Top Tips for Choosing Durable and Stylish Kitchen Taps

Let’s be real for a second, kitchen taps don’t usually get the spotlight. They’re not the first thing guests comment on, and they probably aren’t topping your Pinterest board. But here’s the twist: they should.

Because when you're in the thick of cooking dinner, scrubbing down a lasagna dish, or sneaking a midnight glass of water, it’s your kitchen tap doing the heavy lifting.

That’s why learning how to choose kitchen taps isn’t just about looks (though stylish taps certainly enhance your kitchen’s look), it’s about making your life easier and your kitchen smarter.

And yet, walking into a hardware store or scrolling through tap listings online can feel like falling into a rabbit hole. So many finishes, mechanisms, shapes, and spouts, it’s enough to make anyone want to stick with their leaky old fixture and call it a day. Don’t.

This guide is here to help you pick something durable, stylish, and worth the space it takes up.

Let’s break it all down, without the fluff.

Start With the Basics: Know Your Sink Setup

Before you get lost in the chrome vs. brushed nickel debate, take a hard look at your current kitchen sink. It kind of sets the rules.

How many tap holes? One, two, maybe three? This will limit which styles you can even install without drilling or making modifications.
Where’s the tap positioned? Centered? Offset? Close to a wall or backsplash? These little details affect what shape of tap you can comfortably use.
Depth and size of the sink? Bigger sinks might benefit from a high-arched spout for better clearance, while smaller basins do better with compact, pull-out taps.

This part’s less about glamour and more about logistics, but skipping it could lead to a beautiful tap that awkwardly splashes everywhere or doesn’t swivel far enough. And that’s the sort of mistake you’ll notice every single day.

Functionality First: What Do You Actually Need It to Do?

Okay, so taps are taps, right? They turn water on and off. Not so fast.

Kitchen taps have come a long way, and choosing one with the right functionality can genuinely improve your day-to-day routine. Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you fill tall pots? Rinse big cutting boards? Clean up sticky kid messes? There’s a tap for that.

Here are a few popular types worth considering:

Pull-Out or Pull-Down Taps: Great for rinsing and maneuvering around large dishes. The hose function adds serious flexibility.
Single Lever Taps: Simple, minimal, and easy to operate with one hand (or elbow if your hands are covered in dough).
Dual Lever Taps: Offer more precise control over hot and cold, but take a bit more space and effort to adjust.
Boiling Water Taps: These are having a moment. They deliver instant, near-boiling water for tea, coffee, or even sterilizing baby bottles. A real time-saver, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Remember, it’s not just about what looks cool, it’s about how seamlessly that tap integrates into your life. That’s how to choose kitchen taps that actually make sense.

The Style Question: Modern, Classic, or Somewhere In-Between?

Now the fun begins. Style is subjective, obviously, but most kitchen taps fall into one of three categories:

Contemporary / Minimalist: Think sharp lines, polished finishes, and seamless shapes. Usually pairs well with modern kitchens, handleless cabinets, and neutral tones.
Traditional / Vintage: These give off more character, often with cross-head handles, curved necks, or ornate detailing. Great for shaker kitchens or anything with a farmhouse vibe.
Industrial / Hybrid: A mix of metal finishes, exposed joints, or spring-style spouts. If your kitchen has open shelving, exposed brick, or Edison bulbs, this might be your aesthetic sweet spot.

But here’s the thing, don’t overthink matching everything perfectly. A tap that slightly contrasts with your cabinet handles or sink can add visual interest. You want it to feel cohesive, not matchy-matchy like you’re wearing a denim tuxedo.

Material Matters: What’s It Made Of, Really?

Not all taps are created equal. And while most look similar from a few feet away, their internals can make or break their longevity.

Bronze and Brass is the gold standard (pun intended). It’s corrosion-resistant and highly durable. If you’re going for longevity, look for taps with solid brass bodies, even if the outer finish is something else.
Stainless Steel is also strong and tends to have a cooler, modern look. Just make sure it’s not a cheap alloy blend that scratches easily.
Chrome Plating is shiny and classic but shows water spots and fingerprints more than other finishes.

Finish also plays a role. Matte black hides smudges and looks sharp. Brushed nickel is timeless. Copper or gold? Bold, warm, and currently trending, but potentially more niche.

Choose a finish that fits both your kitchen’s vibe and your tolerance for daily maintenance. If fingerprints make your eye twitch, maybe steer clear of ultra-polished options.

Think About Flow Rate (Yep, Really)

This one doesn’t get enough attention. Your tap’s flow rate determines how much water it pushes out per minute, and it can affect both performance and water usage.

Low flow (4–6 L/min): Saves water, might feel weak if you’re rinsing lots of dishes.
Mid-range (7–9 L/min): A balanced middle ground.
High flow (10+ L/min): Powerful, satisfying, but not the greenest choice out there.

Some taps come with flow limiters built in, while others can be adjusted. It's worth asking or checking the specs, especially if you're on a water meter or care about sustainability.

Ease of Cleaning: Because You Know You’ll Be the One Doing It

Ever tried cleaning around a fiddly tap base with a toothbrush? It’s not fun. Smooth finishes and fewer seams make for quicker wipe-downs. Avoid styles with unnecessary ridges or awkward nooks that love to collect grime and limescale.

Also, consider taps with anti-limescale aerators or those with removable heads that can be easily cleaned. You might not notice that detail when it’s new, but six months in, you’ll be glad you paid attention.

Installation Stuff: Do You Need a Plumber or Can You DIY It?

Not every tap is a plug-and-play situation. Some require adjustments to pipework, additional filtration systems (hello, boiling taps), or even electricity.

While many standard taps are DIY-friendly if you’re handy, don’t underestimate the value of getting them installed right the first time.

No shame in calling a plumber. A quick, clean install is worth avoiding future leaks or water pressure issues. Don’t forget to include any kitchen tap accessories you might need.

And if your kitchen’s already mid-renovation, coordinate with your contractor early so your tap setup doesn’t get treated like an afterthought.

What About Price? Is Spending More Always Better?

Here’s the truth: you can get decent taps on a modest budget, but go too cheap and you’ll likely end up replacing them sooner. Middle-of-the-road pricing often strikes the best balance, giving you quality internals, solid materials, and style without bleeding your wallet dry.

High-end taps do bring added benefits, like magnetic docking, ceramic disc cartridges for longer life, and more precise temperature control. But only pay for what you’ll actually use. If you don’t care about touch activation or digital displays, don’t let the marketing buzz distract you.

Final Thoughts: Tap Into Quality and Confidence

So, when it comes to figuring out how to choose kitchen taps, the answer isn’t in some magic formula; it’s in understanding your space, your habits, and your style. Don’t chase trends for the sake of it.

Choose what works for you. Look at your sink, measure your space, picture your routine, and then find a tap that fits that picture like a missing puzzle piece.

And if you’re looking for kitchen taps that tick all the right boxes, durable, stylish, and not just “good enough”—Tap 'n Shower has you covered. Their curated range makes it easier to find the tap that won’t just look good today, but five years from now too.

We also offer a wide range of mirrors and bathroom furniture, along with all the must-have bathroom products to complete your ideal space.

Plus, feel free to explore our extensive collection of plumbing supplies and high-quality heating and ventilation systems designed to keep your home comfortable regardless of the season.