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Boiling water taps are revolutionising family kitchens everywhere, offering unbeatable convenience to homeowners. In this article from Hot Water Taps, we’ll take you through a guide to boiling water taps, from how they work and their many benefits to maintenance tips.
What is a boiling water tap?
As the name suggests, boiling water taps dispense boiling water at the turn of a handle. These taps are highly efficient, featuring a boiler tank installed under your sink that keeps a supply of water at near-boiling temperatures. With just a turn of the tap, you can enjoy instant hot water for your tea, coffee, cooking, and cleaning.
How do boiling water taps work?
The technology behind the tap
The magic lies in the boiler tank, which maintains water at a near-boiling temperature. This tank connects to your mains water supply and heats the water to around 98°C. When you turn the tap, boiling water is dispensed instantly, eliminating the need for kettles or waiting for water to boil on the stove.
Safety features
Safety is paramount with boiling water taps, which is why most models come equipped with child locks and safety mechanisms to prevent accidental burns. These features ensure the tap is safe for families, even with young children in the house. When compared to kettles, which are easily dropped or mishandled, a boiling water tap is often the safer option for a family home.
Filtration system
Another feature of boiling water taps is the integrated water filter. These filters remove impurities like chemicals and minerals, ensuring that the water you consume is clean and safe. They also remove the sometimes unpleasant taste from tap water, extracting maximum flavour out of every tea or coffee.
Types of boiling water taps
There are several styles of these taps out there, so it’s important to choose the right one for your home.
Boiling-only taps
These taps dispense boiling water only. You’ll need a separate tap for regular hot and cold water.
2-in-1 taps
These taps usually offer a pull-out spout with regular hot and cold water but do not dispense boiling water.
3-in-1 taps
A 3-in-1 tap dispenses regular hot, cold, and filtered boiling water, combining convenience in one spout.
4-in-1 taps
The most versatile option, 4-in-1 taps dispense hot, cold, filtered boiling, and filtered cold water.
Flex taps
Flex taps come with a pull-out spout and can be 2-in-1, 3-in-1 or 4-in-1, offering extra flexibility and ease of use.
8 benefits of boiling water taps
- Instant boiling water. Forget waiting for the kettle to boil. With a boiling water tap, you have boiling water on demand, perfect for cooking, brewing tea or coffee, and more.
- Declutter your worktop. Say goodbye to bulky kettles and reclaim your counter space. A boiling water tap streamlines your kitchen, making it more organised and functional.
- Energy efficiency. These taps are designed to be energy-efficient, heating only the amount of water you need. This feature reduces energy waste, lowering your bills and carbon footprint.
- Enhanced safety. Boiling water taps can be a safer option than kettles. They eliminate the risk of tripping over cables and often include child locks and other safety features.
- Improved water taste. Taps with integrated filters improve the taste and smell of water by removing impurities. Enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water in every sip.
- Convenience. From cooking to cleaning, these taps make daily tasks more convenient. Boil pasta, vegetables, and even fill hot water bottles effortlessly.
- Aesthetics. Available in a variety of finishes and styles, boiling water taps can enhance the look of any kitchen, adding a touch of modern elegance.
- Cost-effective. While the initial investment might be high, boiling water taps can be cost-effective in the long run. They are affordable to run and easy to install, potentially saving you money.
Choosing the right boiling water tap
Initial costs
Boiling water taps can range from around £250 to over £1,000, depending on the brand, finish, and features. Consider your budget and the needs of your home before you start to shop.
Safety considerations
Always opt for models with built-in safety features like child locks and insulated spouts to minimise the risk of burns and accidents.
DIY or plumber?
Installing a boiling water tap can be straightforward, especially if you have some basic plumbing and electrical knowledge. However, hiring a professional plumber is a good option if you’re not comfortable with DIY.
Boiler tank size
Boiler tanks are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 2 to 7 litres. For context, a 2.4-litre tank will dispense up to 6-7 cups of boiling water at a time and heat back up within a few minutes from empty. Generally, the larger the tank capacity, the higher the initial cost.
Maintaining your boiling water tap
Regular cleaning
Keep your tap clean using a gentle soapy mixture. Avoid harsh cleaners and scrubbers (like bleach or metal scourers) as they can damage the finish.
Inspect for leaks
Regularly inspect your tap and boiler tank for leaks or defects. If you notice any issues, turn off the boiler tank and contact a plumber or the brand you bought it from.
Filter replacement
Aim to replace the water filter every six months to maintain water quality and prevent limescale build-up. A replacement filter from Hot Water Taps costs around £30, while other brands may charge more.
Boiling water taps provide a modern blend of convenience and design that can instantly elevate your cooking space. With the range of benefits they offer it’s not hard to see why they’re a popular choice with homeowners undertaking a kitchen upgrade project.
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