On the hunt for a brand-new boiling water tap? You've probably come across 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 taps, but what sets them apart? And how about the pros and cons of each? Don't worry, we're here to break it down for you so you can choose the ideal option for your home.
What’s the difference between a 3-in-1 and a 4-in-1 tap?
The main difference is that 3-in-1 taps dispense:
- Regular hot water
- Regular cold water
- Filtered boiling water
While on the other hand, 4-in-1 taps dispense:
- Regular hot water
- Regular cold water
- Filtered boiling water
- Filtered chilled water
So, if you're looking for a more advanced tap, a 4-in-1 model would better suit you. Some 4-in-1 taps will dispense filtered sparkling water instead of filtered still, so it's worth checking the fine print, especially if you don't enjoy sparkling water (like us!).
The difference in cost
Of course, 4-in-1 taps usually command a higher price than 3-in-1 models, so it's important to consider your budget, too.
- Our most affordable 3-in-1 tap is the Avista 3-in-1 in a Chrome finish, costing just £249.
- Our most affordable 4-in-1 tap is the Quantum 4-in-1 in a Chrome finish, costing £439.
You should bear in mind that our taps are the most affordable on the market, and that's something we're very proud of. What this does mean, however, is that other brands may charge far more for their taps - both 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 models. We know that some of the big-name brands can charge upwards of £1,000 for models that dispense sparkling water, for example.
If your budget is limited, 3-in-1 taps are still bursting with high-tech features and offer a whole raft of benefits:
Benefits of a boiling water tap
Convenience
A major plus of having a boiling water tap is the sheer convenience it brings. Instant access to hot water whenever you need it means no more waiting for the kettle to boil or juggling your hot water needs. Whether for cooking, cleaning, or drinking, just turn on the tap and let the boiling water flow.
Energy Efficiency
These taps are designed with energy efficiency in mind, using an insulated boiler tank to minimise heat loss and dispense just the right amount of water. Boiling the kettle a few times a day? You'll likely see some energy savings. Choose a compact, energy-efficient, and insulated boiler tank (like our 2.4Ltr model) to make an even bigger dent in your energy bill.
Space Saving
Boiling water taps can also help you free up kitchen space. Kettles tend to be bulky and hog counter space, while boiling water taps are sleek, compact, and easily tucked away under your sink or elsewhere. That means more room for meal prep, cleaning or other daily kitchen tasks. It also makes wiping down your worktops far easier as you won't need to battle with cords or multiple appliances just to sanitise!
Safety
These taps can be safer than traditional kettles by reducing the risk of spills or scalds. With a kettle, you have to lift and pour hot water, which can lead to accidents. Boiling water taps dispense hot water directly into your cup, pan or pot over the sink, nixing the spillage risk. Plus, they come packed with child safety features to prevent accidental scalding. Click here to read more about how safe boiling water taps are.
Time-Saving
Finally, one of the best perks of a boiling water tap is the time you'll save. Hot water at your fingertips means no more waiting for the kettle to boil. This can be a game-changer during busy mornings or when making hot drinks, cooking dinner, or cleaning up at night.
How does a boiling water tap work?
Boiling water taps are becoming more and more popular as advances in technology are making them both more convenient and increasingly cost-efficient. Here's how they work:
- Insulated tank: A boiling water tap comes with an insulated tank fitted into the kitchen cupboard below. This tank holds and maintains a constant supply of boiling water, ready to be used whenever the handle is turned on the tap itself.
- Thermostat and heating element: Boiling water taps generally use a thermostat and a heating element to ensure the water temperature is spot-on, be it boiling or something lower
- Cost and time efficiency: Boiling water taps save time and work out to be cheaper in the long run due to energy efficiency and less wasted water.
- Filtration systems: Advanced models even have filtration systems to provide clean and healthy water on tap!
- Versatility: These taps can be used for various activities, such as:
- Making hot drinks
- Defrosting food
- Sterilising utensils
- Blanching vegetables
- Washing dishes more quickly
You can learn more about how our taps work in our ultimate guide.
How are boiling water taps installed?
Installing a boiling water tap in your home or workplace can be both a time saver and an energy saver, but installation may appear intimidating or difficult. However, this is not the case. In basic terms, to install a boiling water tap, you simply need to attach your boiler tank to the mains, attach the provided filter and then attach this to the tap. If you're inexperienced in plumbing or electricals, we advise hiring a plumber.
Is a boiling water tap safe?
A boiling water tap is one of the safest options for your home when it comes to instant boiling water. Boiling water taps typically offer an insulated spout, temperature control, safety mechanisms and different flow settings. With proper installation and precautions taken, they can provide safe and reliable hot water on demand at all times.
How much do boiling water taps cost to run?
With energy prices remaining at an all-time high, we get that our customers are worried about hiking up energy bills. Fear not: we estimate that a boiling water tap will cost between 10-15p to run per day. In comparison, a kettle will cost between 2-6p to boil each time, depending on the make and how full it is. So, if you're as addicted to tea as we are, you're unlikely to see a significant difference in energy costs.
What about filters?
The filter for your hot water tap should be replaced every 6 months to protect the system from limescale build-up and keep your warranty valid. This is often the case for taps from other brands too, so do your research and find out before you commit. Like our taps, we try our best to keep prices as low as possible. Our filters are £24.95 with a rolling subscription (we will automatically send out your filter every 6 months), or £29.95 for one-off purchases.
Conclusion
So, what's the verdict? In general, 3-in-1 taps are the more cost-effective option because they're cheaper to buy upfront. However, 4-in-1 taps come with unique benefits that may make them worth the extra cost for some homeowners. We’re proud to stock a huge range of boiling water taps at affordable prices, with a full spectrum of finishes and styles.
- Shop for 3-in-1 taps: Avista | Athena | Astra | Atesano | Artisan
- Shop for 4-in-1 taps: Quantum | Platinum| Platinum Plus
Looking for some new Christmas decor ideas for your kitchen this year? You're in luck! We've put together a list of 11 fun and festive ideas to get you inspired. From cheerful holiday details to clever storage solutions, there's something for everyone. So get ready to deck out your kitchen in style!
1. Hang up a festive sign
View this post on Instagram
Decorating for Christmas is always such a fun and festive task. One of the quickest and most impactful ways to decorate the kitchen is to hang a festive sign - it's an excellent way to put a bit of holiday cheer right where you can see it! Whether it's rustic, modern, or a classic traditional look, there are so many options available when it comes to finding decorative signage.
Plus, you can enjoy your special sign throughout much more than just the yuletide season; with many designs featuring inspirational or funny quotes they make excellent everyday decorations too! Get ready to spread some extra holiday joy this year with a charming and joyful sign in the kitchen.
2. Frame your window with Christmas garlands
View this post on Instagram
By decorating your kitchen’s windows with festive Christmas garlands, the atmosphere of your mealtime can be enhanced this holiday season. Not only are these decorations eye-catching and unique, but they’re also sure to spread joy in the room! Making your own garlands is easy enough to do, making it a great way to prepare for family gatherings and get into the spirit of Christmas.
3. Dig out your Santa decorations
View this post on Instagram
With the holiday season just around the corner, it's time to break out your favourite Santa decorations to give a classic Christmas touch to your kitchen! Nothing puts you in a festive mood better than seeing these adorable figurines dotting shelves and countertops or strung up on walls and doorways. Not only are these decorations a beautiful sight to behold, but they also fill the room with wintry cheer and create a feeling of childlike joy.
4. Decorate with Christmas candles
View this post on Instagram
Sprucing up your kitchen for the Christmas season takes no effort thanks to Christmas candles! Whether it’s scented candles or wax figure candles, these small decorations add a festive touch to any kitchen space. Place a few candles around the top of your cabinets, or use them to fill up an empty shelf. Filling glass bowls and containers with different coloured tea lights makes for a beautiful centrepiece on your table to bring out the festive spirit of the holidays. Candles in the kitchen also make cooking meals more enjoyable throughout the winter months, giving off soft light while you’re creating warming dishes. With minimal effort, your kitchen can feel like a magical wonderland full of holiday cheer!
5. Get some Santa plates
View this post on Instagram
Sprucing up your kitchen for the Christmas season doesn't need to break the bank. With a set of Santa plates, you can transform any bland kitchen into an enchanting holiday retreat. Decorating your countertops with these festive plates creates a wonderfully cheery atmosphere, and will certainly brighten your mood when preparing meals in the kitchen.
Whether you decide to go for a classic style featuring Santa Claus himself, or you prefer something more modern such as snowy scenes or cartoon characters, the choices are nearly endless and surely pleasing to everyone. Be sure to grab some Santa plates this season so that everyone can enjoy them all winter long!
6. Hang up a festive wreath
View this post on Instagram
One great way to spruce up your kitchen for the Christmas season is to hang a festive wreath with bright ribbons and plaid patterns. This will add instant holiday cheer and can be an excellent conversation piece for your friends and family members who come to visit over the holidays.
Plus, there are so many fun styles of wreaths out there that you’ll have no problem finding one that perfectly complements your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Whether you go with a traditional evergreen or something more unique, you’re sure to be pleased when it’s placed on the door creating a glowing, inviting arrival spot for all who enter.
7. Decorate your kitchen lights
View this post on Instagram
Making your kitchen festive for the holidays can be a fun, creative experience. You can start by decorating your light fixtures with bright colours and twinkling lights to add some extra holiday cheer. It's as simple as taking a strand of small white Christmas tree lights and wrapping it around the ties of your kitchen cabinets or across the lighting trim of a pendant light.
Nothing boosts spirits better than gathering around the dinner table while twinkle lights wrap around you like you're in a snow globe! Whether traditional coloured strands or battery-operated LED strings, adding warm lighting to your kitchen is a surefire way to make all of your gatherings more enjoyable this season.
8. Get cosy with soft textiles
View this post on Instagram
Adding some festive cheer to your kitchen this Christmas doesn't need to be difficult, and it's a fantastic way to get the whole family feeling excited for the big day. Soft textiles and cosy fabrics in velvety shades of red, green, and gold can transform a simple kitchen into a truly inviting space. Choose plush bedspreads as tablecloths for extra comfort, or look for cushion covers with snow-filled scenes that will bring out the holiday spirit. Add bright tea towels edged with lace as window coverings or hang cheerful garland adorned with sparkling red bows from cupboard handles. Whatever you decide, you'll be sure to have fun creating your special atmosphere for Christmas.
9. Keep it cute with smaller accents
View this post on Instagram
Decorating the kitchen for Christmas can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be overly complex. Smaller accents are a great way to keep it adorable without all of the efforts of bigger decorations. Consider a basket filled with mistletoe, as just one little touch that will bring in the festive spirit. Don't forget to hang some wreaths or wooden signs on your cabinets or refrigerator - they will make a lasting impression that stays around until the new year comes around!
Things like holiday cookie cutters and mugs will also liven up your kitchen counters and get everyone in the spirit of Christmas. Whatever you choose, remember that keeping it cute and small is always best when decorating for this wintery holiday.
10. Throw in some festive cushions
View this post on Instagram
Getting ready to celebrate Christmas in style? Why not start with your kitchen by adding festive cushions to the mix? Picking a few bold cushions with vibrant, seasonal motifs and colours will instantly bring joy and warmth to this important part of your home. Plus, when you spend time cooking up some delicious holiday meals while surrounded by these cosy conversation starters, you will appreciate how much they bring your entire decor together with an inviting aura.
And don't forget that guests love sitting down for a meal in surroundings with plenty of zest and variety! So why not add some throw pillows to make sure your kitchen is dressed for success come the Christmas season?
11. Play it simple with a pinecone wreath
View this post on Instagram
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in your home, and when it comes to decorating for the holidays you want something sure to stand out, while also fitting into the cosy atmosphere. A pinecone wreath is a perfect option, adding holiday cheer and traditional Christmas decorations without being over the top. This simple piece will look beautiful slung over your pantry door or hanging against a window as room décor and an added dimension to your existing kitchen set-up.
You can also add seasonal accents like tartan ribbon to bring even more festive cheer for the season. The possibilities are endless so don't be afraid to indulge in creating a lively kitchen space; a simple and stylish pinecone wreath is the perfect way to do just that!
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas feel or something more modern, these kitchen decor ideas will have your home ready for the holidays in no time.
A boiling water tap will make cooking Christmas dinner easier than ever this year. Learn more about how a boiling water tap works here.
