Best Water Filter Taps for Your Home: Puretec and WFW Comparison Guide
A good water filter tap does more than look nice on the kitchen sink. It changes how easy it is to drink filtered water every day.
For Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland homes, the right filter tap depends on your kitchen layout, filtration system, bench material, budget, tap finish and whether you want one all-in-one mixer or a separate filtered water outlet.
JR Gas & Water supplies and installs a wide range of water filters, 3-way kitchen mixer taps, Puretec water filtration systems and WFW Water Filter World options for homes wanting cleaner, better-tasting water without cluttering the kitchen.
Quick Answer
The best water filter tap for most modern kitchens is usually a 3-way kitchen mixer because it gives you hot, cold and filtered water from one tap body.
Puretec Tripla mixers are the stronger premium choice for homeowners wanting a more refined finish, trusted filtration brand and designer-style kitchen upgrade. WFW 3-way mixers are the stronger value choice for customers wanting practical hot, cold and filtered water in one tap at a sharper entry price.
For customers keeping their existing kitchen mixer, an under-sink system such as the Puretec PureMix Z6 inline water filter or a dedicated filtered outlet system may be the better fit.
Why Install a Water Filter Tap?
A water filter tap gives you filtered drinking water directly from the kitchen sink. Instead of using filtered jugs, bottled water or benchtop dispensers, the filter is connected into the kitchen plumbing so filtered water is available where you use it most.
A filtered tap can help with:
Better-tasting drinking water
Cleaner water for tea and coffee
Filtered water for cooking
Bottle filling
Reducing bottled water use
A neater kitchen bench
A more premium sink area
Convenient everyday access to filtered water
The tap choice matters because it affects how the kitchen looks, how the filter connects and how easy the system is to use every day.
What Types of Water Filter Taps Are Available?
There are three main directions most homeowners compare.
1. 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Taps
A 3-way kitchen mixer combines standard hot water, standard cold water and filtered drinking water in one tap body.
This is the cleanest-looking option for many kitchens because it removes the need for a second separate filter tap.
A 3-way mixer is best for:
Kitchen renovations
Stone benchtops where extra drilling is not preferred
Homes wanting one clean tap setup
Premium kitchens
Families wanting filtered water without bench clutter
Customers replacing an old mixer tap
Homes adding an under-sink filter system
JR Gas & Water’s 3-way kitchen mixer tap range includes Puretec Tripla and WFW options in finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, brushed gold, gunmetal grey, matte black and stainless steel.
2. Dedicated Filtered Water Taps
A dedicated filter tap is a separate small tap installed beside the main kitchen mixer. It only dispenses filtered drinking water.
This can be a good option if:
You want to keep your existing kitchen mixer
Your sink already has a spare tap hole
You want a lower-cost filtered water upgrade
You are installing a reverse osmosis system
You prefer a separate filtered water outlet
A dedicated outlet can work well with systems such as the Puretec RO270 reverse osmosis filter system, where a separate drinking water outlet is commonly part of the setup.
3. Existing Mixer Connection
Some under-sink filters can be connected to an existing kitchen mixer, depending on the system and setup.
This can suit customers who want filtered water without changing the visible tapware. However, filtering all cold water through the main mixer can use filter capacity faster because it may also be used for washing, rinsing and general kitchen tasks.
For many homes, JR Gas & Water will recommend a separate filtered outlet or a 3-way mixer rather than filtering every bit of cold water through the main kitchen tap.
Puretec vs WFW: Which Brand Should You Choose?
Puretec and WFW both offer practical filtered water tap options, but they suit slightly different buyers.
| Brand | Best Suited To | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Puretec | Premium kitchens, designer finishes, strong brand confidence | More refined tap range and broader filtration ecosystem |
| WFW | Value-focused upgrades and practical 3-way mixer installs | Strong all-in-one function at a sharper entry price |
Choose Puretec If You Want a Premium Finish
Puretec is the better starting point if you want the tap to feel like a premium kitchen upgrade, not just a functional add-on.
Puretec may suit customers who want:
A more designer-style kitchen mixer
A trusted filtration-focused brand
A broader range of finish options
A 3-way mixer matched to a quality filter system
A more refined sink area
A strong long-term filtration pathway
Good Puretec options to compare include the Puretec Tripla Elite 10 Bright Chrome 3-in-1 Mixer, Puretec Tripla Elite 20 Gunmetal Grey 3-in-1 Mixer and Puretec Tripla T3 under-bench mains filter system.
Choose WFW If You Want Strong Value
WFW is a practical choice if you want hot, cold and filtered water in one tap without stepping into the highest price range.
WFW may suit customers who want:
A value-focused 3-way mixer
A simple all-in-one filtered tap upgrade
High-rise, high-loop or pull-out tap styles
Practical finishes such as black, gold, brushed nickel or stainless steel
Filtered water functionality without premium pricing
A straightforward kitchen tap replacement
Good WFW options to compare include the WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Black High-Rise, WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Gold High-Rise and WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Brushed Nickel Pullout.
Best Water Filter Tap Options From JR Gas & Water
Best Premium 3-Way Mixer: Puretec Tripla Elite 10
The Puretec Tripla Elite 10 is a strong premium choice for homeowners wanting a refined 3-way mixer with hot, cold and filtered water in one fixture.
It suits kitchens where the tap is part of the overall design, not just a basic fitting.
Best for:
Modern kitchens
Premium renovations
Customers wanting a trusted Puretec setup
Homes wanting one tap instead of two
Clean sink layouts
Designer-style finishes
The Puretec Tripla Elite 10 Bright Chrome 3-in-1 Mixer is a good starting point for customers wanting a clean, timeless finish.
Best Modern All-Rounder: Puretec Tripla Elite 20
The Puretec Tripla Elite 20 is a strong modern all-rounder for customers wanting a stylish kitchen mixer with filtered water built in.
It suits kitchens where the finish and shape of the tap matter as much as the filtration function.
Best for:
Modern kitchens
Darker tapware schemes
Premium sink areas
Customers wanting Puretec quality
Homes replacing a standard mixer with a 3-way option
Renovations where the tap needs to match other fixtures
The Puretec Tripla Elite 20 Gunmetal Grey 3-in-1 Mixer is a good fit for darker, modern kitchen designs.
Best Value 3-Way Mixer: WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer
WFW 3-way mixers are a strong value choice for homeowners wanting filtered water without adding a second tap or paying for a premium tapware finish.
They are practical, simple and useful for everyday kitchens.
Best for:
Value-focused upgrades
Rental-friendly owner upgrades
Family kitchens
Replacing a standard mixer
Homes wanting hot, cold and filtered water in one tap
Customers wanting multiple style options
The WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Black High-Rise suits black tapware kitchens, while the WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Gold High-Rise suits warmer brass or gold-style kitchen finishes.
Best Practical Feature Pick: WFW Brushed Nickel Pullout
The WFW 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap Brushed Nickel Pullout is a useful option for homeowners who want filtered water plus the everyday flexibility of a pullout spray head.
Best for:
Busy kitchens
Large sinks
Home cooks
Rinsing vegetables
Washing larger pots
Customers wanting more tap flexibility
Practical family kitchens
A pullout mixer can be more useful than a fixed high-rise tap for some households, especially where the sink gets heavy daily use.
Best Under-Sink Filter Pairing: Puretec PureMix Z6
If you are keeping your current tap setup or want a compact filtration upgrade, the Puretec PureMix Z6 inline water filter is a strong under-sink option to compare.
Best for:
Everyday drinking water
Kitchens with existing tapware
Customers wanting compact under-sink filtration
Homes not needing whole-house filtration
Better-tasting water at the kitchen
Practical filtered water upgrades
This is a good option when the filter system matters more than changing the visible tap.
Best Advanced Drinking Water Option: Puretec RO270
For customers wanting a more advanced drinking water filtration system, the Puretec RO270 reverse osmosis filter system is worth comparing.
Reverse osmosis is usually a better fit for customers who want a dedicated drinking water outlet and a higher level of filtration than a standard carbon-style under-sink system.
Best for:
Premium drinking water filtration
Homes wanting reverse osmosis
Customers wanting a dedicated filtered outlet
Tea and coffee drinkers
Households wanting a stronger kitchen filtration setup
Customers wanting more than basic taste improvement
Reverse osmosis is not automatically needed for every home, but it can be a strong choice where drinking water quality is the main priority.
3-Way Mixer vs Separate Filter Tap
One of the biggest decisions is whether to choose a 3-way mixer or keep a separate filtered water tap.
| Option | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 3-way mixer | Modern kitchens and renovations | Hot, cold and filtered water from one tap |
| Separate filter tap | Existing kitchens with spare tap hole | Lower-cost filtered water outlet |
| Existing mixer connection | Customers keeping current tapware | Minimal visible change |
| Reverse osmosis tap | Advanced drinking water filtration | Dedicated outlet for RO water |
Choose a 3-Way Mixer If
You want one clean tap setup
You do not want a second tap beside the sink
You are renovating the kitchen
You have a stone benchtop and want to avoid drilling another hole
You want the tap to improve the kitchen’s appearance
You are already replacing the kitchen mixer
You want a premium finished result
Choose a Separate Filter Tap If
You already have a spare tap hole
You want to keep your current kitchen mixer
You are installing reverse osmosis
You want a more budget-friendly filtered water outlet
Your kitchen layout suits two taps
You do not mind the extra visible fixture
Important Note for Stone Benchtops
Stone and engineered stone benchtops need careful planning. Drilling extra holes can create safety, cracking and finish risks and may require specialised handling.
For kitchens with stone benchtops, a 3-way mixer is often a cleaner option because it can provide hot, cold and filtered water from the one tap location without needing a second filter tap hole.
If you are unsure, send photos of your sink and benchtop through the JR Gas & Water quote request page before ordering.
Water Filter Tap Finishes and Styles
Tap finish matters because the filter tap is one of the most visible parts of the kitchen.
Common options across JR Gas & Water’s 3-way mixer range include:
Chrome
Matte black
Brushed nickel
Brushed gold
Gunmetal grey
Stainless steel
High-rise
High-loop
Pullout mixer
A chrome or stainless finish is usually the safest choice for a timeless kitchen. Matte black, brushed gold and gunmetal grey can look excellent in modern kitchens but should be matched carefully with sink, handles, appliances and other tapware.
Installation Considerations
A water filter tap installation depends on the tap type, filter system and kitchen layout.
Important things to check include:
Under-sink space
Existing tap hole size
Bench material
Sink layout
Water pressure
Existing filter system
Pipework condition
Access to isolation valves
Whether a separate filter tap hole exists
Whether the system needs a dedicated outlet
Cartridge replacement access
Whether the existing mixer is being removed
JR Gas & Water can help with water filter installation, 3-way mixer installation and plumbing advice through its Brisbane plumber service.
Maintenance and Filter Replacement
The tap is only one part of the system. The filter cartridges still need to be replaced on schedule.
Maintenance depends on the system, water quality and household usage, but many under-sink filters commonly need cartridge replacement every 6 to 12 months.
You may need a filter replacement sooner if:
Water flow slows down
Taste changes
Odour returns
The filter has reached its rated capacity
The system has not been serviced in a long time
The home has higher-than-average water use
There is visible sediment or poor water quality
JR Gas & Water also offers water filter replacement cartridges for ongoing filter maintenance.
Local Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations
Water filter tap selection can vary across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and South East Queensland.
Local factors can include:
Chlorine taste in mains water
Older homes with ageing pipework
Renovated kitchens with stone benchtops
Townhouses with tight under-sink spaces
Gold Coast homes with coastal corrosion exposure
Acreage homes using rainwater or tank water
Families wanting to reduce bottled water use
Homes with coffee machines and premium kitchen appliances
Kitchens where tap finish matters for resale appeal
The best tap is not just the one that looks good online. It needs to suit the sink, bench, filter system and daily use.
What JR Gas & Water Can Help With
JR Gas & Water can help customers compare filtered tap options, supply the right system and install it properly across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas.
Relevant options include:
Puretec water filtration systems
Under-sink water filter systems
Reverse osmosis water filter systems
Water filter replacement cartridges
FAQs About Water Filter Taps
What is the best water filter tap for a modern kitchen?
For most modern kitchens, a 3-way kitchen mixer is the best option because it provides hot, cold and filtered water from one tap body. It gives a cleaner sink layout and avoids the need for a second filter tap.
Is Puretec better than WFW?
Puretec is usually the better choice for premium kitchens, stronger brand recognition and designer-style 3-way mixer options. WFW is usually better for value-focused customers who still want the practicality of hot, cold and filtered water from one tap.
What is a 3-way mixer tap?
A 3-way mixer tap provides standard hot water, standard cold water and filtered drinking water from one tap. It is different from a normal mixer because it includes a dedicated filtered water path.
Do I need a separate filtered water tap?
Not always. If you choose a 3-way mixer, you can avoid a separate filtered tap. A separate tap may still suit kitchens with an existing spare tap hole or reverse osmosis systems that use a dedicated outlet.
Can a filter tap be installed in a stone benchtop?
It depends on the existing tap holes and benchtop layout. Drilling stone or engineered stone needs careful handling and may not be suitable for a standard install. A 3-way mixer can often be a cleaner option because it uses one tap location.
How often do water filter cartridges need replacing?
Many under-sink cartridges are replaced every 6 to 12 months, but the correct timing depends on the system, water quality and household usage. Replace cartridges sooner if flow drops, taste changes or the filter reaches its rated capacity.
Can I connect a water filter to my existing kitchen mixer?
Sometimes, depending on the filter system and plumbing setup. However, filtering all cold water through the main mixer can use cartridges faster. A separate filtered outlet or 3-way mixer is often a better long-term setup.
Which filter tap is best if I want reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis systems usually work best with a dedicated filtered drinking water outlet. The Puretec RO270 is a good advanced drinking water option to compare if reverse osmosis is the priority.
Final Thoughts
The best water filter tap depends on your kitchen and how you want to use filtered water every day.
Choose a Puretec Tripla 3-way mixer if you want a premium finish, trusted brand and designer-style result. Choose a WFW 3-way mixer if you want strong value and practical filtered water from one tap. Choose an under-sink filter or reverse osmosis system if the filtration setup matters more than changing the visible tapware.
Need help choosing the right water filter tap?
Browse JR Gas & Water’s water filters, compare 3-way kitchen mixer taps, or send photos of your sink and under-bench area through the JR Gas & Water quote request page for practical advice.
