Gunmetal kitchen taps bring a dark, warm grey metallic finish to the kitchen sink, offering an alternative to chrome or stainless steel for renovators wanting a more contemporary tone. This collection spans kitchen taps from both Caroma and Dorf, and with a range this size it covers a good spread of mixer styles all finished in the same gunmetal tone, making it easier to find a style that suits different kitchen layouts while keeping the finish consistent.
What is a gunmetal finish
Gunmetal is a dark grey metallic finish, sitting between the coolness of chrome or stainless steel and the deep tone of matt black, without being as stark as either. It reads as a warmer, more textured alternative to chrome, and pairs well with darker benchtops, matt black cabinetry hardware or warm timber tones, which is part of why it has become a popular choice for kitchen tapware in contemporary renovations.
Why choose gunmetal for a kitchen tap
A gunmetal kitchen tap tends to stand out more than a standard chrome mixer without being as bold a statement as matt black, making it a middle ground for kitchens that want some visual interest at the sink without committing to the starkest finish available. Because the finish carries a slightly softer, less reflective look than polished chrome, it can also be more forgiving of water marks and fingerprints in daily use, which matters at a kitchen sink that gets constant use.
Choosing between Caroma and Dorf
This collection includes gunmetal kitchen taps from both Caroma and Dorf, two established tapware brands, so it is worth comparing mixer styles between the two rather than assuming they are interchangeable. Each brand brings its own range of spout shapes and handle styles to the gunmetal finish, so comparing options from both is the best way to find a mixer that suits your kitchen's layout and the rest of your fittings.
Mixer styles to consider
- Standard kitchen sink mixers with a fixed or swivel spout for everyday use
- Mixers with a pull out or pull down spout for added flexibility at the sink
- Different spout heights and reaches to suit various sink and benchtop configurations
- Single lever versus other handle styles, depending on the overall kitchen design
Matching gunmetal taps with the rest of the kitchen
Because gunmetal sits between lighter chrome finishes and darker matt black, it can be paired with a range of cabinetry and hardware tones. If other tapware or fittings are being installed in the same kitchen, such as a laundry tap or a matching bathroom mixer, it is worth checking whether a similar gunmetal finish is available in those ranges too, to keep the tone consistent through connected spaces.
Buying tips
With options from two brands and a large range of styles, start by deciding on the spout style, whether that is a fixed spout, swivel spout, or pull out design, and then compare the gunmetal options from Caroma and Dorf within that style. Check spout height and reach against your sink and benchtop dimensions before ordering, since these details affect everyday usability as much as the finish itself.