A knee operated basin is the standard hands-free hand wash station for commercial kitchens, hospitals and food processing areas. Staff can wash without touching a tap, and there's no electronics to fail. The 3monkeez range comes in nine versions, built from three choices: what mixes the water, how the knee valve behaves, and the basin shape.
What every version shares
All models have a 1.2mm 304 grade stainless shroud over a 1mm 304 grade basin, a 50mm splashback, a 40mm outlet, WELS approved plumbing hardware and a one-piece wall bracket system. The shroud hides the valves and pipework, so the wall stays clean and there's nothing exposed to knock or tamper with.
Choice 1: basin only, tempering valve or TMV?
- Basin only (e.g. AB-KNEEHB-1): no mixing valve supplied. Choose this when the site already delivers tempered water to the basin from a central valve, or when you want to supply your own valve.
- With tempering valve (e.g. AB-KNEEHBT-1): pre-plumbed with a tempering valve. This suits general commercial and food premises where AS 4032.2 tempering valves are acceptable.
- With thermostatic mixing valve (e.g. AB-KNEEHBTMV-1): pre-plumbed with a TMV. Choose it where the outlet must hold a tightly controlled temperature, typically healthcare, aged care and other facilities covered by AS 4032.1 TMV requirements.
The difference between the two valve types, and which standard applies where, is covered in detail in our TMV vs tempering valve guide. If you're unsure, check the facility's specification or the local health and plumbing requirements before ordering. Swapping a tempering valve for a TMV after installation is a wasted callout.
Choice 2: standard or timed flow?
The standard rectangular basins run while the knee panel is held. The timed flow versions (AB-KNEEHB-TF, AB-KNEEHBT-TF, AB-KNEEHBTMV-TF) keep running for a set time after a single press. Users can then lather and rinse with both hands free and without holding a knee against the panel. Timed flow is the more practical choice for proper hand washing.
Choice 3: rectangular or round?
The rectangular basins hold 11.5 litres. The round basins (AB-KNEEHB-R, and the tempering valve and TMV versions) hold 6.3 litres and are built for tight spaces. The round range is listed with timed flow operation and a knee valve rated up to 1000kPa, which the listing notes reduces the effect of rising water pressure.
Fitting out a trough instead
For a long hand wash trough with several stations, use a per-station knee operated tap kit (P-PTKNEEKIT) instead of individual basins. It includes the spout, knee valve, 2x 1000mm flexi hoses, 2x mini stops and 2x cover plates. There's also a version with a tempering valve. For a comparison of knee and foot controls, see our knee valve vs foot valve guide.
The full range is in our 3monkeez Knee Operated Basins and 3monkeez Hand Basins collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a tempering valve or a TMV on a knee operated basin?
A tempering valve suits general commercial and food premises. A TMV is typically required in healthcare and aged care, where tighter temperature control applies. Check the facility's specification and local requirements.
What does timed flow do on a knee basin?
The water keeps running for a set time after one press, so users can wash with both hands without holding the knee panel.
What size are the 3monkeez knee operated basins?
Rectangular basins hold 11.5 litres and round basins hold 6.3 litres. All have a 50mm splashback and a 40mm outlet.
Can I add knee operation to an existing trough?
Yes. The P-PTKNEEKIT supplies a spout, knee valve, hoses, mini stops and cover plates per station, with or without a tempering valve.