Often preferred over the traditional three-piece tap, basin mixers are becoming the gold standard for modern bathrooms. Stylish and functional, these taps sit above your vanity basin and combine hot and cold-water feeds to flow through a single spout. The water can be controlled by a single lever or twin handles to achieve the desired flow at a particular temperature.
Basin mixers come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, so it's critical to conduct your homework before getting one. Whether renovating your bathroom or redesigning your kitchen sink, take the following considerations into account.
Finishes
When weighing different finish options that will complement your bathroom décor, you will see that one of the most popular options so far is the brushed brass. Therefore, make your bathroom ultra-modern and functional with a premium brushed brass basin mixer tap. Brushed brass is the type of finish that has been treated to have a duller, matt appearance when contrasted to standard polished brass finishes. Brushed brass is long-lasting and attracts far fewer fingerprints than other finishes, making the sleek, elegant look easy to maintain.
However, even within the brushed brass tapware selection, there is a slight difference due to the various coating types. Electroplating is the technique of coating a metallic or non-metallic product with a very thin layer of chromium or a coloured equivalent by electrolysis. This improves the product's overall durability, including resistance to corrosion and normal wear and tear, in addition to its aesthetic characteristics.
Immersion plating is similar to electroplating, except instead of using external electrical power, it employs many simultaneous reactions in an aqueous medium. Immersion plating also provides a high-quality and long-lasting finish.
The powder coating is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder that does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler elements together. It is then cured under heat to form a durable, high-quality skin covering.
Regardless of the coating, having a brushed brass mixer in the bathroom means having enhanced versatility. It can perfectly complete your minimal design approach in the kitchen or bathroom or any space that requires a good and functional basin. Additionally, a brushed brass basin mixer tap is both eco-friendly and appealing, and it will complement any bath style, from modern to traditional.
Types
Compact basin mixers are a common option for bathrooms with vanity plumbing. They are supposed to be fitted on the top of a vanity unit or basin that has a tap hole. They're small in stature, extremely functional, and come in several styles.
Tall mixers are another common option. They are similar to compact basins in that they can be installed on vanity tops or basins with tap holes. The increased height and longer spout set them apart from compact variants. The unique design element of tall basins makes cleaning easier by providing extra space between the spout and the basin. Tall mixers, like compact ones, also come in a variety of styles.
Last but not least, wall-mounted mixers differ from tall and compact ones as they are only suitable for plumbing that runs through the wall; they are incompatible with tap-hole basins or vanity-top mounting. These have grown in popularity in recent years because of their contemporary style.
Additional Factors
Besides the type and finish, there are some additional factors to keep in mind when picking the right basin mixer for your needs.
Water Efficiency
Because water is scarce, basin mixers should be as efficient as possible. However, not all basin mixers are the same in this aspect; some consume substantially more water per minute than others, as indicated by their WELS rating. WELS scores are higher for taps that use less water per minute. A tap that uses 5 litres per minute, for example, is considered extremely waste-efficient and thus obtains a 5-star WELS rating.
Before purchasing, consult the datasheet to determine how much water it consumes per minute. Some varieties even use cutting-edge technologies to save water without sacrificing performance. Many of these include an aerator. Aerators aerate the water stream, creating a misty or bubbly spray for a more enjoyable showering experience while using less water than traditional basin mixers.
Ease of Use
With so many basin taps available today, it is vital to choose those that are ergonomically designed for ease of use. Many basin mixes feature ergonomic, easy-grip lever handles that allow you to adjust both the flow rate and the temperature with a single stroke.
Warranty
Basin mixers have guarantee terms ranging from 12 months to 5 years. This is primarily determined by the quality of the types you choose, so keep that in mind when buying. Basin mixers from well-known manufacturers always come with lengthier warranties than lesser-known models. So, if you want peace of mind that your basin mixer is covered against probable defects, choose carefully and go for companies with a solid quality reputation, even if it means paying more.
