KBB l PROJECT PLANNER APPLIANCE FOCUS
They offer convenience and a chance to clear away the kettle – but what do you need to think about in terms of choice and installation before investing in this must-have? Words: Sally Smith
BOILING- WATER TAPS
What are they? As the name suggest, they deliver piping- hot water at around 100°C at the touch of a button – ideal for a fuss-free hot drink or speedy dinner preparation. There are different formats: a standalone boiling- water tap, a single mixer 3-in-1 that also dispenses standard hot and cold, or a 4-in-1 design with added filtered drinking water. Some models offer a cold sparkling flow, too. Once resigned to chrome or stainless steel, boiling-water taps now come in a wide variety of designs and finishes – from a tradtional stainless-steel swan neck fixture to an urban-style matt black tap – to complement any kitchen.
Why have one? A boiling-water tap replaces your kettle, so is great for saving space and keeping your worktops clear. It could also be an eco-friendly addition to any kitchen by reducing how much water goes needlessly down the drain. “Unlike boiling an overfilled kettle, pouring away unused water, refilling and reboiling, you only ever use the exact amount of water needed,” explains Jeanette Ward at Franke UK. “Generally speaking, a boiling-water tap could cost less than the average annual usage of a kettle.” Plus, if you use your appliance’s filtered cold function to fill a reusable water bottle, you could cut down on your plastic waste too.
Function
Having boiling water instantly available will speed up the cooking process, so saves you time and energy. Some models have a push-button functionality with pre-set 30 and 60 second programmes so the water will pour without you having to keep the dial turned – great for filling large pans or pots. Worried about the heating tank being on while you’re out? Most boiling-water taps offer a holiday mode, so when you’re away simply switch it on to limit the standing temperature of the water in the tank to as low as 60°C. This can also reduce your energy bills if it’s not in use for long periods of time. You can even set it to come on and switch off at certain times of the day in line with your schedule.
Buying tips They come in a wide variety of functions, sizes, and designs so think carefully about what suits your needs. It’s worth taking the time to compare the performance and features of different models before you buy and figure out which will be of most use. It’s also important to know that many boiling-water taps don’t actually hit 100°C – a temperature of the mid-90s is more common. Think about how much you’ll use it, too. If the tap is going to be in regular use for hot drinks and cooking, you’ll need a tank with a capacity of at least 4 litres; a smaller one won’t be able to keep up, so
“ Unlike boiling an overfilled kettle and pouring away unused water, you’ll only ever use the exact amount you need.”
148 KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS l APRIL 20
thesethreerooms.com Find more online
SUPER-SIZED TANK Hotspot Titanium’s Adrianna tap’s non-corrosive titanium pressure tank is available in 4 or 8-litre sizes (£300 extra for the larger one). The appliance also emits minimum steam and has a non-spluttering spout with 100°C Smooth Flow and child safety features. Adrianna 3-in-1 boiling-water tap in matt black, £1378, Hotspot Titanium.
you’ll be waiting for the water to heat up. You’ll need to have a professional install the tank, which can vary in size from 2.5 to 7 litres, in the cabinet under the sink, plus it’ll need to be plugged in. Always check if this and the filter are included in the price. Even the more affordable taps include a filtration system to remove impurities and reduce limescale. All designs are fitted with a child-safe lock button or catch, so piping-hot water cannot be accidently dispensed and scald you or your kids.
Maintenance advice If you use your boiling-water tap most days of the week, change the filter every three to six months to help maintain good water quality – usually, there’s no need to turn off the water supply. Always use non-abrasive cleaners to prolong your appliance’s life. Most models come with a five-year in-home warranty on the tap and two years for parts and labour on the tank, but more expensive ones may have extra warranties. These in particular have been assessed by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS), so they won’t contaminate or waste water and are suited for constant long-term use.
Cost
There is a wide range of taps starting from around £500 available, but models with more functions – such as the newest 4-in-1 designs – will be more expensive.
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