What Is a Mixer Tap?
Design | 10-08-25
You probably use one every day without giving it much thought. That single-handle tap in your kitchen or bathroom that can deliver hot or cold water? It’s a modern mixer tap.
A mixer tap blends hot and cold water inside a single spout, so you can control the temperature and flow rate with one lever in one hand – getting the right mix instantly. Unlike traditional setups with separate hot and cold taps, a mixer tap simplifies the process. One streamlined fixture. One much better way to use water.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What is a mixer tap and how do they work?
- Types of mixer taps:
- Mixer taps vs traditional taps
- The smartest mixer taps for your kitchen
Most modern homes in Australia now use mixer taps as standard. They’re sleek, space-saving, and make daily tasks (like rinsing dishes or washing your face) quicker and easier. You’ll find them everywhere from minimalist kitchens to hotel-style ensuites.
Let’s take a closer look at why mixer taps have become the new normal.
What is a mixer tap, and how do they work?
Mixer taps might look simple, but inside, they’re surprisingly clever.
Instead of having two taps side by side (one for hot, one for cold) a modern mixer tap has a single handle or lever attached to a single spout. When you move it left or right, you adjust the temperature. When you lift or lower it, you control the flow.
Behind the handle, there’s a ceramic cartridge or valve that blends hot and cold water streams together for real-time temperature control. It responds instantly to your movement – balancing the pressure so you get the temperature you want, without the wait or the waste.
Some designs also include aerators (those little mesh screens at the end of the spout). They add air to the water flow, making it feel fuller and smoother, while using less water overall.
The result? Precision control. And whether you’re rinsing veg, filling a pot, or washing your hands, that control adds up. Mixer taps save you time, water, and energy in small but meaningful ways.
Mixer taps vs traditional taps: What’s the difference?
If you’ve ever used a shower with separate hot and cold taps, you’ll know the juggle: one scalding, one freezing, and a tricky dance to mix them mid-stream.
Mixer taps change that entirely. Here’s how they compare to traditional taps.
| Feature | Traditional Taps | Modern Mixer Taps |
| Temperature control | Two separate taps, or one tap with two handles and one spout | One handle blends hot and cold instantly |
| Water efficiency | Often uses more water to adjust | Saves water with quicker, controlled flow |
| Design | Classic, often bulky | Sleek, modern, and space-saving |
| Ease of use | Can be fiddly, especially for kids | Simple, single-motion control |
| Versatility | Fixed temperature per tap or handle | Precision control for any task |
Modern mixer taps with a single lever or handle are designed for how we live now. Fast-paced mornings. Multi-use sinks. Spaces that need to work hard without feeling cluttered. If you want your kitchen and bathroom to feel clean, modern and intuitive, mixer taps just make sense.
Types of mixer taps
What is a mixer tap best for? Good question. Not all mixer taps do the same job. Some are designed for everyday kitchen use. Others are purpose-built for high-end functionality or modern design. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of mixer taps (and what sets them apart).
Kitchen mixer tap
Kitchen mixer taps come with longer spouts and more generous reach – perfect for filling large pots or rinsing deep sinks. Many also swivel, giving you freedom to move the tap head from side to side. Some models include pull-out spray nozzles for extra flexibility, ideal for cleaning veggies or switching between rinsing and soaking.
Bathroom mixer tap
Slightly more compact, bathroom mixer taps are made for handwashing, face rinsing, and smaller basins. They offer the same temperature control and water efficiency as kitchen models, but with a sleeker, space-sensitive profile.
3-way mixer tap
Ever heard of a 3-way mixer tap? These are clever taps that deliver hot, cold, and filtered water – all from the same spout. Feel the benefits of filtered water without adding another tap to the bench. Some even include a dedicated internal channel for filtered water (so there’s no cross-contamination with tap water).
Diverter mixer tap
This style is usually found in showers or bath/shower combos. Because of the diverter valve, with a flick or push, you can redirect the water flow from the bath spout to the handheld shower head (or vice versa). It’s a sleek solution for compact bathrooms where every function needs to multitask.
Each tap style has its place. It all depends on how you live, where you’re installing it, and whether you’re looking for simple upgrades or smart, integrated systems. Would you enjoy sparkling water straight from the tap? There’s one more mixer tap worth knowing about. But we’ll get to that soon.
Mixer tap styles and finishes: designed to blend in or stand out
Mixer taps are functional. But they’re also part of your kitchen or bathroom’s whole look and feel. And with so many styles available, it’s easy to find one that suits your space and how you like to live in it. Here are a few of the most popular looks.
- Minimalist and modern. Think clean lines and geometric shapes in open-plan kitchens and contemporary bathrooms.
- Classic and curved. Gently arched spouts with softer silhouettes bring a traditional touch to family homes or heritage renovations.
- Sculptural statements. Some mixer taps are designed with sculptural shapes or architectural proportions to create a showpiece.
| Finish type | Why choose it |
| Chrome | Bright, classic, easy to match – great for most kitchens and bathrooms |
| Brushed nickel | Soft, satin finish that hides fingerprints and suits warm-toned spaces |
| Matte black | Sleek, modern and eye-catching. Creates bold design contrasts |
| Brushed brass | Adds a touch of luxe and warmth to contemporary or character homes |
| Stainless steel | Durable and easy to clean, with a professional-grade look |
Whatever style you choose, the goal is the same: a tap that not only works beautifully, but feels right in your home. One that blends in when you want subtlety, or stands out when you’re ready to make a statement.
And when it comes to high-performance mixer taps that also set the scene for your space? Zip taps are built to do both.
Smarter mixer taps: more than just hot and cold
Mixer taps changed the way we use water. But Zip HydroTaps taps take it further, bringing smart, high-performance hydration into your home.
Think filtered, boiling, chilled or sparkling water. Instantly. From a single tap.
Zip HydroTaps are mixer taps reimagined. They’re precision-engineered to blend not just hot and cold water, but convenience, control, and customisation. You still get the streamlined design and intuitive single-lever control.
But you also get built-in MicroPurity filtration which filters down to 0.2 microns. That’s fine enough to reduce eight of the most harmful contaminants you can't see, smell or taste in your water, including microplastics, asbestos and lead – along with 99.4% removal of PFAS*. That means fewer contaminants, better taste, and real peace of mind.
Your HydroTap also has limescale protection that helps your tap perform beautifully, even in hard water areas. And its sustainability features cut down on bottled water, energy use and single-use clutter.
And because it’s Zip, every detail is built to fit beautifully into your home. Choose from many finishes, tap styles and function combinations to suit your space and your routine.
Curious? See what’s possible with the Zip HydroTap range, or explore our HydroTap selector tool. You can also read more about choosing the right kitchen tap tap for your home.
* Zip MicroPurity filters sizes 1 and 1.5 (93701 and 93702) are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 to reduce 99.4% of Total PFAS (average reduction).
