Choosing a Kitchen Tap That Works Day to Day
The Dilemma
Kitchen taps get used dozens of times per day, but many homeowners choose them last, quickly, and often based on aesthetics alone. The wrong tap can splash excessively, feel awkward to use, overwhelm the sink, or simply look out of scale with the rest of the kitchen.
The dilemma is choosing a tap that balances practicality, ergonomics and style — without becoming the loudest element in the room.
The Options
Option 1: Gooseneck or High-Arc Taps
Tall, elegant and sculptural.
Pros:
great for filling pots
makes a visual feature
works well with deep sinks
Cons:
can cause splashing if the sink is shallow
commands attention, which isn’t always the goal
Option 2: Pull-Out Spray Taps
Functional and flexible.
Pros:
excellent for washing produce and rinsing pans
useful for double sinks
can increase utility significantly
Cons:
more moving parts
not always aesthetically minimal
Option 3: Low-Profile Taps
Clean, simple and discreet.
Pros:
suits compact kitchens
reduces splash
less dominant visually
Cons:
not as useful for tall pots
less striking in design-led kitchens
The Decision Criteria
1. Sink depth and shape
This is crucial.
A tall tap over a shallow sink guarantees splash.
A pull-out spray on a shallow Belfast sink can hit the sides awkwardly.
Aim for a combination where water hits the centre of the bowl, not the back wall.
2. Clearance behind the tap
Check that the handle can open fully without hitting tiles, sills or upstands.
This is an extremely common installation issue.
3. Tap finish and material
Brushed steel or brushed nickel is usually the most forgiving.
Chrome shows water marks.
Brass adds character but must relate to handles and lighting.
4. Proportion within the kitchen
A large kitchen with a substantial island can support a sculptural tap.
A small galley kitchen benefits from something quieter and more integrated.
5. Daily use
If you frequently wash bulky items, a pull-out spray is worth considering.
If your cooking is simple, a clean, fixed spout is often enough.
The Recommendation
Choose a tap that matches the scale of your sink and the overall tone of your kitchen.
For most households, a brushed stainless or brushed nickel tap with a medium-height spout offers the best combination of durability, comfort and visual balance.
If you're torn between two models, test the ergonomics: where does the water fall? How comfortable does the handle feel? How easy is it to adjust temperature with one hand?
These small details make a big difference every single day.
A Quick Tip
Place the tap next to your sink sample, worktop sample and handle finish. If they all sit comfortably together in tone and scale, you’re on the right track.
