Are Kettle Taps Worth the Cost? Pros, Cons & Whether to Buy

As the name suggests, kettle taps—also known as boiling water taps or instant hot water taps—are designed to replace the traditional kettle, but they can do much more than that. Sleek and convenient, they streamline the look of your kitchen while delivering hot water at the turn of a handle.

There are three main types of kettle taps to choose from:

• Boiling water only taps – provide near-instant hot water on demand. These are often installed alongside a standard tap at the kitchen sink or on a kitchen island where hot drinks and food prep are common.

• 3-in-1 taps – dispense everyday hot and cold water as well as boiling water, replacing your regular tap with a single, all-in-one solution.

• 4-in-1 taps – offer hot, cold, boiling, and filtered cold water, ideal if you want convenience and great-tasting drinking water straight from the tap.

While commonly referred to as boiling water taps, the water they deliver is typically around 98°C by the time it leaves the spout. This makes them perfectly suited for everyday kitchen use—especially for tea, coffee, and cooking—without the wait or clutter of a traditional kettle.

What Is a Kettle Tap and How Does It Work?

A kettle tap, also known as a boiling water tap or instant hot water tap, provides near-instant boiling water straight from your sink. Instead of waiting for a traditional kettle to heat, these taps use the mains cold water feed, which is stored in a compact tank, usually fitted inside the cupboard beneath your sink. The tank is plugged into a mains power supply and keeps the water at a high temperature, ready to heat quickly when you turn the handle—giving you steaming hot water in seconds.

This makes kettle taps perfect for busy households, whether it’s for making tea and coffee, speeding up cooking, or filling pans without the wait.

Installation Considerations

Fitting a kettle tap is similar to installing a standard kitchen tap, but there are a few extra things to bear in mind:

• Professional installation recommended – Because the tap dispenses very hot water and requires both plumbing and electrical connections, it’s best to use a qualified plumber (and electrician if needed).

• Tank space – The under-sink tank varies in size depending on capacity, so you’ll need to ensure your cupboard has enough room.

• Power supply – A nearby plug socket is required to connect the tank safely to the mains.

Most systems are straightforward to fit, but it’s important to plan your kitchen space before purchasing.

A kettle tap isn’t just about replacing your old kettle—it offers a range of benefits that can make daily life in the kitchen easier, safer, and more efficient.

Instant Hot Water on Demand

No more waiting for the kettle to boil. With a boiling water tap, steaming hot water is ready at the turn of a handle, whether you’re making tea, coffee, or filling a saucepan.

Space-Saving Design

By eliminating the need for a kettle, you free up valuable worktop space. This is especially useful in compact kitchens or open-plan designs where a clutter-free look is important.

Modern Kitchen Style

Kettle taps are sleek and contemporary, available in a variety of finishes including chrome, brushed steel, matt black, and brass. They don’t just add functionality—they become a stylish design feature in their own right.

Energy Efficiency

Unlike a kettle, which is often overfilled and reboiled, a boiling water tap only heats the amount of water you actually need. This reduces wasted energy and can save money in the long run.

Reduced Water Waste

Because the tap delivers hot water instantly, you avoid overfilling and throwing away unused boiled water, making it a more sustainable option.

Before investing in a kettle tap, it’s worth keeping these factors in mind:

• Upfront cost – More expensive than a kettle, with extra costs for the under-sink tank, filters, and professional installation.

• Installation needs – Requires both plumbing and an electrical connection, plus cupboard space for the tank.

• Maintenance – Filters usually need replacing every 6–12 months, and descaling may be required in hard water areas.

• Energy use – The tank uses a small amount of standby energy to keep water hot, though this is generally minimal.

By thinking through these points in advance, you’ll be better prepared to decide if a boiling water tap is the right fit for your home.

When comparing a kettle tap to a traditional kettle, the difference comes down to upfront investment versus long-term convenience.

Overall, a kettle tap is a bigger upfront investment but offers speed, efficiency, and style that a standard kettle can’t match.