Sink Mixers

Gooseneck, pull-out or pull-down

A fixed gooseneck gives good height for filling pots and is the simplest, most reliable option. A pull-out spray extends on a hose, which makes rinsing a deep or double bowl and cleaning the sink much easier. A pull-down is similar but the spray head sits higher and drops into the bowl, which suits taller gooseneck spouts. If you wash large trays or fill buckets, the extra reach pays for itself.

Check the spout height and reach

The spout needs to clear the tallest thing you put in the sink, and the water should land near the centre of the bowl rather than against the back. A tall mixer over a shallow bowl splashes. Also check clearance if there is a window behind the sink, because a high gooseneck can foul the sash when it opens.

Deck mounted or wall mounted

Most kitchen mixers are deck mounted, sitting in a hole drilled in the sink or benchtop. A wall-mounted mixer frees the bench and looks cleaner, but the plumbing has to be roughed into the wall before tiling, so it is a renovation decision rather than a swap. Confirm the tap hole position and size before ordering either way.

Finish and cartridge quality

Chrome is the easiest finish to keep clean in a kitchen and never dates. Brushed nickel hides water spots well, which suits Adelaide water. Matte black and brushed gold look sharp but show marks more in a high-use kitchen. Whatever the finish, look for a ceramic-disc cartridge and a solid manufacturer's warranty, and have the mixer installed by a licensed plumber.