Which Boiling Water Tank Size Fits Your Kitchen—and Your Life? The Practical Guide Every Home Needs

There’s nothing like the British tea round for exposing the limits of a kitchen kettle. Too slow, too small, too many boil-it-again moments—especially when every mug gets a different “just right.” If you’ve ever found yourself peering into the kettle, wondering if there’s enough for one more, or refilling it mid-dinner prep while the pasta waits, you’re in good company.
Cutting out these faffs is why boiling water taps have become the quiet revolution of busy homes—delivering instant hot water, better kitchen rhythm, and, yes, a lot fewer arguments about whose turn it is to wait for the kettle.
Why Tank Size Isn’t Just a Numbers Game
Most people think bigger is always better, but in a kitchen, too much “more” means a tank eating up space, higher running costs, or boiling water you never use. Too small? You’ll be staring at a reheating light, waiting for the next cuppa.
As kitchen tech gets smarter, tank choices go from a “one-size-fits-all” affair to something that should match your actual life. When we designed our 2.4-litre standard tank—the one included with every tap we sell—we aimed for the sweet spot: enough hot water for real homes, in a shape that actually fits British under-sink cupboards.
As one of our customers put it: “Since switching to a 2.4-litre tap, I haven’t used the kettle once. Even on a busy Sunday!”
Let’s break down what you actually need to know—no maths degree required.
The Practical Solution: Match Your Tank to Your Routine
2.4-litre tank (our standard)
- Capacity: Roughly 5–6 large mugs or pans filled with boiling water at a time.
- Reheat time: Around 4 minutes.
Dimensions: Height 295mm x Width 184mm x Depth 184mm. - Best for: Day-to-day use, small families, home cooks, and anyone who wants hot drinks and a full kettle’s worth of boiling water on demand.
4-litre tank (the easy upgrade, £99 extra)
- Capacity: Up to 10 mugs’ worth—perfect for a full tea round or big family brunches.
- Reheat time: About 4 minutes.
- Dimensions: H: 272.5mm, W: 197mm, D: 299.5mm.
- Best for: Big families, offices, or homes where “another cup?” is always on the cards.
Read more about our boiler tanks here.
Bonus Feature: Touchscreen Temperature Control
All our tanks (except the Avista) include a touchscreen to adjust between 75°C and 98°C—because, contrary to legend, the “perfect” cuppa is brewed at 98°C, not 100°C.
Getting Specific: Your Step-by-Step Tank Sizing Checklist
1. Count your cups—honestly.
If it’s rarely more than 6, the standard 2.4-litre tank should handle all your regular action with zero drama.
2. Think about kitchen space.
Our 2.4-litre tank’s footprint is genuinely tiny, purposely designed to fit the typical British sink cupboard without a wrestle.
3. Consider downtime tolerance.
Both sizes reheat in under 5 minutes—perfect for most routines.
4. Factor in filter swaps for hassle-free hygiene.
Every Hot Water Taps tank includes a built-in filter. Our 4-in-1 tap range even filters your cold line for cleaner water.
5. Installation confidence counts.
Clear instructions, YouTube tutorials, and friendly fittings.
Common Questions About Tank Size
“Is a 2.4-litre Tank Really Enough?”
Unless you regularly host a small army, the standard tank covers most scenarios and reheats fast.
“Will it cost the earth to run?”
Not at all—running costs compare favourably to traditional kettles, especially since you only heat what you use.
“Do I need to rejig my plumbing?”
Most homes can install a boiling water tank without major adjustments.
Smarter Choices, Quicker Brews: What To Do Next
- Measure first, decide second.
- Be honest about your needs.
- Prioritise hygiene and maintenance.
When you choose a hot water tap (and the tank that powers it), you’re not just ticking a box—you’re future-proofing every brew and reclaiming space and time. Still deciding? Check out our ultimate guide to instant boiling taps and find out more about the nation’s favourite kitchen upgrade.