So You're Thinking About a 3 Piece Kitchen Tap?
Right then. Doing up the kitchen, are we? Good onya. It's the one reno that totally changes a house. Here at The Blue Space, we've seen it all, and the one question that pops up constantly is about taps. Specifically, the classic three-piece jobbie. People see them in magazines and wonder if they're all style and no substance. Are they just for fancy show homes or can a real family actually use one? Let's have a proper yarn about them. We'll get into what they are, where they look best, and help you figure out if one's right for your place. No fluff. Just the real info.
Alright, What Actually IS a 3-Piece Tap?
Let's get down to brass tacks. It’s not as complex as it sounds. A three-piece tap set is just that: three separate pieces coming out of your benchtop. You get the spout in the middle for the water. And then two handles on either side, one for hot, one for cold. That's it.
It’s the old-school way of doing things. Before mixer taps came along and put everything into one lever, this was how you got water. You’d turn the hot handle, turn the cold handle, and find that perfect temperature yourself. There's something really solid and satisfying about it. A bit more hands-on. All the guts underneath are joined up, obviously, but on top, you see three distinct parts. It gives your sink a wider, more balanced look, which I reckon is why they’re making such a huge comeback. It feels permanent. Like it's built to last.
But Where Do They Actually Work?
Okay, let’s be honest. When you think 'three-piece tap', your mind probably jumps straight to a country kitchen, right? A big old farmhouse sink, maybe some shaker cabinets. And look, you're not wrong. They look bloody brilliant in that setting. If you've got a Hamptons thing going on, or a classic French Provincial vibe, a three-piece set is almost non-negotiable. The whole symmetrical look of those classical styles just fits. It feels proper, like it’s always been there.
But that's not the whole story. Not even close. We've seen some ridiculously cool modern kitchens use them to great effect. Picture this: a dead-simple, minimalist kitchen, maybe with a concrete bench. Then bang, right in the middle, a razor-sharp, matte black three-piece tap. It's not just a tap anymore; it’s a piece of sculpture. It shows you’ve thought about every single detail. It’s also a cracker of an idea for a butler's pantry, to add a bit of unexpected class. And don't even get me started on the Aussie backyard dream. For your outdoor kitchen, you want something tough. Something that feels like it can handle a bit of weather. A chunky three-piece tap is perfect for the job.
Let's Talk Bits and Bobs: Spouts, Handles and All That
The great thing about these taps is that they’re not a single unit. You get to play around a bit with the parts to get the look just right. You're not stuck with one pre-packaged design. So, let's look at the pieces you'll be choosing from.
The Spout. The Main Event.
Let's be real, the spout is the first thing everyone sees. Its shape defines the whole tap. The most popular one, and for good reason, is the gooseneck. That big, high curve isn't just for show. It's a lifesaver when you're trying to fill a big pasta pot or a tall vase. Super practical. But if your kitchen is more on the modern, industrial side, you might want to look at a square or L-shaped spout. Much sharper angles, a bit more architectural. You also need to decide if you want it to swivel. Most kitchen spouts do, and you'll be thankful for it when you have a double sink or just need to push the tap out of the way. A fixed spout in a kitchen? Bit of a pain, honestly.
The Handles. Where You Take Control.
Handles might seem like a small detail, but you touch them every single day. Their shape and feel make a huge difference. You've mainly got two camps: cross-head and lever. Cross-head handles are the classic four-pronged ones. They look perfect in a heritage-style home and have a really satisfying, mechanical feel when you turn them. Levers are the other choice. They can be anything from a simple flat bar for a minimalist kitchen to something more ornate. The big advantage of levers? They're easier to use. If your hands are covered in dough or soap, you can just nudge them with your elbow. That's why they're a top pick for anyone wanting more accessible tapware.
How It's Fitted. On the Bench or Out of the Wall?
Nine times out of ten, these taps are 'hob-mounted'. Fancy term, simple meaning. It just means they're fitted through holes in your bench ('hob') or sink. It's the standard way, just like most hob mixers. The other way, which is a bit more of a high-end look, is wall-mounted. The taps and spout come straight out of your splashback. It looks amazing. Super clean, frees up bench space. The catch? Your plumber needs to run all the pipes inside the wall. It’s something you have to plan from the very start of a build. Not something you can just decide to do on a whim.
So, Why Bother? The Actual Benefits.
Why go to the trouble of three pieces when a single mixer tap does the job? Fair question. But there are some real advantages that make people fall in love with them.
First up, the looks. There's no denying it. A three-piece set has presence. It's balanced, it's symmetrical, and it can be a real centrepiece. The other big thing is control. Some people just prefer having two separate handles. You want scalding hot water? You turn one tap. You want freezing cold? You turn the other. There's no faffing about in that tiny middle zone of a mixer lever. It's definite. And because the pieces are separate, your installer can space them out a bit to perfectly fit your sink. You can't do that with a mixer. And here’s a practical one: if a washer goes or something starts dripping, you're only dealing with one part. It can make repairs a bit simpler down the track. It's just a solid, dependable setup.
The Fun Bit! Picking a Finish.
This is where you can really put your own stamp on things. The finish, the colour, it's the jewellery of your kitchen. It can either blend in quietly or shout from the rooftops. And the range of finishes for all taps these days is wild.
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Chrome: The old faithful. Can't go wrong with chrome. It’s shiny, it’s tough, it’s easy to clean. It just works.
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Matte Black: Want to make a statement? Matte black is your guy. Looks incredible against light colours. Modern, confident, and very cool.
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Brushed Nickel: My personal favourite. Brushed nickel has the silver look of chrome but it's softer, warmer. And the best part? It doesn’t show fingerprints. A godsend in a busy kitchen.
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Gold and Brushed Brass: For a bit of warmth and luxury. Proper polished gold is full-on glam. Brushed brass is its more modern, chilled-out cousin. Both are stunning.
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Stainless Steel: This is what the pros use. Stainless steel is basically indestructible. Matches your appliances and gives off a serious chef-kitchen vibe.
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Gunmetal: A bit moody, a bit industrial. Gunmetal is a dark grey that’s less harsh than black. Super sophisticated.
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White: Clean. Crisp. Minimalist. White taps look amazing in a coastal or Scandi kitchen. They can blend in or pop, depending on your benchtop colour.
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Bronze and Champagne: For something a little left-field. Bronze is warm and rustic. Champagne is a very soft, subtle gold. Both are beautiful and a bit different from the pack.
The Boring But Important Stuff
Look, choosing a tap isn't just about what looks good. You’ve gotta get the practical stuff right or you’ll be kicking yourself later.
Will It Actually Fit?
This is the big one. Three pieces means you need three holes. If you're swapping out an old mixer tap that only had one hole, you’ll need to drill more. Easy on a timber bench. A much bigger, more expensive job on a stone one. You MUST talk to your cabinet maker or stonemason before you buy anything. Also, think about scale. A huge, chunky tap will look daft on a tiny bar sink.
Water Pressure & WELS Rating
You need to know your water pressure. Most new houses have good mains pressure, but older places can be a bit weak. Make sure the tap you buy is rated to work with your system. Also, all taps in Australia have a WELS star rating for water efficiency. More stars = less water used. Good for the planet, good for your wallet.
What's It Made From?
You want your taps to last. Most are made from brass with a coating on top. It’s solid stuff. All taps sold here are totally safe for drinking water, but if you want to be extra sure, you can look for specifically branded lead-free taps. The other option is solid stainless steel. It’s a premium material, naturally lead-free, and will probably outlast your house.
Working with Other Taps
Sometimes you might have two sinks. A big main one, and a smaller prep sink. A great setup is to have a modern, functional sink mixer with a pull-out spray on the main sink, and a classic three-piece set on the smaller one. Best of both worlds. Just make sure you get them in the same finish so they look like they belong together.
Brands That Get Our Tick of Approval
When you're buying something you'll use dozens of time a day, you want to buy quality. A good brand means good warranty, good materials, and you'll be able to get parts if you need them. Here are a few we’re always happy to recommend.
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Phoenix: An Aussie brand that just keeps winning awards. Seriously nice design and built like a tank. You can’t go wrong with Phoenix.
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Meir: These guys are the kings of cool finishes. If you want that amazing Tiger Bronze or a really deep matte black, Meir is where you look.
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Nero: Nero makes really stylish stuff that blends modern trends with timeless shapes. Always a crowd-pleaser.
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Caroma: Come on, it's Caroma! They've been in our homes forever. You know you’re getting something reliable.
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Fienza: Want a great look without having to sell a kidney? Fienza offers awesome style at a really sharp price point.
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Greens Tapware: These guys are all about the engineering. Plumbers love Greens because they’re so well made and easy to install.
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Clark: Another Aussie icon. Clark is all about practical, no-nonsense quality that’s designed for real Aussie kitchens.
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Dorf: With a long history here in Aus, Dorf has a reputation for quality engineering and designs that last.
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Methven: Our clever neighbours from NZ. Methven are famous for their shower tech, and they bring that same smart thinking to their taps.
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Oliveri: A proud South Australian company. Oliveri are famous for their sinks, so you know their taps are made to match that quality.
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Modern National: Looking for that sharp, contemporary look? Modern National nails the modern brief perfectly.
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Indigo: Indigo always has fresh, appealing designs with clean lines and all the popular finishes.
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Seima: Seima makes some really elegant, beautiful products. Their taps often have lovely, gentle curves.
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Suprema: A really solid, reliable choice. Suprema offers great quality fittings that look schmick and are built to last.
So, What's the Final Word?
Look, a three-piece kitchen tap is a choice. It's a design statement. It says you value a classic, solid feel and a timeless look. It gives you great control and a tonne of style options. Don't rush it. Have a good scroll through all the kitchen taps out there, picture them in your space, and think about how you use your kitchen every day. If you're stuck, give our team a buzz. We’re always up for a chat to help you nail the perfect choice. Good luck with the reno!
