Tapware & Pre rinse Sprays

Commercial Kitchen Tapware: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Commercial kitchen tapware is not the same as domestic tapware. In a professional kitchen, taps and pre-rinse units are used hundreds of times a day by multiple staff members under high-pressure conditions. The right commercial tapware needs to be built from heavy-duty materials, comply with Australian plumbing standards, and handle continuous use without leaking, dripping, or failing mid-service. All commercial kitchen tapware sold at Ben's Hospitality Equipment is suitable for professional food service environments and is designed to meet the rigorous daily demands of Australian hospitality businesses.

Types of Commercial Kitchen Tapware

Commercial Tap Mixers

A commercial tap mixer combines hot and cold water through a single lever or handle, giving kitchen staff fast, precise control over water temperature and flow. Commercial tap mixers are available in wall-mounted and hob-mounted configurations. Wall-mounted models are fixed directly to the wall above the sink, freeing up bench space. Hob-mounted models install directly into the sink bench and are ideal for standard commercial sink setups. Stainless steel and chrome finish commercial tap mixers are the most common choice for Australian commercial kitchens due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

Pre-Rinse Spray Taps

A pre-rinse spray tap, also called a pre-rinse unit or spray arm, uses a high-pressure spray to remove food scraps from plates, pots, and trays before they go through a commercial dishwasher. With a high-pressure variable pre-rinse spray, hundreds of dishes can be cleaned in a fraction of the time compared to conventional tapware, reducing labour time and the risk of dishwasher blockages from food waste. Pre-rinse spray taps are available in wall-mounted and hob-mounted configurations, with options including a fixed spout, swivel arm, and trigger-operated spray gun. Models are available with 6-inch or 12-inch pot fillers to suit different sink depths and kitchen setups.

Pot Filler Taps

A pot filler tap is a long-reach tap positioned above or beside a cooking range or stovetop. It allows kitchen staff to fill large stockpots, pasta cookers, and bain marie units directly at the cooking station without carrying heavy pots of water across the kitchen. Pot filler taps are a practical addition to any high-volume kitchen and are available in wall-mounted configurations with a swivel or articulated arm for easy positioning.

Wall-Mounted vs Hob-Mounted Tapware

Wall-mounted pre-rinse units mount securely above your sink using standard commercial brackets and connect to your existing water services with no special fittings required. They are ideal when bench space is limited and you want to keep the sink deck clear. Hob-mounted models integrate directly into your sink bench and work with standard commercial plumbing connections, making them ideal when bench space is available. The best choice depends on your existing plumbing layout and the configuration of your sink bench.

WaterMark and WELS Compliance in Australia

All commercial kitchen tapware installed in Australian commercial kitchens must comply with WaterMark certification and WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) requirements. WaterMark certification confirms the product meets Australian plumbing standards and is approved for use in commercial installations. WELS ratings indicate the water efficiency of the tap, with higher star ratings indicating lower flow rates and less water consumed per use.

6-star WELS-rated pre-rinse sprays use a flow rate of just 3.5 litres per minute, making them an ultra-efficient option for commercial kitchens looking to reduce water costs. When buying commercial tapware in Australia, always confirm the product carries WaterMark approval before purchasing. Non-compliant tapware can create liability issues during council inspections and insurance claims.

Which Businesses Need Commercial Kitchen Tapware?

Any business operating a commercial kitchen in Australia that handles food preparation, cooking, and dishwashing needs commercial-grade tapware installed at every sink station. Restaurants and bistros need commercial tap mixers and pre-rinse spray taps at their dishwash area to keep service moving efficiently. Cafes and coffee shops use commercial sink mixers at their barista station and prep area for fast access to hot and cold water throughout the day. Takeaway shops and fast food kitchens rely on high-pressure pre-rinse spray taps to clear plates and trays quickly between orders. Hotels and function centres with multiple kitchen stations need durable commercial tapware that holds up to heavy use across multiple service periods. School canteens, aged care kitchens, and hospital food service areas require WaterMark-approved commercial tapware to meet health department requirements.

Shop Commercial Tapware For Busy Kitchens and Bars in Australia

At Ben's Hospitality Equipment, we stock a practical range of commercial kitchen tapware and pre-rinse spray units suited to restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and food service businesses across Australia. Whether you are fitting out a brand new commercial kitchen or replacing a worn tap in an existing setup, we carry the right products to get the job done. Our range includes products from KitchenKnock, Sunmixer, 3monkeez. We offer competitive pricing, fast shipping across Australia, and expert advice.