Choosing the Right Mixer Tap for Your Home

Selecting the perfect mixer tap for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry goes beyond choosing a functional item; it’s an investment in style, convenience, and water efficiency. The right tap enhances the overall look of your space, making it feel more cohesive and sophisticated while providing practical benefits.

Australia offers a wide array of mixer tap designs and features. Understanding each option can make all the difference, ensuring that your selected tap not only fits perfectly into your space but also meets your practical needs.

Mixer taps have moved beyond mere function; they’re about making a style statement, enhancing efficiency, and bringing a hint of luxury to daily tasks. Let’s explore the best sink mixer tap options together!

What Is a Mixer Tap?

A mixer tap combines both hot and cold water into a single spout, allowing users to control the water temperature and flow with one handle or two. This is especially convenient in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where adjusting the temperature is essential. Mixer taps have gained popularity in Australia for their sleek designs and versatility.

When you’re filling pots or washing dishes, a mixer tap provides convenience by giving you precise control over water flow and temperature, making your kitchen setup more efficient.

Why the Right Mixer Tap Matters

The right mixer tap does more than complete the look of your space. It plays a significant role in water efficiency, helping reduce water wastage. Beyond that, a mixer tap can greatly impact the ease of use, allowing for smoother control over water temperature and flow, essential for daily tasks like washing dishes or filling large pots.

A well-chosen kitchen tap, for example, ensures both style and practical benefits, making it a focal point in modern kitchens.

Types of Mixer Taps Available in Australia

Single-Lever Mixer Taps:

Single-lever taps are controlled with a single handle, making them simple to use and ideal for minimalistic spaces. These taps are often used in kitchens where easy control over hot and cold water is needed, perfect for tasks like rinsing dishes or cleaning larger items.

Dual-Handle Mixer Taps:

These taps have separate handles for hot and cold water. They offer greater control over water temperature and can add a classic touch to the space.

Dual-handle taps are perfect when you need precise control over water temperature, like when filling a kitchen sink or adjusting for low pressure situations.

Wall-Mounted Mixer Taps:

Popular in bathrooms, wall-mounted taps save counter space and provide a clean, modern look. These are ideal for kitchens with limited bench space, where keeping the area clutter-free is important.

Pull-Out and Pull-Down Mixer Taps:

Often found in kitchens, pull-out taps have flexible spouts, perfect for tasks like washing larger dishes and rinsing produce. They are versatile and offer ease when cleaning deep pots and pans or filling items that don’t fit easily in the sink. Pull-down taps with a gooseneck mixer style add both functionality and a sleek, visually appealing element to the kitchen.

Materials and Finishes for Mixer Taps

Mixer taps come in various materials, each with unique benefits:

• Stainless Steel: Durable and resistant to rust, suitable for high-use areas. This material is often used for kitchen sink taps due to its resilience and ability to withstand direct water contact during daily routines.
• Brass: Known for longevity and a high-quality feel, often seen in luxury fixtures. Brushed brass is on trend, giving kitchens and bathrooms a warm, sophisticated look while remaining practical.
• Chrome and Matte Finishes: Chrome provides a shiny look, while matte finishes add a modern touch and help hide fingerprints and water spots. Matte black is especially popular in modern kitchens and bathrooms, offering a sleek, contemporary style that complements angular tapware.

Features to Consider in a Mixer Tap

• Water Efficiency and WELS Rating: Look for taps with a high WELS rating to ensure efficient water use. Many mixer taps with good ratings help maintain water pressure while reducing wastage.
• Ease of Use and Ergonomics: The tap should be easy to manoeuvre, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that are used frequently. Pull-out mixer taps with flexible hoses are excellent for kitchens where versatility is key.
• Anti-Splash Design: Some taps come with an aerator, which helps reduce splashing and makes them more practical for everyday use, particularly in busy family kitchens.

Understanding WELS Ratings and Water Efficiency

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme rates fixtures for their water efficiency in Australia. A higher WELS rating often means lower water usage, which is good for the environment and saves on water bills.

Choosing a high-rated tap ensures you’re investing in sustainable water use, an important factor in the Australian climate. Mixer taps with adjustable water flow help in managing consumption effectively.

Choosing the Right Size and Style for Your Space

When choosing a mixer tap, consider how its size complements your sink and surrounding area. A large tap might overshadow a small sink, while a smaller one could seem out of place in a larger setting. Gooseneck mixers, with their high curves, work well with deep kitchen sinks, especially when you’re frequently filling large pots.

Consider the existing decor style as well; a minimalist tap might clash with a traditional bathroom setup, while a vintage-style tap may feel out of place in a sleek, modern kitchen.

Mixer Taps for Different Areas of the Home

• Kitchen Mixer Taps: Opt for features like pull-out spouts and ergonomic handles that make daily tasks easier. Kitchen mixer taps are among a home’s most often-used fixtures, making functionality and style essential considerations.
• Bathroom Mixer Taps: Look for sleek, stylish designs that enhance the room’s aesthetics while being functional. A matte black or brushed gold finish can add a luxurious touch to modern bathrooms.
• Laundry Mixer Taps: Durability is key here, as laundry taps must withstand heavy use and be practical for cleaning purposes, such as washing pots and pans or filling large buckets.

Installation Options For Your New Mixer Tap

Some mixer taps can be installed DIY-style, though hiring a plumber is often best, especially for wall-mounted models. Installation height and positioning are crucial to ensure the tap fits well with the sink or basin.

Ensuring proper water pressure for hot and cold water lines is essential, particularly for taps requiring balanced flow to function efficiently.

Tips for Maintaining Your Mixer Tap

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the tap regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent to prevent build-up and maintain the finish. Using abrasive cleaners can damage the surface, especially on brushed brass or matte finishes.
• Preventing Lime Scale Buildup: Use a descaling agent occasionally to remove the limescale, especially in areas with hard water. Regular maintenance helps keep the water flow steady and prevents blockages in the spout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Mixer Tap

Choosing a mixer tap based solely on style or price without considering practicality can lead to buyer’s remorse. Ignoring the tap’s WELS rating can also result in higher water bills and environmental impact over time.

Additionally, selecting a tap that doesn’t match your kitchen sink’s size or failing to ensure it has the right features for your needs—such as a high enough spout for filling pots—can limit its usability.

Match Your Kitchen & Style With A New Mixer Tap

Finding the right mixer tap requires consideration of both aesthetics and functionality. The ideal tap enhances the room’s appearance while meeting your daily needs. With various options on the market, selecting a durable, water-efficient tap with the right features will ensure you get a fixture that will serve your home well for years to come. Whether you need a mixer for your kitchen sink, a sleek addition to your bathroom, or a sturdy tap for the laundry, understanding the different features and styles will help you make the perfect choice.

If you need help choosing the perfect mixer tap in Melbourne, speak to our team at WP Plumbing!

FAQs

1. How does a mixer tap save water?

Mixer taps with a high WELS rating are crafted to cut down water flow, reduce waste, and ultimately help lower your water bills.

2. Can I install a mixer tap myself?

Yes, but hiring a professional plumber is often recommended, especially for wall-mounted or complex models.

3. What is the best material for a mixer tap?

Stainless steel and brass are highly durable materials, with chrome finishes offering aesthetic appeal. Brushed brass and matte black are also popular for a more modern touch.

4. Why is WELS rating important for a mixer tap?

A high WELS rating indicates better water efficiency, which is essential in Australia’s drought-prone climate.

5. Are pull-out mixer taps only for kitchens?

No, while popular in kitchens, a pull-out tap is also used in laundry areas for its flexibility and ease of use. They are especially handy for filling large buckets or cleaning bigger items.