Kitchen mixer tap: how to choose the right one for your sink
There is no such thing as the best kitchen mixer tap in absolute terms: the right model depends on your sink and what surrounds it. Sink under a window, a fold-down tap; large bowl and bulky pots, a pull-out spray tap; worktop to keep clear, a wall-mounted tap; otherwise, a single-hole mixer with a swivel spout, the most common choice among our kitchen mixer taps.
Choosing a kitchen mixer tap is not a decision to take lightly. Beyond its looks, this tap plays a central role in your daily comfort: washing up, rinsing food, cleaning... everything goes through it. But with pull-out, fold-down, wall-mounted and thermostatic models, how do you find your way? Here is a complete guide to help you choose the mixer tap that suits your sink.
Which mixer tap for which kitchen: the table
| Your situation | Type of mixer tap | What it solves |
|---|---|---|
| Sink under a window or under a wall cupboard | Fold-down | it lies flat so the window can open |
| Large bowl, big pans, vegetables to rinse | Pull-out spray | the jet reaches the bottom of the bowl and the corners |
| Narrow worktop or a splashback that is easy to clean | Wall-mounted | nothing sits on the worktop |
| Temperature that changes when another tap is opened | Thermostatic | it holds the temperature you set |
| Standard sink, single or double bowl | Single-hole with swivel spout | the simplest replacement, using the existing hole |
Why choose a mixer tap rather than a traditional tap?
Unlike old-style separate taps, a kitchen mixer tap lets you control the flow and temperature of the water with a single lever. You adjust the water with one hand, often a wet one, without trying to balance two taps. It is both a stylish and a practical choice, suited to the modern kitchen.
The different types of kitchen mixer tap
1. The fixed or swivel spout mixer tap
This is the most common model. It suits a single or double bowl sink perfectly. The swivel spout gives you more freedom to handle pots and utensils; several of our models offer 360° rotation.
2. The mixer tap with pull-out spray
Very handy, it lets you rinse vegetables, fill a pan standing on the worktop or clean the corners of the sink. What matters is how much hose the spray can pull out. The widest choice is in our pull-out kitchen taps.
➜ Discover kitchen mixer taps with pull-out spray
3. The fold-down mixer tap
Ideal for kitchens where the sink is under a window. It folds down easily to free up the opening.
4. The wall-mounted mixer tap
Fixed to the wall, it frees up worktop space. It is especially recommended in industrial or retro-style kitchens. It needs water supplies coming out of the wall at the right height.
5. The thermostatic mixer tap
Rarer in kitchens, it holds the set temperature even when another tap is opened elsewhere in the house, which can be useful for specific uses or if children use the sink.
➜ Explore thermostatic kitchen mixer taps
What to consider to choose well
The type of sink
Single bowl, double bowl, inset or undermount? The type of sink determines the height, reach and movement you need from the tap. A high spout lets a standing pan pass underneath; a spout that is too long splashes in a small bowl.
To compare models for your sink, our kitchen sink taps range from fold-down spouts for small sinks to stainless steel pull-out sprays.
The position of the sink
If your sink is under a window, go for a fold-down model.
The hole and the connection
Count the holes in your sink or worktop: most of our kitchen mixer taps fit a single hole and list two connection hoses, hot and cold, on their product page, fixed with a threaded stem and nut. The connection is most often 1/2″, sometimes 3/8″: check it on the product page before ordering.
The style of your kitchen
Modern, industrial, retro design? The mixer tap becomes a decorative feature in its own right.
Water pressure
Some mixer taps, thermostatic ones in particular, need sufficient water pressure to work properly.
Everyday maintenance
Models in brushed stainless steel or with an anti-limescale treatment are easier to clean.
Extra features
Spray with adjustable jet, 360° swivel spout, eco aerator... all assets that make use more comfortable.
Materials and finishes: the right choice to last
Brass, stainless steel or ceramic?
Kitchen mixer taps can be made of chrome-plated brass, brushed stainless steel or even ceramic. Brass remains the benchmark for durability.
Ceramic cartridge
Some premium models include a ceramic cartridge, a guarantee of precision and longevity. A dripping mixer tap does not always need replacing, either: the leak often comes from the cartridge or a washer, as our article on changing the washer on a kitchen tap explains.
Installation: DIY or call a professional?
Standard installation
Installing a kitchen mixer tap is often within reach of a competent DIYer. You just need the right tools, to turn off the water supply and to follow the instructions closely. The steps are detailed in our guide to changing a kitchen tap or mixer tap.
Special cases
For a wall-mounted or thermostatic mixer tap, it is better to call a professional to avoid any connection or pressure problems.
The questions we are asked most often
Which kitchen tap should I choose?
Start with the sink: number of holes, space behind the bowl, window or cupboard above. Only then come the finish and the options. The table at the top of this guide gives the type that suits each situation.
Should I choose a kitchen mixer tap with or without a pull-out spray?
With, if you often rinse large utensils or a big bowl; without, if the sink is small and you prefer a simple spout, fewer parts and one less hose under the sink.
What are the drawbacks of a mixer tap with a pull-out spray?
One more hose to keep an eye on under the sink, and a counterweight that has to slide freely to bring the spray back into place. The spray head scales up like an aerator: a pass with white vinegar clears it.
Our favourite picks at Robineto
Pull-out spray mixer tap: Ideal for busy kitchens
Fold-down mixer tap: Perfect for low windows
Designer wall-mounted model: For an industrial, modern look
Browse our full range of kitchen mixer taps for every style and every use.
