When renovating a kitchen or designing a new kitchen from scratch, there will be a lot of decisions to make around layout, colour schemes, sink configuration and so on. Once all that’s decided, choosing tapware comes into play. Your kitchen sink tap (or faucet) serves an obviously important function, and getting the right type will mean you can do all the things you want to be able to do when preparing food, washing dishes and cleaning around your sink. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of kitchen sink faucets/taps and sink mixers you’ll encounter, the qualities of each, different materials used, and which is likely the best kitchen sink tapware for your kitchen.
What’s the difference between a kitchen tap and a sink mixer?
We pretty much all know what a tap is, but it can be confusing because there’s different terminology used for the same thing. Basically, a faucet and a tap are the same thing, it’s just called a faucet in the USA. A tap is a fixture that performs the sole function of dispensing water, whereas a sink mixer is a type of tap that allows you to mix cold and hot water through a single spout, so you can obtain the exact temperature you want.
Kitchen Tapware Choice Factors:
Materials
Kitchen sink taps and sink mixers are manufactured in a range of different materials, which all have an impact on the appearance of the tap, how durable it will be, and what kind of maintenance it might require over the years. Common materials include:
- Chrome: Chrome is where a metal surface is covered with a thin coating of chromium. Chrome kitchen sink tap/mixer materials are very popular, as they offer a high shine appearance—shinier than stainless steel. Chrome tapware is also usually cheaper than stainless steel, which may be another reason for its popularity. Chrome tapware is lightweight, wear resistant and abrasion resistant, however the chrome plating can degrade or rust over time if improperly treated (chrome does not withstand harsh chemicals the way stainless steel can). You also can’t sterilise chrome tapware, whereas you can sterilise stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a combination of iron and elements like carbon, nickel and manganese. This makes a strong, corrosion-resistant material. Stainless steel is often used in contemporary kitchens, and is sleek, durable, and easy to maintain. It’s a little less shiny and reflective than chrome, however has plenty of attributes that make it appealing. Stainless steel tapware is resistant to denting, scratching, corrosion and heat, so you can treat it mean and it will withstand pretty much anything. You don’t have to worry about a coating wearing off, so stainless steel is very durable and long lasting. Stainless steel can be sterilised, and it will withstand harsh chemicals and cleaners. Stainless steel tapware is usually more expensive than chrome-plated tapware.
- Brass: Brass is a very popular material for kitchen sink taps and mixers, and gives a timeless, classic look to a kitchen. It’s popular in rustic style kitchens, but is often also seen in industrial style kitchens. Brass offers durability and corrosion resistance. Options available are polished and brushed brass.
- Nickel: Often available as brushed nickel, nickel tapware is versatile and durable. It’s resistant to corrosion, and maintains its appearance for a long time. Brushed nickel has a muted metallic look, which works well in many kitchen designs.
- Matte Black: Matte black kitchen sink taps and mixers are often made with stainless steel or brass, and have a matte black coating made of latex or silicone. Sink mixers may have a ceramic internal cartridge. A modern option that creates contrast in kitchens with lighter finishes, matte black is sleek and on-trend.
- Copper, gold, and rose gold: These tap finishes add a luxurious touch, but they often come with higher maintenance requirements to prevent tarnishing.
Each of these types of tapware will bring with them unique functional and visual properties. Choose according to your preferences, kitchen design and what kind of longevity you’re seeking.
Unique Features of Kitchen Sink Mixers and Taps
Depending on how you use your kitchen, you might want to opt for unique features that add convenience and flexibility:
- Swivelling taps/mixers: These offer extra range of movement. Most commonly, a swivel tap/mixer will sit between a double basin sink, so that you can swing it to each side as you need it. There are different degrees of swivel available, with some taps swivelling up to 90°, and others able to rotate 360°, which might be useful if your sink sits on a kitchen island.
- Extendable or pull-out taps: These offer extra flexibility and range when cleaning. For example, if you’re washing something and don’t want it to splash back at you, you can pull out the tap and hold the water hose close to the basin, to prevent splashback.
- Multifunctional spray heads: These offer the option of different water pressure and spray patterns. Similar to an adjustable garden hose, these give you more flexibility, allowing you to wash vegetables on a gentle setting, and dishes on a stronger setting.
Sink Type and Tap Hole Configuration
It’s important to factor in the type of sink you already have, or are installing, before you select tapware. Whilst most kitchen sink taps and sink mixers can be installed with most types of sinks, certain sinks come with a pre-drilled tap hole (these are called ‘tap landing sinks’). A pre-drilled tap hole may slightly limit your choices when it comes to taps and mixers, as you’re confined to placing the tap/mixer in a predetermined position. So, if you want a tap that swivels in a particular direction, it might not work with this type of sink.
Whether your sink is an undermount, flushmount or inset sink shouldn’t really impact tapware choice, as most taps and mixers can be installed with these types of sinks.
Additional Functionality: Drainboards, Pots, and Sprayers
If you have ample room in your kitchen, and you do a lot of food preparation (and hence, dishes), it’s likely you’ll have opted for a sink with one to two drainboards. In the case of a drainboard, pull-out sink mixers are a really convenient option. These types of mixers have a pull-out, easily manoeuvrable hose, that allows you to easily direct water where you want it, whether it be onto bulky pots and pans or onto your drainboard. This makes washing these items and reaching awkward spots much easier. Add to that, if your sink mixer has a swivel design, you can turn the tap to either the left or right, as you require it. Essentially, if you’ve used one of these in a kitchen, it’s really hard to settle for anything less.
Size and depth of the Tap and Sink
The size of your tap should be proportionate to the size of your kitchen sink. For instance:
- Single basin sinks may not necessitate a swivelling tap, however they can still be really convenient. You just need to ensure the tap isn’t too large, as you don’t want to swivel over the countertop, as this could result in a wet benchtop.
- Double basin sinks really benefit from a swivelling mixer, as you can easily reach both basins when needed.
- Countertop material may influence your tapware choice. Porous countertops, like hardwood or marble, may benefit from having tapware mounted to the wall, as a way of preventing water damage from spills around the tap. So if this is the case, you’ll need to select tapware that can be wall mounted.
Style Decisions
No doubt you care about style as well as functionality. When looking at kitchen sink taps and mixers, you ideally want something that complements your kitchen design. Here are the common styles you might choose between:
- Traditional Classic Taps: If your kitchen leans toward a heritage style, traditional taps with luxurious finishes such as brass, gold, or antique copper are perfect.
- Minimalist Taps: If you’re going for a modern aesthetic, a minimalist tap/mixer can fit well. What’s a minimalist tap or mixer? It will have strong architectural lines and offer a sleek look.
- Contemporary Taps: Contemporary kitchen designs often balance clean lines with subtle curves. A goose-neck tap, or taps with rounded edges, provide a softer contrast to the often geometric, boxy elements of contemporary kitchens.
- Industrial Taps: Industrial taps tend to be highly functional, and offer a bold vibe. They’re designed for industrial-style kitchens that often feature exposed metal and wood. They’re also the kind of taps you see in commercial kitchens. (If you have a small or traditional looking kitchen, an industrial tap might look a bit overboard.)
Kitchen Sink Colour and Texture
As well as considering the kitchen tap and mixer style, colour and tap texture (polished, brushed or matte) will also play a role in your choice. Consider what works well with your kitchen cabinetry, sink, and countertops. Popular finishes include:
- Silver or chrome: You won’t get gasps of surprise from guests with these classic choices, but silver and chrome will look good in most kitchen designs.
- Black: Black tapware is considered a modern and bold choice. It provides contrast if you have a light coloured sink or countertop.
- Gold or brass: Gold and brass offer a warmth that is appealing in both traditional and luxury-inspired kitchens.
- Copper: Also adding a good dose of warmth, copper looks at home in farmhouse or rustic kitchen designs, but can work well in industrial style kitchens too.
- Rose gold: You’ll find kitchen tapware with touches of rose gold, whether it be just on the handle, or on the stem of the tap or mixer. Rose gold offers a unique and opulent flair to your sink set up.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to the price of tapware, the scope is wide. More affordable options can last a decent amount of time, but if you spend more, you might get something that lasts even longer. Ultimately, most people would prefer never to have to replace their tapware, so spending more means you shouldn’t need to. Here are the sink materials to consider, according to your budget:
- Most affordable taps and mixers: Chrome and stainless steel options tend to be the most affordable, with chrome being the cheapest
- Mid-range taps: Brushed nickel and matte black finishes offer something a little extra in terms of aesthetics, without breaking the bank.
- Top-shelf taps: Copper, gold, designer taps, and taps with multifunctional spray heads and extra swivel will usually be more expensive.
Kitchen Sink Mixer/Tap - Final Choices
When you choose the best kitchen sink mixer or tap for your kitchen, you’re weighing up practical needs with aesthetics. Consider colour, material, size and configuration of your sink, and the kinds of abilities you want your tap or sink mixer to have. Also consider how much you want your tapware to be a standout feature. Believe it or not, beautiful tapware can make a homeowner feel joy on a daily basis, so investing in an attractive tap or mixer is a good move!
