Pull Out Sink Mixers

The Ultimate Guide to Pull Out Kitchen Sink Mixers: Why We Can't Live Without Them

Let’s be honest for a second. The kitchen is the engine room of the home. It’s messy. It’s loud. And if you are anything like us, it’s where you spend a huge chunk of your time.

We’ve been helping Aussies renovate their homes for years at The Blue Space, and we’ve noticed something interesting. People spend weeks picking the perfect benchtop. They agonise over cabinet colours. But the tap? It often gets picked last. It’s an afterthought. And that is a mistake.

Think about it. You touch your kitchen tap more than almost anything else in your house.

That’s why we are obsessed with pull out kitchen sink mixers. They aren’t just taps. They are tools. They change how you cook, clean, and function in your space. Once you use one, going back to a standard rigid spout feels like trying to type with boxing gloves on. It just doesn't work. So, we sat down as a team to write everything we know about these game-changers. No jargon. Just the stuff you need to know.

So, What Exactly Is It?

In the simplest terms, a pull out mixer is a tap with a spray head that extends on a hose. The hose is usually hidden inside the spout. You pull it out to direct water exactly where you need it, and when you’re done, it retracts back into place.

It sounds simple. But the difference is huge.

Imagine wrestling a massive roasting pan into your sink. With a standard tap, you are twisting the pan, splashing water everywhere, trying to get the corners wet. With a pull out mixer, the pan stays put. You bring the water to the pan. Easy.

If you are looking through our huge range of kitchen taps, you might see a few different terms thrown around. It can get confusing. Essentially, these taps give you reach. They give you flexibility. And they save your shirts from getting soaked when you do the dishes.

Pull Out vs. Pull Down: What’s the Difference?

We get asked this all the time. Is there a difference? Yes. Is it big? Sort of.

It mostly comes down to the shape of the spout and how the spray head moves.

The Pull Down Mixer

These are usually those high-arching, gooseneck sink mixers. Because gravity is helpful, the spray wand pulls down into the sink. They look professional. Like something out of a commercial kitchen. Pull down kitchen sink mixers are fantastic for filling tall pots because the spout is already high up.

The Pull Out Mixer

These often have a lower profile. The spout might angle upwards slightly, but you pull the wand out towards you. These are brilliant if you have cabinets above your sink and can't fit a massive high-arch tap. They are a bit more subtle.

To be fair, we often use the terms interchangeably in conversation. But if you are tight on space, the distinction matters.

Where Do They Work Best?

Honestly? Everywhere. But there are a few spots where they really shine.

• The Island Bench: If your sink is on an island, you probably don't have a splashback behind it. You’ve just got open space (and maybe people sitting on the other side). A pull out mixer lets you rinse the sink without splashing water all over your benchtop—or your guests.

• The Laundry: We can’t stress this enough. Put one in your laundry. Filling buckets? easy. Scrubbing stains out of clothes? Much better with a directed spray. If you are browsing our sink mixers for a laundry trough, go for a pull out.

• Big Single Bowl Sinks: We love a big farmhouse sink. But a standard tap can't reach the corners of a 900mm wide bowl. A pull out hose solves that instantly.

Styles and Colours: Making It Look Good

Okay, let’s talk aesthetics. A tap is a piece of jewellery for your kitchen. It needs to match your vibe.

Years ago, you could have any colour you wanted, as long as it was chrome. Thankfully, those days are gone. We are seeing some incredible finishes coming through the warehouse.

If you want that timeless, clean look, chrome taps are still the king. They sparkle, they are durable, and they fit any budget. But maybe you want something softer? Brushed nickel tapware is our go-to recommendation for busy families. It hides fingerprints really well. Seriously, if you have kids, get brushed nickel.

For the modern industrial look, nothing beats black kitchen taps and mixers. They make a statement. Just be aware they can show limescale if you have hard water. On the flip side, white tapware is making a massive comeback in minimalist, Scandi-style homes. It’s crisp.

Want luxury? Warm metals are where it’s at. We are seeing so much love for brushed brass taps and gold taps. They add warmth to a white kitchen instantly. If you want something a bit moodier, check out bronze taps or even gunmetal tapware. Gunmetal is like the cool, edgy cousin of chrome.

And for the truly fancy among us? Champagne taps. Yes, it’s a colour. And yes, it is stunning.

Whatever you pick, try to match it with your other hardware. Or don’t. Sometimes mixing metals looks cool. We aren't the style police.

Who Makes the Good Stuff?

Quality matters. A cheap tap feels... cheap. The handle wobbles. The hose frays. It’s annoying. We only stock brands that we trust to handle the daily grind of an Australian kitchen.

If you want Australian reliability, look at Caroma or Dorf. They have been around forever for a reason. They just work. Similarly, Clark taps are solid workhorses.

For something with a bit more design flair, Phoenix taps are incredibly popular right now. Their designs are sharp. Meir taps are another favourite of ours, especially if you love that matte black finish. They back their products with great warranties.

If you are after innovation, check out Methven taps. Their water flow technology is fascinating. It feels soft but powerful. Oliveri tapware often matches their sinks perfectly, which makes buying easy.

We also have some stunning pieces from Fienza taps, Nero taps, and Greens tapware. These brands are pushing boundaries with texture and shape.

And we can't forget the niche players. Modern National tapware does some vintage styles that are to die for. Indigo taps, Seima taps, and Suprema all offer great options that won't let you down.

Real Benefits (Beyond Just Looking Cool)

We’ve talked about style. But let’s get practical. Why should you actually buy one of these?

1. The "Spray" Function

Most pull out mixers have a button on the head. You press it, and the stream changes from a solid flow to a shower spray. This is the secret weapon. It blasts food off plates before you put them in the dishwasher. It rinses suds off vegetables gently. Once you have a spray function, you will wonder how you lived without it.

2. Filling Things on the Bench

Have you ever tried to fill a coffee machine water tank? It never fits under the tap. You have to use a jug to fill the tank. It’s annoying. With a pull out mixer, you just pull the hose over to the coffee machine on the bench. Done. Same goes for filling big pasta pots. Keep the pot on the bench, fill it up, then carry it to the stove.

3. Cleaning the Sink

This is the one that gets us. After you do the dishes, the sink is often covered in little bits of food and foam. With a normal tap, you have to use your hand to splash water around the sides to rinse it. Gross. With a pull out hose, you just spray down the walls of the sink. It takes three seconds. Your sink stays cleaner.

Things You Need to Know Before Buying

We want you to be happy with your choice. So, here are the technical bits you should check.

Water Pressure

Some of these big mixers need decent mains pressure to work well. If you are on a gravity-fed system (like in some older rural homes), check the specs. You might need a specific tap. While you are checking specs, it's worth looking at lead-free taps. Healthier water is always a win.

The Hose Weight

Under the sink, there is a weight attached to the hose loop. This gravity weight pulls the hose back in when you let go. You need to make sure the space under your sink is clear. If you have a bin or pipes right where the hose hangs, the weight will get stuck. And then your tap won't retract. It’s a simple fix—just keep that area clear—but people forget it.

Handle Clearance

If your tap hole is close to a wall or a window splashback, check how the handle moves. Some handles push back for hot water. If the wall is right there, you won't be able to turn the hot water on fully. Look for models where the handle only moves forward or upright. Progressive mixers are great for this too, as you just twist the end of the spout or a single dial.

What About Other Types?

Maybe a pull out isn't for you. That's fine. We have plenty of other options.

For a clean look on an island, hob mixers are separate taps that mount directly to the bench. They look very architectural. Or, if you love that vintage vibe, check out our classical sink mixers. They often have porcelain levers and look beautiful in heritage homes. Some even come as a 3 piece sink set if you prefer separate hot and cold taps.

For the tech-heads, we are seeing more electronic sensor taps entering the kitchen. Wave your hand, water comes on. Great for when your hands are covered in raw chicken. And of course, we believe design is for everyone, which is why we stock a range of accessible taps that are easier to turn and reach.

But look, if you want our honest advice? For 90% of kitchens, a pull out or pull down mixer is the best choice. It’s versatile. It looks great. And it makes the chores just a little bit easier.

If you are still stuck or want to know if a stainless steel tapware option will match your fridge, give us a shout. We love talking about this stuff. Really. Or browse our full collection of taps and spouts to see what catches your eye.

Happy renovating!

Frequently Asked Questions