Boiling water taps are a spendy purchase, but if you're revamping your kitchen, and are wondering if they're a fashion fad or a sensible investment, you're going to want to read on. Aside from providing instant hot water (obviously), the best boiling water taps provide a variety of useful – and in some cases, surprising – functions which have led to them being considered as good as essential in many modern households, and a real selling point when you're putting your house up for sale.
So, we thought we'd share our top reasons why a boiling water tap is a worthwhile investment and how they can make your life easier. So, whether this is the first time you've considered installing a boiling water tap, or you've been on the fence for a while, keep reading to discover some of our favourite hot water hacks. And in case you think we're biased, we've added the biggest negative, too, at the end of the feature.
- Already convinced? Browse our pick of the best boiling water taps
- You may also find this guide a handy read: the pros and cons of boiling water taps
1. Prepare hot drinks in seconds
Okay, so this one is pretty obvious, but it's also a super relevant given that winter is just around the corner. Whether your preference is for green tea, matcha, English breakfast, or the (very seasonal) pumpkin spice coffee that we've spotted everywhere, you'll likely be making more hot drinks in the cooler months.
So, why not make the process as simple as possible with the help of a hot water tap. Hot drinks in seconds? Yes, please.
2. A boiling water tap saves on electricity and water
If you want your home to be eco-friendly – and it's important to you to cut energy bills – a boiling water tap is a good buy. It'll use less electricity than a kettle and because you only dispense the exact amount of water you need, you won't be wasting water either.
3. Instantly clear counter space
Perfect for small apartments or homes with limited counter space, hot water taps eliminate the need for a kettle – or a boiling pan on the stove. This might be one of our favourite small space hacks ever.
4. Your boiled water will taste better
Live in a hard water area and drinking tea or coffee that tastes a bit, er, furry? Some of the better boiling water taps have built-in filters, so your drinks will taste better, instantly.
5. Make the best rice ever
This one is a little more rogue, but we've heard through the grapevine that running freshly cooked rice under boiling water can drastically improve it's overall texture by eliminating that slightly sticky coating that we've all experienced. With a boiling water tap, this can be achieved almost instantly.
Eat a lot of rice? This could be the cooking hack you've been waiting a lifetime for.
6. Cook pasta, eggs and other essentials in record time
Yep, that's right, we're bringing you all the food hacks. We love the ease with which boiling water taps allow you to cook pasta, eggs and other essentials in record time.
You'll no longer have to wait for water to boil before you get cooking, simply fill a pan straight from your boiling water tap and get started straight away. This is perfect if you work long hours and want to cook something quickly after a long day, or if you're looking to cut the time taken making lunch, before you leave for work.
7. No need to worry about scalding
If you've got a toddler who likes to help out in the kitchen (including reaching dangerously for a just-boiled kettle), a boiling water tap is a good safety choice. Quality models are well insulated, so even if they're dispensing boiling water, their body feels cool to the touch. Plus, the safety mechanisms mean that children can't operate them, so there's no chance of them turning them on when you're not around.
8. Fill up your hot water bottle
As winter edges closer, you'll likely be thinking about digging out that trusty hot water bottle. You know the one, it makes a reappearance every year.
Rather than waiting for the kettle to boil, or for the stove to heat the water if you're really old school, why not invest in a hot water tap that will ensure you're snuggled up and ready for bed in moments. And if your water bottle goes cold in the night, it'll only be a matter of seconds before it's warm again.
9. You only need one tap
Want a streamlined look in your kitchen? You can get boiling water taps that dispense not just boiling water but hot water, cold water, filtered water and even sparkling water.
10. No more plastic waste
See what we said about filtered water and sparkling water above? No need to buy that bottled water anymore...
11. There is a downside...
The initial layout and the replacement cost of filters means that boiling water taps, which cost between £500 and £1,000, can't be compared to kettles when it comes to pricing. That said, if you're not looking to cut the cost of a new kitchen, that won't be so much of a consideration...
