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The Facts About Boiling Water Taps – 5 Expert Facts
If you’ve popped into a friend’s house for a quick cuppa recently and found yourself with tap envy, you’re not alone. Because even though it’s been years since a tap was ‘just’ a tap, what’s really hot right now is a boiling water tap. But what essentially are the facts about boiling water taps? And if you’re tempted to buy a boiling water tap, what do you need to know?
Well, as that friend or neighbour will confirm, using a boiling water tap to make instant cups of tea, coffee and other hot drinks is just the beginning. There’s all the other stuff you can do – blanching veggies, throwing spaghetti into ready-boiling pans of water and making stock, gravy and soup in seconds. And how about degreasing roasting tins, sneaking a packet of Super Noodles and rinsing sticky, muddy football boots clean in minutes?
Very few boiling water tap owners would go back to their kettles. But let’s look at the most important boiling water tap facts. Aren’t boiling water taps expensive to buy? Don’t you need to replace their filter cartridges and have them serviced? And what about safety and installation?
Boiling Water Tap Facts… Price
“A boiling water tap used to be thought of as a luxury, only for very expensive and luxurious kitchens,” says Alexandra Rowe from the British boiling water tap manufacturer QETTLE. “But,” she continues, “that’s just not the case anymore. The facts about boiling water taps are that now, thanks to clever new design, materials and technology, you can buy a 4 in 1 boiling water tap for just over £500.00. And without compromising on features, quality or functionality.”
That’s true. The QETTLE Original 4-in-1 boiling water tap, which is available with three different size boiler tanks – 2 litre, 4 litre and 7 litre – starts at £545.00. And that’s a complete cost, which includes the tap, its boiler tank and undersink filter system. The price tag also includes UK shipping, so getting your hands on a boiling water tap without busting the budget is realistic. Opt for a QETTLE Mini, which dispenses just 100°C boiling water and cold filtered drinking water, and the cost is even kinder to your pocket – from £445.00.
Boiling Water Tap Facts… Running Costs
We know you’re going to shop around for a good deal and find out all the facts about boiling water taps, but don’t forget to find out about running costs. All boiling water taps need their filter cartridges replacing – and whilst you shouldn’t skip cartridge replacements – it does make sense to look at the cost of new filter cartridges. QETTLE’s standard Q08 filter cartridge costs £29.95. This is a good price, especially given that QETTLE boiling water taps only use a single filter cartridge. But it’s not necessarily the case with other boiling water taps. Some replacement filter cartridges cost twice as much, and some taps require two, different types of filter cartridge.
Another essential boiling water tap fact to consider is whether servicing is required. QETTLE boiling water taps don’t need any maintenance other than having their filter cartridges replaced twice a year, but it’s not unusual for manufacturers to advise a boiling water tap is serviced by a specialist engineer on an annual basis.
Boiling Water Tap Facts… Features & Functionality
When you’re thinking about boiling water taps facts, it can be difficult to decide whether to opt for a 2 in 1, 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 boiling water tap. A 4 in 1 boiling water tap like the QETTLE Original 4 in 1 will give you true, 100°C boiling water, cold filtered drinking water and normal hot and cold flows. It’s a fully integrated tap, and it’s a great choice for a busy family kitchen – and for keeping clutter around the sink to a minimum.
Although a 3 in 1 boiling water tap will be slightly cheaper, you’ll be relinquishing filtered drinking water. And that’s a shame – it’s great to have an unlimited flow of filtered drinking water on tap – and the savings on bottled water are significant. A 2 in 1 boiling water tap, such as QETTLE’s Mini is perfect if you don’t want to replace your existing kitchen tap, or if you’d prefer to have a separate tap and sink for boiling water and filtered drinking water. On an island, or a breakfast bar, for example.
Boiling Water Tap Facts… Safety
Considering safety is one of the most important facts about boiling water taps. Boiling water tap designs differ, but as a rule, you should be looking for a boiling water tap that can offer two-stage safety at the very least.
QETTLE’s Alexandra Rowe advises, “When it comes to taking a closer look at the facts about boiling water taps, safety is paramount. Boiling water taps that feature two-stage safety are best. A handle lock is essential and there should be a safety clip, too. This ensures you can apply a ‘belts and braces’ approach to you and your family using your boiling water tap.”
Boiling Water Tap Facts… Installation
Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or preparing to give your existing kitchen a facelift, the facts about boiling water taps are that they’re a great investment. And best of all, installing a boiling water tap shouldn’t be complicated or time-consuming. All boiling water taps will need a normal, 13 amp power supply under the sink and it’s essential you check your home’s water pressure. It’s typical for a boiling water tap to require a minimum of 1.5 bar of pressure. If your home’s pressure exceeds 5 bar, you might find a pressure reducing valve is necessary – but this is a simple bit of kit and easy to fit.
You’ll need to consider the space under your kitchen sink for your boiling water tap’s boiler tank and undersink filter system. But shop around. A standard, 600mm wide kitchen cupboard should easily accommodate the boiling water tap’s boiler tank and filter system – with space left over for all the usual cleaning materials. Depending upon layout and plumbing, it’s more than possible to fit a QETTLE boiling water tank into a small kitchen cupboard.
If you’re retrofitting a boiling water tap, there are a few other boiling water tap facts to think about. For instance, installing a boiling water tap alongside a water softener or waste disposal unit is usually fine – but check out the manufacturer’s guidance.
Boiling water taps such as QETTLE Original and QETTLE Mini have been designed with the installer in mind, so if you’re comfortable with simple plumbing and understand water pressure, fitting a QETTLE boiling water tap is a straightforward task for a competent DIY-er. Likewise, it should be an easy job for a plumber.
QETTLE’s step-by-step installation videos, available on YouTube, are really helpful. For extra peace of mind, you could find out if the manufacturer offers an installation service. QETTLE does and will guide you through the pre-install checks and requirements, before arranging for a QETTLE trained and accredited installer to fit your boiling water tap.
Those Must-Know Boiling Water Tap Facts… at a Glance
Shop around, but do ensure you’re not comparing apples with pears.
Only shortlist boiling water taps that are truly, 100°C boiling – nothing else will give you a proper cuppa!
Aim for a 4 in 1 boiling water tap. That way, you’ll get a flow of filtered drinking water, as well as boiling water and normal hot and cold flows, too
Check out the cost of replacement filter cartridges. And find out whether the tap will need an annual service. They’re costs that mount up!
One of the most essential boiling water tap facts to consider is safety. Don’t settle for anything less than two-stage safety
Installing a boiling water tap shouldn’t be tricky – it might even be possible for a DIY installation. But check out installation videos, guidance and most importantly, read reviews.
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