The Ultimate Basin Mixer Buying Guide

If you’re renovating a bathroom in Perth this year, no matter how minor or extensive the renovations are, one item you’re going to need is a new basin mixer.

Basin mixers are by far the most popular bathroom tap choice with Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s Perth customers. They’re stylish, affordable, and easy to upgrade. However, basin mixers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. Therefore, it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of basin mixers available in Perth and the factors you should consider when buying one. After reading this article, you should have no trouble buying a new basin mixer for your Perth bathroom renovation.

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 it 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 take a 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 a 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 lower 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 basin and vanity units, while black basin mixers can fit in better with dark basins and vanities.

Whichever basin mixer you choose, make sure to take into consideration 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 to 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!

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 or deck 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 basin mixers at reasonable prices with free delivery across Perth Metro! To view our full range of products, click here.

We hope this guide is useful in helping you choose some new basin taps for your next bathroom renovation!