What should you know about instant boiling water taps before you buy one? And what is the difference between a boiling water tap and an instant, steaming, near or kettle hot water tap?
Understanding the difference between a true boiling water tap and an instant hot water tap
If you’ve just started browsing for a boiling water tap, you could be forgiven for feeling confused! What was once a niche, expensive product is now a kitchen must-have. In fact, it's turned into an absolute minefield There are so many brands and designs to choose from that it can feel difficult to know where to start. So we asked QETTLE, the UK’s leading manufacturer of boiling water taps to explain the difference between a boiling water tap and an instant hot water tap.
It turns out, that the difference boils down to around 5-10°C. As we all know, boiling water is 100°C – and this is what a truly boiling water tap should give you.
But unfortunately, the majority of so-called boiling water taps don’t quite hit one hundred. In fact, it’s much more likely to be a temperature ranging from the high 80s to the mid 90s. Which is kind of okay, but really no good if you want to make a proper cuppa joe.
Likewise, less than properly boiling water won’t dissolve some instant drink or sauce granules. That posh tin of instant espresso? Nope, it won’t want to know. Anyone for a half-dissolved, lumpy cup-a-soup? Er, no thanks, if it’s all the same to you. The Bisto gravy boat will be riddled with undissolved debris. Anything less than boiling water is a bit underwhelming for degreasing messy baking tins and trays. Why not just run your normal hot tap? And you certainly wouldn’t be able to use ‘near’ boiling water for say, making bottles of baby milk. So the message is clear - read the small print and check that when the manufacturer says the tap is producing boiling hot water, it really means it
What should I expect from the flow and functionality?
The flow from a truly boiling water tap might well be a little different to what your initial expectations. Or, you might have seen or used an instant hot water tap in your workplace, or a friend’s home, and expect the flow to be similar. But, as we now understand, not all boiling water taps are equal – and neither is flow.
To see a true boiling water tap in action, we suggest viewing QETTLE’s handy video. It also helps to consider the noise and appearance of water that has just boiled in your kettle – there’s steam, perhaps the odd water droplet. Now imagine that water emerging from a tap’s spout. You’re definitely going to see steam and hear some noises worthy of your favourite coffee shop. But that’s entirely normal. And what you’re seeing and hearing is the difference between properly boiling and a temperature that could be up to 10 degrees below boiling.
Our boiling water taps are now available for installation all over Ireland