If you’re looking for a kitchen upgrade, an instant boiling water tap could be the answer. They look pure class, once they’re plumbed in and can supply boiling or near-boiling water whenever you need it.
They also save on space as they replace the need for a kettle. But are they worth the investment?
They’re stylish
Rather than replacing your existing hot tap, instant boiling water taps sit on the edge of your sink and dispense filtered near-boiling water at the press of a button. Designed to blend in with your kitchen decor, they come in sleek round or square spout designs and chrome and stainless steel finishes to suit any home.
They’re a stylish and convenient alternative to the traditional kettle, saving you time and energy. With many models offering a choice of ambient, sparkling or chilled water options too, they can transform the way you cook, clean and drink at home.
With a built-in child safety feature, the push-down lever on these taps springs back into place immediately after use to prevent accidental dispensing of steaming boiling water. This not only makes sure your little ones don’t get burned, it also reduces water waste by ensuring that the tap is only used when you need it.
Some models are a standalone tap with an on-demand boiled water heater while others, like the Quooker Fusion, incorporate a separate boiling tank within their design that draws and filters your mains water before heating it to 98°C. This is a more cost-effective and efficient option as it only needs to heat the water once and can keep it at this temperature without any need for constant reboiling.
They’re convenient
Boiling water taps can help save energy, especially in households that use boiling water frequently. Compared to a kettle, they are generally more energy-efficient. This is because they only heat the amount of water needed – no more, no less – which helps reduce unnecessary electricity usage. However, the exact amount of energy savings can vary based on the model and usage patterns of each individual household.
Another way that boiling water taps can be more energy-efficient than kettles is because they retain their heat for longer – unlike a kettle which cools down quickly after being turned off. This means they can also be used to brew a cup of tea or cook a full saucepan without the need for multiple cycles of heating and cooling.
They can also be a safer alternative to using a kettle, particularly in homes with children or elderly people. The taps are fixed – usually towards the back of the sink – so they cannot be pulled or dragged by someone accidentally. This eliminates the need to carry a full kettle around the room and can help avoid scalding accidents. Many taps also feature safety locks and cool touch surfaces for further peace of mind.
The best boiling water taps can be a stylish addition to your kitchen, come in a range of finishes and can be installed at home with relatively easy to follow instructions. They are a great option for a busy family who wants to save time and energy, while making a style statement in their kitchen.
They’re a bit of a faff
Many so-called boiling water taps dispense hot water, but don’t actually hit one hundred degrees. This is a shame, as a good cup of tea requires boiling water. Some models, such as those from Zip or Billi do dispense true boiling water, but they are more expensive.
Boiling water taps work by using a tank to store a ready supply of piping hot water. They plug directly into a power socket and are connected to your mains water supply, but they use considerably less energy than a kettle does. That’s because people tend to fill their kettles way beyond the amount they need. So, they end up wasting a lot of energy while waiting for the kettle to boil and then emptying the excess water again.
The best instant boiling water taps will also dispense standard hot and cold, as well as filtered cold and sparkling water. This allows you to serve a wide range of drinks in your home, without having to switch between different appliances. Some models will also be heated to a high temperature, preventing the build-up of limescale.
Some taps are designed to look like a normal kitchen mixer tap, while others can be mounted above your sink. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits in with your existing taps and kitchen décor.
They’re expensive
A boiling water tap is a convenient way to dispense hot water in your kitchen. Often designed to look like a regular tap, they include a boiler tank underneath that heats and stores water at the right temperature. This means that when you turn the tap on, you can enjoy instant boiling water without the need for a kettle or jug.
However, it’s worth remembering that these taps do use some energy to maintain the hot water temperature so don’t be surprised if your energy bills increase. And there’s also the initial cost to consider. These taps can vary in price from PS1050 to PS1840 depending on the style, finish and tank size you choose.
The good news is that boiling water taps are generally more environmentally friendly than the humble kettle. Kettles are often overfilled, wasting both water and energy, but these taps only dispense the amount of hot water that’s needed.
They’re also safer as you can avoid burns caused by handling a hot kettle and they come with child locks to prevent accidents. Plus, they can help you achieve the sleek decluttered kitchen many of us strive for with the added benefit of extra worktop space, which is ideal for preparing food and cooking. They’re perfect for making tea, coffee and other hot drinks, but can also be used to steam vegetables, make pasta or sterilise baby bottles.