A boiling water tap is a fantastic addition to any home. Read on to find out the answers to some common questions…
Aren’t Boiling Water Taps Expensive?
It’s true that when they were first introduced, you needed deep pockets. But, thanks to clever new design and the use of advanced materials, boiling water taps have never been more affordable. In fact, it’s possible to purchase a boiling water tap – with a true, 100°C delivery – for just over £500.00. That’s for a 4 in 1 design – i.e. a tap that gives you boiling water, filtered drinking water plus normal hot and cold flows. If you’re not so worried about having a fully integrated tap, you could opt for a mini tap that gives you just boiling water and filtered drinking water. For example, QETTLE Mini starts at just over £400.00.
Isn’t a Boiling Water Tap Tricky to Install?
They should not be difficult to install – although opting for a well-designed tap with plenty of favourable feedback helps. QETTLE boiling water taps get rave reviews from DIY-ers and professional plumbers alike.
As with so many homes and interiors products, it pays to plan – and then plan some more. Have key dimensions – of the tap, the boiler tank and the filter system – and work out how they’ll be positioned and how much space they’ll take up. It’s vital you find out your home’s water pressure. You can do this by buying a simple pressure gauge that you fit onto an outside tap – e.g. the one you use for your hosepipe – or you can ask a plumber to measure the pressure for you. Most boiling water taps will stipulate a minimum water pressure requirement, so it’s essential to know.
Don’t forget that all boiling water taps will also need a power point under the kitchen sink. This is for the tap’s boiler tank. Ideally, it’ll be a dedicated socket. You might be able to spur off a power point that’s already there for a dishwasher, fridge or wine cooler.
If you’re replacing an existing kitchen tap with a boiling water tap, ask the manufacturer for guidance about installing the tap in conjunction with a water softener or waste disposal unit. Neither a softener or disposal unit should prevent you from installing a boiling water tap, but it is wise to do your homework.
On the sink, you’ll need to ensure the hole used by your old kitchen tap will be suitable for your new boiling water tap. The standard hole size for UK kitchen taps is 35mm, but it’s sensible to check – especially if you’re drilling into a solid work surface.
Surely Boiling Water on Tap is Dangerous?
Boiling water on tap is far less dangerous than from a kettle. This is for several reasons. Firstly, unlike a kettle, it is fixed – usually towards the back of the sink. It can’t be pulled or dragged by a cable and it can’t empty its volume – sometimes as much as 1.5 litres – in one go. Secondly, a reputable brand of will have safety features. Look out for designs that have safety features such as handle locks and safety clips. QETTLE Original 4 in 1 has a safety clip, that, when in place, makes it impossible for boiling water to be dispensed – although you can still access filtered drinking water.
Like a lot of kitchen tools and gadgets, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use a boiling water tap. Used correctly, it should not be a safety risk. Rather, it could be viewed as being safer than a kettle; especially if you struggle to lift and pour from a heavy kettle.
When you use a boiling water tap, you should always lift whatever you’re filling as high as possible – ideally so that the tip of the spout is contained within your mug, cup, jug or saucepan. Doing this will ensure that if there are any splashes – and don’t forget, the tap is dispensing boiling water – you won’t get caught.
Don’t Boiling Water Taps Use Lots of Energy?
A boiling water tap is a very energy-efficient choice. On average, a kettle costs £0.02 pence every time it’s boiled. By comparison, a boiling water tap – on standby – costs £0.03 pence to run per 24 hours. They also save you from boiling more water than you really need – unlike a kettle – which you’ll typically fill halfway or full – you’ll only ever use the amount of water you need.
Boiling Water Taps Are Just a Fad, Aren’t They?
Boiling water taps aren’t new, but thanks to relatively new technology and clever, innovative design from brands such as QETTLE, they have become much more accessible. Convenient, safe and indispensable for everything from quick cuppas to bringing pans of water to a speedy boil for pasta, rice and vegetables, there’s a reason that they are top of the list of anyone planning a new kitchen or kitchen revamp.
Thanks to a new generation of designs that are both affordable and great quality, we think boiling water taps are here to stay.
I’d Love a Boiling Water Tap, But I’ve only Recently had my Kitchen Refitted. How Difficult is it to Replace my Current Tap?
A boiling water tap is a great addition to any kitchen – whether new or as part of a kitchen makeover. And the good news is that it’s usually very easy to replace an existing tap with one. You’ll need to check a few essentials – your home’s water pressure, space under the kitchen sink and the size hole that your current tap fits into. You’ll also need a power socket under your kitchen sink for the boiling water tap’s boiler tank. But beyond these vital checks, upgrading your current tap should be straightforward – and there’s certainly no need to wait for a complete kitchen refit!
Interested? Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quotation.