Instead of waiting around for the kettle to heat up, boiling water taps provide a quick and convenient way to make hot drinks – but are they the most energy-efficient option?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on several factors, such as the quality of your insulation, how new and efficient your hot water system is, and how you intend to use the appliance.
To find out whether a boiling water tap would be worth including in your kitchen design – and to explore the pros and cons before investing in one – keep reading to hear the experts’ thoughts.
Are boiling water taps energy-efficient?
“Yes – in many households, a boiling water tap can be more energy efficient than repeatedly boiling a kettle,” says Harry Davis, co-owner and managing director of Eden Energy Partners.
So, how do they work? In well-designed tap systems, a small amount of water is kept hot inside an insulated tank, so the system only tops up lost heat, rather than reheating from scratch each time.
When using a boiling water tap for light, frequent tasks, such as making tea, rinsing utensils, or preparing food – it can use less energy than boiling a full kettle several times a day.
Harry adds, “However, efficiency also depends on the quality of insulation and the design of the heating system you pair it with. For example, we’re seeing better performance when boiling taps are connected to modern, low-waste hot water systems – such as shared-cylinder solutions or ultra-efficient thermal stores like the OH4 platform – because these reduce standing losses elsewhere in the home. The more efficient your core hot water system is, the better the overall result.”
Harry Davis is a co-owner and managing director of Eden Energy Partners, a company focused on smarter heating and cooling solutions. As a director of the company, he plays a leading role in the strategic vision, operations, and growth of the business, aiming to deliver sustainable and efficient energy systems to commercial and residential clients.
Is it cheaper to run the hot tap or boil the kettle?
This will depend on where your hot water comes from. If your system is old or inefficient, a kettle will be cheaper; if it is modern and highly efficient, a boiling water tap will be equally or more cost-effective.
“This is one reason we place so much emphasis on reducing system-wide heat losses, because when the whole system is efficient, every tap becomes cheaper to use,” adds Harry Davis.
Shop these top-rated hot water appliances
Bower Madrid Instant Boiling Water Tap
This boiling tap comes in a luxury brushed brass finish, featuring a 360° swivel spout and a child-safe spring lock.
Bower Palma Instant Boiling Water Tap
With touchscreen control and a replaceable carbon filter, this polished chrome boiling tap will look modern in your home.
No ordinary kettle, the Bosch Styline lets you set the temperature and keep water warm for up to 30 minutes without re-boiling.
Should I turn my boiling water tap off at night?
Yes – to save energy, you should turn off your boiling tap when its not in use. Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer Facilities Management, explains that while most taps don’t waste much power, switching it off is an energy-saving tip that can help keep your bills down.
He adds, “That said, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, as some models are designed to stay on for maximum efficiency.”
Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer Facilities Management, has over 20 years’ experience working in the heating sector. Known for embracing innovative renewable energy technologies, and its propriety Heat Saviour™ system, Hewer are specialists in renewable energy design and installation across residential, commercial, and social housing.
What are the pros and cons of a boiling water tap?
If you’re tempted by the idea of a boiling water tap, you should consider these pros and cons first:
Pros
- Convenient: Whether you’re boiling water for a cup of tea or sterilising a bottle, boiling taps are quick and convenient to use.
- Potential energy savings: “Frequent small boils often use less energy via a tap than a repeatedly heated kettle,” says Harry Davis.
- Reduced water waste: Since you only use the exact amount you need, hot water taps can reduce how much water you waste.
- Integrates well with efficient systems: Harry says that overall running costs can be very low when the tap is combined with a low-loss hot water setup.
Cons
- Upfront cost: Boiling water taps are significantly more expensive to buy and install than a kettle.
- Maintenance: You’ll eventually need to replace the system filter to maintain performance and taste – another added cost to consider.
- Energy use when idle: “The tank keeps water hot, so there is a small standing loss, albeit this is minimal with modern insulation,” says Harry.
- Installation constraints: To install a boiling water tap, you’ll need space under the sink and access to power and a cold water supply.
Provided you have an efficient system in your home, boiling taps can be a total game-changer – reducing energy and water loss while giving you easy, instant access to hot water.
For more advice, read our guides on how to fit a kitchen tap or how to replace a kitchen tap.
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