When considering new fittings for a kitchen or bathroom, one of the first questions you’re probably going to ask yourself is whether you want to go with a single tap or mixer tap setup. The traditional single taps that include a separate tap for hot and cold water are very much the common standard but mixer taps, which pass both hot and cold through one tap, have become more popular in recent years.

Which works best for you is going to depend on a multitude of factors – the size of your home, whether there are any young children in your family and what you feel looks more aesthetically pleasing. But here, we’ll be offering the benefits and drawbacks of both options in the hopes of helping you arrive at a more informed decision.

Mixer taps benefits

• As hot and cold are coming through the same tap, the exact temperature can be easier to gauge and quicker to reach with mixer taps. Indeed, most mixer taps involve a system that allows you to adjust a lever forward or backwards to find the “sweet spot.”
• Mixer taps, by their very nature, take up less space so might be an ideal choice for downstairs bathrooms or homes where space is at a premium.
• As there is only one tap to deal with, mixer taps are significantly easier to install as the connections are more straightforward. This also means it’s easier to install a water filter when you have a mixer tap setup.
• Single taps often offer more direct control of the water and are generally easier to fix if there’s a problem.

Single taps benefits

•       There is something to be said for the immediacy of having instant access to exactly the kind of water you want.
•       Less chance of accidentally turning on the hot or cold when you want the opposite. This is particularly important in the shower.
•     Single taps work by starting with cold water and then adding the cold water to it as you turn the other tap, preventing any potential burns.
•      Hot and cold taps are usually more clearly labelled and are much easier to understand and get to grips with for young children.

Ultimately, the choice is always going to be a personal one as there are pros and cons to both options. Pricewise you should expect to pay around the same for either option and there are high-end and low-end variations of both to consider. Single taps are often also more likely to come in more ornate styles, so if that’s something which appeals to you, single taps are probably the best way to go.

Arguably more important than the style of tap is who you get to install it. You should always hire a professional plumber to install your taps in your bathroom or kitchen unless you are a highly skilled DIY expert.

Also, if you have a water filter system or water softener system installed already, always consult with the company that fitted your system before making any changes to your plumbing.