Discover if this popular hot tap is worth it in this Quooker Hot Tap Review.
I purchased a Quooker hot tap several months ago for our home kitchen. I paid a plumber to professionally install it under my sink. I use it to heat water for brewing tea, coffee, and washing pots and pans.
It’s not the cheapest hot tap or kitchen device, but it’s a key addition to our kitchen.
Quooker Hot Tap Types
Quooker is a Dutch company specializing in hot taps for dispensing instant boiling water on demand. The company sells a variety of taps that “do it all.” Some models can dispense hot and filtered cold water and carbonated water.
The hot or multi-purpose taps are available in several designs and finishes, including chrome, stainless steel, black, and fusion. They also come in various sizes, from three to fifteen liters.
The company also sells versions with a fixed or flexible hose, so you can find one to suit your kitchen ascetic. Buyers can also pick from square or round taps. I purchased a round Chrome Fusion hot tap that dispenses hot water only.
It costs approximately $1200, excluding installation fees. If you’re unsure what type to buy, the company offers virtual appointments whereby you can see its models in use and talk to a sales rep.
How Does The Quooker Hot Tap Work?
The basic Quooker system comprises a small three-liter tank that sits in the kitchen press or shelf near the sink. The tank fills with cold water, heated to boiling point by an electric element inside the tank. The tank acts like a vacuum flask.
The thin air and surrounding insulation help to keep the water hot and reduce the energy needed to maintain the water temperature at over 100°C.
The hot tap works alongside the traditional water system in a kitchen. Use the cold tap as usual. Then, to activate the Quooker hot tap, press and turn the safety valve at the base of the fixture.
Hot or boiling water dispenses instantly. You can pick between hot and boiling temperatures by moving lever. When finished, simply turn the safety valve in the opposite direction to dispense cold water, separate from the boiling water tank.
I worried about our kids getting burnt from the tap. However, thanks to the safety valve, you can’t dispense hot water accidentally or burn yourself when switching between water temperatures. It took me about sixty seconds to figure out how to operate it.
Is a Quooker Tap More Efficient than a Kettle?
Boiling a kettle on the stove requires an energy source like gas or electricity to heat the water. Much of this energy goes to waste, and hot water cools quickly. An energy-efficient hot tap only heats the water when needed, rather than boiling a large volume of water.
So, if you boil or heat a kettle multiple times a day for small amounts of water, it’s more energy efficient to use a hot tap. Quooker claims its models are up to 50% more energy efficient.
On the other hand, if boiling a large amount of water for using immediately, a good kettle may be more efficient. However, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, heating bills, and the type of water heating system you have.
Pros Of The Quooker Hot Tap
The Quooker hot tap is more energy efficient than even the best stove top kettles. Depending on your energy rates, boiling a kettle can cost $2-3. The Quooker system uses a fraction of that energy and can cost less than $1 per day to use.
The three-liter system is more than big enough for most standard kitchens.
It’s easy to use and safe too. The Chrome finish also looks good in my kitchen. However, its best feature is the tap’s ability to provide instant hot or boiling water for tea and coffee on demand.
It works without issue every time.
Cons Of The Quooker Hot Tap
The hot tap comes with installation instructions and videos, but they are somewhat complex unless you’re handy. In other words, budget for a plumber. At over a $1200 for the basic model, it’s not cheap either.
It will take me many months to recoup the cost! The hot tap also requires sacrificing some cupboard space near your sink, which may be an issue for those with less room to spare.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Energy efficient
- Customizable
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
- Installation requires a plumber or some plumbing knowledge
- Takes up kitchen space
Performance and Reliability
The hot tap wasn’t easy to install, so I hired a plumber. It took him about thirty minutes to install it. However, the hot tap itself is easy to use.
It took about an hour to heat up once installed fully. Now, we always have hot and instant boiling water. No more waiting for the tea kettle to boil! The hot tap is somewhat noisy when dispensing hot water, but the water tank doesn’t make any noise when heating the water.
Quooker Competitors
Quooker is a popular brand in my area, which is why I purchased it. A plumber also recommended the brand to me due to its ease of use and reliability. However, several competitors offer hot taps at similar price points.
Franke: Franke is a Swiss company that offers a range of hot taps, including boiling and filtered water.
InSinkErator: InSinkErator is an American company that offers a range of hot taps, including boiling, filtered, and instant hot water taps.
Perrin & Rowe: Perrin & Rowe is a UK-based company that offers a range of high-end hot taps, including boiling, filtered, and instant hot water taps.
Blanco: Blanco is a German company that offers a range of hot taps, including boiling, filtered, and instant hot water taps.
Is It Worth Getting a Quooker Hot Tap?
The Quooker hot tap is worth it if you value instant hot or boiling water. It works every time and is safe to use. It’s quiet and energy efficient too.
It’s a good, if premium, addition to a home kitchen. The larger versions would work well in a local coffee shop.
