As a plumbing professional with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of kitchen sink mixer taps. One thing I’ve noticed is that many people don’t give much thought to the spout height when choosing a tap. But let me tell you, the spout height can make a big difference in the functionality and overall look of your kitchen sink. In this blog post, I’m going to break down the different spout heights available and help you choose the right one for your kitchen. Are you ready? Let’s get to it.
Why Spout Height Matters When Choosing a Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of spout height. Simply put, it’s the distance from the base of the tap to the top of the spout. But why is it important? Well, the spout height can affect the overall functionality and look of your kitchen sink. Now, there are three main types of spout heights: low, medium, and high.
- Low spout height taps: As the name suggests, low spout taps have a shorter spout which is great for those with smaller sinks or for those who prefer a more minimalistic look. The downside is that they may not be as versatile for larger pots and pans.
- Medium spout height taps: Medium spouts, on the other hand, offer a happy medium. They provide a good balance of functionality and aesthetics, and are a popular choice for most kitchen sinks.
- High spout height tap: As you can imagine, have a taller spout which is great for those with larger sinks or for those who like to fill up big pots and pans with ease. However, they may not be the best option for smaller sinks and can take up more space.
To help you visualise the different spout heights, I’ve included some images below. Take a look and see which one you think would work best for your kitchen sink.
To keep water from splashing all over the place, it’s important to choose a spout that’s the right size for your sink. For example, if you’ve got a deep sink, a tall gooseneck mixer is the way to go. And if you’re looking for even more control, a pull-out tap with a retractable nozzle is the ideal choice; you can direct the water wherever you need it for cleaning. Some taps even have a spray button, so you can switch between a powerful jet spray for tough dishes, or a gentle spray for rinsing delicate fruits and veggies.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Spout Height
So, you’ve got a new kitchen sink mixer tap on your mind and you’re wondering what spout height to choose. It’s not just about what looks good (although to be honest, this is important too) and there are a few factors you need to consider before making a decision:
- Size of your sink: First things first, you need to think about the size of your sink. If you’ve got a deep sink, a taller spout height is going to work better for you. But if you’ve got a smaller sink, a shorter spout is going to be the way to go.
- Height of your countertop: Another thing to consider is the height of your countertop. If your countertop is higher, you’ll want a taller spout to make it easier to fill up large pots and pans. But if your countertop is lower, a shorter spout might be a better fit.
- Personal preference: Lastly, you need to think about your personal preference. Do you like a more minimalistic look or do you prefer something with more height? It’s all about finding the right balance of functionality and aesthetics.
The Different Types of Kitchen Sink Mixer Taps
- Pull Out Mixer
- Dual Spray Mixer
- Gooseneck Mixer
- Square Mixer
When it comes to kitchen sink mixer taps, there are four main styles to choose from: pull out mixer, dual spray mixer, gooseneck mixer, and square mixer. Each style has its own unique features and benefits, and it’s important to keep in mind how the spout height can vary between these different styles.
The pull out mixer, as the name suggests, has a spout that pulls out, which allows you to direct the water around the sink. This is a great option for washing larger items like pots and pans, or for reaching areas that a traditional faucet couldn’t reach.
The dual spray mixer comes with a two-spray functionality, which lets you switch between a shower setting or an aerated stream. The shower setting is great for cleaning big items like pots and pans, while the aerated stream setting is ideal for washing fruits and vegetables, or for items that need less water flow force.
The gooseneck mixer has a high curved outlet that is popular for kitchen sinks due to its height, making it easier to clean larger items like pots. They’re also contemporary and on-trend, and have a sleeker look than most pull out taps.
How to Measure & Find the Right Sput Height for Your Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap
Now, when it comes to measuring and calculating the ideal spout height for your kitchen sink mixer tap, it’s all about finding the sweet spot. Measure the distance from the base of your sink to the top of your countertop and then subtract about 4-6 inches. This will give you a rough idea of the ideal spout height for your kitchen sink mixer tap. Easy!
Spout Height Matters
So, there you have it folks, spout height matters! I’ve covered the different types of spout heights available and the factors you should consider when choosing the right one for your kitchen sink. Remember, it’s not just about what looks good, but also about what will work best for you and your sink. So, take your time and weigh all the options before making a decision.
