The Ultimate Basin Mixer Buying Guide
Choosing the right basin mixer is a critical step in designing a bathroom that perfectly blends style and function. Our basin mixer buying guide offers practical advice and expert insights to help you navigate through the many options available.
This guide highlights essential factors to consider, such as materials, finishes, and features like water temperature control and spray functionality. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek matte black finish, the warmth of brushed brass, or classic chrome, we’ll help you find a mixer that complements your space. We also touch on installation tips, durability, and trending styles to ensure you select a basin mixer that suits your design preferences and daily needs.
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to make a confident and informed decision, transforming your bathroom into a stylish and practical space.
Types of basin mixers
Like most tapware, basin mixers come in various types. There are compact basin mixers, tall basin mixers and wall-mounted basin mixers. And they’re not all suitable for all plumbing configurations.
It’s important to consider where you plan on installing the basin mixer—not just where plumbing enters your bathroom—as this will influence which styles of basin mixer are most suitable for the job.
Only when you understand the types of basin mixers available can you choose the type best suited for your bathroom.
Let’s look at your options in a little more detail:
Compact basin mixers
Compact basin mixers are a popular choice for any bathroom with plumbing through the vanity. They are suitable to be mounted into the top of the vanity unit or basins with an allowance for a tap hole.
They’re short in stature (hence their namesake), highly functional, and come in a range of styles and finishes.
There are a variety of compact basin mixers available from Ross’s Discount Home Centre, including the ones shown below.
Tall basin mixers
Tall basin mixers are another popular choice. They are much like compact basins, in the sense that they are suitable for mounting on vanity tops or basins with a taphole. However, what sets them apart from compact basins is their taller height and longer spout.
The unique design feature of tall basins offers great convenience, allowing more room between the spout and basin for washing. Like compact basin mixers, tall basin mixers come in a range of styles and finishes.
Tall basin mixers are available at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, including the ones shown below.
Wall-mounted basin mixers
Wall-mounted basin mixers are the final type of basin mixer and are distinctively different from both compact and tall mixers. They are only suitable for plumbing that comes through the wall, as they are wall-mounted. Therefore, they are not suitable for basins with a tap hole or for vanity-top mounting.
Wall-mounted basin mixers have grown substantially in popularity over the past couple of years due to the current contemporary designs.
If you want a more contemporary feel for your new basin, choosing a wall-mounted tap like those below would be ideal. Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a wide range of wall-mounted basin mixers to choose from, including those featured below.
Buying Considerations for Basin Mixers
Knowing what type of basin mixer you need, it’s now time to think about other important factors. Often overlooked, factors like how water-efficient a mixer is, its finish, how easy it is to use, and the length of its warranty are crucial in the decision-making process.
Water Efficiency
As water is precious in our beautiful state, basin mixers should be as water-efficient as possible. However, not all basin mixers are equal in this aspect; some basin mixers use much more water per minute than others, which is identified in their WELS rating. Taps that use less water per minute have a higher WELS rating. For example, a tap that uses 5 litres per minute is considered highly waste-efficient and is therefore awarded a 5-star WELS rating.
So, before buying a basin mixer, it’s important to look at its datasheet and see how much water per minute it uses. Some basin mixes even feature innovative technologies that conserve water without sacrificing performance. For example, many mixers in Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s range feature a NEOPERL aerator. An aerator aerates the stream of water to create a misty or bubbly spray for an enjoyable showering experience but uses less water than standard basin mixers.
Finish and Style
A basin mixer’s finish is also integral to the decision-making process, as it will largely determine how well a basin mixer coordinates with your bathroom fixtures and fittings.
For example, polished chrome basin mixers look fantastic with white bathroom basins and bathroom cabinets, while black basin mixers can complement dark basins and vanities better.
Whichever basin mixer you choose, make sure to consider the finish and style of your basin and vanity unit. More importantly, make sure it matches the finish of the other bathroom tapware. This will ensure that your basin tap goes well with your bathroom’s overall look and feel.
Ease of Use
With such a variety of basin taps available today, it’s important to choose basin mixers that are ergonomically designed for ease of use. Many basin mixes feature ergonomic, easy-grip lever handles that allow you to control the flow rate and temperature in one motion.
Warranty
Basin mixers come with different warranty periods—anywhere between 12 months and 5 years. This largely depends on the quality of basin mixers, so it’s important to be aware of this when buying basin mixers.
Basin mixers from reputable manufacturers will always have longer warranty durations than less well-known brands. So if you want peace of mind in knowing your basin mixer is covered for possible faults or defects, choose your basin mixer carefully.
And don’t forget about ordering basin tap accessories like basin pop-up waste and basin plugs at a discounted price from Ross’s Discount Home Centre online!
Installation Tips for Basin Mixers
Installing a basin mixer is a straightforward task when you have the right tools and a clear plan. Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or upgrading your tapware, following these steps will ensure a hassle-free installation.
- Prepare Your Tools: Gather all necessary tools, including an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and a bucket to catch any residual water. Ensure you have your basin mixer and any included fittings or instructions handy.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Shut off the water supply to avoid leaks during installation. Use the bucket to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
- Attach the Mixer: Position the basin mixer into the tap hole. Secure it using the fittings provided, typically a mounting nut and washer. Ensure the mixer is firmly attached but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the fittings.
- Connect the Water Lines: Attach the hot and cold water hoses to their respective pipes. Use plumber’s tape on the threads to create a watertight seal. Check that the hoses are properly secured.
- Test the Mixer: Turn the water supply back on and test the mixer for leaks or improper water flow. Adjust connections if needed to ensure optimal performance.
If you’re unsure or prefer professional assistance, consult a licenced plumber to guarantee a perfect installation. For a detailed guide, visit our page on how to install a basin mixer.
Conclusion
Basin mixers are the perfect way to make your bathroom or vanity more modern without breaking the bank.
When choosing basin mixers in Perth, be sure to choose the right basin mixer type (wall-mounted or traditional vanity-mounted) to suit your plumbing configuration first. You should then consider water efficiency, ease of use, finish and style, and warranty. And don’t forget to also purchase a matching pop-up waste for your basin.
Ross’s Discount Home Centre has an extensive range of stunning basin mixers at reasonable prices with $50 delivery across Perth Metro! View our full range of basin mixers.
We hope this guide is useful in helping you choose some new basin taps for your next bathroom renovation!
Undecided if a basin mixer is right for your vanity? Read our basin tapware comparison, where we put Basin Mixers and 3-Piece Basin Tap Sets head to head.