Basin Mixers

Choosing the right height

The most important choice is height, and it depends on your basin.

• Standard basin mixers sit on the benchtop beside an inset, undermount or semi-recessed basin. Examples include the Caroma Urbane II, Liano II, Contura II and Riviere basin mixers, the Meir Round and Piccola basin mixers and the ADP Eternal basin mixer.
• Mid tower mixers add height for shallow above-counter basins. Caroma offers them in Urbane II, Liano II and Riviere.
• Tower and tall mixers reach over the rim of deeper above-counter and vessel basins. Look at the Caroma Urbane II, Liano II, Contura II and Riviere towers, the Meir Round tall mixers and the Piccola tall mixer with a 130 mm spout.
• Gooseneck mixers have a high, arched spout that clears the bowl and leaves room to wash your hands. Try the ADP Eternal gooseneck or the Caroma Riviere gooseneck.

Check the spout reach as well as the height. The water should land near the middle of the bowl, not on the rim or the back edge.

Handles and styles

Meir's Round range includes curved, pinless and paddle versions, and Meir Harrington comes in short and tall versions. ADP's Soul Groove mixers come in a standard and an extended height. Pick a lever you can use easily with wet or soapy hands.

Finishes

Most mixers come in several finishes. Nickel, chrome and gold cover almost the whole range, with plenty in black, bronze and gunmetal. A few ADP mixers come in brushed copper. Match your basin mixer to the shower and accessories so the room reads as one.

Basin mixer or wall mixer?

A basin mixer is the simplest to install and easiest to replace later. If you want a clear benchtop, consider a wall mixer with a separate spout instead. Wall set-ups need plumbing inside the wall before tiling.

Choosing everything together? See basins and vanities, or browse by brand in Caroma and Meir.