The tap mixers are perhaps one of the most important things you need to buy for your bathroom. They might get mounted last, but they sure are one of the crucial things. Bathroom mixers can either make or break the looks of the room. It's easy to get overwhelmed when buying, but to determine what you need, make sure to take all considerations of your bathroom such as plumbing, size and of course style. Wall mixers for instance are a great choice for wall plumbing and bathrooms in the minimalist style. They can look just like decor while being functional at the same time.
Types of Bathroom Mixers
When you start checking bathroom mixers you'll come across many different types. There are wall mixers, compact mixers, and tall mixers and choosing the right one should match the needs of your bathroom and plumbing.
Wall-mounted Mixers
The wall-mounted models are mixers that, as the name says are mounted on the wall. Wall mixers are only suitable for plumbing that comes through the wall (they won't work for basins or tabs with a tap hole or vanity tops). These mixers are quite popular and look very aesthetically pleasing, almost like decor on the wall. If you have a contemporary bathroom decorated mostly in minimalist style, the wall mixer taps will work best. They look great for both sinks and showers, don't take up too much space, and depending on the finish they have, they will complete the entire look of your modern bathroom.
Compact Basin Mixers
These mixers are a popular choice for any bathroom with plumbing that goes through the vanity. They can be mounted into the top of the vanity unit or basins with an allowance for a tap hole. Compact basin mixers are short in stature and very functional. They come in a range of styles and finishes; when choosing you should consider the size and type of your vanity.
Tall Basin Mixers
The tall basin mixers are a common choice; just like the compact basins these too are suitable for mounting on vanity tops and sinks with a taphole. What makes them different from the compact basin taps is they're taller and have a longer spout. Their unique design offers convenience, allowing more space between the spout and basin for washing. Just like compact basin mixers, tall basin mixers come in many different styles and finishes.
What to Consider When Buying Mixers
First things first - know the type of mixer you need. Is it a mixer for a sink, vanity or shower? This will narrow the choices and will spare you many headaches. For instance, if the plumbing comes through your walls, focus solely on wall mixer taps. They're often minimalist, have an expensive and luxurious look and come in various finishes.
Finish and Style
Your mixer's finish is an integral part of it; in fact, many people would take this as a second feature (after the type of mixer) that will determine whether they'd buy it or not. The finish should complete and complement your bathroom style. For instance, polished chrome mixers look perfect with white basins and vanity units. If you get mixers in a black finish, then they can make a lovely contrast to the rest of the colours of your bathroom; also they can match well with dark vanity. No matter what type of finish you choose, make sure it matches the finish of the other tapware in your bathroom. This will guarantee that your taps match well with the general look and feel of your bathroom.
Water-efficiency
Don't forget about water efficiency. Your bathroom mixer should be as water-efficient as possible. But, not all basin mixers are equal in this part; some mixers use much more water per minute than others (this is identified in its WELS rating). Taps that use lower water per minute have a higher WELS rating; a tap that uses 5 litres per minute is highly waster-efficient and so it's awarded a 5-star WELS rating. Before getting your mixers, always check their datasheet and see how much water they use per minute. Some mixers even have innovative technologies that conserve water without sacrificing performance. If you're trying to use water efficiently and save on your bills, you should consider getting such options.
Is It User-friendly?
There are so many taps on the market, that you can easily get confused and choose something that's not that easy to use. Consider the people in your household - are the kids and elderly? Will they be able to use the taps without any problem? Many tap mixers have ergonomic, easy-grip lever handles that let you control the rate of flow and temperature in one motion. This is especially good when older people and young children use the bathroom on their own.
Warranty
Finally, let's not forget about the warranty. Most tap mixers have a warranty that varies from one to five years. This mainly depends on the basin mixers, so it’s important to be mindful of this when buying your mixers.
Always choose tap mixers from reputable manufacturers; they will always have a longer warranty than less well-known brands. So if you want to be at ease knowing that even if the tap gets broken you have a warranty that will cover the reparation, choose your tap mixer carefully.
