February 26, 2020
Instant Hot Water Taps vs Kettles
When designing your new kitchen, you should consider the type of large appliances you want and the layout of your space first. Then you can get onto choosing your small appliances. For many, a kettle is considered an essential appliance. Not only do they make the perfect cup of tea, but they are also a handy tool for heating up water in a short amount of time. But what if we told you there is an alternative to a kettle that takes up less space and can be combined with another appliance? Introducing: boiling water taps. Boiling water taps are convenient and easy to use, but how do they compare to kettles? In this guide, we will explore the pros and cons of both, answer some commonly asked questions about instant boiling water taps to help you decide which option is best for you and your home.
How Do Instant Boiling Taps Work?
A boiling water tap consists of multiple elements including an insulated tank of water and the tap itself. The tank sits under your sink and connects to the tap on your kitchen counter.
The water is then boiled within the tank and held there to provide you with a continuous supply of hot water. Different brands will offer different tank capacities, but the average amount is around 25 cups of hot water per hour.
Are There Different Types of Hot Water Taps?
There is a huge selection of hot water taps available on the market. However, not all of them will offer instant boiling water so it is important you check the model you are after before making your purchase.
How Hot Are Boiling Water Taps?
The highest temperature that boiling water taps have to offer will vary from brand to brand and model to model. In general, the highest temperature boiling water taps will heat to is 100 degrees Celsius.
How Safe Are Boiling Water Taps?
Despite their ability to dispense 100°C boiling water in an instant, boiling water taps are a lot safer than you’d expect. They are arguably even more safe than kettles! This is because you do not have to manually lift the full weight of the tap to get your hot water.
Boiling water taps also have a lower pressure than ordinary taps. Reduced pressure limits water from spitting and splashing. Another brilliant feature of many boiling water taps is their childproof safety locks for added peace of mind.
Do Boiling Water Taps Save Money?
Even though boiling water taps are a lot more expensive up front than a standard tap and kettle combined, you will still see a reduction in your energy bills when you purchase one.
This is because many people usually end up overfilling their kettle, increasing boiling times and consuming more energy. Leftover water will then end up getting reheated or poured down the drain only for the process to repeat tomorrow.
With a boiling water tap, you will only heat what you need and cooking times will be vastly reduced as you won’t have to have your hob switched on to boil water from scratch.
Will Boiling Tap Water Make It Taste Better?
Boiling tap water is known to make water taste better. This is because you’re boiling away any chemicals that may be surviving in your water.
However, in the UK, our water is clean and safe to drink, so boiling it for the taste will be a personal preference.
Can You Make Tea With an Instant Hot Water Tap?
Of course you can! A boiling water taps instant heating abilities make it the perfect appliance for speedily making cups of tea, coffee and other hot beverages. Instead of waiting ages for the kettle to boil, you can make a delicious brew for the whole family in seconds.
Is an Instant Hot Water Tap Cheaper Than a Kettle?
If you are planning on keeping the appliance for years to come, boiling water taps are a fantastic investment. As well as their stylish exterior and convenience, boiling water taps also offer excellent energy efficiency.
Once you get past the higher up-front installation costs, you will find boiling water taps waste less energy than a kettle, reducing your energy bills in the process.
Is Boiling Tap Water Good for You?
A key benefit of boiling water taps is their bacteria killing abilities. As they boil instantly to 100 degrees Celsius, they kill bacteria that may be lurking in the water, making it safer to consume. Instant boiling water also acts as a great steriliser for baby bottles. So yes, boiling tap water is certainly good for you.
Does Boiling Tap Water Make Water Distilled?
Despite killing many bacteria’s, boiling water taps unfortunately cannot make purified distilled water. To distil your water, you must:
- Place a heat-resistant bowl inside a large pan.
- Fill the large pan with water until the bowl floats.
- Place your pan onto the hob and put the lid on top but turned upside down so the dome shape faces downwards. This will direct steam into the bowl.
- Place a handful of ice cubes on top of the lid. The cold surface will help steam condense quicker.
- Turn on the hop and hear the pot to a medium to high heat. The water will boil and produce steam.
- The steam will rise and condense into droplets that will hit the pan lid and fall back into the bowl. This water will be free of impurities.
- Once you have collected enough water, turn off the heat and wait for the pan to cool completely.
- Transfer the water into a clean, sterile container. Store in a cool dark place to maintain its purity.
The Pros and Cons of Boiling Water Taps
If you have your eye on a boiling water tap, you’ll want to weigh up all your options before buying. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of investing in and installing a boiling water top.
- Boiling water taps instantly provide 100°C water at the push of a button. This means you don’t have to wait for water to heat up.
- Some boiling water taps come with a flexi-hose to make filling up pans easier.
- Choosing a model with a child safety lock makes boiling water taps a safer choice than a kettle.
- If you buy a 4-in-1 boiling water tap, you can get hot, cold, boiling and filtered water all from the same appliance.
- Boiling water taps are perfect for those with mobility issues as they will no longer have to lift & pour a heavy kettle.
- They can kill bacteria & any chemicals hidden in water.
- There is a huge selection of boiling water taps, all made in different colours, shapes and materials. This means you are sure to find a model you adore.
- Boiling water taps remove the need for a kettle, saving valuable counter space.
- Instant boiling water taps need to be installed by a professional which will incur an extra cost.
- A boiling water tap often has higher upfront costs than a kettle.
- Neither a limescale control unit nor filters are included in the cost and purchase of boiling water taps. So, these need to be purchased as an additional cost.
- Cupboard space will be lost due to the hot water tank – although they do provide additional worktop space.
The Pros and Cons of Kettles
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a standard kettle:
- Regular kettles are generally inexpensive and far cheaper than a boiling water tap.
- Most traditional and modern kettles have an auto-shutoff when the maximum temperature has been reached.
- Kettles are portable so they can be easily unplugged and moved. This is especially useful if you are moving house.
- Despite their long-winded boiling and pouring process, kettles are a common appliance that are incredibly easy to use. You certainly won’t have to teach any guests how to use it!
- Kettles take a long time to heat, making a simple task like making a pot of tea a long-winded process.
- Kettles take up space on your countertops.
- They typically aren’t very aesthetically pleasing.
- Traditional kettles use a lot of energy to boil, especially if you are using it multiple times a day.
- Just as with instant boiling water taps, limescale control doesn’t usually come with a kettle. This will be an additional purchase. If not maintained, a new kettle will eventually need to be purchased.
- Kettles have a much shorter lifespan than an instant boiling water tap.
Which Is Right for You? A Boiling Water Tap or a Kettle?
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing a boiling water tap vs a kettle, the choice will depend on your personal preference and budget.
Boiling water taps are a great choice for those who are looking to reduce their energy consumption and personalise their kitchen. Thanks to their instant operation, boiling water taps are perfect for those who ride in the fast lane.
Alternately, a regular kettle is a staple in most UK homes for a reason. Kettles are affordable, portable and get the job done.
With boiling water taps and kettles having a wealth of useful features, the choice is ultimately yours.
