IMEX basin taps are single-lever faucets made of brass with a 25 mm ceramic cartridge, available in deck-mounted, high-spout, and wall-mounted (without a connection box) versions, with finishes in chrome, brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and black gun metal, and organized into series such as Olimpo, Génova, Nápoles, Delos, Pisa, and Art.
Choosing a basin tap may seem like a minor detail during a renovation, but it is the item touched most often each day and the one that betrays a bad purchase soonest. In this guide, we review, with data taken from the actual product sheets in the IMEX catalog at Merkimarket, which basin tap models the brand offers, how they differ by installation type and series, what height is suitable for each based on your basin, and what to expect regarding flow rate and water savings.
Key facts about IMEX basin taps
- Body material: solid brass in all basin faucets, the standard for corrosion resistance and durability.
- Cartridge: 25 mm ceramic, replaceable, which regulates flow and temperature with a smooth touch.
- Installation types: deck-mounted single-lever, high-spout single-lever, and wall-mounted without a connection box.
- Basin series: Olimpo, Génova, Nápoles, Delos, Pisa, and Art, each with its own design language.
- Finishes: chrome, brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and black gun metal, with PVD treatment on colored models.
- Matching accessories: optional click-clack drain valve in the same finish as the tap.
- Warranty: statutory minimum of three years for consumers in Spain, plus the seller's commercial warranty.
With this, you have the map; below, we develop each point so you can choose with confidence.
What is an IMEX basin tap and why consider it
An IMEX basin tap is a single-lever faucet designed for the home bathroom that combines a brass body, ceramic cartridge, and trendy finishes at an affordable price. The brand does not play in the league of nameless DIY products or large premium multinationals: it occupies the middle ground, where it matters that the tap has the appropriate weight—a sign that the brass is real and not zamak—and that the color holds up to daily cleaning without fading. That is the proposal: brass, ceramic, and a wide selection of finishes that, until a few years ago, were only seen in high-end ranges.
In practice, the price range of IMEX basin faucets at Merkimarket varies, depending on the model and finish, between approximately 75 and 155 euros. It is not the cheapest option on the market, but it is one of the most rational when you are looking for current design with construction that lasts. If you want an overview of the brand before delving into the basin, our definitive guide to IMEX faucets will be useful.
Types of IMEX basin taps by installation
Before looking at finishes, the deciding factor is the type of installation, because it dictates the construction work and the basin you can use. IMEX covers three formats:
| Type | Installation method | Ideal for | Series example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck-mounted (standard) | On the basin itself, via its tap hole | Built-in and semi-recessed basins | Olimpo, Delos, Napoles |
| High spout | Deck-mounted, but with an elevated spout | Countertop basins (vessel style) | Olimpo, Génova, Delos |
| Wall-mounted | The body is concealed in the wall; only spout and handle are visible | Design bathrooms and continuous countertops | Napoles, Pisa |
The standard deck-mounted tap is the most common and direct option: it fits most basins with a central hole. The high spout is designed for countertop basins, those vessels that rest on top of the vanity and leave the rim well above the counter. And the wall-mounted is the cleanest visually, because it hides the entire body in the wall, although it requires planning the installation during construction. A point in favor of IMEX: their wall-mounted basin taps do not require a connection box, which simplifies installation compared to other systems.
The IMEX basin series, one by one
Within each installation type, IMEX organizes its taps by series, and each series maintains a consistent design so you can outfit your bathroom to match. These are the ones you will see in the basin section:
- Olimpo: the most versatile basin series. Available in deck-mounted single-lever, high-spout, and also for bidets, with flagship finishes in brushed gold and brushed rose gold. It is the natural gateway to the catalog.
- Génova: high-spout with elegant lines, present in metallic black and also brushed rose gold. A good choice for countertop basins when you are looking for a touch of character.
- Delos: an extensive family with deck-mounted single-lever and high-spout options, and a range of finishes from classic chrome to matte black and metallic black.
- Pisa: includes everything from deck-mounted to wall-mounted, with the black gun metal finish as the most exclusive option in the series.
- Napoles: geared toward the wall-mounted and deck-mounted format, with metallic black and matte black finishes; one of the most price-conscious options.
- Art: designer series with deck-mounted single-lever and high-spout models, available in metallic black and brushed gold.
If you are hesitating between brands or want to compare real-world impressions, we recommend you also read our analysis of IMEX tap opinions and quality before deciding.
Heights: how to get it right for your basin
The most repeated question is about height, and the short answer is that the brand is decided by your basin, not the other way around. Follow these steps:
- Identify your basin type. Is it built-in or semi-recessed (the edge is flush with the countertop) or is it a vessel-style countertop basin (it rests on top and protrudes)?
- Built-in or semi-recessed basin → standard deck-mounted tap. The normal-height spout falls cleanly into the bowl. A high spout here would splash.
- Countertop basin → high spout. You need the spout to clear the edge of the vessel with enough room to wash your hands comfortably; that is why the series offer specific high-spout versions.
- Check the spout-to-bowl distance. Look for enough space between the water outlet and the bottom, but without excess: too much drop increases splashing.
- If wall-mounted, define the spout height during construction. Here the height is fixed upon installation; a common reference is to leave the spout about 20-25 cm above the edge of the basin, adjusting it to your bowl.
Always check the exact measurements (total height and spout reach) on each model's product sheet, as they vary between series. And if you are still choosing the basin itself, our guide on basin types will help.
Flow rate, aerators, and water saving
The flow rate of a basin tap depends on the cartridge and, above all, the aerator at the tip of the spout. IMEX single-lever faucets mount a 25 mm ceramic cartridge, which regulates the opening progressively, and an aerator at the outlet, the piece that mixes air with water to give the sensation of a generous stream while using less. In domestic basin faucets, a reasonable and efficient flow rate moves in the range of 5 to 8 liters per minute thanks to that aerator; if you are looking to save more, you can replace the aerator with a low-consumption one, as it is a threaded and inexpensive part.
Two gestures that help the utility bill and the environment: choosing models with a cold-start opening (the handle starts in cold water and only warms up if you turn it toward the hot side) and cleaning the aerator every few months so that limescale does not reduce the flow or deform the stream. Save the model reference (for example, BDC033 in the Olimpo series or GLN047 in Napoles): this is what you will need to request a replacement aerator or cartridge years later.
Finishes and maintenance
This is where IMEX makes a difference compared to basic faucets. In addition to chrome, basin faucets are offered in brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and metallic black or black gun metal, the latter featuring PVD treatment, which best resists daily cleaning without losing color. For maintenance, the rule is simple: a soft cloth with soap and water, drying after use to avoid limescale marks, and no scouring pads or abrasive or acidic products, which are what scratch and dull color finishes.
A tip on coordination: choose the same finish for the tap and the drain valve. Many IMEX basin models offer the option with a matching click-clack valve; that detail of everything matching is what gives the feeling of a well-cared-for bathroom. If you want to delve into how to combine faucet colors with the rest of the bathroom, check out our guide on bathroom faucets: types and finishes.
How to choose your IMEX basin tap in 4 steps
- Start with the basin. Built-in or semi-recessed calls for a standard tap; countertop basin calls for a high spout; designer continuous countertop allows for wall-mounted.
- Choose the series. Olimpo if you want the most versatile option with gold; Génova or Delos for high spout; Pisa or Napoles if you are looking for wall-mounted.
- Define the finish and don't mix. Chrome for neutral and easy; brushed gold, matte black, or black gun metal if you want character. Make sure the tap and drain match.
- Finish off with accessories. Add the click-clack valve in the same finish and review the measurements on the product sheet before buying.
Ready to see it as a product? Explore IMEX faucets at Merkimarket or go directly to two popular references to get an idea of quality and finish: the Olimpo basin tap in brushed gold and its high-spout version for countertop basins.
Frequently asked questions about IMEX basin taps
What material are IMEX basin taps made of?
The body is made of brass, the benchmark material for its corrosion resistance and durability, with a 25 mm ceramic cartridge inside. This is the construction that ensures a smooth touch and a long service life.
When do I need a high-spout tap?
When your basin is of the type that sits on top of the countertop (vessel style). The high spout clears the edge of the bowl and leaves comfortable space to wash your hands. For built-in or semi-recessed basins, on the other hand, a standard tap works better.
What finishes exist and which one is easiest to maintain?
There is chrome, brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and metallic black (black gun metal). Chrome is the easiest to clean; the colored ones have PVD treatment and hold up well if you avoid abrasive products and dry after use.
What warranty do they have?
Like any product sold to consumers in Spain, they have the minimum statutory three-year warranty against defects, to which the seller can add their commercial warranty and the availability of spare parts such as cartridges and aerators.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. Technical data (series, materials, cartridges, and finishes) taken from the product sheets of the IMEX catalog at Merkimarket. Price ranges and availability may vary; check each product sheet for current information in Spain.
