A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Mixer Taps for Your Home

Supplying the whole house with taps after a renovation can seem a daunting task. You might consider buying a different type of tap for each space that needs it, but that doesn't have to be the case. There will be a sense of unity if the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room have the same types of taps, for example, a basin mixer tap. They can enhance the style and functionality of the room and make a statement.

Types of Mixer Taps

Pull Out/Pull Down

close up of a kitchen pull out/pull down basin mixer that is used to rinse carrots

This type of mixer is the perfect addition to any kitchen. It's bringing convenience and functionality closer to you by making kitchen tasks simpler and easier. Having it will make you more efficient in your daily kitchen routines. One thing that makes it great is the one-handed water flow control. You can use one hand to scrub the dish and the other to control the water which can be a big time-saver in some situations.


With the wide spray dispenser that comes with the pull-out tap, washing your fruits and veggies is a breeze. You can easily clean your greens by pulling out the spray head, and directing the water just where you need it. This eliminates the awkwardness of attempting to fit them under a fixed tap.


Washing big pots and pans can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn stains and grease. These practical and highly-functional basin mixers will make things easier. They will act as a shower inside the basin and you can target the water where you need it. This will save you some time and effort.

Gooseneck

The gooseneck mixer's high, arching shape makes it unique and easily noticeable. It gives any kitchen layout a sophisticated, timeless vibe. Because of the elevated spout filling and cleaning large pots and pans will be a piece of cake. The extra reach and height you get with this tap will make your kitchen tasks much simpler and smoother.

Square Spout Mixers

kitchen square basin mixer

Square mixers' angular shape and sharp lines give them a contemporary look. Their simple design enhances the overall aesthetic and fits in well with modern kitchens. But they’re not just good-looking. They're also easy to use, clean and maintain. If you’re looking for a modern upgrade, square mixers are the way to go.

Swivel

The swivel spout releases water and moves left and right. This is an excellent feature because it makes cleaning around the sink much easier. Moving the waterflow will give you more space to clean the dishes, especially larger ones. Swivel taps are great for any room where you need water such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

What to Consider when Buying

Room Design & Functionality

No matter what room you’re buying the mixer for, you should always consider its aesthetics and layout. Depending on the interior design, your tap can be minimalist, modern, rustic, traditional etc. If you have a modern or contemporary interior go for clean lines and neutral colours. If it’s more traditional, smoother shapes will look better.


Also, think about the features you need in a tap and consider your needs as well. What are your kitchen and bathroom habits, how are you cleaning, how are you washing your face and your clothes? Do you need more flexibility or more waterflow control? Answering these questions will make your choice much easier.

Material & Mounting Style

There are plenty of choices when it comes to materials. These basin mixers can be made of chrome, stainless steel, brass and more. They all have their pros and cons. Some are more durable than others, some have more rust resistance, some have better aesthetics etc. The mounting style can also make a difference. They can be wall, deck or sink-mounted. This mainly depends on your basin and countertop.

Extra Features & Brands

If you have a need for some extra features, tell the seller. They can help you find the most suitable tap. Choose a reliable supplier. Someone who has a lot of experience with mixers and has a lot of satisfied customers. Some brands offer longer warranties than others so take that into consideration as well.

Single vs Double Lever

With single lever taps, a single handle carries both the hot and cold water. This is a design that makes the water temperature control and flow much simpler and easier. They're a very popular choice for any room, especially bathrooms. This type of tap is convenient for smaller bathrooms and kitchens because it saves you some space. Plus, they’re easier and quicker to install.


Double lever taps have 2 handles. One is for hot and the other for cold water. This type of setup gives you the chance to control each handle separately. They were very popular in the past and are now making a big comeback with the new and sleek designs. Even though they take up more space and require two hands to handle them, they’re still a favourite because of their classic and timeless look.

Benefits of Using Mixer Taps

close up of basin mixer tap used to fill a glass with water

Ergonomic design – will allow you to easily control the water and temperature without straining your muscles and wrists;

Water conservation – very efficient with water control, won’t let water go to waste;

Temperature precision – good control over the water temperature. You can adjust it with precision without burning yourself or pouring cold water on things that you shouldn’t;

Good aesthetics – very stylish choices that can fit into every interior setting, modern, contemporary, traditional, classic, vintage, rustic and many more.

Easy maintenance – they're easy to clean and maintain because of their simple design. There aren’t a lot of crevices where dirt and grime can form mould and mildew;

Durability – mixer taps are made of durable materials such as stainless steel, chrome or brass. They're a long-term investment worth every cent you pay;

Versatility – these taps can work equally in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

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