-up of grime or dirt within the tap, ensuring that your waterways are always clean and fresh.
How do I choose a mixer tap? ›Be sure to choose a mixer tap with a design that suits your kitchen's décor. A mixer tap with sharp angles and straight lines may look good in a similarly finished kitchen, while a softer curve may be more appropriate if your home is going for a more elegant look.
What is the difference between a mixer tap and a monobloc tap? ›Bathroom basin mixer taps are very similar to a monobloc tap, but have separate controls for the hot and cold water. They come in both modern and classic designs, as well as two-hole and three-hole styles.
What is the difference between single flow and dual flow taps? ›Two handles either side of the tap control the hot and cold water flow. These taps need relatively high water pressure to work well so make sure to check before installing a mixer tap. A dual flow tap provides one stream of water, but the hot and cold water flows separately within the body of the tap.
Are all kitchen taps the same? ›You need to remember that the tap is likely to be used the most in your kitchen and see the most amount of work. It needs to be sturdy and stylish. But just like bathroom taps, there's a lot to consider when buying kitchen taps, including the style, size, pull-out taps and boiling water taps.
What is the difference between a 3 hole and 4 hole kitchen faucet? ›
4-hole sinks allow for a two-handle faucet and a sprayer or soap dispenser. 3-hole sinks allow for two-handle faucets only without accessories. 2-hole sinks allow for a single-hole faucet, and an accessory, like a sprayer. 1-hole sink has no deck plate, and is designed for a single-handle faucet.
What does monobloc kitchen tap mean? ›Mono basin taps - or monobloc taps - are the most common type of basin tap in modern bathrooms. As the name suggests, they require a single tap hole and have a single spout from where both hot and cold water is dispensed.
What is monobloc kitchen tap? ›Monobloc kitchen taps are the most popular kind of kitchen tap – they have a single spout to dispense both hot and cold water.