Your kitchen faucet is one of the hardest working plumbing fixtures in your home. Since it gets used all day, every day, you need a tap that looks good, fits with your design aesthetic, and will serve your family for years to come.

A Balance of Form and Function:
The perfect faucet should enhance the design of your kitchen. A single-lever faucet offers a simplicity of design that works well in kitchens with an open floor plan and clean architectural lines. Two-handled faucets lend themselves to a more traditional style. If you are an avid home cook, you may want to consider a faucet with a pull-out sprayer to make it easier to wash large pots. Above all, the faucet should be easy to use. The lever should operate smoothly in order to allow you to adjust water temperature and flow even with greasy hands.

Two-handle Taps:
Two-handle taps mount through a single hole in the worktop and feature individual levers for both the hot and cold water. The classic design of the two-handle faucet adapts well to a variety of kitchen styles.

Single-handle Taps:
Single-handle faucets offer the advantage of one-hand operation. This allows you control the water temperature and flow with one hand while using the other hand to operate the sprayer. The lever can be mounted at the side or top of the tap body, and a ceramic disc inside the tap cartridge controls the water mix.

Metal Finishes:
Chrome and stainless steel are the most popular tap finishes and complement virtually any style of kitchen. Chrome can enhance the look of your other kitchen surfaces. Stainless steel is easy to clean and even has antibacterial properties.

Things to Consider:
Even if you are on a budget, you should avoid skimping on the quality of your kitchen faucet. You will likely be disappointed and have to replace it within a few years. A high-quality tap will feature a solid metal body and ceramic discs for easy use. You should also make sure your water pressure is suitable for the particular tap. The majority of taps require a flow pressure of at least 1.0 bar for optimal performance. Of course, you should always look for a tap that comes with a guarantee. The ensures that the manufacturer stands behind the quality of their product.