Single Lever vs Cross-Handle Taps: Which Should You Choose?
When choosing a basin tap, one of the first decisions you'll face is handle style: single lever or cross handle. Both are widely available, both work well, and both look great in the right setting — but they have meaningfully different characteristics. Here's a clear comparison to help you choose.
Single Lever Taps
A single lever tap uses one handle to control both water temperature and flow rate. Push the lever up to increase flow, and move it left or right to adjust temperature. It's a simple, intuitive mechanism that most people find easy to use.
Pros
- One-handed operation — ideal if you're washing your hands while holding something else.
- Quick temperature adjustment — you can find your preferred temperature in a single motion.
- Sleek, contemporary look — suits minimalist, Scandi, and modern bathroom styles.
- Fewer components — generally simpler to maintain and service.
Cons
- Less precise temperature control compared to separate hot and cold handles.
- The contemporary aesthetic may not suit traditional or period-style bathrooms.
Popular single lever options
The Tavistock Savour Basin Mixer is a refined single lever tap with a clean profile and click waste included. For a more architectural statement, the JTP VOS Single Lever Basin Mixer offers a bold, geometric form, and is also available as a tall version for countertop basins and a mini version for compact cloakroom basins.
Cross-Handle Taps
Cross-handle taps (also called cross-head taps) use two separate handles — one for hot water, one for cold — each with a distinctive cross or X-shaped grip. They're a classic design with roots in traditional plumbing, but they've been reinterpreted in contemporary finishes and forms that work in a wide range of bathrooms.
Pros
- Precise temperature control — separate handles let you dial in exactly the right mix.
- Timeless aesthetic — suits traditional, industrial, heritage, and transitional bathroom styles.
- Strong visual presence — the cross handle is a design feature in its own right.
- Available in 1-hole and 3-hole configurations — giving flexibility for different basin types.
Cons
- Requires two hands to adjust temperature and flow simultaneously.
- Slightly more components, which can mean more maintenance points over time.
Popular cross-handle options
The JTP Grosvenor Cross Basin Mixer is a beautifully proportioned single-hole cross-handle tap with pop-up waste included. If your basin has three tap holes, the JTP Grosvenor Cross 3-Hole Basin Mixer is the natural choice, with a swivel spout for added practicality. There's also a wall-mounted version for a cleaner basin surface.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Single Lever | Cross Handle | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature control | Good | Excellent |
| One-handed use | Yes | No |
| Style | Contemporary / minimalist | Traditional / architectural |
| Tap hole options | 1-hole (mainly) | 1-hole and 3-hole |
| Maintenance | Simpler | More components |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a single lever tap if your bathroom has a clean, modern aesthetic and you value ease of use above all else. Choose a cross-handle tap if you want precise temperature control, a more traditional or characterful look, or if your basin has three tap holes.
Still deciding? Our full basin mixer buying guide covers every other consideration — spout height, mounting style, water pressure, and more. Or get in touch and we'll help you find the right tap for your bathroom.
