Rather than filling a kettle and waiting for it to boil, you can pour near-boiling water instantly. This helps reduce energy usage and time spent on kitchen chores.
Plus, many models also dispense cold and hot water – perfect for reducing plastic bottle waste. Some even have a filtration system to help make your drinking water healthier.
Easy to use
An instant hot water tap dispenses boiling water at the push of a button. Unlike the traditional electric hot water system, it doesn’t have an electricity heater and relies on the heat of your home pipes to keep your water at a constant temperature.
Compared to heating water on the stovetop or in the microwave, instantaneous hot water systems can save you energy and money because they only heat the amount of water you need at any given time. It also eliminates the possibility of overfilling and wasting water as a result.
The best instant boiling water taps come with a safety feature to prevent scalding or leaving near-boiling water running unattended. Most models have a sprung lever that springs back to the off position as soon as you release it, so it’s impossible to accidentally leave your tap running. Moreover, most models offer low pressure to minimise the risk of splashing.
It’s no secret that a lot of water is wasted when you heat it on a kettle or in the microwave. However, many of us don’t realise how much energy we are using to do so. Instant boiling hot water taps are an energy-efficient alternative to a kettle, and can help reduce the amount of water you’re wasting every year. The Zip Hydrotap, for example, has a sensor activated ‘sleep when it’s dark’ mode to further cut your energy consumption while you’re not using it.
Saves time
Boiling water taps dispense water on demand, removing the need to heat a kettle or wait for it to boil. This not only saves time but also money as the system only uses energy to heat water when required.
In addition, instant hot water taps do not build up pressure like a traditional open-vent tap. This makes them more energy efficient than a traditional hot water heater and translates to reduced utility costs. The water is heated by an aluminium heat exchanger when activated, so the appliance only runs during use. This helps reduce your energy bills and protects your hot water tank from failure due to too much pressure.
As with all kitchen appliances, instant boiling water taps require regular maintenance to ensure they perform as they should. However, the amount of work required is considerably less than maintaining a kettle or stovetop. Depending on the model, your instant boiling tap may be self-cleaning, and you will only need to flush the system periodically.
One of the key advantages of an instant boiling water tap is that it uses about a fifth of the electricity consumed by a conventional kettle. Although this may not be enough to recoup the cost of your purchase, it is a significant saving. It is worth noting, however, that if you leave your boiling water tap on at all times, it will lose heat. This is due to the vacuum insulation and the fact that it does not re-boil water, like a conventional kettle.
Saves money
Having instant boiling water on tap means you don’t have to boil a kettle, which saves energy. It also allows you to dispense as much hot water as needed, avoiding the overfilling that can happen with a kettle – leading to a waste of both energy and money.
Boiling water taps use a thermostat to keep the temperature of the water just below boiling point, so they don’t waste energy heating up more than is needed. They also only dispense hot water when you need it, and most have safety features to prevent accidental scalding.
However, a boiling water tap can be expensive to purchase and install, and it takes a long time to recoup the costs from energy savings. In addition, there is ongoing maintenance and replacement parts that will add up.
If you’re looking for a way to save on energy, consider investing in a water filter system instead. Some systems, like the Zip Hydrotap and Billi Eco Tap, have advanced technology that helps you cut down on energy use by allowing your system to ‘sleep’ when it’s not in use. This feature can save you up to PS18 per year in electricity bills. However, you’ll still need to purchase and maintain a water filter to ensure optimal performance. A professional plumber can help you choose the right solution for your home.
Easy to clean
Unlike kettles, which must be filled with water and left to boil on the stovetop, instant hot water taps can be filled only as much as required. This reduces wasted energy and water, saving on your utility bills. The hot water tap’s tank also holds a fixed volume of water, so you don’t have to worry about overflowing.
The best instant hot water taps are designed with a filter for the boiling water, which removes impurities and carbon. This ensures the quality of the water you drink. This feature is particularly important if you live in an area with hard water. In addition, the taps can be fitted with a limescale control unit to prevent build-up, which saves you time and money cleaning the dispenser.
It is important to clean your instant hot water tap regularly. Use a mild detergent solution and warm water to wipe the inside of the tap and nozzle. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish and invalidate your warranty.
Boiling water taps are a great way to save time, and they’re a must-have appliance for any modern kitchen. But how do you choose the right one for your needs? Consider the size & heating speed, faucet style & finish, and extra features when selecting your new boiling water tap.