In a world of kitchen gadgets, boiling water taps are the latest must-have. Plumbed directly into your mains water supply, these nifty units provide instant boiling and, depending on model and specification, near boiling, filtered aqua.

There’s installation to consider and maintenance requirements to factor in but, for many, these nifty units look stylish, make a handy worktop addition and are super convenient.

Aesthetics

Many boiling water taps are designed to be a stylish addition to your kitchen. Some of the best brands – think Grohe and Franke – have their own range, alongside manufacturers who specialise in making these taps (Quooker being one).

They’re also generally less bulky than kettles and most of them are under sink systems that plug directly into your water supply. They maintain a small tank of near boiling water which is dispensed instantly on pressing an additional lever or, in some cases, just the normal tap handle.

There are a few different spout types available with some models offering a square (or ‘D-shaped’) option for more contemporary kitchen designs while others have a clean, classic look with a swan-style spout. The taps themselves are usually made from high quality chrome or stainless steel with an attractive brushed finish.

A boiling water tap isn’t the cheapest option but it can be a lot cheaper than replacing broken kettles and paying for electricity to power them. Plus it’s a lot more convenient than heating up the stove for a pot of tea. That said, if you don’t have the space for an under sink boiling water tap or simply prefer the aesthetic of a kettle then we’d recommend shopping around to compare prices. The good news is that there are a number of affordable models to choose from.

Convenience

Whether it’s boiling up fresh pasta, blanching veggies or brewing the perfect cup of tea, an instant tap takes all the hassle out of cooking and makes life at home that bit easier.

These advanced water dispensers have a sleek and modern design that seamlessly blends into the kitchen, and many of them can dispense chilled and sparkling (carbonated) water too. That means you can ditch your kettle and save space on the bench and more room in the fridge for bottles and jugs of water.

They are also more environmentally friendly than a traditional kettle, as you only use what you need and cut down on energy and water waste. It’s estimated that 67% of kettles are overfilled, which can result in up to 3500 tonnes of wasted energy each day!

They’re also a convenient way to make tea, as they can dispense boiling water up to 98°C, which is the optimal temperature for a perfect cup of tea. Plus, they’re great for new parents, who need quick access to hot water to sterilize baby bottles.

Safety

The tap is connected to a thermally-insulated cylinder or tank heater underneath it, which heats the water to boiling point until you need it. Once you draw the hot water from your tap, fresh cool water is forced in to replace it and the tank is refilled.

Boiling water taps are designed with safety in mind and are a convenient alternative to the kettle. They are fitted with child locks and automatic shut off features, as well as insulated parts which are safe to touch. They also don’t produce the same high temperatures as a kettle, which means they are less likely to be knocked over or cause burns.

You can also use a boiling water tap to make instant hot drinks such as tea and coffee, and to heat up baby bottles or cook food in sealed containers. Eliminating the need for a kettle in your kitchen can help you to save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

While the taps do require some maintenance, including occasional cleaning to remove limescale residue and checking the cylinder / boiler for leaks, they are generally a low-maintenance option. You can choose between 3-in-1 taps that offer boiling, hot, cold and filtered water or a more comprehensive 5-in-1 solution with a dishwasher and oven tap. It’s important to check the minimum working pressure your tap system will require before purchasing.

Maintenance

Boiling water taps are a game-changer in the kitchen, but they require regular maintenance to stay looking and functioning at their best. Many manufacturers offer service plans, allowing you to book a qualified technician who will visit your property at regular intervals to carry out essential maintenance tasks. This will help to extend the lifespan of your system, guaranteeing smooth and efficient operation at all times.

Depending on the make and model you choose, your tap will come with different features. Some models have a nozzle that can be unscrewed and soaked in cleaning vinegar to remove any hardened limescale, while others have a filter to reduce the amount of chlorine present in your water supply. You will also find boiling and chilled water systems with an in-built hot water dispense temperature limiter that prevents the water from becoming too hot for safe drinking.

You should clean your boiling water tap regularly with a non-abrasive sponge, microfibre cloth or tea towel. It’s recommended to wipe down your tap after each use to ensure it stays looking shiny and new. When you do this, remember to wipe down the spout as well. You can also keep the tap spout clear of limescale by regularly using a small dab of washing-up liquid and warm (not boiling) water. You can then rinse and buff the tap with a microfibre cloth. instant boiling water tap