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Quooker, InSinkErator, Grohe and other boiling water taps compared

Discover the pros and cons of instant hot water taps, and how popular brands Franke, Grohe, InSinkErator, Qettle, Quooker and Reginox compare on price and maintenance costs
Rebecca JakemanSenior researcher & writer
Boiling water tap

As a sleeker, quicker and quieter alternative to a kettle, a boiling water tap can fill a pan of pasta or a mug of tea at the touch of a button.

But with prices starting from several hundred pounds and pushing over the £2,000 mark, it’s worth considering whether the convenience of your dream instant hot water tap is matched by its price.

Our guide takes a look at how economical these trendy kitchen taps really are, as well as the different options from the main brands, Franke, Grohe, InSinkErator, Qettle, Quooker and Reginox, to help you decide if one is right for you.

If you're upgrading your kitchen this year, don't miss our kitchen design ideas.

Boiling water tap pros and cons

The main advantage of a boiling water tap is that it’s quicker and easier than boiling a kettle. However, they're pricey and require maintenance, so it's best to weigh up the pros and cons carefully before you decide to invest:

Pros

  • Quicker than a kettle Even the fastest kettles take nearly two and a half minutes to boil water, which can't compete with the touch-of-a-button service you get from a boiling water tap.
  • Can help save water Filling your mug or pan directly from the tap means you'll only ever use the exact amount you need.
  • Saves space If counter space is at a premium in your kitchen, a hot water tap provides a streamlined aesthetic.
  • Arguably safer than a kettle With childproof handles and insulated sides, a hot water tap could be a better choice for a household with children.
  • Some people find them easier to use People who struggle to fill, lift and pour a kettle may get on better with one.
  • Most have integrated water filters A water filter will remove harsh-tasting chemicals and soften and aerate the water.

Cons

  • Can be expensive Even the cheapest boiling water taps will set you back hundreds of pounds, and you're looking at more than £2,000 for the priciest models.
  • Need professional installation Our research shows that installation can be a pain. It may not be covered in the cost and you might need to do it yourself or call in a plumber.
  • Need ongoing maintenance You'll need to clean the tap and tank regularly and buy replacement filters, which can add significantly to the ongoing cost. Also, limescale can be particularly problematic in hard water areas.

Not ready to give up your kettle yet? See our pick of the best kettles, as chosen by our experts.

How much should I spend on a boiling water tap?

Using a hot water tap

There's no getting around it – a hot water tap is a pricey purchase.

However, prices vary depending on several factors, including the size of the tank, the tap's finish and the additional accessories.

  • Up to £500 Expect a basic stainless-steel finish, a small-capacity tank (2 to 3 litres) and a tap that might only provide boiling water.
  • £500 to £1,000 Mid-range taps can vary hugely. Some offer regular hot and filtered cold water as well as boiling water and have larger tanks (up to 7 litres).
  • £1,000 to £1,500-plus A top-of-the-range tap is likely to come with a special finish, such as copper or chrome, and added extras such as a sparkling water option.

Whatever the purchase price, you'll also need to factor in the ongoing cost of filters, which vary significantly by brand.

Hot water tap costs compared

We've pulled together the costs and specs for the main hot water tap brands to help you compare them.

See how they stack up in our summary table below, or head to the bottom of this page to see the brands in-depth, including installation, maintenance and warranty information.

BrandTap priceTank sizeFilter priceFilter replacement frequency
Franke£869 to £1,8784 or 5 litres£27-£48Every 6 months
Grohe£1,155 to £2,4003 or 5.5 litres£60-£135Every 6 months
InSinkErator£270 to £1,5002.5 litres£60-£78Every 6 months
Qettle£470 to £1,1252, 7 or 8 litres£35Every 6 months
Quooker£1,050 to £2,4203, 7 or 11 litres£50 - £70Every 12 months
Reginox£320 to £7002.4 litres£45-£60Every 4 to 6 months

Prices correct as of February 2024. Prices may change.

As another alternative to kettles, why not consider one of the best hot water dispensers for your kitchen?

Are hot water taps expensive to run?

Using a hot water tap

Although they're constantly on standby to keep water hot for your tea or pan of pasta, instant hot water taps are surprisingly cheap to run – especially compared with kettles, which use short but intense bursts of energy to boil.

However, their high price (plus the ongoing costs of filters) mean that it could take more than 25 years for you to recoup your investment. There are many benefits of buying a boiling water tap, but saving money unfortunately isn’t one of them. If saving money is a priority, choose an energy-saving kettle instead.

An energy-saving kettle will have a low minimum fill (usually as little as one cupful) which means you only have to boil the amount you need, and it will switch off as soon as it's boiled, saving electricity.


Upfront costAnnual running costTotal cost
Cheapest Quooker tap (Nordic Round)£1,050£10.95 (based on cost of being on standby)£1,060.95 (upfront, plus annual cost)
Cheapest Best Buy kettle£19.99£29.95 (boiling one litre three times per day)£49.94 (upfront, plus annual cost)

Prices last checked May 2024. Prices may change. Based on upfront costs and annual running costs for one year, not including cost of replacement filters and tap maintenance. Annual running costs for kettle based on July 2024 energy price cap of 22.36p/kWh for electricity.

Save money and time making your brew with one of the best energy-saving kettles.

Best boiling water tap features to consider

Think carefully about the features you do and don't need. Added extras can push up the price, and it’s annoying to pay a premium for features you later find out you hardly ever use.

Capacity

Boiling water taps come with different-sized tanks. The smallest hold around 2 litres, while the largest hold as much as 11 litres. A larger tank gives you the convenience of having lots of boiling water ready in one go, although you'll need to find the space for it in the cupboard underneath.

Child-safe features

Scalding-hot water in an instant could be dangerous, especially if you have children who are used to getting cold water when they use the tap. 

Choose a tap with safety buttons that make it difficult to turn it on by accident. Some also have childproof handles and insulated sides that won't get hot, even when the water is flowing. 

Flexible hose

Some models from Quooker have a pull-out flexible hose. This could be useful for reaching beyond the sink to fill up large saucepans.

Tap combinations

If you want to replace your taps rather than adding to them, choosing a multi-function tap can free up space around your sink.

  • Two-in-one taps Dispense boiling and cold water
  • Three-in-one taps Dispense boiling water, cold water and standard mains hot water
  • Four-in-one taps Dispense boiling water, filtered cold water and standard mains hot and cold water

Some top-of-the-range taps also dispense fizzy water.

Tap finish

Stainless steel is likely to be the more cost-effective option, although you can choose different colours to fit in with your kitchen decor, including chrome, brass or gold metallic finishes.

Temperature

Most 'boiling water taps' are more likely to come out around 98 to 99°C, so brands that do reach 100°C, such as Quooker, make it a key selling point.

This might appeal to you, but if you're mainly using your tap for cooking and making drinks, you're unlikely to notice the difference.

We found the best SodaStreams and sparkling water makers for making fizzy drinks at home.

Brands in-depth: Quooker, InSinkErator and more

You'll find a wealth of information regarding hot water taps from some of the most popular brands in the tabs below, including where to buy them.

Simply click to expand them and find out more.

Where to buy a boiling water tap

Renovating your kitchen? See our guide to kitchen costs.