5 Types of Kitchen Taps: An Overview

Not to add any pressure to your reno or new build, but there’s more to kitchen taps than you might expect. And choosing the right one can shape how your kitchen looks, feels, and functions.

So, what are the different types of kitchen taps?

Common types of kitchen taps include single-lever mixer taps, twin-lever mixers, pull-out spray taps, and traditional pillar taps. Mixer taps combine hot and cold water in one spout. Pull-out styles come with a retractable spray head (great for rinsing big pots or cleaning the sink). And pillar taps are really only still found in classic or heritage-style homes – they have two separate taps for hot and cold water.

Here’s a simple breakdown of different kitchen taps.

Each one has its strengths. And some, like the Zip HydroTap, go far beyond the basics – offering healthier drinking water and unmatched convenience in one beautifully integrated design.

Let’s take a closer look at what each type offers, and how to choose the best kitchen tap for your space.

5 different types of kitchen taps

Kitchen mixer taps

Mixer taps are found in most modern kitchens. And for good reason. They combine hot and cold water inside a single spout, giving you total control with just one handle or two streamlined levers.

This design doesn’t just look clean. It works beautifully. You get the exact temperature you want, fast. No more fiddling with separate taps or wasting water while you wait for the mix to feel right.

Most kitchen mixer taps come in one of two styles:

• Single-lever mixer taps have a single handle that controls both temperature and flow. They’re sleek, simple and space-saving.
• Twin-lever mixer taps have one lever or handle for hot and one for cold. They give you great control, especially in homes with variable water pressure.

They’re also the most versatile style when it comes to design. Mixer taps come in everything from bold matte black to brushed brass, with gooseneck or square spouts for extra height and visual impact.

If you’re building or renovating, mixer taps are often the easiest upgrade. They suit almost every sink setup, work with both mains and tank water, and support a range of extra features (like filtered water or pull-out spray heads).

So, if you’ve got a million-and-one choices to make, this one should be easy. Make it a mixer tap.

Coming up next: mixer taps with a little more reach. Let’s explore pull-out and pull-down styles.

Pull-out and pull-down spray taps

If you’ve ever tried rinsing the corners of a deep sink or filling a pot that doesn’t quite fit, you’ll know the feeling: you need more flexibility. That’s where pull-out and pull-down spray taps shine.

These taps extend from the spout, giving you a handheld spray head for targeted control. What’s the difference between a pull-out and pull-down style? It’s in the angle.

Pull-out taps extend towards you horizontally, offering flexibility across the sink. Pull-down taps arc downwards from a gooseneck spout – useful for tall sinks or deep basins.

Most come with dual spray modes: a standard stream for filling pots and a wider spray for rinsing dishes, produce, or the sink itself. When you're done, the spray head docks smoothly back into place thanks to an integrated magnet or weight.

Beyond convenience, there’s a hygiene win here too. A pull-out spray makes it easier to clean the sink properly (so there’s no more missed spots or awkward scrubbing).

They’re a popular choice for busy cooks and entertainers alike. And when matched with a stylish mixer design, they give you the best of both worlds: elegant form and flexible function.

If this might work for your kitchen, try our Celsius Plus All-In-One Pull-Out, the world’s first all-in-one tap that offers five water types from a smart, snag-proof pull-out sprayer. Beautifully engineered to deliver water at its best.

Gooseneck and square neck taps

If you’ve ever watched a renovation show or browsed a tapware showroom, chances are you’ve seen these two standouts: gooseneck and square neck taps.

These are the statement-makers of kitchen tapware. Both styles deliver height, presence, and visual symmetry above the sink. But they’re not just good-looking, they’re also incredibly functional.

Gooseneck taps curve in a high arc, giving you extra clearance for tall pots, vases or awkward dishes. The design also gives you more elbow room at the sink – a quiet luxury when you’re cooking, cleaning, or entertaining.

Square neck taps bring a modern edge. With strong lines and a right-angled silhouette, they suit contemporary kitchens and pair beautifully with angular sinks or minimalist cabinetry.

Both styles are usually mixer taps, so you still get precise control with one handle or two. And many models include extras like aerators, water-saving flow restrictors, or even pull-out spray heads tucked inside the spout.

Design-wise, this is where you can have fun. From brushed gold to matte black, these tap styles usually come in a wide range of finishes to help tie your kitchen vision together.

Next up: looking beyond the bench. Let’s explore wall-mounted kitchen taps.

3-way and filtered taps

Do you want filtered water straight from your main tap without extra bench clutter? You need a 3-way mixer tap.

A 3-way tap delivers hot, cold and filtered water from a single spout. No need for a separate filter tap. No awkward double-drilling into your benchtop. Just one clean, streamlined solution that does it all.

It works by using dedicated internal channels. Filtered water flows separately from your mains supply, so there’s no cross-contamination. Some models include a subtle switch or lever to toggle between regular and filtered water, while others adjust automatically.

This setup works well for families who want cleaner, better-tasting drinking water at the sink – but still want full kitchen functionality from a single fixture. It’s a simple switch with daily benefits. Fewer plastic bottles. Less space used. More peace of mind.

And if you’re looking for something even smarter—filtered, chilled or even sparkling—there’s a Zip tap that can do just that. Let’s take a closer look.

Smarter taps for modern homes

Some kitchen taps do more than mix water. They change the way your kitchen works.

Smart taps, like the Zip HydroTap, deliver filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water instantly. No kettle. No filter jug. No single-use bottles crowding the fridge. Just fresh, great-tasting water on demand, straight from your tap.

It’s a sleek upgrade, but also a smart one. Zip taps use advanced MicroPurity™ filtration to remove dirt, chlorine, microplastics and other nasties – leaving your water clean, clear and better tasting. And with the HydroTap, you can personalise your setup to suit your space and lifestyle. Prefer a classic design? Choose a clean chrome finish. Want something bold? There’s matte black, brushed gold and more.

You’ll also find options to reduce energy use, manage safety (ideal for families with kids), and even track your usage. Now that’s smart, isn’t it?

For modern kitchens that work hard and look good, Zip taps make it all feel effortless – blending style, sustainability and performance into one beautifully integrated design.

Explore the HydroTap range with our HydroTap selector tool.

Just before we go, have you heard of WELS?

Water efficiency: why it matters (and what to look for)

Choosing a type of kitchen tap isn’t just about looks or features – it’s also about how efficiently it uses water. That’s where WELS comes in.

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is Australia’s official rating system for water-using products. You’ll find it on taps, dishwashers, toilets and more – helping you compare how much water different products use and how well they perform.

Kitchen taps are rated from zero to six stars. The more stars, the more water-efficient your tap. But WELS also measures flow performance (not just litres per minute). That means you get a clearer picture of how well a tap balances water-saving with everyday usability.

Here’s why that matters:

• Lower bills – efficient taps help cut down your water and energy use
• Better for the environment – less waste from every rinse, wash or fill
• No compromise – modern designs (like Zip taps) deliver performance and savings

All Zip HydroTaps are WELS-rated and independently tested, so you don’t have to guess. And because they combine filtered water with smart technology, you use less without even thinking about it. Simple, efficient, and better for your kitchen in every way.

So, what’s the best type of kitchen tap for you?

With so many tap styles, finishes, and features to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. We know. But it helps to come back to how you live.

Renovating a busy family kitchen?

Go for a mixer tap with a pull-out spray head – it gives you flexibility for cleaning, cooking and keeping up with the daily load.

Designing a minimalist space?

A gooseneck or square neck tap with a matte or brushed finish brings height and elegance without clutter.

Looking for filtered water without the extra tap?

Choose a 3-way mixer tap. Or go one better with a Zip HydroTap – for filtered, chilled, boiling or even sparkling water at the touch of a button.

And if you’re building for the long haul?

Choose a tap that works as hard as you do. One that saves water, adapts to your needs, and makes everyday moments simpler.

Whether you’re rinsing herbs, filling the kettle, or pouring a glass of sparkling water, the right tap makes all the difference. Do you still have some questions? Learn more about choosing the right tap for your home, or our water filter technology.