When it comes to convenience in the kitchen, there are few options as sleek or stylish as an instant boiling water tap. However, they are not cheap!
But are they worth the investment? Here’s why we think so. Aside from their obvious aesthetic appeal, these nifty little taps deliver an endless supply of ready-to-go aqua that is perfect for cooking pasta and making a cup of tea in the blink of an eye.
It’s stylish
The latest kitchen must-have, instant boiling water taps offer convenience with a touch of style. Usually paired with a compact hot water tank and filtered water system, these taps dispense instant steaming boiling water at the flick of a lever and are ideal for home and commercial kitchens alike.
Most models feature a small thermally-insulated tank that preheats the water to 98°C. Once the handle is pressed cool **tap** water flows into the tank and displaces the near-boiling **tap** water to the spout, leaving no danger of scalding. When the handle is released, the system automatically shuts off reducing energy consumption and avoiding wastage.
Designed with safety in mind, boiling water taps are fitted with child safety spring locks to prevent accidents and have hot water sensors that turn off the tap if it’s left running. These features are particularly important in households with children and elderly people as they can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and burns.
These stylish taps are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit any kitchen aesthetic. Many brands, like Zip and Billi, also offer matching kitchen accessories so your boiling water tap integrates seamlessly into the rest of the room. For maximum convenience, opt for a 4-in-1 tap that delivers instant boiling, ambient, sparkling and filtered chilled water from one tap!
It’s convenient
If you’re tired of waiting for the kettle to boil, want a more sustainable way to enjoy tea and coffee or simply need more hot water for cooking, then consider installing a boiling water tap. Available in a range of styles, colours and finishes they look like your standard taps but can dispense boiling or nearly boiling water on demand and at the touch of a button.
Boiling water taps work in a similar way to your kettle but with the added advantage of being hygienic and safe, especially when used properly. They have a small tank heater that heats the first few litres of water on demand when you turn it on, then the rest of your mains water is heated as normal from your hot water pipes.
Most models have a child lock that stops the tap dispensing boiling water if you don’t press the lever down. Some also have a safety shut-off feature so you can’t leave the tap running. The CDA TH102CH 3-in-1 boiling water tap for example has a spring loaded handle that stops it being left unattended, minimising the risk of scalding accidents.
Instant boiling water taps are also great for quick meal prep. They’re perfect for boiling dried or fresh pasta and for cooking rice, couscous and more. They can also be useful for cleaning and rinsing fruit and vegetables or dissolving instant drink granules or sauces.
It’s hygienic
Boiling water taps work like your standard kitchen taps but with hotter, quicker and more constant water. They offer a more streamlined aesthetic, are hygienic and can help reduce the risk of contamination.
They eliminate the need for kettles and microwaves in your workplace, reducing the likelihood of germs being transferred between staff members. As a result, the overall hygienic level of your office can be significantly improved.
The boiling water tap has a heavily insulated tank underneath that brings the water to the boil and holds it there for instant use. The tap itself is usually a simple design with a child safety catch that can only be activated by pushing down on it and twisting. Once the tap is activated, the safety catch returns to its safe position preventing scalding accidents.
These taps require a high water pressure to operate and can only be installed with a dedicated cylinder or boiler which will need ample space beneath it. They are a great option for those wanting to minimise the carbon footprint of their business and have a number of features that can do this including energy consumption, temperature control settings and recycling capabilities.
As an added benefit, the boiling water tap is DDA compliant making it easier to use for people with disabilities compared to the traditional office kettle. This means a better experience for all your employees regardless of their physical ability.
It’s safe
The instant boiling water tap isn’t a new invention but it’s fast becoming a kitchen must-have. They’re easy to use, safe and offer a host of advantages over the traditional kettle.
Boiling water taps are plumbed directly into your home’s water supply and have a small tank underneath that is heated to 98 degrees. They can be activated by either a separate lever or an extra motion of the existing hot water tap. This is designed to prevent the scalds that can occur when pouring boiling water from a regular tap. They also allow you to keep a cup of tea at the perfect temperature (between 90 and 98 degrees), stopping you from accidentally ruining your precious cuppa with a too-hot cup.
They’re also easier to install than a full system of water filters, as they usually require no external venting and plug straight into a standard 13 amp switched outlet. They also offer a greater degree of flexibility, as they don’t need to be connected to a boiler and can be fitted to any type of sink.
Boiling water taps are safer than a kettle because they don’t have to be filled to the top, which can lead to overfilling and waste (and possibly bacteria). They also take a fraction of the energy that a kettle uses as they only dispense the amount you need.