How to Choose a Basin Mixer Tap

A basin mixer tap is one of the most-used fixtures in your bathroom, so choosing the right one matters. Beyond aesthetics, you need to consider your water system, basin type, installation constraints, and how the tap will feel to use every day. This guide walks you through every key decision.

1. Single Lever or Cross Handle?

This is the first choice most people face, and it's as much about style as it is about function.

• Single lever taps control both temperature and flow with one handle. They're intuitive, easy to use with one hand, and suit contemporary and minimalist bathrooms. The Tavistock Savour Basin Mixer and the JTP VOS Single Lever Basin Mixer are strong examples of this style.
• Cross handle (or cross head) taps use two separate handles — one for hot, one for cold. They have a classic, architectural quality that suits traditional, industrial, and heritage-style bathrooms. The JTP Grosvenor Cross Basin Mixer is a popular choice in this category.

2. Deck Mounted or Wall Mounted?

Most basin taps are deck mounted — they sit on the basin or worktop surface. This is the standard installation and works with the vast majority of basins.

Wall mounted taps are fixed to the wall above the basin, leaving the basin surface completely clear. They create a clean, architectural look but require pipework to be run inside the wall — ideally planned during a renovation rather than retrofitted. If you're considering this route, the JTP VOS Wall Mounted Basin Mixer is worth a look.

3. How Many Tap Holes Does Your Basin Have?

This is a practical constraint that narrows your options quickly:

• 1 tap hole: You need a single-hole mixer tap (the most common type). Most modern basins are drilled with a single central hole.
• 3 tap holes: You need a 3-hole deck mounted mixer — two outer holes for the hot and cold handles, one central hole for the spout. The JTP Grosvenor Cross 3-Hole Basin Mixer is designed for this configuration.
• No tap holes: Your basin is designed for wall mounted taps only.

Always check your basin specification before ordering. If you're buying a new basin and tap together, you have full flexibility.

4. Spout Height and Reach

The spout needs to reach comfortably over the basin bowl without splashing the sides. Key considerations:

• Standard basins: A standard-height spout (around 100–150mm) works well.
• Countertop or vessel basins: These sit proud of the worktop and require a tall basin mixer with a higher spout — typically 200mm or more. The JTP VOS Tall Basin Mixer is designed specifically for this.
• Spout reach: Make sure the spout extends far enough to centre over the drain. Measure from the tap hole to the centre of the basin bowl.

5. Water Pressure Compatibility

Basin mixer taps are generally compatible with both combi boiler systems (high pressure) and gravity-fed systems (low pressure), but always check the minimum pressure rating in the product specification. If you have a gravity-fed system with low pressure, look for taps rated to work from 0.1 bar.

6. Waste Included or Separate?

Many basin mixers are sold with a click waste (pop-up plug) included — the Tavistock Savour is a good example. Others are sold without a waste, giving you flexibility to choose a slotted or unslotted waste separately. Check the product listing carefully.

7. Finish

Your tap finish should coordinate with your other bathroom hardware — towel rails, shower fittings, and accessories. For a full breakdown of how chrome, brushed brass, and brushed bronze compare, see our tap finishes guide.

Need help narrowing it down? Contact our team — we're happy to advise based on your basin, water system, and bathroom style.