How to Choose the Right Boiling Water Tap for Your Office Space
Choosing the right boiling water tap for your office space can significantly enhance its convenience and efficiency. Navigating the broad range of options available in the market, however, can be a daunting task. This article aims to guide you through these options, helping you make an informed decision for your office space.
Understanding the Basics of Boiling Water Taps
It's easy to get bogged down in the overwhelming number of options out there. Before we dive into the nitty gritty, let's get an understanding of the basics.
What is a Boiling Water Tap?
Boiling water taps, also called 'hot water taps' (hence our name!) or instant boiling taps, are exactly what they sound like: taps that provide boiling water on demand. Unlike electric kettles which require you to manually fill and boil the water, these taps offer instant hot water at just the push of a button.
Different Types of Boiling Water Taps
Let's take a closer look at the three primary types of boiling water taps and weigh up their pros and cons.
3-in-1 Taps
These taps provide hot, cold, and boiling water from a single spout, which makes them highly versatile.
- Advantages: Great for saving space on your countertop, as it eliminates the need for a kettle. They are also energy efficient as they only heat the water you're actually going to use.
- Disadvantages: They don't offer chilled water, which might be a disadvantage if your office lacks a separate water dispenser or fridge.
We stock 3 models of 3-in-1 tap:
- Avista, our most budget-friendly tap
- Athena, our premium 3-in-1 tap
- Astra, our 3-in-1 tap with a pull-out spout
4-in-1 Taps
Similar to 3-in-1 taps, but with the added functionality of delivering chilled water.
- Advantages: Offers all the benefits of a 3-in-1 tap plus filtered chilled water, perfect for workplaces that need an all-in-one solution for their water needs.
- Disadvantages: Generally, they are more expensive than 3-in-1 options due to the additional functionality.
We stock 2 models of 4-in-1 tap:
Boiling Water Taps with Pull-out Spouts
Often called 'flex' or '5-in-1' taps, they offer extra flexibility for filling up pots and pans and cleaning the sink with a spout that 'pulls out' from the tap.
- Advantages: High flexibility for filling containers of different sizes and uses. This can be particularly useful for office pantry use where different types of vessels may be used.
- Disadvantages: These taps often come in larger sizes, and may not fit if the office kitchen space is small or if the sink is too shallow.
We stock 2 models of 'flex' tap:
How Do Boiling Water Taps Work?
Boiling water taps work by having a small boiler tank, typically installed under the sink, which heats water to near-boiling temperatures and maintains this heat. The tank is insulated to ensure minimal energy loss, making these systems energy efficient. The tank is connected to the tap and, with the press of a button, allows instantaneous access to hot water.
Additionally, these systems usually come fitted with a filter. The water from your mains supply goes through this filter before it's heated in the boiler tank, ensuring any impurities or limescale are removed. This not only provides cleaner, better-tasting water but also helps maintain the lifespan of your boiling water tap by preventing limescale build-up.
Learn more about how boiling water taps work here.
Factors to Consider
Commercial spaces have unique needs compared to our homes, and choosing the right boiling water tap for your office space requires consideration of various factors.
Capacity & Output
How many people will be using the tap? Offices come in all shapes and sizes, so you will need to consider how big your tea & coffee rounds are so that Sandra isn't left out!
The capacity required largely depends on the size of the office and how often you'll need to refill the tank, as the tank size determines how much hot water is stored at once.
Our taps typically come with a 2.4-litre tank, which is enough to fill 6-7 mugs of hot water at a time. Refilling and reheating the tank typically takes 2-3 minutes. This size is pretty standard for most brands, although you can sometimes upgrade to a larger size for an added cost. For example, you can upgrade any of our systems to a 4-litre tank for £99.
Design & Aesthetics
With a myriad of finishes and looks on the market, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect tap for your office space.
- Copper: This industrial yet warm finish is ideal for offices with rustic, vintage or 'homely' aesthetics, adding a unique touch to the kitchen space.
- Matt Black: Sleek and modern, a black tap is well-suited to contemporary, minimalist office designs where bold contrasts and clean lines are key.
- Chrome: A chrome tap is highly versatile, fitting well in a broad range of office designs, from modern to traditional. Its mirror-like finish is particularly adept at adding a sense of spaciousness to compact kitchen spaces. It is also often the most affordable finish.
- Brushed Nickel: With its subtle, warm undertones, a nickel tap works well in offices with a homely, welcoming aesthetic and pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood.
- Gold: Ideal for an office that embraces luxury and opulence. A gold tap can serve as an impressive focal point in a high-end, sophisticated kitchen space.
- Gunmetal Grey: This finish is perfect for industrial or modern office designs, offering a unique, edgy twist to the kitchen area while still maintaining a professional look.
Budget
When considering your budget for a boiling water tap, remember that the initial cost of the tap may not be the only expense. Special finishes, extra boiler tank capacity, and additional functionalities can all add to the total cost.
For instance, taps with premium finishes like gold or gunmetal grey might command a higher price than standard chrome or brushed nickel taps. If your office has a larger team or heavy tea and coffee drinkers, you might consider upgrading the boiler tank capacity, which would add to the cost as well. A 4-litre tank upgrade for one of our taps, for example, comes with an added cost of £99. From other brands, this cost can be much higher. Extra functionalities like a pull-out spout or chilled water dispenser also come with a higher price tag.
Do Boiling Water Taps Save Money?
However, it's important to remember that an investment in a boiling water tap can potentially save money in the long run. For instance, the cost of additional water dispensers could be eliminated, as 4-in-1 taps come with a built-in chilled filtered water function.
Additionally, time saved by not waiting for the kettle to boil translates to increased productivity, which over time, might prove to be a worthy investment. A study even found that workers spend 24.6 hours a year each, on average, making cups of tea and coffee for themselves and others. Therefore, it's crucial to consider both the upfront and long-term costs when choosing the best boiling water tap for your office.
Safety Features to Look For
When choosing a boiling water tap for your office, it's crucial to consider the safety features that come with it. Here are some important safety features to look out for:
Insulated Spout
An insulated tap spout is a must-have feature to ensure user safety. This design helps to prevent the surface of the tap from becoming hot to the touch, even when dispensing boiling water. This is particularly important in an office environment where accidental contact can lead to unwanted burns.
Child-Safe Spring Lock
For added security, especially in workplaces where children may be present, a child-safe spring lock is highly recommended. This feature ensures that hot water cannot be accidentally dispensed, protecting not just children, but all users from potential accidents.
System Monitoring
A quality boiling water tap should come with system monitoring that ensures temperatures remain stable. This feature ensures that your boiling water tap always dispenses water at the pre-set temperature, reducing the likelihood of users being caught off guard by unexpected water temperatures.
Boiling Water Taps Vs. Traditional Kettles
When it comes to providing hot water in an office setting, both boiling water taps and traditional kettles have their advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional kettles are a familiar sight in many office kitchens. They're generally affordable, easy to use, and portable. However, they can be slow to boil, especially if you’re making multiple rounds of tea and coffee. Furthermore, kettles can be a safety risk, with chances of accidental spillage or burns. They also tend to accumulate limescale over time, which can affect the taste of the water and shorten the lifespan of the appliance.
On the other hand, boiling water taps offer instant access to boiling water, improving efficiency and time management in the office. They lessen the risk of accidents as there's no kettle to spill or carry around, and they typically come with safety features like an insulated spout and child-safe spring lock. They are also more energy-efficient compared to kettles boiled multiple times every day, since they only heat the amount of water needed. However, they have a higher initial cost.
When it comes to looks, boiling water taps win hands down. They offer modern designs and a range of finishes to suit any office kitchen. Meanwhile, kettles can look bulky and out of place in a well-designed kitchen space, taking up precious counter space.
In conclusion, while traditional kettles may initially seem like a cost-effective solution, boiling water taps could prove more beneficial in the long run with their safety features, efficiency, and design aesthetics. Your choice between the two will depend on your office's specific needs and budget.
Maintaining Your Boiling Water Tap
Keeping your boiling water tap in top shape is key to its longevity and optimal performance. A well-maintained tap can provide you with instant boiling water for years to come. Here are some easy steps you can follow to keep your tap functioning at its best.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your tap. Use a soft, damp cloth for wiping the tap and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
- Warm soapy water or white vinegar can be used to wipe down and remove any water spots or fingerprints.
- Black finishes are prone to damage if harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges are used. Stick to a gentle soap cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean it off.
Filter Changes
Changing the filter of your boiling water tap is an essential part of the maintenance process.
- Over time, filters will collect impurities from your water supply, so it's important to replace them regularly.
- The frequency of filter changes will depend on your water usage and water quality. However, a general rule of thumb is to change the filter every six months.
- Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing filters to ensure the process is done correctly. You can watch a video demonstration of a filter change here.
Learn more about maintaining your tap here.
Making the Final Decision
In summary, choosing the right boiling water tap for your office involves a careful consideration of both upfront and long-term costs, safety features, appearance, and maintenance requirements. While the initial investment for a boiling water tap might be higher than a traditional kettle, the benefits it provides in terms of safety, efficiency, and aesthetics could make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Look for taps that have an insulated spout and a child-safe spring lock to ensure user safety, and remember that regular cleaning and filter changes are crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of the tap. Ultimately, the choice between a traditional kettle and a boiling water tap will depend on your specific office needs and budget constraints.
Looking to learn more about boiling water taps? Check out our ultimate guide.
