What are the key factors for developers to consider when specifying taps and sinks? Dave Mayer at Reginox UK explains why these kitchen fixtures and fittings aren’t so humble after all, but their importance is underappreciated.
It’s widely acknowledged that the kitchen is the heart of the modern home, and arguably, its sink and tap are at the heart of the kitchen. Yet a search for the most kitchen essentials tends to sees lists headed by the kettle, microwave, air fryer and refrigerator, mostly in that order of usage.
But housebuilders and developers should take heed. While other kitchen equipment might have more selling power with consumers, make sure the sink and tap are not the poor relations in your kitchen spec.
Why? As a kitchen focal point, while not as obviously ‘sexy’ as some other kitchen attributes, the kitchen sink and tap – often placed under a window – command a position of high visibility, not to mention high usage. (If the kettle is the most used kitchen essential, it’s filled up over the sink – using the tap.)
Trusted manufactuRers
Brands with a rich heritage share a common denominator: manufacturing excellence and innovation. It’s why their products capture consumers’ imaginations, who in turn know they can trust what they’re getting.
While the kettle might be the most used kitchen essential, the growth of the hot water tap market, fuelled by an increasing demand for convenience and energy efficiency, could eventually knock it off its perch.
The global boiling water tap market size was valued approximately US $728m in 2025, and will touch US $1356.52m by 2034, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.16% (1).
Dutch engineer Henri Peteri first came up with the idea of a hot water tap in 1970, and later launched the company that would become Quooker. Its first commercially viable product offering boiling, hot, and cold water came to market in 1992 and the rest, as they say, is history.
It’s one example of why housebuilders should consider manufacturing excellence and innovation when specifying kitchen sinks and taps.
The kitchen sink and tap need to be a perfect combination – well made, durable, stylish, practical and, of course, represent excellent value.
It is a never-ending challenge for sink and tap manufacturers to deliver clever design that blends quality, style and practicality. So, for instance, the curves on some of our steel sink designs might look pretty, but they are also there to add rigidity and strength to the product.
The old adage ‘people do business with people they know, like, and trust’ is just as significant today as it always was.
Likeability fosters connection and customer loyalty, although a big caveat here is that developers need to perceive they are encountering value, competence, and that you understand their needs – and not just want their money!
Reputations can be pretty fragile. One of the strongest elements of a good reputation is world class customer service.
Customer satisfaction is not only key to business growth, but it also directly impacts a brand’s reputation. Satisfied customers share their positive experiences with friends and colleagues, which is a vital boon for a company’s reputation, especially given the potential impact that social media has these days.
So, there you have it. Kitchen sinks and taps might not be on the list of kitchen essentials, but specifiers need to understand they are more important for customers than they may realise!
Dave Mayer is commercial director at Reginox UK