Choosing new tapware can get confusing with all the different names out there. We sometimes get asked about sink mixers and basin mixers and what sets them apart. Both are taps, but they're designed for different spaces in your home. We'll explain where they belong and help you pick the right one for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry reno.

The difference between a sink and basin

First things first — what’s a sink and what’s a basin? Sink and basin are two words that can mean the same thing. If you want to get specific, a basin usually means the ceramic bowl in your bathroom. A sink more often refers to the stainless steel or porcelain tub in your kitchen or laundry. That being said, you might hear people say bathroom sink instead of basin — both are fine.

What is a sink mixer?

Technically speaking, a sink mixer is a tap usually made for kitchens and laundries. They control hot and cold water through one spout. 

Kitchen and laundry sink mixers are taller and stick out further than bathroom taps to give you enough space to fill pots, wash dishes and hand wash clothes. Some come with pullout sprays to make washing easier. 

What is a basin mixer?

A basin mixer is a tap made for bathrooms. Like kitchen taps, it mixes hot and cold water in one spout. You can get them in different heights to match your basin style.

Short Basin Mixers are better for under counter basins. Tall Basin Mixers are good for above counter basins. You can also get Wall Spout + Wall Mixer Sets that are installed from your wall.

The difference between sink mixers and basin mixers

Let's look at what makes sink mixers and basin mixers different. These taps might seem similar, but here's what sets them apart.

Size

Different taps have different measurements, but here’s the breakdown of heights for Yabby taps:

• Short Basin Mixer: 199mm

• Tall Basin Mixer: 305mm

• Round Kitchen Mixer: 359mm 

• Pullout Kitchen Mixer: 435 mm 

• Melbourne Dual Function Kitchen Mixer: 437mm

• Melbourne Twin Tap Kitchen Mixer: 410mm

• Wall-mounted options: Varies based on placement

Features

As we’ve said, sink mixers tend to come with a few extra features to give you more room to wash things. You might get a pullout spray to help clean dishes or fill pots. You might have a swivel spout that turns so you can reach both sides of a double sink.

Basin mixers are simpler. They’re normally fixed into place with enough room to comfortably wash your hands.

Placement

We’ve talked about where sink mixers are designed to go but not where they could go.

Sink mixers, such as our pullout mixer or round mixer, aren’t limited to kitchens and laundries — they look great in bathrooms, too. In this bathroom, our Round Kitchen Mixer in Brushed Brass is a beautiful complement to this pink basin.

Find your perfect mixer

Sink mixer or basin mixer? It really comes down to the room and how you'll use it. All our mixers are built to last, but every space is different. If you’re stuck, our design team can help you choose the right one for your renovation. Book a free online design consultation or visit our Sydney showroom to see our range in person.