Quooker Fusion Stainless Steel Tap with boiling water

Kitchen buying guides

Kitchen Taps Buying Guide

As well as offering instant access to running water, taps have become an easy way to add extra style and elevate an interior. From fixtures that offer hot streams on demand, to pull-out products that make washing routines easier, this kitchen taps buying guide covers all the options available. It also includes the benefits of different colours, designs, and finishes on offer, so you can choose the right option for your layout. Select Region

What are the different types of tap?

Mixer

Able to deliver both hot and cold water from one device, mixer styles are a great all-round product for any home. This also makes them a popular option that is readily available in a variety of on-trend colours and finishes. Requiring only one hole fitting, this type of fixture is easier to install – great for families that want a faster installation.

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Pillar

Available in pairs that are fitted separately, this type of water dispenser offers independent control over cold and hot water flow, making it easy to get the exact temperature required. They have a traditional look and can work on low pressure systems. They are also an affordable choice, making them good for those on a budget.

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Sensor

Reducing the need to touch any part of the fixture to activate the water flow, sensor models are the ultimate choice for maintaining a hygienic space. This also makes them a great choice for busy homes as they are easier to keep clean too, keeping household chores to a minimum in households on the go.

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What are the different types of hot water tap?

Boiling water

Producing a water stream at 100-degrees Celsius, boiling water devices are a time-saving option for any home. From sterilising babies bottles to boiling veg and pasta, they can be used for a variety of household tasks. They are also a premium choice that use less electricity compared to a standard kettle, making them good for lowering household bills.

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Instant hot

For those who want the benefits of having an instant flow of heated water on tap, while keeping the initial outlay cost down, hot water taps are a good alternative to boiling water versions. They provide a stream that has a temperature of 98-degrees Celsius, making them great for saving time on a quick brew or meal prep.

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What are the different functions?

Quooker Fusion Black Tap with boiling water

3 in 1

Thanks to the water tank that comes supplied, 3-in-1 devices can dispense cold, hot, boiling, or near-boiling water. With a piping hot stream available instantly, it saves time when making warm drinks or boiling food, making it good for busy homes or those on the go. It also frees up counter space, as there is no need for bulky kettles, making it a great option for small rooms or minimal designs.

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4 in 1

4-in-1 fixtures are a versatile addition to any family home as they can provide boiling or near-boiling, hot, cold, and filtered cold water. They come with a filter that removes impurities for a cleaner stream that tastes better, making it a good solution for hard water areas. These devices also prevent limescale from building up, ensuring it will provide long-lasting use and look good for years to come.

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Quooker Fusion Stainless Steel Tap running

5 in 1

5-in-1 fixtures are supplied with an innovative accessory that means they can produce boiling or near-boiling, hot, cold, filtered chilled, and filtered sparkling water on demand – making them a multi-functional feature that is great for homes that like to host. As there is no need to buy carbonated or still water bottles, they will reduce plastic waste, making them an environmentally-friendly choice.

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What type of spout designs are available?

Pull-out

Practical and preferred by professional chefs, pull-out devices make it easy to direct a water stream onto the area that needs to be washed. This means stubborn stains or debris from a pan can be removed without vigorous scrubbing, making light work of washing up or rinsing veg.

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Swan-neck

With an appealing, curved design, swan-neck spouts have a classic appearance that will transcend trends and look good for many years. Thanks to the timeless style, they will complement a variety of decors and are a practical choice for those wanting a versatile option.

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Square

Featuring a square-shape spout, this style brings the trend for geometric accents to a space and will create an eye-catching look. With clean lines and a simple design that suits contemporary interiors, this option is a great way to accentuate an architectural design for an ultra-modern look.

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Lamona Brushed Steel Effect Victorian Swan Neck Monobloc Tap

Swivel

Designed with a twisting mechanism, swivel fixtures allow the whole neck to be rotated up to 270-degrees, making it a great option for multi-bowl sinks. This swivel motion also allows the device to be moved out of the way when draining bulkier pans to improve accessibility for all ages and stages of life.

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What designs and finishes are available?

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White

White fittings can make a room feel bright, making them good for areas with little natural light. Thanks to their understated hue, they can also be used to accentuate minimal designs.

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Chrome

The silver tone and highly-reflective finish of chrome is versatile and can be paired with many styles. It also complements many other fittings creating a cohesive look in a space.

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Black

Black taps are growing in popularity and when paired with other dark features they can create a dramatic effect. This hue also shows fewer marks making a room appear cleaner for longer.

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Brass

Aged metals are becoming a go-to within interiors thanks to their handcrafted and heritage appearance. Brass in particular is seeing a resurgence with its warm palette transforming a cleaning area to make it bright and inviting.

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Brushed

Brushed finishes have a muted appearance and are a great way to create a subtle look. When paired with other textures or patterns, it can also be used to create a chic, layered effect.

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Balham Gloss Dove Grey sink and black tap

Matt

Subtle and refined, matt designs can be used to add textural variation to a space. Often added to soften darker shades, this finish will also show fewer marks from water and fingerprints.

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Polished

The high-sheen finish of polished fixtures are a popular choice among homeowners as they are inviting, easy to keep clean, and are a style often found in professional catering venues.

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What to consider when planning a tap?

Water pressure

Your chosen tap needs to be compatible with the water pressure in your home. Gravity-fed systems have low pressure compared to combi boilers or unvented cylinders. Your trade professional is best placed to advise you on what is needed for your home.

Water type

Water hardness varies across the UK and can have a big impact on food preparation. In hard water areas, a tap with a built-in filter can reduce limescale build-up, watermarks, and clouding of glassware. It can also provide a better taste, so drinks are more enjoyable.

Lifestyle needs

Your choice also depends on how the space is being used. For example, swan-necked fittings make filling large pans or bowls easier, while professional pull-out taps make light work of cleaning up - great for busy households and professional spaces.

Fitting requirements

Taking note of the pre-drilled holes in a sink-bowl is crucial for a quick and hassle-free installation. Whilst the majority of devices only need a single hole, pillar styles need two holes for fitting. If your device comes with additional accessories, like a water tank, you will also need to ensure there is enough room inside the cupboard.

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Cabinet requirements

Some fixtures require more room for plumbing, so it is important to ensure your furniture can accommodate your new device. Dedicated sink-bowl cabinetry has a removable back panel that can be used to hide pipework. These cupboards also have larger service voids that mean a fitter can carry out repairs or maintenance with minimal disruption to the main unit.

Howdens Clerkenwell Super Matte Navy_Sink_002

Sink and tap packages

As one of the main features in a scheme, a coordinated washing area will create a stylish space that defines it from other areas in a layout. Opting for packages that contain a sink-bowl and tap is an easy way to achieve a cohesive look, as they include designs that complement each other. These bundles are also more affordable too - great when working on a budget.

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