To choose the most suitable kitchen tap for your needs, certain factors will depend on the configuration of your kitchen sink. These include the type of fixing and whether the spout can swivel or fold.
Other considerations, such as opting for a single-lever mixer instead of a dual-handle mixer, the type of spout, the option of pull-out spray, as well as the style, colour, convenience or aesthetics, are entirely up to you.
Single-lever or dual-handle mixer tap?
The first decision you have to make is whether to opt for a single-lever or a dual-handle mixer tap.
The dual-handle mixer is the more traditional style of kitchen tap. It features two handles: one for cold water and one for hot. By adjusting both handles, you can control the water flow and temperature. While this type of tap tends to be more affordable, it is also less convenient.
The single-lever mixer tap i is now the most common choice for kitchens. It’s more convenient than the dual-handle mixer, with a single lever that allows you to adjust the flow rate (up and down) and temperature (left and right). Single-lever mixers are available across a wide range of prices.
The type of fixing
There are several mounting options for your kitchen taps. The choice will depend on your installation.
- Wall-mounted: You can opt for a wall-mounted tap in your kitchen if your water supply is located on the wall.
- Single hole fixing: this is the most common type. The valve is secured at a single point on the installation surface.
- 2-hole fixing: This type is becoming less common. The tap is fixed at two points on the surface where it is installed.
The type of spout
The spout of your kitchen tap can take many shapes. Its length also varies greatly. Your choice should be based on the size of your sink. In addition, depending on your installation, the spout can be fixed, swivelling or folding.
Shape and Length:
- L-shaped: this spout is angular, fairly long and flexible. It’s ideal for deep or double sinks.
- Swan neck spout: this type of spout is long and arches over the sink. It can swivel and is suitable for deep and double sinks.
- Short: As the name suggests, this type of spout is not long and is suitable for shallow sinks. It’s usually fixed, making it convenient if the tap is installed in front of a window, allowing easy opening.
- Curved C-tap spout: This spout is mainly used in professional settings. It’s long, swivels, and is particularly suitable for deep and double sinks.
Fixed, swivel and folding spouts:
As we’ve seen, some spouts are fixed while others swivel. This largely depends on the configuration of your sink: a fixed spout works well with a single, shallow sink. On the other hand, double and deep sinks are best suited to swivel spouts for practicality. Additionally, if you opt for a long spout and your tap is positioned in front of a window, it should be foldable to allow the window to open easily.
The pull-out spray
Another option for your kitchen tap is a pull-out spray, which makes it easier to reach all areas of your sink and delivers a more powerful spray for tasks such as washing dishes or cleaning the sink.
Style and colour
In addition to the various types of spouts available, kitchen mixers come in a wide range of styles (such as retro, contemporary, and designer) and colours (including chrome, white, black, orange, gold, and brushed bronze).
Our top picks
Here is a small selection of our top picks among the current models:
Grohe Minta: This chrome L-shaped mixer tap from the German manufacturer Grohe features a single-hole mounting. Its spout swivels through 360°, and it includes a pull-out spray. It can be installed quickly and easily without the need for a professional.
Grohe BauLoop: This mixer features a swan neck spout. Its GROHE QuickFix Plus system allows for quick and tool-free installation. It uses a single-hole mounting and is chrome-plated, with a spout that swivels through 360°.
For other swan neck spout mixers that include filters, cooling, or heating units, consider the Grohe Blue Home range
Grohe Eurosmart: This chrome mixer tap features a short spout that swivels through 88°. It also stands out with its two-jet hand shower (rain and laminar) and a two-way diverter.
Franke Coxy: This professional-grade chrome curved C-spout mixer from Franke offers excellent practicality and ease of installation. Its spout rotates through 360° and includes a two-jet spray, making it easy to clean your sink, dishes, groceries, or other items.
Hansgrohe Focus 240: This stylish black kitchen mixer tap boasts quality and innovative features. Its spout can be adjusted to two settings (110° and 150°) and includes a hand shower with 2 jets (rain and laminar) with a magnetic holder. It is also compatible with instantaneous water heaters.
For more advice, read another article on how to install countertop basin.
