Stephen Johnson from Quooker UK talks through the benefits of boiling water taps, and how including them in your project not only gives convenience, but can also help save energy

Boiling water taps have grown rapidly in popularity over the past 10 years. Something that was originally viewed as an unnecessary luxury item has now become a household essential for millions across the globe.

A concept originally developed in the 1970s by Henri Peteri, the taps have now opened up their own industry sector, with hundreds of products on the market, each with their own characteristics. The reason for this rise in demand and an increase in production is threefold, the primary one being convenience.

We live in a world where people want things delivered at speed. We are inherently less patient than we used to be, increasingly unwilling to wait or compromise, and this is true when it comes to water delivery. On average, we spend four months of our lives waiting for the kettle to boil. Not so with a boiling water tap, which delivers the exact amount of boiling water needed instantly. Time is one of the most precious commodities, why waste time waiting for water to boil?

Concerns around safety used to be a significant factor in preventing people investing in a boiling water tap. However, with constant innovation, research and development, taps on the market today are designed to be completely safe to use. Certain taps for example come with a user-friendly, in-built safety mechanism that makes it virtually impossible to turn on boiling water by accident, making it ideal for families with small children or those with restricted mobility.

Comparatively, a kettle can be dangerous. Not only can you burn yourself from the boiling casing, but if a kettle is knocked over or spilt, the consequences can be disastrous. Greater awareness around safety has convinced many to make the switch.

There has also been a significant consumer shift towards more sustainable and eco-conscious consumption. Climate change is upon us, and is showing no immediate signs of slowing down. As a result, people are quite rightly increasingly concerned with where their products come from and how they directly impact the environment. It is right we all play our part and across industries, companies are having to re-think and adapt their product offerings or services, and boiling water taps are no different.

In addition to the hot, cold and boiling water functions, companies are turning their attention to new water modes. For example, look at the development of offering filtered, chilled and sparkling water from the same tap, at the touch of a button. The UK household uses an average of 360 single use plastic bottles per year. However, taps that can deliver sparkling and chilled water dramatically reduce this figure, providing a more long-term sustainable alternative.

Furthermore, with a boiling water tap, you also save water and electricity. When you dispense water, you use the exact amount of water you need, unlike a kettle whereby more water is boiled than needed, or how often is a kettle re-boiled because the water has cooled down, wasting yet more energy. Boiling water taps have tanks which store water at high temperatures under pressure. This technology keeps the water hot without needing to use much energy at all. Think of it as an electrically powered flask, from which no energy can escape.

But it is not just the technical benefits that are persuading many to invest in a boiling water tap. The design and spacesaving advantages are also impressive. Simple, sleek and elegant, boiling water taps contribute a refined silhouette to any kitchen. The perfect accompaniment for modern and traditional spaces alike, there are a variety of styles, finishes and accessories to suit every kitchen.

Be it classic chrome or nickel to a more contemporary brushed gold or matt black, these taps have come a long way in terms of their design over the years. Removing the need for wires or chunky charging bases, worktops can remain clutter-free. From pull-out hoses and twin taps to adjustable heights and matching soap dispensers, they can be a design statement as well as an invaluable appliance to enhance everyday routines for the whole household.

The kitchen has always traditionally been the heart of the home. As lots of us now work from home, the kitchen is once again in the spotlight, becoming a multi-functional space; playing the role of kitchen, living room and home office, often at the same time. They are not inexpensive, but boiling water taps play a key role in this evolving space. Saving you time, money and water, and providing convenience, safety and environmental benefits, they are a compelling option.

Stephen Johnson is managing director at Quooker UK