Choosing the right kitchen, bathroom, or laundry accessory can be a challenging task. In 2025, the market is flooded with options; some good, some great, and some absolute shockers. Knowing the difference between them is essential for making the right choice.
A mixer tap is one of the most sought-after kitchen, bathroom, and laundry accessories. The sheer convenience it offers is unmatched. You can easily control the water temperature, which is a significant bonus. With a mixer tap, you don’t have to tolerate extreme or inconsistent temperatures. It makes showering, doing the dishes, and laundry relatively easy.
In this blog, we discuss how to choose a mixer tap for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. First, let’s briefly look at what a mixer tap is.
What Is A Mixer Tap?
A mixer tap, as the name suggests, mixes hot and cold water before it comes out of a single spout. All mixer taps have only one spout. While most mixer taps have separate controls for hot and cold water, single-control mixer taps also exist.
How Does A Mixer Tap Function?
The most important component of a mixer tap is the cartridge situated within. This cartridge has three chambers:
- Hot in
- Cold in
- Mix outlet
With lateral movement of the tap, you can control hot or cold water coming out of the spout. This makes it easy to adjust the water temperature in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
Here are some features that make mixer taps popular among Australian households.
- Improved temperature control: Easy blending of hot and cold water
- Easier to fill sinks: Most mixer taps have a higher spout, making it easier to fill sinks.
- Enhances visual appeal: Sleek, stylish mixer taps are designed to enhance the visual appeal of kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
- Convenient and time-saving: Single-lever operations make operating mixer taps very easy
Space saving: Thanks to the single-spout design, mixer taps occupy less space in wet areas of your home.
Factors To Consider When Sourcing A Mixer Tap
Wondering how to choose a mixer tap? Consider these factors to make the right decision.
Water Efficiency (WELS)
The WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating is one of the most important factors to consider when sourcing a mixer tap, or any plumbing fixture. The higher the WELS rating, the better.
An average mixer tap lasts anywhere between ten to twelve years. This makes it all the more important to consider the WELS rating at the time of purchase. The right decision can save costs in the long run on heating and water bills. A 4-star or 5-star WELS rating is considered efficient.
Work with your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry renovator to choose a tap that blends functionality, visual appeal, and saves water.
Material And Build Quality
A mixer tap is only as good as its material and build quality. Imagine a well-designed kitchen, bathroom, or laundry being marred by a mixer tap with poor build quality. One that is leaky and evidently made of cheap material. A big no! Your home deserves only the best! Here are some premium materials and finishes that are popular among Australian homeowners.
- Solid Brass
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome Finish
- Matte Black
- Brushed Nickel
- Gunmetal / Brushed Gunmetal
- Brushed Gold / Champagne
Work with a designer or bathroom renovation specialist to source a mixer tap that blends well with your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry setting.
Brand Reputation And Warranty
As we said before, your home deserves the best. After a lengthy process of research and visiting showrooms, you don’t want to end up choosing a mixer tap from a brand you’ve never heard of.
There’s a reason branded products fare better than their ‘unpopular’ counterparts. Ask for warranty details and select one that offers maximum value. At All Bathroom Gear, we offer a wide range of European and Australian bathroom products in Brisbane at competitive rates.Â
Our salespeople will inform you about all the warranty details so you can pick one that works for you.
Mixer Tap Styles by Installation
Choosing the right mixer tap style is an important element of how to choose a mixer tap. Below, we list the most popular mixer tap styles by installation.
Countertop-Mounted Taps
Perfect for vessel basins, countertop-mounted taps are sleek and stylish. They are installed on the countertop or vanity, as opposed to the basin itself, making them more accessible for installation and maintenance. They are usually taller to clear the basin rim and avoid spillage.
Wall-Mounted Taps
While wall-mounted taps are more complex to install, they save counter space and offer a clean and cohesive look. When it comes to cleaning up, wall-mounted taps offer the most convenience. Repairs can be tricky, making it crucial to source a good-quality mixer tap that stays intact for many years.
Sink-Mounted Taps
Perfect for bathrooms and laundries, sink-mounted taps are easy to install, repair, and replace. If you are looking for a mixer tap for tight spaces, sink-mounted taps are the right choice for you. Since it is installed on the edge of the sink, grime buildup is common and must be cleaned to ensure longevity and visual appeal.
Concealed Taps
As the name suggests, the plumbing and fittings of concealed taps are hidden within the wall. The spouts and handles are visible, blending functionality with aesthetics and convenience. Concealed taps are perfect for minimalist bathrooms with clean lines and a clutter-free look.
Bath-Mounted Taps
Perfect for luxurious, modern, spa-like bathrooms. With bath-mounted taps, you can easily control temperature and flow. It is all you need for a long, relaxing, and rejuvenating bath. An elegant bath-mounted tap enhances visual appeal along with providing comfort and convenience. Due to their nature, bath-mounted taps are not ideal for freestanding tubs.
All Bathroom Gear For The Best Bathroom Products
All Bathroom Gear, situated on 46 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia, is a one-stop destination for European and Australian bathroom products. We are fully licensed builders with a 200 square meter showroom and a 20-year Master Builders membership. Moreover, we work with over 60 suppliers and have a team of 30 tradespeople who have been with us for 20 years.
If you are wondering how to choose a mixer tap, we can help you with it. Whether you need high-end mixed tapware, showerheads, basins, or baths, we’ve got it all. All Bathroom Gear is also a multi-award-winning luxury renovation specialist. You can count on us for bathroom, laundry, wardrobe, or kitchen renovations in Brisbane.
Call 07 3391 8628 to get a free quote today! Click here to fill out the form and book a free consultation call.
