Best Boiling Water Taps for Kitchens: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Kitchen Fitter
The humble kettle is slowly disappearing from worktops across the UK. In my recent kitchen installations, boiling water taps have become one of the most requested features. It's not just about the speed; it's about decluttering the 'work triangle' and streamlining the aesthetic.
However, retrofitting these into an existing kitchen—especially in older York properties with tight undersink cupboards—can be tricky. You need to account for the boiler tank, standard plumbing, and often new electrical sockets. Not all taps fit all cupboards.
In this review, I'm looking at three options I've encountered: a budget-friendly generic model that surprises with its value, and two variations of a British-engineered brand that offers 'true' boiling water, which is rare in this market.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "100°C vs 98°C Claims"
"Many taps claim to be 'boiling' but only deliver 98°C water."
98°C is fine for herbal tea, but for a proper builder's tea or for sanitising baby bottles, that missing 2°C matters. Only 'true' boiling taps (like the Qettle) maintain a rolling boil.
The Spec: "Space Saving"
"Replaces your kettle to save worktop space."
Whilst you gain worktop space, you lose significant cupboard space. The tank needs to go somewhere, and in a standard 600mm base unit with waste pipes and shallow drawers, it gets tight. Bespoke carpentry is often needed to modify internal shelving.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Yamataro 3in1 Boiling Water Tap Instant Hot Water Tap Hot Cold Filtered Boiling Water Kitchen Faucet Stainless Steel (with Boiler and Filter)
Yamataro
If you cannot justify spending £500+ on a tap, this Yamataro unit is a surprising contender. It offers filtered boiling water (up to 98°C) alongside standard hot and cold mains. It's a great way to test the technology without a massive investment.
The Good
- Excellent price point for a 3-in-1 system
- Includes boiler and filter in the box
- Child safety lock is essential for families
The Bad
- Does not hit true 100°C (hits 98°C)
- Generic brand means parts might be harder to source long-term than major UK brands
Installer Tip:
This unit is 'DIY friendly', but ensure you have a standard 13A socket available under the sink before you start. You may need to cut a hole in the back panel of your cabinet for the plug—seal the raw edge with silicone or varnish to prevent moisture ingress into the chipboard.
Priced at £269.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonQETTLE 4-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap | True Boiling, Filtered Cold, Mains Hot & Cold (2 Litre Boiler)
Qettle
QETTLE is a brand I see often in higher-end fit-outs. This is a 4-in-1 tap, meaning it gives you boiling, filtered cold, mains hot, and mains cold. Crucially, it delivers true 100°C water, not just very hot water. The 2-litre tank is compact enough for most standard cabinets.
The Good
- True 100°C boiling water (rare at this price)
- Mechanical operation means fewer electronics to fail
- Energy efficient (approx 3p/day standby)
The Bad
- 2-litre tank may require recovery time if you fill big pans
- Installation is more involved than a standard tap
Installer Tip:
The mechanical start button needs to be pressed and turned. It's a great safety feature, but can be fiddly for those with limited dexterity. Also, the tank is 293mm deep—measure your waste pipe clearance carefully, as I often have to reroute pipework to squeeze this in.
Priced at £545.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonQETTLE 4-in-1 Instant Boiling Water Tap | True Boiling, Filtered Cold, Mains Hot & Cold
Qettle
This represents the step up in the QETTLE range. Whilst visually similar to the 2-litre version, the higher price point reflects the capability to handle higher demand. This is the problem-solver for larger families or keen cooks who find themselves waiting for a smaller tank to reheat.
The Good
- Eliminates the 'waiting for the kettle' frustration entirely
- Same robust British engineering as the smaller model
- Safety clip prevents accidental scalds
The Bad
- Requires significant cupboard space
- Higher upfront cost
Installer Tip:
Don't skimp on the filter changes here. With a high-performance boiler tank, limescale is the enemy, especially in hard water areas. Mark the date on the filter cartridge with a permanent marker so you remember to swap it out every 6 months to protect your warranty.
Priced at £620.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are boiling water taps expensive to run?
Can I install a boiling water tap myself?
Do I really need 100°C or is 98°C enough?
What maintenance do these taps require?
Will it fit in my kitchen cupboard?
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