A basin mixer is the tap you reach for more than any other in the bathroom, so it is worth choosing one that fits the basin properly and feels good to use every day. A mixer blends hot and cold through a single spout, usually with one lever, giving you quick, precise control of temperature and flow.
This guide covers the main mixer styles, the leading brands, how to match the height to your basin, and the features worth having. If you already know what you want, browse our basin taps and the wider taps range. We stock basin mixers from the leading names, including Hansgrohe, Axor, Dornbracht, Cifial, Vado and Just Taps Plus, with more on each below. If you are unsure how many tap holes your basin takes, start with our guide on how to choose bathroom taps.
The main mixer styles
- Mono basin mixers are the standard: one spout, one lever, fitted through a single tap hole. Easy to use and suited to most basins.
- Tall mixers have a raised spout to clear the rim of a countertop basin that sits on top of the surface. Essential for bowl-style basins.
- Wall mounted mixers come out of the wall above the basin, keeping the surface clear for a minimal look. Best planned in during a renovation as the pipework sits in the wall.
- Waterfall mixers have an open spout that produces a wide, cascading flow, a striking choice for a contemporary bathroom.
The brands worth knowing
Choosing a tap from a trusted brand means better engineering, longer-lasting cartridges and a finish that holds up. Our basin mixer range features some of the most respected names in the industry.
- Hansgrohe is known for reliable German engineering and excellent everyday value, a dependable choice across price points.
- Axor, Hansgrohe’s designer arm, offers statement pieces created with leading designers for high-end bathrooms.
- Dornbracht sits at the premium end, prized for precise, architectural design and exceptional build quality.
- Cifial offers quality and a wide finish range, strong for both traditional and contemporary schemes.
- Just Taps Plus delivers contemporary styling and great value, a popular all-round choice.
- Vado is a trusted British brand offering dependable quality and a broad range of styles and finishes, strong value for everyday bathrooms.
If you are unsure which suits your bathroom and budget, our team can talk you through the differences.
Match the height to your basin
Getting the spout height right is the detail people most often overlook, and it matters more than the style.
- A standard mono mixer suits an inset or semi-recessed basin where the tap mounts on the basin itself.
- A tall mixer is needed for a countertop basin, so the spout clears the raised rim comfortably.
- Whatever the height, the water should land near the centre of the bowl, not behind the plug or over the front edge.
A shallow cloakroom basin suits a lower, compact tap, while a deep or countertop basin needs more height. Check the spout reach as well as the height so the flow falls where you need it.
Features worth having
- A ceramic disc cartridge gives smooth, drip-free control and lasts longer than older rubber-washer taps.
- A click-clack (push) waste opens and closes with a simple push, a cleaner look than a pop-up lever. Check whether the tap includes a waste.
- Water-saving aerators mix air into the flow to reduce water use without the pressure feeling weak.
- Low-pressure suitability. If your home has low water pressure, choose a mixer rated to perform with it. Our guide on matching fittings to your water pressure explains why this matters.
Get the finish right
Coordinate your basin mixer with the rest of your brassware so the room feels pulled together. Chrome is the dependable all-rounder, brushed brass and gold add warmth, and matt black makes a bold contemporary statement. Brands like Dornbracht and Axor offer particularly wide finish ranges if you want something beyond the standard. Aim to match your basin tap, bath tap and bathroom accessories in the same finish family.
Choose the right basin mixer with Empress
We have spent over 40 years helping people match taps to their basins, and a basin mixer is a small choice that is easy to get right once you have the hole count, the height and the finish settled. If you tell us your basin type, we will point you to a mixer that fits and performs.
Browse our full basin taps collection to start, and remember delivery is free on UK orders over £499.
