Kitchen mixer guide: gooseneck, pull out and sink mixers explained

The kitchen mixer gets used dozens of times a day, for filling pots, rinsing vegetables, washing hands and cleaning the sink. A good one makes those jobs easier for years. A poorly matched one splashes, hits the window sill or cannot reach the corner of the sink. Here is how to choose.

The main types of kitchen mixer

Standard sink mixer

A single lever mixer with a fixed spout. Simple, reliable and suited to most sinks. Some have a swivel spout so you can move it between bowls. Browse sink mixers, such as the Phoenix Wiltern Sink Mixer 200mm.

Gooseneck mixer

A high arched spout that leaves plenty of room under the outlet for filling tall pots and vases. Goosenecks make a strong visual statement and suit deep sinks. Check the overall height against any window sill or overhead shelf.

Pull out and pull down mixers

The spray head pulls out on a hose so you can rinse every corner of the sink and fill a pot sitting on the bench. Pull out models usually have a lower spout and a head that pulls forward. Pull down models have a high spout and a head that pulls straight down. Many have two spray modes. See pull out taps, for example the Meir Round Piccola Pull Out or the Phoenix Vivid MKII Pull Out Sink Mixer.

Pot filler

A wall mounted tap with a folding arm that sits above the cooktop. Handy in big kitchens, but it needs a water supply in the wall behind the cooktop. See pot filler taps.

Measurements that matter

• Spout reach. The water should land near the centre of the sink bowl. Too short and you splash the back of the sink. Too long and water hits the front edge.
• Spout height. Measure the tallest pot you fill regularly. Gooseneck spouts suit big pots, lower spouts splash less in shallow sinks.
• Clearance. Check the space behind the sink to the wall or window sill. Some mixers need room for the lever to move fully back.
• Tap hole. Most mixers need one tap hole of a standard size. Check the sink or benchtop has one, or plan to have it cut.
• Swivel range. For double bowl sinks, make sure the spout can swing over both bowls.

Match the mixer to the sink

An undermount sink in a stone benchtop shows off a slim, tall mixer. A topmount sink with a deck may come with its own tap hole. For laundries, a mixer with a high spout makes filling buckets easier. Browse kitchen and laundry sinks and undermount sinks.

Finish and cleaning

Kitchen taps get splashed with food, oils and cleaning products, so the finish needs to handle it. Brushed finishes hide water marks and fingerprints well. Chrome is bright and easy to wipe but shows spots. Matte black looks striking but needs gentle cleaners. Whatever you choose, use mild soapy water and a soft cloth, and avoid abrasive or acidic products. If you want the kitchen to match the bathroom, choose the same finish family. Our finishes guide explains why brand matters for matching.

Water efficiency and compliance

Kitchen mixers sold in Australia carry a WELS star rating showing water efficiency, and must be WaterMark certified for installation. A licensed plumber should install the mixer. Read our WELS and WaterMark guide for more.

Choosing for how you cook

• Cook every night and fill big pots: a pull down or gooseneck mixer with a long reach.
• Small kitchen or apartment: a compact pull out that stays below overhead cupboards.
• Butler's pantry or bar sink: a small, simple sink mixer.
• Kitchen with a window behind the sink: a low profile mixer that clears the sill and the opening sash.

Come and try the levers and pull out heads at our Reservoir or Geelong showroom. The feel of the lever and the weight of the spray head are hard to judge online. Browse the full range of kitchen tapware any time.

Common questions

Is a pull out kitchen mixer worth it?

For most kitchens, yes. Being able to rinse every corner of the sink and fill pots on the bench is useful every day. Choose a model with a solid hose and a head that docks firmly.

How do I know if a gooseneck mixer will fit?

Measure the space from the back of the sink to any window sill or overhead shelf, and compare it with the mixer height and the lever movement on the specification sheet.

Can I match my kitchen and bathroom tapware?

Yes. Choose both from the same brand and finish where possible, because the same finish name can look slightly different between brands.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.