Choosing a Boiling Water Tap
Choosing a Boiling Water Tap
Boiling water taps have become a game-changer in modern kitchens, bringing convenience, efficiency, and a stylish touch to everyday life. No more waiting for the kettle to boil—just instant hot water at your fingertips! Two brands we trust and frequently recommend are Quooker and Qettle. Each has its own strengths, but both provide excellent quality, reliability, and customer support, making them fantastic choices for our clients.
Why We Love Quooker and Qettle
Quooker: The Market Leader
A Quooker Fusion tap in patinated brass, with matching soap dispenser
Quooker has built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and sleek designs. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
Full-service support, including professional fitting, replacement parts, and troubleshooting.
The Quooker Cube, which provides filtered, chilled, and sparkling water in addition to boiling.
A variety of tank sizes (3L and 7L) to suit different household needs.
A stunning range of finishes that complement any kitchen style.
Qettle: The British Gem
A Qettle Signature Modern tap in stainless steel
Qettle may be a newer name, but it’s making waves in the industry. Created by Greg Rowe, the mastermind behind Perrin & Rowe, Qettle offers:
A more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
A personal and attentive after-sales service.
A variety of tank sizes, including a compact 2L option—ideal for solo households.
A range of tap styles that fit seamlessly into traditional or modern kitchens.
Although Qettle doesn’t yet have as many finishes or extra features as Quooker, it’s a solid choice for those looking for affordable, high-quality boiling water taps.
Choosing the Right Boiling Water Tap: What to Consider
1. Do You Need True Boiling Water?
Some taps heat water to 96–98°C, which is hot but not quite 100°C. If you’re a tea connoisseur, you might prefer a tap that delivers water at a true boil. Make sure to check the specifications before purchasing!
2. What Features Will You Use?
Boiling water taps can do much more than just provide hot water. Some extra features to consider include:
Filtered water for better taste and purity.
Scale control—a must-have if you live in a hard water area.
Chilled and sparkling water options, like those in Quooker’s Cube system.
Thinking about what you’ll actually use will help you pick the right model without paying for unnecessary extras.
3. Choosing the Right Finish
Your tap is not just functional—it’s a style statement. Some finishes, such as antique brass, will develop a beautiful patina over time, while others, like chrome, stainless steel, or matte black, retain their look for years. Consider how the finish will age and how it fits with your kitchen’s aesthetic.
4. Picking the Perfect Tank Size
Your tank size depends on your household size and hot water usage.
Qettle offers 2L, 4L, and 7L options, giving flexibility for smaller and larger homes.
Quooker provides 3L and 7L tanks to cater to different needs.
For occasional use or a small household, a 2L or 3L tank is perfect. If you have a busy family kitchen, a 7L tank ensures you’ll never run out of hot water.
5. Where Will Your Hot Water Feed Come From?
If your kitchen tap takes ages to get hot due to a distant water cylinder, a combi system might be ideal:
These mix boiling water with cold water to provide instant hot water.
They’re perfect for spaces without a hot water feed, like garden offices.
Quooker also offers a system that starts with boiling water and seamlessly transitions to your domestic hot water feed.
This setup prevents wasted water and heating costs.
6. Don’t Overlook After-Sales Support
We can’t stress this enough—after-sales support matters. We’ve had clients invest in beautiful-looking taps from lesser-known brands, only to find them faulty with no customer support. In contrast, both Quooker and Qettle offer dedicated service teams to assist with any issues, giving you peace of mind.
7. Plan for Under-Sink Space
Boiling water systems require storage for:
The boiling water tank.
A filter and scale control system (if needed).
A sparkling water system (if you opt for one).
A Quooker Cube system with CO2 cartridges and a 3L tank in a reduced depth cupboard near the sink
If space is limited, consider:
Cutting out the cabinet base to accommodate the tank.
Placing the tank in an adjacent cabinet to free up sink storage.
Some larger tanks may not fit under a Belfast sink, so check dimensions carefully before installation.
8. Invest in Professional Fitting
While it might be tempting to cut costs on installation, we always recommend using a manufacturer-trained fitter. Here’s why:
Proper installation reduces the risk of leaks and malfunctions.
It makes warranty claims and troubleshooting easier.
The process is quicker and stress-free compared to DIY attempts.
9. Get Expert Advice
With so many options available, talking to an expert can make all the difference. Whether you need help choosing the right tank size, ensuring compatibility with your kitchen, or selecting features that suit your lifestyle, expert guidance can save you time and money.
Final Thoughts
Boiling water taps are admittedly still a luxury but they really are a smart, time-saving addition to any kitchen.
Consider factors like boiling temperature, features, finishes, tank size, and installation
And don’t forget—brands with strong after-sales support are worth their weight in gold!
Feel free to get in touch with us to find out more - just drop us a line at hello@chisholmdesign.co.uk