How to choose a kitchen or bathroom tap (mixer)

A tap (mixer) gets used dozens of times a day, so choosing one by looks alone is a mistake. Four things matter: where it goes, how it is controlled, what the body is made of and which cartridge sits inside. The Dona catalogue has 25 taps and mixers, priced from 79,900 to 389,000 UZS. Below we explain, in plain words, what each choice affects.

Where it goes: kitchen, washbasin or bath#

A kitchen tap has a tall swivel spout (the part the water comes out of), so a big pot or bucket fits underneath. A washbasin tap in the bathroom has a short, low spout. A bath mixer has two outlets: a spout that fills the tub and a hand shower. A diverter switches between them.

Check how it is mounted too. Most kitchen and washbasin taps go into a hole in the sink. Some are fixed to the wall, and for those two pipes must come out of the wall. Before buying, check what the pipework in your home looks like.

Single-lever or two-handle#

On a single-lever tap one handle controls both hot and cold: turn it left for hot, right for cold, and lift it for more flow. It is quick to set the temperature, and it is more common in modern kitchens.

A two-handle tap has a separate handle for hot and for cold water. You can set the temperature more precisely and repairs are simpler, but you have to turn both handles every time. It suits classic-style kitchens and bathrooms.

Body material: brass or zinc alloy#

A brass body is heavier, resists corrosion and lasts a long time. A zinc alloy body is lighter and cheaper and is fine for everyday use, but wears out faster in hard water. The chrome or nickel finish on the outside is for looks and protection; it does not replace the body material. If the listing does not say what the body is made of, ask the seller.

The cartridge: the main cause of drips#

The cartridge is the part inside the tap that opens and closes the water. A ceramic cartridge is made of two smooth discs and stays drip-free for a long time. An old-style valve with a rubber washer is cheaper but wears faster, and the tap starts to drip. When a tap drips, replacing the cartridge is usually enough; you rarely need a whole new tap.

All models are in the taps and mixers section. If you are updating your kitchen, see also our guide to choosing a tableware set.

Real prices (Dona, October 2026)#

Prices are taken from the app catalogue as of 13 October 2026. A seller can change a price at any time; the current price and availability are shown on the product page in the app.

• 360-degree rotating metal water faucet — single-lever, chrome-plated, hoses included — 129,000 UZS. The cheapest on this list.
• DAS 6612 — for the bath, zinc alloy body, 356 mm swivel spout, hand shower and hose included — 199,000 UZS.
• BOOU ZQ5330-1F — two-handle, brass and stainless steel body, ceramic cartridge, for kitchen, washbasin and bath — 249,000 UZS.
• BOOU B9032PBJ-SE026 — for the kitchen, black, flexible spout, single-lever, with a spray mode — 299,000 UZS.
• Bath and shower mixer — wall-mounted, long spout, 5-mode hand shower — 349,000 UZS.

Why a live stream helps when choosing a tap#

A photo will not show the quality of the chrome finish, how smoothly the handle turns or how heavy the body is. On a live stream, ask the seller to hold the tap to show its weight, turn the handle all the way, and open the box on camera so you can see the hoses and fittings. Type “Is the body brass or zinc alloy?” in the chat and you get the answer straight away.