How to Choose a Mixer Tap for Your Kitchen, Bathroom or Laundry
From pull-out mixers to gooseneck taps, this guide breaks down the styles, finishes, and features that matter most when choosing a mixer tap for your home.
Choosing a mixer tap sounds simple, but once you start looking, the options can feel endless. Different shapes, finishes, and functions all affect how your sink works and how your space feels. The right tap doesn’t just look good, it saves water, helps with cleaning, and makes daily tasks easier.
Whether you’re updating your bathroom or picking a new tap for your kitchen sink, this guide covers everything you need to know, from how mixer taps work to what styles and finishes suit your setup best.
What is a Mixer Tap and How Does it Work?
A mixer tap combines hot and cold water through one spout, giving you complete control over temperature and flow with a single motion. Instead of two separate taps for hot and cold, one handle adjusts both.
You’ll find mixer taps everywhere in Australian homes because they’re space-saving, easy to use, and efficient. Inside, a small cartridge blends the hot and cold water before it flows out, helping you find the perfect temperature faster and with less waste.
This single level mixer tap from Phoenix combines elegance and functionality
Single vs Double Lever Mixer Taps
There are two main types: single lever mixer taps and double lever mixer taps. If you’re after something simple that suits most kitchen sinks or bathroom basins, a single lever mixer is the easiest to install and use.
Single Lever
A single lever mixer gives you smooth, one-handed control. It’s compact, easy to clean, and ideal for modern kitchen sinks or bathrooms where space is tight.
Double Lever
Double lever mixers give you separate handles for hot and cold water, offering more precise temperature control. They’re often chosen for traditional tapware styles or bathrooms where symmetry is part of the design.
Both types perform well; it just depends on your layout and personal preference.
The Different Types of Mixer Taps
Mixer taps come in a range of designs to fit different spaces, tasks, and layouts. Here are the main styles to look for.
Pull-Out and Pull-Down Mixer Taps
A pull-out kitchen mixer (sometimes called pull-down mixer) is one of the most practical kitchen upgrades you can make. The extendable spray hose gives you flexibility to rinse dishes, wash vegetables, or clean the sink corners that a fixed tap can’t reach.
If you cook often or have a double bowl sink, a pull-out kitchen mixer tap will make your daily clean-up faster. Many come with dual spray settings so you can switch from a steady stream to a wider spray with a simple button press.
Gooseneck Mixers
Gooseneck mixers are instantly recognisable for their tall, curved shape. The extra height makes it easy to fill large pots or rinse trays without splashing. They suit deeper stainless steel sinks where clearance is important.
You’ll find gooseneck mixers in everything from family kitchens to sleek modern bathrooms, often paired with brushed finishes for a softer look.
Wall-Mounted Mixer Taps
Wall-mounted taps are typically found in the bathroom or laundry and are ideal forwhen you want clean benchtops and minimal clutter. They’re often used above above-counter basins or bathtubs, creating a modern, floating effect.
Just keep in mind that wall-mounted mixers need extra planning during renovations, as the plumbing runs through the wall. If you’re designing a new bathroom or kitchen from scratch, they’re worth the effort for the seamless finish.
Square Spout Mixers
If your space leans modern, a square spout mixer adds structure and balance. The right-angle design pairs well with wall-hung vanities in the bathroom, or kitchens and laundries with clean lines and geometric tiles.
Square mixers often use a single lever and simple swivel function, keeping everything easy to control while adding a bit of edge to your design.
Understanding Mixer Tap Functionality
The best mixer taps don’t just look good; they perform well every day. Here’s what to check before you buy.
Water Pressure and Flow Rate
Your home’s water pressure affects how any tap performs. If the pressure is too low, even a high-quality tap won’t deliver the flow you expect. It’s worth checking your pressure before installation, especially if you have an older hot water system.
Every tap sold in Australia carries a WELS rating (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards). A 4-star tap usually uses around 7.5 litres per minute, striking the right balance between good pressure and water efficiency.
Temperature Control
Most mixer taps have ceramic disc cartridges that give smooth movement and precise temperature control. For bathrooms, thermostatic mixers are worth considering — they maintain a steady temperature even if someone runs another tap or shower elsewhere in the house.
Swivel Spouts and Flexible Hoses
If you often use large pots or double sinks, look for a swivel spout that rotates side to side. Some models include a flexible hose or pull-out spray for extra reach. Both features help with everyday functionality without changing how your sink looks.
Mixer Tap Styles and Finishes
A mixer tap can change the tone of a whole room. The finish you choose impacts both the look and the lifespan of your tapware.
Stainless Steel Mixer Taps
A classic choice for kitchens, stainless steel suits nearly every design. It’s resistant to corrosion and fits well with all kitchen sinks and kitchen accessories, like drainboards and chopping boards.
Brushed Nickel Mixer Taps
Brushed nickel is subtle and versatile. It hides fingerprints, which makes it great for high-use areas. You’ll find plenty of options in Buildmat’s brushed nickel tapware collection for both bathrooms and kitchens.
Brushed Brass Mixer Taps
Brushed brass taps add warmth without overpowering your space. It pairs beautifully with timber cabinetry and stone benchtops. Advances in PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating mean these finishes are now more scratch-resistant than ever.
Shop Alma's brushed brass mixer tap with a water filter – perfect for modern kitchens
Matte Black Mixer Taps
Matte black taps remain a popular choice for modern bathrooms because it creates contrast and complements white basins or neutral basins. If you’re renovating, matching your tapware with black accessories to tie everything together.
Gunmetal Mixer Taps
Gunmetal tapware sits between black and silver, giving a softer, industrial tone. It’s a good option if you want something modern but less bold than matte black. Gunmetal also pairs well with stainless steel sinks for a cohesive look.
Mixer Tap Installation and Compatibility
Before choosing a mixer tap, check your sink’s tap holes. Most mixers need a single hole, while traditional taps use two or three. The hole size and placement affect which mixer will fit correctly.
In bathrooms, tall basin mixers suit above-counter basins, while compact models work better for smaller vanities. For kitchens, make sure there’s enough clearance behind the handle for full movement.
If you’re replacing an old tap, it’s worth having a plumber confirm the water supply setup before you buy.
Discover Buildmat's Premium Mixer Tap Range
Ready to elevate your kitchen, laundry or bathroom with a stylish and durable mixer tap? Shop Buildmat's extensive range of kitchen mixer taps, bathroom mixers and laundry mixer taps today and find the perfect match for your home.
Read More
- How to Choose the Right Tap for Your Kitchen
- Benefits Of Pull Out Mixer Taps For The Kitchen
- What Is a Flick Mixer Tap?
Mixer Taps FAQs
What are the best mixer taps for modern homes?
If you like a clean, uncluttered look, single spout mixer taps are hard to beat. They combine hot and cold taps into one smooth control, giving you easy adjustment of water temperature and water flow with just one hand.
Most modern homes also lean towards pull-out spouts because they’re practical and look streamlined. In the kitchen, a pull-out mixer gives you extra reach for rinsing and cleaning. In the bathroom, a simple single tap setup keeps things tidy and easy to maintain.
If your style leans minimalist, wall-mounted mixers work beautifully, freeing up bench space and keeping surfaces clear. Traditional pillar taps still suit heritage or retro homes, but for everyday living, mixers win on ease of use and versatility.
Do all mixer taps fit all sinks?
Not all mixer taps fit all sinks. The compatibility depends on the number of holes in your sink and the size specifications of the mixer tap. Most sinks come with pre-drilled holes, so you'll need to choose a tap that matches these dimensions. It's important to measure the size and distance between the holes before purchasing a mixer tap to ensure a proper fit.
Do you need a plumber to install a mixer tap?
While some people might feel comfortable installing a mixer tap themselves, hiring a plumber is generally recommended, especially if you're not familiar with plumbing tasks. A plumber can ensure that the tap is fitted correctly, preventing leaks and other issues. Plus, they can handle any unexpected problems that might arise during installation.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive taps?
The main differences between cheap and expensive taps often lie in the materials, design, functionality, and durability. Expensive taps are usually made from higher quality materials, offer better water efficiency, and come with longer warranties. They may also feature more sophisticated designs and finishes. Cheap taps, on the other hand, might not last as long and could require more frequent replacements or repairs. When choosing between taps, consider how often you'll use them and whether investing in a more expensive option might save money and hassle in the long run.
