Instant boiling water taps are found in almost every commercial kitchen in the UK, and they are becoming more and more popular in residential settings too. From coworking spaces and break rooms, to office kitchens and more, these taps provide on-demand hot water for a range of hot drinks and food items. Whether you are looking to rent, buy or are simply browsing, this article will run through everything you need to know about boiling water taps.

What is a boiling water tap?

Boiling water taps offer boiling or hot water instantly at the touch of a button. They can be used in the home, or commercially in kitchens located in offices, break rooms and co-working spaces. The easy-to-use nature of these models make them a great addition to any kitchen area, and as there’s no need to wait for a kettle to boil, this means that staff, visitors and customers can grab a hot drink quickly and efficiently throughout the day. 

When dealing with boiling water, safety is essential, that is why many if not all models are fitted with safety locks to prevent mishaps. Other features such as water filtration and purification also ensure that only the highest-quality boiling water is provided in each output. It is also worth noting that many boiling water taps will also provide other varieties of water such as chilled, room temperature and sparkling too.

How do boiling water taps work?

Boiling water taps use a boiler in order to heat up and store their hot water. This ensures that they can provide on-demand, instant boiling water whenever a hot water button or handle is activated. The boiler is installed near a water source so that it has access to a constant water supply, and is usually placed under a countertop water dispenser so that it is out of sight. Many boiling taps also have a purification or filtration system so as to remove impurities and the taste of chlorine to provide fresher, cleaner boiling water. 

Instant hot water tap features

A commercial boiling tap not only provides instant hot water, but boasts of other features too. Some of these features are:

Advanced water purification and filtration

Most commercial instant hot water taps come with built-in water purification systems to eliminate chlorine taste and odor, as well as other impurities, providing better-tasting hot water for beverages and food. In hard water areas, additional limescale filtration systems can be installed to prevent the build-up of calcium and magnesium, ensuring the tap remains effective and free from chalky residue.

User-friendly features and easy access

Instant hot water taps often feature touch-sensitive buttons, conveniently located on the top or base of the tap, allowing for quick and easy access to hot water. Many models are designed with a large filling height, making it easy to fill travel mugs and flasks, perfect for on-the-go drinks and food items. Advanced models may also offer touchless operation through Bluetooth connectivity and mobile apps.

Safety mechanisms and child protection

Safety is a key feature of boiling water taps, with many models incorporating automatic thermal cut-out systems to prevent damage by shutting off the tap if left running for too long. Additionally, safety and child locks are commonly included to prevent accidental activation of the hot water function, with most models featuring a dedicated button with a padlock icon to ensure secure operation.

Types of boiling water taps

When it comes to boiling water taps, there is more than one type available: 

• Boiling water taps: These models only provide boiling water and no other temperature options such as chilled or ambient (room temperature). 
• 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 taps: Also known as ‘hydrotaps’, these taps offer multiple water temperature and carbonated varieties such as boiling, chilled, ambient and sparkling. When opting for a 3-in-1 tap you can decide on the model with the combination that suits you best. For instance, boiling, cold and sparkling water would be one option, and boiling, cold and ambient would be another. With a 4-in-1 tap, you will have access to all four water varieties.

The type of boiling water tap you pick will depend on whether you only want the boiling water function, say if you already have a cold water dispenser, or if you want to cut down costs and provide various water types all in one model. 

What can businesses use boiling water taps for?

Any business that wants to provide boiling water to staff, customers or visitors can use a hot water tap. These taps can be used for anything that requires hot or boiling water. In a commercial setting that may be:

• Preparing hot beverages like tea and coffee
• Making quick meals such as porridge and instant noodles
• Cooking items like pasta pots
• Providing hot water for soups

With hot water provided instantly, employees and workers don’t need to wait for a kettle to boil and can access on-demand boiling water throughout the working day.

The benefits of an office boiling water tap

Whether you want to add a boiling water tap to your office kitchen, co-working area, or even within your home, there are many benefits to keep in-mind before buying or renting. Let us run you through a few:

On-demand instant boiling water

The main benefit of a boiling water tap is that they provide instant boiling water, so there is no need to wait for a kettle to boil. For commercial use, models can offer anywhere from 15 litres per hour to larger capacities of 55 litres for higher-traffic areas. Some models will also provide instant chilled, room temperature and sparkling water to users as well. 

Energy efficient and sustainable

Boiling water taps can help businesses to save on electricity overheads and reduce energy consumption as they are cheaper to run than kettles, therefore offering a greener alternative. That means that over time boiling water taps offer a cost-effective solution to instantaneous hot water.

Safe to use

Boiling water taps are very safe to use, and come fitted with safety mechanisms such as safety locks in order to prevent and avoid boiling water mishaps. However, like with a kettle, it is essential to take precautions when accessing boiling water.

Space saving and tap aesthetics

Unlike bulkier kettles that may take up a portion of a kitchen counter, boiling water taps are slimmer and can free up space for cup storage, other appliances and more. They also add an extra aesthetic to commercial and residential kitchens with their sleek and simple metallic design. 

Maintaining a boiling water tap: Filter maintenance, inspections and general cleaning

Keeping a boiling water tap clean is easy. It is best to use soapy water and a soft sponge to give the tap a once over, and to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges that may damage the boiling tap. General maintenance will need to be carried out by a trained professional to ensure that a hot water tap is fully-functioning, that it shows no signs of leaks or damages, and the filters will also need to be replaced when necessary as well. If renting an instant boiling water tap, your provider will be able to supply regular maintenance check-ups.

Hot water boilers vs boiling taps: What’s the difference?

While both hot water boilers and boiling water taps can provide instant hot water and can also be used in commercial settings, there are some key differences. We have outlined these in the following table.

How much does a hot water tap cost to run?

Boiling taps have very low running costs and due to their energy-efficient nature they are a cheaper alternative in the long run than a kettle. ‘Instant hot water taps can use up to 50% less energy than conventional kettles, making them a cost-effective method of boiling water for hot drinks and food items.

Rent or buy a boiling water tap 

Here at Aquacool, we have a range of commercial boiling water taps available to rent or buy. With higher output models such as the Pro Stream, ideal for larger commercial settings, and simple-to-use models like the EZY-TAP, there is something for every kitchen environment. Aquacool’s hot water taps also provide a range of other water varieties, for instance the Elite Instant Tap T3 offers not only hot and cold water, but sparkling too. 

With rental prices starting at £17.99 per week, how can you say no to a boiling water tap for your business?

To find out more about our instant hot water taps, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is more than happy to help and advise on the correct model for your business.