An instant boiling water tap dispenses near boiling water, eliminating the need for a kettle. They are also aesthetically pleasing and save worktop space.
The most important thing to remember is that the water will be hotter than your usual kitchen tap. So it’s worth investing in a thermometer.
A good quality 3-in-1 tap will have safety precautions in place – like child locks, so you can’t leave the tap running.
Easy to use
Instant boiling water taps are a great addition to any kitchen, especially modern family homes. Stylish and super-efficient, they make blanching vegetables and cooking pasta, as well as making tea and coffee, much easier. The steaming hot water is dispensed through a separate dedicated handle and pours at a lower rate than regular taps so you don’t get scalded. This also reduces water wastage, so you only use the amount you need.
They can be expensive to buy but they usually pay for themselves in the long run because they cost less to run than kettles. They also save you electricity if you are on a power-guzzling meter and they can save you money on gas too, depending on your gas supplier.
Boiling water taps work by using a special tank under the sink which is filled with boiling or near-boiling (depending on the model) water. This is plugged into your mains and the hot water is delivered to you instantly, with many models dispensing 100oC aqua.
Some boiling water taps have an additional function which dispenses chilled or cold aqua – a useful feature if you have kids, who might want a quick drink of cold water. They also have child safety features and water temperature control settings. Generally they are easy to install, but do need specialist plumbing and often have water tanks that will need replacing periodically.
Saves you time
We all love a good cup of tea but sometimes waiting for the kettle to boil can be a bit of a pain and is especially frustrating when we have a lot going on. This is where an instant boiling water tap comes in handy.
The taps are designed to give you quick access to hot water without the need for a kettle, taking up less space than a standard kitchen sink tap and using a lot less energy too. The taps work by dispensing near boiling water which is heated in a small tank beneath the sink (size varies). When the tap handle is pressed cool tap water is forced in to replace it and is dispensed through the spout. The taps are also easy to clean making them a great choice for commercial use.
They’re a good replacement for bulky water urns on manufacturing sites as they can be installed anywhere in the workplace, saving up to 20% on energy costs. The taps are also a great way for businesses to improve their sustainability credentials, reducing the amount of plastic waste they produce.
Reduces water wastage
Boiling water taps dispense only what is needed and therefore use less energy than traditional kettles. Some models are also child-friendly and can be fitted with a hot water lock so that children cannot accidentally turn the tap on and cause harm or burns. This makes them much safer than a kettle which can easily tip over and can also be a fire risk, so are the perfect choice for families with young kids.
Instant boiling water taps also reduce energy usage because they don’t need to be constantly heating up the water and reboiling it as often as a kettle does. In addition, the tank itself is insulated so that less electricity is used to maintain the temperature of the water.
However, it’s important to note that even though these taps do conserve energy, the initial upfront cost and installation costs need to be taken into account. And if you live in a hard water area, you may need to purchase a filter and replace it regularly to avoid the build up of limescale in your water.
It’s also best to completely switch off your tap at night. This helps prevent the tap from reheating the water when it’s turned on again in the morning and saves a small amount of electricity. It’s also a good idea to unplug your appliances at night to help cut down on something called standby energy use which can occur when the appliance is switched off but still plugged in.
Saves money
The energy cost of boiling water is a major concern for many households. Following the recent rise in the energy price cap, enquiries about the potential savings of a boiling water tap have increased significantly. They’re a great alternative to using the traditional kettle and offer a variety of advantages, including reduced energy usage.
They’re a great way to heat up water for cooking, blanching vegetables or making tea and coffee. They’re also more environmentally conscious, as they only dispense the amount of water that you need and avoid the waste of unused boiling water. They use up to 50% less energy than a standard kettle, and some brands like Qettle have even set up an online calculator so you can see the energy savings for yourself.
Boiling water taps come with a range of safety features such as child locks and insulated pipes to prevent accidental scalding. Some are also equipped with indicators to let you know when the water needs a filter change or the boiler needs servicing.
Instant boiling water taps are a great addition to any modern family kitchen. While the upfront costs are slightly higher than a regular tap, they’ll pay for themselves in water and energy savings over time. Plus, they’re a stylish way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your home.