Justina Blakeney's kitchen featuring a Kohler pot filler

Could “Lazy Taps” be the latest kitchen must-have?

In the ever-evolving landscape of kitchen design and functionality, new innovations continually emerge, each promising to enhance convenience, efficiency, or style.

One of the latest trends catching the attention of homeowners and designers alike is the “lazy tap” which has been photographed in celebrity homes, from the likes of Hayley Bieber and Amanda Seyfried to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. We also saw this appliance at the display of luxury kitchen brand, Martin Moore, when we visited WOW!house this summer.

But is it really the next must-have for modern kitchens?

deVOL Aged Brass Pot Filler Tap

What is a Lazy Tap?

The “lazy tap” is a unique fixture that sits above the kitchen hob, providing water directly where it’s needed most, maximising efficiency in the kitchen. This eliminates the need to carry heavy, water-filled pots from the sink to the hob, a task that can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with large volumes of water.

Lazy taps are typically mounted on the wall behind the stove and feature an extendable arm that allows them to reach across multiple burners. When not in use, they can be folded back against the wall, making them unobtrusive and maintaining a clean, uncluttered look in the kitchen.

The appeal of the lazy tap – convenience and practicality

The lazy tap’s greatest advantage is the convenience it offers during meal preparation. For anyone who cooks frequently, the ability to fill a pot directly on the hob without having to move it from the sink is a game-changer. It’s also a clever option for kitchens with a long layout where the sink and hob are far apart.

Helen Parker, Creative Director at luxury kitchen brand, deVOL told the Telegraph that the lazy taps were “the must-have addition to a larger kitchen.” She continued, “Our customers are often happy to pay for this additional tap for functional and aesthetic reasons, in the grand scheme of things, it is a little luxury that is not too expensive.”

Martin Moore bespoke kitchen makers

The White Kitchen Company

Enhancing kitchen efficiency

The lazy tap also contributes to overall kitchen efficiency. By providing water exactly where it’s needed, it helps streamline the cooking process. No more juggling between the sink and stove and no more interrupted workflows—everything is right at your fingertips. This can be particularly useful when cooking multiple dishes at once or when dealing with complex recipes that require precise timing.

Some designers believe that this will lead to increasing popularity of the lazy tap. Speaking to the Telegraph, Nigel Palmer of Rohl UK, the parent company of Perrin & Rowe said, “Any labour-saving device in the kitchen could be called a lazy appliance – the dishwasher, the washing machine, etc, but eventually these ideas become universal.”

Aesthetic and functional design

Beyond its practicality, the lazy tap can also be an attractive addition to your kitchen. Available in a variety of finishes, including polished chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black, it can complement any kitchen decor, from ultra-modern to rustic farmhouse styles. The sleek, minimalist design of most lazy taps adds a touch of sophistication to the kitchen, making it not just a functional tool but also a design statement.

Considerations and challenges

While the lazy tap offers many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost is the cost. Installing a lazy tap involves not just the purchase of the fixture itself but also potential plumbing modifications. Depending on a kitchen’s existing setup, this could become a significant expense.

There’s also the issue of space. While lazy taps are designed to be unobtrusive when not in use, they still require wall space above the hob for installation. In smaller kitchens, where every inch counts, this might not be practical.

Another consideration is whether you’ll actually use the lazy tap enough to justify its installation. For those who don’t cook often, the convenience of a lazy tap might not be worth the investment.

Lazy_tap_Insights_Perrin_&_Rowe_Pot_filler

ImaPerrin and Rowe Etruscan Pot Filler with Lever Handles

Is the “lazy tap” really a must-have?

So, is the “lazy tap” a must-have for every kitchen? Whilst, it has become a sought-after kitchen appliance in some circles, with its status bolstered by its presence in the homes of the rich and famous, some kitchen designers have dismissed its popularity. Speaking to the Telegraph, Tom Howley, Founder of the luxury firm, claimed his company has not seen demand for this appliance and suggested it may be an American trend.

So, what are some other kitchen must-haves?

1. Smart appliances

Smart appliances continue to dominate the list of kitchen must-haves. From refrigerators that can suggest recipes based on their contents to ovens that can be preheated remotely via smartphone, smart appliances offer convenience and efficiency. Many of these devices are now compatible with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home, allowing for hands-free control and monitoring. The role of AI is also predicted to increase and earlier this year, we saw the launch of Samsung’s first AI washing machine at kbb Birmingham.

2. Integrated lighting systems

Lighting is playing a more significant role in kitchen design, moving beyond basic overhead fixtures to include integrated lighting systems. Designers are emphasising the importance of layered lighting in the kitchen, which includes task lighting (for countertops and workspaces), ambient lighting (to create a warm atmosphere), and accent lighting (to highlight specific features or areas). LED strip lights under cabinets, pendant lights above islands, and even smart lighting systems that can change colour and intensity throughout the day are becoming standard.

3. Sustainable materials and eco-friendly features

Sustainability is not a buzzword; it’s a critical aspect of kitchen design. Many designers are advocating for the use of sustainable materials such as recycled wood, bamboo, and eco-friendly countertops made from recycled glass or composite materials. Water-saving faucets, energy-efficient appliances, and even composting stations are being incorporated into modern kitchens to reduce environmental impact.

4. Butler’s pantries and hidden prep spaces

Butler’s pantries and hidden prep spaces are making a comeback in modern kitchens. These areas serve as secondary kitchens, equipped with additional sinks, dishwashers, and storage. They’re ideal for meal prep, entertaining, or simply keeping the main kitchen area tidy. This trend reflects the increasing desire for clean, clutter-free spaces where the mess of cooking can be kept out of sight.

So, whilst the ‘lazy tap’ has risen in popularity, it is competing with many other kitchen must-haves and is yet to be seen universally in kitchens in the UK. We’re keeping an eye on the rising popularity of walk-in pantries and smart appliances which we believe will emerge as the latest kitchen must-haves. For more news on the latest kitchen trends, follow us on Instagram.