Why a 98°C Boiling Water Tap is Perfect for Hot Drinks

For many people, a piping hot cup of tea or coffee is an essential part of their daily routine. But did you know that water at a full 100°C boil isn’t necessarily the best choice for brewing your favourite hot drinks? While it’s easy to assume that the hotter the water, the better the brew, the reality is more nuanced. In fact, having a boiling water tap set to 98°C could enhance your hot drinks while also offering energy-saving benefits.

The Perfect Temperature for Coffee and Tea

Water temperature plays a crucial role in extracting flavours from coffee and tea. If the water is too hot, it can burn the coffee grounds or scald delicate tea leaves, leading to a bitter or overly astringent taste. Conversely, if it’s too cool, you may end up with a weak and underwhelming drink. Understanding the role of temperature in brewing helps ensure every cup is as delicious as possible.

Coffee: Why 100°C is Too Hot

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends a brewing temperature range of 92°C to 96°C for optimal coffee extraction. Water at a full rolling boil (100°C) can over-extract compounds from the coffee, leading to a bitter and unpleasant flavour. With a 98°C boiling water tap, you have greater control over temperature, ensuring that your coffee retains its rich, nuanced taste without being burnt or overly bitter.

Additionally, brewing methods such as pour-over, French press, and espresso all benefit from slightly different temperature ranges, meaning a tap that allows for fine-tuned control is a superior option. A high-quality boiling water tap enables you to experiment with different techniques, giving you the best possible coffee experience at home.

Tea: Different Brews, Different Temperatures

Unlike coffee, different types of tea require varying water temperatures to bring out their best qualities:

• Green tea: Typically best brewed at 70°C to 80°C to prevent a harsh, bitter flavour.
• White tea: Benefits from 80°C to 85°C, bringing out its subtle sweetness.
• Oolong tea: Usually brewed between 85°C and 90°C to balance flavour extraction.
• Black tea: Prefers 90°C to 98°C, ensuring full-bodied flavour without over-brewing.
• Herbal teas: Can handle 98°C as they require high temperatures to extract their full depth of flavour.

With a standard kettle, achieving the ideal temperature for each type of tea requires either guesswork or a separate thermometer. A temperature-adjustable boiling water tap removes this hassle, making it easy to achieve precision brewing for every variety.

Energy Efficiency: Why 98°C Saves More Than Just Time

Many boiling water taps on the market maintain water at a constant 100°C, which requires more energy than you might think. Keeping water at a full boil means the heating element is working harder, increasing electricity consumption. By setting your tap to 98°C instead of 100°C, you can reduce overall energy usage without sacrificing performance.

How a 98°C Tap Saves Energy

• Lower maintenance heating: Maintaining water at 100°C demands continuous heating. At 98°C, the energy required to sustain that temperature is slightly lower, leading to reduced electricity consumption over time.
• Less heat loss: Every degree above the necessary temperature increases heat dissipation into the surroundings, meaning more energy is wasted.
• More efficient daily use: For the vast majority of hot drinks and cooking needs, 98°C is entirely sufficient—avoiding unnecessary overheating cuts down your household’s energy footprint.

Considering the environmental impact of excessive energy consumption, even small temperature adjustments can make a meaningful difference over time. By reducing the temperature slightly, you contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle while also saving money on energy bills.

Convenience and Flexibility with Temperature-Controlled Taps

The best boiling water taps (like ours!) come with adjustable temperature settings. This means you can fine-tune the water temperature based on your needs, whether it’s making a delicate green tea, brewing the perfect coffee, or even preparing instant noodles or baby formula.

A boiling water tap also eliminates the need for a kettle, saving both time and counter space. With a near-instant supply of hot water, you won’t need to wait for a kettle to boil, making it a highly convenient option for busy households and workplaces alike. The added precision of an adjustable boiling water tap allows for greater versatility in the kitchen, whether for cooking, sterilising utensils, or making perfect hot drinks.

Beyond personal use, temperature-adjustable boiling water taps are an excellent investment for workplaces, coffee shops, and hospitality settings. The ability to control water temperature ensures consistent results, streamlining operations while delivering top-quality beverages to customers.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Choice for Hot Drinks

A 98°C boiling water tap is not just an excellent choice for coffee and tea lovers, it’s also a practical and energy-efficient upgrade for any kitchen. By ensuring your water is hot enough for brewing without reaching unnecessary temperatures, you can enhance flavour, reduce energy waste, and enjoy a more convenient hot drinks experience.

If you’re considering a boiling water tap, we offer a range of temperature-adjustable models to suit every need. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a tea enthusiast, or simply someone who values efficiency, a 98°C tap could be the perfect addition to your kitchen.

• Avista - our most affordable 3-in-1 tap
• Athena - our premium 3-in-1 tap
• Astra - our 3-in-1 tap with a pull-out spout
• Quantum - our best-selling 4-in-1 tap
• Quantum Chilled - our highest-spec 4-in-1 tap featuring chilled water down to 4°C.
• Platinum - our 4-in-1 tap with a pull-spout

Alternatively, keep on reading about boiling water taps in our ultimate guide.