Boiling water taps or hot water taps – we will explain the difference between the two further down – are a popular addition to a modern kitchen. Having one makes a kettle entirely redundant, but they offer more advantages than that: they also clear work surface space, make food preparation easier and provide instant access to filtered, boiling water, as well as filtered cold water in most cases. Perfect for those looking to streamline their kitchen – or with a borderline unnatural relationship with tea.
Far from being a gimmicky addition to your kitchen, boiling water taps and hot water taps are a significant upgrade to/replacement for more traditional kitchen taps. And while they're certainly an investment, we couldn't recommend them more for busy – or impatient – cooks.
Find tips on how to buy the best boiling water taps and hot water taps, below. Then keep scrolling for our pick of the best models currently available.
- Got questions? This guide was written with you in mind: the pros and cons of boiling water taps
What is the best boiling water tap and hot water tap?
Where to buy the best boiling water tap
The best boiling water tap is the thanks to its stylish – and child friendly – design, as well as its practical functionality. Also suitable for use as a regular hot and cold tap, this piece of kit will replace the kettle and revolutionise your current sink set-up.
Alternatively, if you're looking for the best hot water tap, we recommend the . It's an all round winner, showcasing the best of the best when it comes to style and functionality.
Browse more of our top picks below, then keep scrolling for full product reviews:
- The best hot water tap:
- The best boiling water tap:
- The best boiling water tap for ease of use:
- The best hot water tap for safety:
- The best budget hot water tap:
- The best single-lever hot water tap:
- The best boiling water tap for families:
- The best hot water tap for temperature control:
- The best hot water tap for features:
- The best hot water tap for filtered water:
THE BEST BOILING WATER TAPS AND HOT WATER TAPS
1. Quooker Fusion
Best boiling water tap: with a childproof double push and turn switch with red LED warning light ring to alert you when your tap is in boiling mode, this Nordic-design boiling water tap is a no-brainer
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What's the difference between a boiling water tap and a hot water tap?
The difference between a hot water tap and a boiling water tap is pretty slight. Put simply, a boiling water tap produces water that's reached 100ºC, while hot water taps tend to hit a maximum of about 98ºC.
Ideal for those who want a boiling water tap which looks good, but still want it to be safe around the kids and of course, practical; the is definitely one of the best boiling water taps you can buy.
Why we like it
As with all Quooker boiling water taps, you can choose your tank size depending on your personal usage, and you can select add-ons like a soap dispenser, scale control and a mounting bracket.
What it does well
It has a childproof double push and turn switch, and delivers boiling water in an aerated spray to avoid any accidents. There's also a cold filtered drinking water option, and our favourite part is the red warning light ring which illuminates when boiling water is heating up or being dispensed.
What to watch for
Not necessarily something that should put you off, but do bear in mind that Quooker taps are expensive. Prices for the Fusion start from £1,150. Quooker also provides a single boiling water tap which starts at £950. You can also opt for a Combi tank which mixes boiling and cold to provide ordinary hot water, supplying all temperatures from just one cold feed.
2. Abode PT1105 Pronteau 3-in-1 Prostream Monobloc Instant Boiling Water Tap
Best hot water tap: this copper hot water tap will add elegance to any kitchen
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Get instant steaming hot water when you need it, as well as a stylish upgrade for your kitchen with the . Thanks to its stunning design and affordable price tag, this is our top pick of the best boiling water tap you can buy.
Why we like it
It looks gorgeous annnd it's affordable. It comes in a range of different finishes – chrome, brushed nickel, graphite, mat black and copper, so you will definitely find something to suit your space.
What is does well
With a capacity of two litres, this gorgeous hot water tap is ideal for smaller households. Through its elegant swan-neck, the tap delivers domestic hot, cold and filtered hot water up to a temperature of 98ºC. In terms of ease of use, the tap can be rotated 360ºC for accessibility, and it always remains cool to the touch.
What to watch for
The only possible problem with this boiling water tap is the small tank capacity.
3. QETTLE 4-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap
Best boiling water tap for ease of use: this boiling water tap ticks all the boxes, and doesn't have a high price tag
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Delivering up to eight cups of boiling water at one time, the intelligently named delivers cold water, hot water and water at 100ºC in an instant.
Why we like it
This is probably the best boiling water tap for those who are eco-conscious. When the time comes to change the filter (the LED display on the tap will light up to let you know), it's not only affordable, but the replacement filter cartridges are also recyclable.
What it does well
It'll replace your current kitchen tap, and it has a four litre capacity. Also, if you do happen to drain the four litre boiling water tank, it'll reheat in just 10 minutes. It's safe for those with children as the tap has a safety clip, and the best part is that it costs only 3p a day to run when it's on standby.
What to watch for
You will need to get a plumber to install the Qettle 4-in-1, but with anything involving water that’s probably no bad thing.
4. Stiebel Eltron Undersink Water Boiler and 3-in-1 Tap
Best hot water tap for safety: an ideal hot water tap for busy families
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This three-in-one (cold, hot and near-boiling) will replace your current kitchen tap so that you can use a combination of boiling, mains cold and domestic hot water all from one tap.
Why we like it
We loved that there's no surge during tapping, meaning no spluttering and risk of scalding yourself (or anyone else). With a large water tank capacity of five litres, you'll be drinking tea all day, every day, and there'll be no need to wait for it to heat up again.
What it does well
For those who have children, it's also childproof as it has a push and turn handle for the almost-boiling water to come out. You can also choose your preferred temperature on the dial on the tank, which ranges from 65ºC to 97ºC.
What to watch for
The tank is pretty bulky, so bear in mind you are going to need to space to store it if you don't want it out on show.
5. Mayfair Instant hot Water Kitchen Tap 3-in-1
Best budget hot water tap: for those who don't want to spend an arm and a leg but still want boiling water at an instant
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Not only will the add a touch of style to your kitchen, but much like the others, it'll also help you out when it comes to making your morning coffee, sterilising baby bottles or boiling pasta for your dinner.
Why we like it
The price. For a good quality boiling water tap this model is much cheaper than most.
What it does well
Offering three different temperatures from one single spout, you can choose from hot, cold or boiling water. Although smaller in capacity than others (the water tank is 2.4ltrs) it can deliver plenty of water for a small household, and it only takes 10 minutes to heat up once it's empty. The tank also has a digital screen to control the temperature of the boiling water, and to tell you the temperature the water is at the time. A budget tap which still manages to tick all of the boxes we think.
What to watch for
As we've mentioned the capacity is pretty small at just 2.4ltrs. Plus just be aware the carbon filter will need changing every 6 months to ensure your tap is running at optimum performance.
6. Insinkerator Filtered Tap
Best single-lever hot water tap: with a small tank and a streamlined design, this is our best for bijou kitchens
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The is a compact and practical solution if you’re after a do-it-all model that won’t be too obtrusive in your kitchen.
Why we like it
The build quality and the overall look and feel of the Insinkerator definitely feels more premium than the price tag.
What it does well
While not a boiling water tap (although at 98ºC, it does get pretty close) the hot and cold functionality of the Insinkerator makes it a valuable, versatile addition sink-side, and the filter makes for a fresher taste, whether you’re enjoying a straight-up glass or a hot drink.
What to watch
The 2.5 litre tank of this Insinkerator filter tap is on the petite side compared to some of our other picks, but if you’ve been frantically doing the maths and worrying about making space for an oversized tank, this might be a good solution.
7. Franke Omni 4-in-1 boiling water tap
Best boiling water tap for families: Franke’s foolproof offering is great for family homes
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Aptly named, the really does seem to do it all. It looks almost like a regular tap design but you soon discover that it’s got lots more going for it...
Why we like it
It’s a surprisingly rare example of a boiling water tap that really delivers on that just-off-the-boil promise with up to 100°C water straight out of the nozzle, and with a large 4ltr+ tank, the water just keeps on coming, perfect for making large pans of pasta and filling sizeable mop buckets.
What it does well
Reviewers loved how foolproof it was: with ergonomic handles for lefties and righties, easy installation, filter change alert lights, splash-proof function and child lock all commended, it looks to be a great all-rounder and the best boiling water tap for big and busy families.
What to watch for
There's only one design available, but it's pretty neutral so we reckon it will suit more households. Apart from that the only thing to overcome is the pretty hefty price tag, but you are buying from a high-quality, experienced brand.
8. Insinkerator 3-in-1 Steaming Hot Water Tap
Best hot water tap for temperature control: for instant hot (or warm) boiling water as you please at whichever temperature you like
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We love the compact design of the , plus we think it's the best boiling water tap if you are looking for a model that allows you to completely control the temperature.
Why we like it
With the ability to dispense up to 100 cups of boiling water an hour, this hot water tap gives you the option to set the temperature to whatever you like, so whether you need it at its hottest for boiling veg or just a little warm for the baby's bottle, it has a setting to suit everyone.
What it does well
The unobtrusive 2.5 litre tank fits easily under a sink to supply water at all temperatures, and all hot water that comes out is filtered, too. For those who are style-conscious, it's available in two shapes and several finishes to complement your kitchen. In terms of safety, it has a push-lever safety mechanism to prevent accidents. Its best quality is by the far its adjustable thermostat, making it the best boiling water tap for temperature control.
What to watch for
Reviewers mentioned that it could be quite slow at dispensing larger quantities of water, so just be aware of that if you are going to be using it frequently for cooking. Although obviously it's still going to be quicker than boiling a full kettle.
9. Grohe Red Duo
Best hot water tap for features: super-safe, super-shiny, and super-smooth, this one can deliver up to 5.5 litres of water
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A super-safe hot water tap that boasts a stylish design and great build quality, the deserves a spot in our round up of the best boiling water taps.
Why we like it
We liked that you can choose from either a 3 litre or 5.5 litre boiler, depending on requirements. You will, however, need space in your kitchen cupboard to allow for this to be installed.
What it does well
Available in four different designs, the Red Mixer Tap from Grohe makes both a stylish and functional addition to a modern kitchen. Two-step, child-safe activation and a release-to-stop model makes it one of the safest options available on the market and therefore perfect for a family home, while the option for an integrated hot and cold tap for make it the perfect replacement for a standard kitchen tap.
What to watch for
This can be an issue with a lot of boiling water taps, but reviewers did note that despite the insulated sides, parts of the tap did get hot to the touch.
10. Carron Phoenix Larunda 3-in-1 tap
Best hot water tap for filtered water: an affordable 3-in-1 hot water tap with a built-in water filter
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The is a sleek new tap that not only dispenses 98⁰C hot water, but also hot and cold water, all from one single tap.
Why we like it
Cleanliness. Thanks to its water conditioning filter, your hot water will always be free of sediment, odour and any unwanted particles.
What it does well
Its available in a chrome finish, the tap features a timeless swan-neck design to suit a wide range of kitchen styles. In terms of safety, it has a cool-touch spout and features a push-and-twist operation to protect against accidental activation of the steaming hot water function. Its 2.4 litre tank can sit neatly in a cupboard under the sink and, for a 3-in-1 tap with a built-in filter, the price tag is pretty low, sitting in the £500 bracket.
What to watch for
It is a little slow at dispensing large quantities of water in one go and a few reviewers mentioned that the temperature didn't quite reach boiling. Also, it sometimes spits in use and parts of the tap get hot to the touch.
How to buy the best boiling water tap and hot water tap
Installation
The latest boiling water taps don't just dispense instant hot water – they deliver mains hot and cold water, too. Although they can be retro-fitted, a boiling water or instant hot water tap is a high price tag item that's probably best installed alongside a brand new kitchen, especially as you have to factor in the space beneath the sink for the tank, which can range from two litres to 11 litres (bear in mind that most kettles have a capacity of around 1.7 litres).
If you are going from two pillar taps to one boiling water tap, you will need a replacement kitchen sink with just one hole.
Temperature: why are some called boiling water and some called hot water taps?
While instant hot water taps are often referred to as boiling water taps, most boiling water taps might boil the water to 100ºC, but it's delivered at 98°C (many have adjustable temperature settings). There are only a few taps that truly deliver boiling water.
Filters
Look out for designs that come with a filter to purify the water before it enters the boiler tank. This will not only remove prevent limescale build-up in the tank, but it will also make the water taste better.
Price: How much does a hot water tap cost?
Boiling water taps and hot water taps and boiler tanks start at around £500. A plumber can install the tap in the same way that they would any tap (although admittedly with more connections to filters and boiler tanks); the boiler tank often comes with a standard 13 amp plug that goes straight into the wall next to it.
Running costs
While a kettle costs around 2.5p per boil, Quooker says that their boiling water taps cost just 3p per day to run on standby. Quooker does not use boiler technology, but instead uses a unique patented vacuum flask tank, which holds water under pressure at 110°C, so that it is dispensed at a consistent true 100°C boiling.
