Kitchen Sinks and Taps Mansfield
The kitchen sink and tap - kinda like the heart of your kitchen really. We use em loads every day, filling kettles, washing veg, cleaning up after cooking. But picking the right ones can be a proper head-scratcher with so many choices out there.
Hi there! I'm Michael from Kudos Kitchens, and together with Emma, we've been helping folks round Mansfield and places like Arnold, Hucknall, and Newark pick out perfect kitchen sinks and taps since we set up shop in 2022. We've seen all the good and bad, and learned what works in real homes for real families.
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Why Your Sink and Tap Choices Matter
I remember fitting a beautiful kitchen for a family in Sutton in Ashfield last year. They'd spent loads on gorgeous cabinets and worktops, but went cheap on the sink and tap. Three months later, the tap was leaking and the sink was all scratched up. We had to rip it all out and start again - what a waste!
Your sink and tap get used more than anything else in your kitchen. They need to:
- Stand up to daily hard work
- Look good with the rest of your kitchen
- Be easy to keep clean
- Work right for how you use your kitchen
Sink Materials - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Stainless Steel SinksStill the most popular choice we install in Mansfield homes. They're:
The gauge (thickness) matters though. Cheaper ones dent easier and sound tinny when water hits them. We mostly fit Rangemaster stainless sinks - they're made right here in Britain and come with a proper 25-year warranty. |
Granite and Composite SinksThese are catching on fast, especially in darker colors like black and grey. We've fitted loads in newer builds around Worksop. What we like about em:
The downsides:
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Ceramic SinksThe classic Belfast or butler sink never goes out of style. We fitted a gorgeous double Belfast in a cottage in Southwell last month. Good stuff:
Not so good:
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Sink Styles - Single, Double or Something In-between?
It's not just the material that matters - the style makes a big difference too.
Single Bowl SinksGreat for smaller kitchens or if you've got a dishwasher. Most of our customers in apartments in Mansfield town center go for these to make the most of limited space. |
Double Bowl SinksIf you do lots of washing up by hand, these are brilliant. One side for washing, one for rinsing. We find families in larger homes in areas like West Bridgford often prefer these. |
1.5 Bowl SinksA good middle ground - the main bowl for big pots and pans, and the half bowl for rinsing or defrosting. Really popular with our customers in places like Newark and Southwell who have medium-sized kitchens. |
Undermount or Inset? How Your Sink Fits Matters
The way your sink fits into your worktop makes a big difference too.
Inset Sinks (Sit On Top)
These sit on top of your worktop with a visible rim. They're:
- Easiest and cheapest to fit
- Work with any worktop material
- Simplest to replace if needed
- Available in the most styles
Undermount Sinks (Fitted Below)
These fit underneath your worktop for a sleek look. We've fitted loads of these in more modern kitchens around Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield.
The good bits:
- Looks much sleeker and more high-end
- Easier to wipe crumbs straight into the sink
- No dirt-catching rim on the worktop
- Makes your kitchen look bigger
Things to know:
- Only works with solid worktops like quartz, granite or solid timber
- More expensive to install
- Harder to replace later
- Need proper sealing to prevent water damage
Kitchen Taps - More Than Just Hot and Cold
Kitchen taps have come a long way. Some of the options we offer:
Mixer TapsMost popular by far. Everything in one tap, usually with a single lever. Simple, practical, and they suit most kitchens. We fit these in about 75% of our Mansfield kitchen projects. |
Pull-Out Spray TapsThese have a spray head that pulls out on a hose - brilliant for washing veg or cleaning the sink. Getting more popular every year, especially in Arnold and Newark. |
Boiling Water TapsThese give you instant boiling water - no kettle needed! Pricey but worth it for many customers. We've fitted several Quooker taps in high-end kitchens around Mansfield. Jono, one of our fitters, installed his first one 3 years ago and now has one in his own home. He says he'd never go back to a kettle! |
Filter TapsGive you filtered drinking water straight from the tap. Popular with families who currently buy bottled water. We've installed these for several customers in areas like Kirkby in Ashfield where some folks don't like the taste of the local water. |
Tap Finishes - Not Just Chrome Anymore!
Chrome is still popular, but we're seeing more demand for:
- Matt black taps - look amazing with darker worktops
- Brushed brass - warm look that works great in traditional kitchens
- Copper and bronze - statement pieces that stand out
- Stainless steel - good match for stainless sinks
We fitted a gorgeous matt black tap with a granite sink in a kitchen in Arnold last month - looked stunning against the white quartz worktop!
Will My New Tap Work With My Water System?
This is dead important and often forgotten. Some taps need:
- Minimum water pressure to work properly
- Equal pressure on hot and cold supplies
- Specific plumbing connections
We always check your water system before recommending taps. I remember a customer in Ilkeston who'd bought a fancy tap online, but it needed higher pressure than their old gravity-fed system could provide. We had to install a pump too.
Featured Brands We Trust
At Kudos Kitchens, we're fussy about quality. We mainly fit:
Rangemaster Sinks and Taps
Made in Britain with amazing quality. Their stainless steel sinks are manufactured in Long Eaton, Nottingham - practically local! They offer:
- 25-year warranty on most sinks
- Loads of styles from traditional to modern
- Better materials than budget brands
- Great value for money
Other Brands We Work With
- Symphony (the kitchen furniture suppliers for our cabinets) for matching sink and tap packages
- Quooker for boiling water taps
- Specialized brands for specific needs
Our Installation Service - Proper Job, First Time
Getting your sink and taps fitted right is crucial. We've fixed too many botched DIY jobs over the years!
Our installation includes:
- Removal and disposal of your old sink and tap
- All plumbing connections properly sealed
- Waste disposal unit connection if needed
- Testing for leaks
- Sealing around the edges
- Proper fitting of any accessories
Nick, our gas safety expert, also checks that any work near gas pipes is done safely - something that's often missed by less thorough fitters.
How Long Will My New Sink and Tap Last?
With proper care:
- A good stainless steel sink should last 15-20+ years
- Quality granite sinks can last 25+ years
- Ceramic sinks can literally last generations
- Good taps typically last 10-15 years, though internal parts might need replacing sooner
Taking Care of Your Sink and Tap
Different materials need different care:
Stainless Steel Sinks
- Don't use bleach or harsh cleaning products
- Wipe down after use to prevent water spots
- Polish occasionally with a little olive oil for shine
Granite/Composite Sinks
- Clean with warm soapy water
- Don't use abrasive cleaners
- Remove limescale with specific products for composite sinks
Ceramic Sinks
- Avoid dropping heavy items in them
- Use a rubber mat when washing delicate items
- Clean with non-abrasive cleaners
All Taps
- Clean regularly to prevent limescale buildup
- Check washers and seals periodically
- Don't hang heavy items on tap spouts
Common Questions We Get Asked
What's the best material for a kitchen sink in the UK?
There's no single "best" material - it depends on your needs and budget. For most Mansfield homes, we recommend stainless steel for its durability and value. For higher-end kitchens, granite composite or ceramic sinks make a lovely statement.
What kitchen tap is most popular in the UK now?
Pull-out spray mixer taps are taking over from standard mixers. They're more versatile and not much more expensive. Matt black finishes are the trend of the moment around Mansfield.
Is a single or double sink better?
It depends on how you use your kitchen. If you have a dishwasher and limited space, a single sink works great. If you wash lots by hand, double sinks are more practical. For most Mansfield homes, we recommend 1.5 bowl sinks as a good compromise.
How much does it cost to replace a kitchen sink and tap?
For supply and installation in the Mansfield area:
- Basic stainless steel sink and mixer tap: £300-500
- Mid-range composite sink and pull-out tap: £500-800
- High-end ceramic sink and feature tap: £800-1500+
- Boiling water tap systems: Add £800-1500
Installation costs are typically £150-300 depending on complexity.
Which is better - ceramic or stainless steel sink?
Both are great choices:
- Stainless steel is more practical for most families - lighter, more affordable, easier to install
- Ceramic looks amazing in traditional kitchens but is heavier, more expensive, and can chip
Ready for a New Sink or Tap?
If you're ready to update your kitchen with a new sink and tap:
- Visit our Mansfield showroom to see and feel different options
- Book a home visit - we can measure up and recommend what would work best
We serve Mansfield and surrounding areas including Sutton in Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, Newark, Arnold, Hucknall, and Worksop.
"Michael and Emma at Kudos Kitchens helped us choose our lovely kitchen. They are very professional in what they do. Johno the fitter was brilliant too. He did a fantastic job, left everything clean and tidy. We are over the moon. Would recommend Kudos Kitchens." - Carole Kelly, June 2024
Let us help you find the perfect sink and tap for your kitchen - proper job, fair price, no nasty suprises!
Kitchen Renovation Financing Available!*
Even if you do not have the funds now, you may be eligible to access project funding from Dopple! Contact us to learn more about how financing can help you get your dream kitchen renovation sooner.
We've partnered with Dopple to offer flexible kitchen renovation financing options for your kitchen project. With Dopple, you can spread the cost of your new kitchen over manageable monthly payments, choose from multiple finance options. You will get support from a friendly UK-based team and be able to finance kitchen projects big and small
*Credit is subject to status and credit assessments by the lender. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees.
