Kitchen Tapware Guide

When determining how to choose a kitchen tap, select a style and finish that will complement your design and fit the purpose.

Kitchen tapware is available in a wide range of styles with features ranging from basic kitchen mixers to those with pull-out or filter functionality.

This kitchen tap buying guide explores which kitchen taps are best depending on your needs and the benefits you’re seeking.

When to Consider New Kitchen Tapware

You are building a new home.

You are renovating your existing kitchen.

Your existing tap is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear.

You want additional functionality for your standard tap.

You don’t like the aesthetic of your current one and wish to change it.

How to Choose Kitchen Tapware

Some helpful questions to consider include:

- How much bench space do you have? 
- Will you need a swivel function? 
- Will it be wall or bench-top mounted? 
- Do you require extra functionality?

With these considerations in mind, you can then compare the different types of kitchen taps and their finishes to determine which will work best in your space.

Types of Kitchen Tapware

Kitchen Taps and Mixers

A kitchen mixer features a single handle attached to the faucet that controls the temperature by moving the lever in one direction for cold water and the opposite for hot. Kitchen mixers are available in various styles, including vintage, curved, square, or ‘L-shape designs and are generally bench-mounted.

Alternatively, consider a handle separate from the spout, such as our Milani Swivel Hob Mixer Set for a bench-mounted option or the gooseneck swivel spout with a progressive mixer for a wall-mounted option. Deciding what is the best kitchen tap mixer will depend on your preference in style and your available space.

"Can you change kitchen taps?" is a common question when considering tapware updates. If you're looking to replace the taps of an existing sink, it's crucial to ensure compatibility by selecting replacements that cover any existing holes in the benchtop. If the chosen fixtures are incompatible, installing a new system and benchtop with appropriate holes may be necessary.

However, ABI Interiors’ range of Infiniti mixers can interchange the style or finish of your mixers without having to reinstall any new plumbing due to its universal in-wall body system installed during the rough-in stage. To discover more about the Infiniti collection, read here.

Shop Kitchen Mixers

Summary

Price Range:
$160.90 - $929.90

Swivel: Yes

Pull-Out: No

Spray Attachment:  
Not Compatible

Touch Free: No

Filter: No

Pull-Out Mixers

A pull-out kitchen mixer adds extra functionality to the standard tapware design. The nozzle can be pulled out from the faucet, with the hose extending so that the water can achieve greater reach, making it much easier to wash pots and pans, rinse fruit and vegetables, and clean the sink after use.

We also offer a pull-out spray attachment that is easily screwed onto your existing Elysian Commercial Pull-Out Kitchen Mixer, allowing for either concentrated tunnel spray or a dispersed wide-angle spray.

Shop Pull Out Mixers

Summary

Price Range:  
$399.90 — $929.90

Swivel: Yes

Pull-Out: Yes

Spray Attachment: Compatible

Touch Free: No

Filter: No

Filter Taps

A filter tap is a type of tapware that removes water contaminants  and improves quality. Traditionally, filter taps are installed next to the sink as a separate tap. However, ABI Interiors’ 3-Way Filter Tap conveniently allows you to run both standard and filtered water through a single faucet, with a separate lever to operate each function. This product alleviates the need to purchase a separate water filter jug for your kitchen and is available in six signature finishes.

Shop Filter Taps

Summary

Price Range:
$475.90 — $699.90

Swivel: Yes

Pullout: No

Spray Attachment:
Not Compatible

Touch Free: No

Filter: Yes

Outdoor Taps

Outdoor kitchens expand your living space and allow you the convenience of entertaining in the privacy of your backyard. However, an outdoor kitchen benefits from specific stainless steel requirements to withstand corrosion and rust.

At ABI Interiors, our Sola range features 316 stainless steel for superior resistance to acids and chlorides, including salt. The Sola Minimal Mixer Spout Set is wall-mounted for space-saving functionality and is available in four aesthetic finishes. Although the rest of our tapware range can be installed outside, ABI Interiors' warranty does not cover external use for collections other than Sola due to the harsher conditions and UV light.

Shop Outdoor Taps

Summary

Price Range:
$399.90 — $929.90

Swivel: Yes

Pullout: Yes

Spray Attachment:
Compatible

Touch Free: No

Filter: No

Sensor

Navigating the mixer when cooking with raw meats or filling up heavy pots and pans can be tricky, and touching your tapware with dirty hands can increase the chance of contamination in your residential or commercial space. Contactless taps use innovative infrared sensor technology to function and help prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.

The Elysian Sensor Commercial Pull-Out Mixer is easily operated with an adjustable infrared sensor and has a 30-second cut-off safety feature that improves water efficiency. They also provide a convenient pull-out mixer and 360-degree swivel spout for additional functionality and are available in six diverse finishes.

Shop Outdoor Taps

Summary

Price Range:
$759.90 — $929.90

Swivel: Yes

Pullout: Yes

Spray Attachment:
Compatible

Touch Free: Yes

Filter: No

Butler’s Pantry Taps

Shop Sensor

Summary

Price Range:
$149.90 — $929.90

Swivel: Yes

Pullout: Yes

Spray Attachment:
Compatible

Touch Free: Yes

Filter: No

Pot Filler

Pot filler taps intend to improve food preparation workflow whilst acting as a luxurious design feature. This type of faucet is usually wall-mounted on the splashback or above the cooktop, depending on access to plumbing. It features an extendable arm that folds out above pots and pans to fill them with water directly from where they’ll be heated. It can then be folded back when not in use.

Pot filler taps alleviate the need to carry heavy water-filled pots between the sink and cooktop, reducing strain and saving time. Due to their central positioning above the stovetop, pot fillers are also often used to fill kettles, vases, drink bottles, and water filter jugs.

At ABI Interiors, our pot fillers are available in seven feature finishes to complement any kitchen scheme, including brushed brass, brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, brushed gunmetal, brushed copper, and white.

Though it’s not a legal requirement, we recommend installing a floor waste gully or similar drainage by a licensed tradesperson when incorporating a pot filler into your kitchen.

Shop Pot Fillers

Summary

Price Range:
$264.90 — $364.90

Swivel: Yes

Pullout: Yes

Spray Attachment:
Not Compatible

Touch Free: No

Filter: No

Kitchen Tapware Finishes

To enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of our coloured brushed finishes, we apply ABI HeatShield PVD Electro Colouring System to each variant. This meticulous process extends to our range of brushed copper, brushed gunmetal, brushed nickel, and brushed brass kitchen taps.

Similarly, our chrome and matte black kitchen tapware are coated with Advanced Electroplating Application (AEA) for a long-lasting, durable matte finish.

PrimeShield Lacquer Technology offers a high-impact and durable lacquer finish for our block colours, including our range of white kitchen tapware, as well as our limited edition Aura Collection featuring almond, clay, dusk, flora, posy, and solis tapware colours.

Additional Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Tapware

Sink Sizes

When selecting the best type of kitchen tap, it is essential to consider the size of the sink you are pairing it with, as not all kitchen tap sizes will work in your space. By pre-determining the sink's dimensions, you can narrow down the tapware options and choose the appropriate mounting style, avoiding potential hassles or the need for reinstallation due to inadequate planning.

Sink Wastes

Sink wastes provide practical drainage convenience. They feature a basket-shaped filter that prevents debris, such as chunks of dirt or food scraps, from entering your drain and clogging the pipes. The basket waste can also be easily cleaned by simply lifting it out and emptying the contents into the bin.

Matching your sink accessories to your tapware can provide uniformity in your kitchen design and should be considered in the planning process.

Kitchen Tapware Installation and Plumbing Considerations

When determining how to fit new kitchen taps, hire an experienced professional to ensure correct installation, no matter which type of kitchen tapware you select.

If you’re still having trouble deciding what tapware is best suited for you, we recommend asking the advice of a trusted tradesperson or building manager when renovating or beginning a new build. They can give personalised recommendations that will best suit your design and budget.

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For further assistance in selecting the best kitchen tapware for your home, please contact us below. 

Alternatively, you can book a complimentary design consultation for personalised advice from our experienced team in-store or online.

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Want more inspiration? See our other buying guides:

Kitchen Tapware Guide

When to Consider New Kitchen Tapware

How to Choose Kitchen Tapware

Types of Kitchen Tapware

Kitchen Taps and Mixers

Summary

Pull-Out Mixers

Summary

Filter Taps

Summary

Outdoor Taps

Summary

Sensor

Summary

Butler’s Pantry Taps

Summary

Pot Filler

Summary

Kitchen Tapware Finishes

Additional Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Tapware

Sink Sizes

Sink Wastes

Kitchen Tapware Installation and Plumbing Considerations

When determining how to fit new kitchen taps, hire an experienced professional to ensure correct installation, no matter which type of kitchen tapware you select.

Live Chat

Call Us

Email Us

Want more inspiration? See our other buying guides:

Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen Sink Protectors

Sink Drainers