Choosing the right kitchen tap might feel like a small decision, but in a UK kitchen it impacts everything: daily convenience, water efficiency, cleaning comfort, and the overall look of your sink area. From classic mixer taps to modern instant boiling water taps, today’s options cover every budget and lifestyle.
This guide breaks down the main tap types, the real-world costs in the UK, and how three popular brands—Prima, Hanstrom, and Verana—fit different needs.
The State of UK Kitchen Taps in 2025/26
Before diving into the brands, it is worth noting the trends driving the market this year:
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The "Instant" Revolution: 80% of new premium UK kitchens now include a boiling water tap. The kettle is officially an endangered species.
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Finish over Chrome: While chrome is timeless, the current best-sellers are Matt Black, Brushed Brass, and Gunmetal Grey.
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Industrial Utility: Taps with knurled handles and flexible, coil-spring spouts (restaurant style) are in high demand.
1. Prima: The Value Champion
Best For: Homeowners seeking reliable, high-spec standard mixers and entry-level technology without a luxury price tag.
Prima (often found as "Prima+" in trade outlets) has built a reputation in the UK for offering "high spec at a low price." They are a staple in many British kitchen renovations because they balance durability with cost.
Key Features
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Huge Variety: Prima’s catalogue is vast, covering everything from standard £60 chrome mixers to £600+ instant hot taps.
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Granite Match: They are one of the few brands that produce taps specifically designed to colour-match composite granite sinks (e.g., beige, grey, black).
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Solid Warranties: offering a standard 5-year warranty on the body and finish, which is excellent for their price point.
Popular Models & Costs
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Standard Mixers (The "Soho" or "Tiber"): Expect to pay between £60 and £120. These are solid brass with ceramic disc cartridges (no drips).
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Pull-Out Sprays: Their "Murray" or "Riace" ranges offer flexible hoses for £110–£180.
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3-in-1 Hot Taps: Prima’s entry into the boiling water market is the "Prima+ 3-in-1". It dispenses 98°C water and typically costs around £550–£650.
Verdict: Choose Prima if you want a "fit and forget" standard tap or an affordable pull-out spray. They are the sensible, budget-friendly choice that doesn't look cheap.
2. Hanstrom: The Tech Innovator
Best For: Gadget lovers and busy families who want a 4-in-1 tap with advanced safety features.
Hanstrom positions itself as a premium alternative to market leaders like Quooker, but at a more accessible mid-range price point. They focus almost exclusively on boiling water technology.
Key Features
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4-in-1 Functionality: Unlike standard taps, many Hanstrom models dispense domestic hot, domestic cold, filtered boiling (98°C), and filtered cold water from a single spout.
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Digital Touch Controls: Their boiler tanks often feature digital touch screens to adjust the temperature (e.g., down to 75°C for herbal tea or up to 98°C for pasta).
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Safety First: They utilise a spring-loaded "child-safe" handle mechanism that makes it nearly impossible for children to accidentally turn on the boiling stream.
Costs & Considerations
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Price Range: Hanstrom taps are generally priced between £400 and £800, depending on the finish (Gold and Gunmetal cost more).
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Warranty: Standard warranties are often 1 year, though some retailers offer extensions. Tip: Always double-check the boiler unit warranty specifically, as this is the most complex part.
Verdict: Hanstrom is perfect if you want the "Quooker lifestyle" (instant tea and filtered water) but want to spend £500 rather than £1,500.
3. Verana: The Aesthetic Specialist
Best For: Design-led kitchens where the "look" is just as important as the function.
Verana is frequently sold alongside Hanstrom and shares some technological DNA, but the brand focuses heavily on visual impact. They are the go-to for Instagram-ready finishes.
Key Features
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Trend-Led Finishes: Verana excels in specific trendy colours like Brushed Gold, Antique Copper, and Matt Black. The finish quality is generally rated highly for resisting fingerprints.
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Compact Boilers: Their under-sink boiler units are designed to be compact, saving precious cupboard space in smaller UK kitchens.
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Flexible Pricing: They offer some of the most competitive entry points for 3-in-1 taps in the UK market.
Costs & Considerations
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Price Range: You can often find Verana 3-in-1 taps starting as low as £299 on sale, ranging up to £600+ for 4-in-1 flex models.
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Reviews: User feedback often highlights their excellent customer service during installation, though like many boiling taps, filter maintenance is key to longevity.
Verdict: Choose Verana if you have a specific colour scheme (like navy cabinets with gold handles) and need a tap that matches perfectly while offering boiling water convenience.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Feature | Prima | Hanstrom | Verana |
| Primary Focus | Standard Mixers & Value | 4-in-1 Tech & Safety | Aesthetics & Trends |
| Price Bracket | Low - Mid (£60 - £600) | Mid - High (£400 - £800) | Mid (£300 - £650) |
| Boiling Tech? | Yes (Basic 3-in-1) | Yes (Advanced 4-in-1) | Yes (Stylish 3-in-1/4-in-1) |
| Warranty (Avg) | 5 Years (Body/Finish) | 1 Year (Check extensions) | 2 Years |
| Top Finish | Chrome / Granite effect | Gunmetal / Chrome | Brushed Gold / Copper |
3 Crucial Buying Tips for UK Homes
1. Check Your Water Pressure (Bar)
This is the most common mistake.
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Prima standard taps often work on low pressure (0.2 bar).
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Hanstrom/Verana boiling taps usually require high pressure (1.0 bar to 1.5 bar) to function correctly. If you have a gravity-fed system (water tank in the loft), you will need a pump.
2. The "Hard Water" Reality
If you live in London or the South East, you have hard water.
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For boiling taps (Hanstrom/Verana), you must change the carbon filter every 6 months. If limescale builds up and breaks the boiler, the warranty is often void.
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For Prima mixers, look for taps with "rub-clean" aerators which allow you to wipe away limescale easily.
3. Installation Costs
While a Prima mixer can be a DIY job for a confident novice, do not attempt to install a Hanstrom or Verana boiling tap yourself unless you are comfortable with plumbing and electrics (they require a standard 13-amp plug socket under the sink). A plumber will typically charge between £100–£200 for installation.
Conclusion
The choice between these three comes down to your priorities:
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Buy Prima if you want a bulletproof, traditional mixer tap that offers incredible value for money and a long warranty.
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Buy Hanstrom if you want a high-tech family kitchen station that replaces your kettle, water filter, and standard tap in one go.
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Buy Verana if you are chasing a specific "Pinterest" aesthetic (like Gold or Copper) and want boiling water luxury at a competitive price.