Faucets

Top Faucets and Where to Buy Them in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Taps, Tech, and Trusted Retailers

Why the Right Faucet Makes a Big Difference

Picking a faucet isn't just about looks — it's about daily comfort, water efficiency, and long-term value. You probably use a tap dozens of times a day, so a model that feels smooth, avoids dripping, and matches your sink layout can transform the way you cook, clean, and live. Think of a faucet as the handshake your kitchen or bathroom gives guests: it should be firm, reliable, and reflect your taste without drawing attention to flaws.

Spotlight: Expert Electrical — What They Bring to the Table

Expert Electrical is one of the retailers highlighted in the index of faucets, and they supply a variety of practical tap options that suit both domestic and light commercial needs. Their stock often includes Hyco-branded units, which are known for pragmatic designs like instant hot water taps, drinking-water outlets, and sensor-activated mixers. If you want straightforward availability and models that focus on function first, Expert Electrical is worth a look.

Hyco Faucet Range: Models to Know

Hyco is a brand you’ll see listed at specialist distributors such as Expert Electrical. They produce a mix of manual and automatic fittings that cover common home needs — from cold drinking-water outlets to small hot-water dispensers. Below I break down the most notable Hyco models so you can match features to your routine.

Hyco Zenfw Tap Drip Tray White Finish

This model pairs a simple spout with a drip tray, ideal for compact kitchenettes or utility areas. The white finish blends with pale worktops and offers an unobtrusive look. If you’re short on counter space, the integrated drip tray helps keep the area tidy without adding a bulky base unit.

Hyco Single Outlet Cold Drinking Water Tap

This type of tap is tailored for dedicated drinking-water lines, often used with under-sink filters. A single outlet keeps the installation straightforward and the water path isolated from the hot supply, which is great for maintaining taste and water quality over time.

Hyco Double Outlet Cold Drinking Water Tap

For households that want a direct filter feed plus a spare outlet — perhaps one for the filtered line and another for a separate softener or hydration station — the double-outlet Hyco model provides flexibility. It’s a tidy solution when you want more than one dedicated cold-water point without cluttering your sink area.

Hyco Vented Mixer Tap

Vented mixer taps combine hot and cold flows via a single spout while handling air-gap venting to prevent cross-contamination. These are common where building regulations require separation between mains and appliance water lines, and they offer a classic mixer look with safety features built in.

Hyco Life6l Hot Water Tap (about 1.32 imperial gallons capacity)

This model is designed for instant hot water on demand and has a tank capacity roughly equal to 1.32 imperial gallons. It’s ideal for making hot drinks or for situations where kettle use is inconvenient. Because these taps heat and store a small volume, they cut down waiting time — just mind the space and maintenance needs of a small tank.

Hyco Vega Automatic Infrared Mixer Lever Tap

Hands-free operation is the big win for the Vega. Using an infrared sensor, this mixer reduces cross-contamination and saves water by shutting off automatically. It’s a favourite in busy family kitchens and utility rooms where hygiene and economy matter. The lever option adds manual control if you want to override the sensor.

Hyco Solo3l Hot Water Tap (about 0.66 imperial gallons capacity)

A smaller hot-water dispenser, the Solo3l holds roughly two-thirds of an imperial gallon. It’s a neat fit under minimal worktops or where only occasional hot water is needed. The compact tank means quicker reheating and less energy use for intermittent tasks like making tea or blanching vegetables.

Hyco Crystal Pure Cold Single Outlet Drinking Water Tap

This model focuses on delivering clean, chillable water directly to a glass or jug. Often paired with in-line filtration, it emphasizes purity and ease of use. If you’re aiming to ditch bottled water, a dedicated cold drinking-water tap like this can be a practical, long-term option.

How Hyco Compares to Other Popular Faucet Brands

Hyco tends to position itself as a functional, reasonably priced brand with both manual and electronic options. If you compare it with well-known names like Grohe, Bristan, and Mira, you’ll notice differences in finish quality, warranty lengths, and design curves. Grohe often leads on premium finishes and long warranties, while Bristan hits a strong midrange balance, and Mira is known for showers and pressure-smart solutions.

When to Pick Hyco Over Premium Brands

Choose Hyco if you prioritise straightforward functionality, fast availability, and cost-effective replacements. Their heated small-tank taps and sensor mixers give specific features you might not need from a premium designer tap, at a friendlier price.

When to Choose a Premium Brand

If you want an heirloom finish, lifetime ceramic cartridges, or a designer statement piece, premium brands justify their prices with longer warranties and polished aesthetics. For main-kitchen showpieces or high-use environments, paying extra for durability can pay off.

Where Else to Shop for Faucets in the UK

Aside from specialist electrical suppliers, several mainstream retailers stock a wide range of taps. Here’s where to look depending on budget and urgency:

Screwfix

Screwfix excels for quick pick-up, trade-focused ranges, and a solid selection of reliable mixer taps and practical fittings. If you need replacement parts or a practical kitchen tap on a tight timeline, Screwfix is a reliable go-to.

B&Q and Wickes

Both retailers cater well to DIY homeowners, stocking designer-look and entry-level options. B&Q often offers stylish finishes at moderate prices, while Wickes leans slightly more towards the renovation crowd with sturdy, install-friendly models.

Victorian Plumbing and Plumbworld

For a broad online catalogue that covers budget to high-end, these two specialists offer deep selections and guidance. They’ll have more niche finishes and performance specifications if you’re after a specific look like chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black.

John Lewis and Department Stores

If you prefer to see and touch finishes before buying, department stores like John Lewis provide curated choices, helpful staff, and higher-end brands with reassuring guarantees. These shops are good for matching tap styles to your existing fixtures.

Choosing the Right Tap for Your Kitchen vs Bathroom

Function and form differ between rooms. Kitchens often need taller spouts, swivel features, and higher flow for filling large pots. Bathrooms favour shorter, more controlled streams and designs that match sanitaryware. Consider ergonomics, spout reach, and whether you need a pull-out sprayer for the sink.

Spout Height and Reach

Measure the distance from the spout tip to the base of your sink bowl in inches to ensure you can fill large pans comfortably. A tall, high-arch spout suits deep sinks, while a low-profile spout works better with shallow basins to avoid splashing.

Flow Rate and Water Use

Most modern taps are designed to balance pressure and conservation. Expect average flows around 1 to 2 gallons per minute depending on aerators and restrictors — enough force to rinse without wasting water. If water-saving is a priority, look for aerator-equipped models or taps marketed specifically as low-flow.

Installation Tips and Simple Maintenance

Installing most kitchen and bathroom taps is a practical weekend task if you have basic tools, but planning makes a big difference. Turn off the water at the isolation valves, have flexible hoses and washers ready, and use a basin wrench for tight spaces. For sensor taps, follow the electrical or battery setup carefully and check clearance for the sensor field.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Drips often mean worn cartridges or washers, which are usually inexpensive to replace. Low pressure might be a blocked aerator — unscrew it and rinse out deposits. For electronic taps, battery swaps or connection checks are the first troubleshooting steps.

Water Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Faucets can be a meaningful area for saving water and energy. Sensor taps reduce wasted water during toothbrush or dish prep, while small hot-water dispensers cut kettle use and can be more efficient for a single cup — provided the tank is well insulated. Choosing taps with aerators helps maintain a steady feel while reducing actual water flow.

Look for Durable Materials

Chrome and brushed finishes are popular for a reason: they resist staining and polish up nicely. If you want a tough finish that hides fingerprints, go matte or brushed. Brass valves and ceramic cartridges are signs of durability, and they usually mean fewer replacements down the line.

Making the Final Choice: Practical Tips

When choosing, balance style with function and think about who uses the tap most. Busy family kitchens favour sensor or lever-operated mixers for speed and hygiene. If you entertain a lot, a polished designer tap can elevate the room. Always check compatibility with your sink holes and waste fittings to avoid surprises on install day.

Where to Find Good Deals and Service

Mix and match your shopping: look to specialist retailers for niche features, trade stores for fast access to parts, and department stores for finish matching. Online marketplaces often have competitive prices, but buying from a UK supplier that offers support and returns can save you time if something goes wrong. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and clearance lines for premium finishes at lower prices.

Whether you’re replacing a dripping old tap or fitting a sparkling new kitchen, thinking about the daily interaction, water efficiency, and local availability will guide you to the right choice. Expert Electrical range gives practical, ready-to-install options, while larger retailers and specialists cover a wider aesthetic spectrum — so shop smart and test what matters most to your routine.

Conclusion: Choosing a faucet blends function, form, and where you buy it. Prioritise durability, check flow and fitting compatibility, and pick a retailer that offers the models and support you need. A well-chosen tap makes everyday chores smoother and can look great doing it.