Specifying kitchen sinks and taps.

29 januari 2026

It’s widely acknowledged 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 used kitchen essentials throws up lists headed by the kettle, microwave, air fryer and refrigerator, mostly in that order of usage.

But housebuilders and developers take heed. While other kitchen equipment might have more selling power with consumers, make the sure the sink and tap are not the poor relation in your kitchen spec.

Why? As a kitchen focal point, and whilst 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…)

Key considerations for specifying kitchen sinks and taps

So, what should housebuilders and developers be looking for when specifying the not-so-humble kitchen sink and tap? Dave Mayer, Commercial Director at Reginox UK for over 25 years, cites these key considerations.

Brand and brand heritage

Reginox’s Netherlands-based parent company is celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2026. Some of its competitors, Franke, Blanco and Grohe for instance, have histories dating back even further – to 1911, 1925 and 1936 respectively.

Nigel Wareing of Oldham-based Cornerstone Design & Marketing, which has been Reginox’s PR and marketing partner for the past two years, explains: “Essentially, a brand is a feature - or set of features - that distinguish one business, product or organisation from another.

“It typically comprises of a name, tagline, logo or symbol, design, brand voice, and more. It also refers to the overall experience a customer undergoes when interacting with a business — as a shopper, customer, social media follower, or merely as a passer-by.

“The strength of a brand, and its longevity, signifies enduring quality. It says to the consumer: you can trust in these products – they’ll serve you well.”

With that in mind, Cornerstone has just launched a new advertising concept for Reginox in 2026 – ‘Reginox for life, making memories together’ – to highlight the role of the kitchen sink and tap among some of life’s key milestones.

Manufacturing excellence and innovation

Brands with a rich heritage have a common denominator – manufacturing excellence and innovation. It’s why their products capture the imagination of consumers, who know they can trust what their 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, might 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, the Quooker Basic, offering boiling, hot, and cold water came to market in 1992 and the rest, as they say, is history.

It’s a good reason, says Mayer, 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,” adds Mayer, whose company now offers a range of 3-in-one and 4-in-one hot water taps

“That’s a never-ending challenge for sink and tap manufacturers everywhere. Clever design that blends quality, style and practicality is a challenge. 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.

“A clever skill to have and shows that experience matters – it engenders quality.”

Strong client relationships and customer service excellence

The old adage ‘people do business with people they know, like, and trust’ is just as significant today as it always was.

Likability is said to foster connection and loyalty, although a big caveat here, is that people need to perceive value, competence, and that you understand their needs - and not just want their money!

Mayer: “Our service-driven approach means we operate with a ‘complete, on-time, every time’ philosophy’.

“I believe strongly that we have an unparalleled product offering and I strive to ensure that our team offer our customers the best quality products and prices all backed up by what I know is a fearsome reputation for absolute service.”

Wareing adds: “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 boon for your 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 make sure you take heed of the essentials for specifying kitchen sinks and taps!

(1) Market Reports World

With thanks to Dave Mayer, Reginox UK, and Nigel Wareing, Cornerstone DM.