How Do Instant Hot Water Taps Work?

What is an instant hot water tap?

An instant hot water tap is exactly what it sounds like: a tap that gives you boiling water, instantly. No need for a kettle and no waiting. Just convenience on demand from your kitchen tap.

They might look minimalist, but they’re packed with tech that makes everyday life smoother. Let’s lift the lid on what’s happening behind the scenes. Here’s how instant hot water taps work.

How do instant hot water taps work? A step-by-step look

They look a lot like regular taps from the outside. But they’re built with some seriously clever engineering beneath the surface. Here’s how instant hot water taps work, step by step.

1. Cold water supply

It all starts with your mains. Cold water is drawn directly from your household supply and channelled into a compact under-bench unit (usually installed discreetly inside a cupboard).

2. Under-bench heating tank

This is where the magic happens. The unit houses a small, insulated tank that heats and stores water so it’s always ready when you are. No filling, waiting, or reboiling.

3. Precision heating

At the heart of Zip’s system is patented PowerPulse™ technology. It uses quick, energy-efficient bursts to maintain water at the ideal boiling point. Unlike conventional elements that constantly reheat (and overheat), PowerPulse™ keeps the temperature just right – without waste or inconsistency.

4. Rapid dispensing

When you press the tap, boiling water flows instantly. No delay, no noise, no steam-cloud fuss. It’s all been safely preheated and kept at exactly the right temperature, so it’s there when you need it. Cup of tea? Pasta pot? Instant.

5. Temperature control & safety

Good systems let you adjust your preferred temperature, and Zip’s taps include safety locks and features to help prevent accidental dispensing – especially useful in family homes or shared kitchens.

This seamless system all happens in the background, giving you hot water on demand, with zero bench clutter or energy guesswork. To use your instant hot water tap, all you have to do is turn the handle.

Now, let’s look at why more Australians are making the switch.

Why more Australians are choosing instant hot water taps

Once you use an instant hot water tap, you quickly realise it’s life changing in small but meaningful ways. Here’s what makes them worth it.

Save time

No more waiting for the kettle to boil. You get exactly the water you need right when you need it. That’s time back during the morning rush, saved minutes during dinner prep, and smoother tea rounds at any hour.

Cook smarter and faster

Boiling water from the tap means you can start cooking pasta, noodles or rice straight away (without relying on a slow stovetop or juggling pans). It’s a small shift that makes everyday meals quicker and easier.

Reduce energy waste

With traditional kettles, most of us overfill – and then reboil. Instant hot water taps only heat what’s needed, then maintain it efficiently. Zip’s PowerPulse™ technology takes it a step further by using microbursts of energy to keep water at the ideal temperature without constant reheating.

This smart energy reduction also makes them a lot less expensive to run than you might think. Compared to the cost (in energy and water) of boiling a kettle for hot drinks, cooking and even some cleaning tasks, a Zip HydroTap uses minimal energy thanks to our PowerPulse™ technology.

Cut plastic and clutter

The best instant hot water taps do more than just heat. You can also get filtered chilled and sparkling water, right from the same tap. You’ll cut down on bottled water and free up fridge space.

Blend beauty with function

They look sleek, save space on your bench, and keep your kitchen feeling clean and contemporary. No kettle, cords, or clutter. Just a single tap that does it all, in a finish that matches your kitchen design.

Safer for families

If little hands sometimes reach for your kitchen tap, this one’s important. Zip’s instant hot water taps come with built-in safety locks and cool-to-touch designs. That means less risk around kids, guests or shared spaces – without sacrificing speed or performance.

All up, it’s about simplicity. You get more done with less effort. And that’s something you can be thankful for every day.

Are instant hot water taps energy efficient?

Short answer? Yes. Especially if you compare them to the way most of us actually use a kettle.

It’s easy to assume that keeping water heated all day must use more energy. But the reality is more nuanced. With an instant hot water tap, you’re only heating what you need (keeping it at temperature with pinpoint precision). No overfilling, reboiling, or wasted power.

But when it comes to energy smarts, not all systems are equal.

Zip’s HydroTap uses patented PowerPulse™ technology to maintain boiling temperature with microbursts of energy. It doesn’t heat continuously. It doesn’t overheat and cool. Instead, it delivers just the right amount of power, right when it’s needed. That means consistent boiling water, less fluctuation, and significantly less energy waste over time.

Let’s break it down.

How do instant boiling water taps work: An energy comparison

And when you factor in the broader benefits (like replacing bottled water, removing clutter, and speeding up cooking) it’s not just efficient. It’s a lifestyle upgrade with real sustainability wins.

Next, let’s talk installation. Is it hard to set one up? Not at all.

Installation: what’s involved?

Installing an instant hot water tap might sound like a big job, but it’s often simpler than you’d expect.

In most homes, it’s a clean, straightforward process. The under-bench unit fits neatly inside a standard kitchen cupboard, and the tap itself is mounted just like any other. All it needs is access to your cold water supply, power point, and (if chilled or sparkling water is included) a vented space for airflow.

If you’re upgrading an existing tap, your plumber may need to modify the benchtop to suit the new model. But that’s usually a quick fix. For new builds or full renovations, your installer can plan around the specs from the start.

What makes Zip HydroTap easy to install?

• Compact design. Engineered to sit under your bench without crowding your cupboard.
• Flexible fittings. Works with most kitchen layouts and cabinetry.
• Plumber-friendly specs. Clear installation guides, support tools, and compatibility across a range of water pressures.

💡 Tip: Use the HydroTap Selector Tool to match your needs to the right system and installation type.

So, is it a DIY job? Not quite. You’ll need a licensed plumber and electrician to install your tap safely and correctly. Although we make that part easy for you at Zip – you can choose a Zip HydroTap certified installation. Our service technicians are qualified, factory-trained specialists with years of experience in handling all HydroTap concerns, including stone cutting if required. You’re in safe hands with our certified installers.

And once it’s in, you’re ready to enjoy instant, pure-tasting water from the first drop.

We can’t discuss how instant hot water taps work without going over the different types available (as some of them are quite different to each other). Let’s do that now.

Types of instant hot water taps

Not all instant hot water taps are the same. Some deliver just boiling water. Others combine chilled, sparkling, or filtered water in a single sleek system. The right one for your kitchen depends on how you live and what you'd love to simplify.

Here’s a quick guide to the main types available.

1. Boiling-only taps

Perfect if you’re after pure speed and simplicity. These taps deliver instant boiling water for tea, coffee, cooking and cleaning – straight from your sink. Explore Zip’s boiling HydroTaps.

2. Boiling and chilled water taps

Need a glass of icy water just as often as a cuppa? These taps offer both, instantly. It saves on fridge space and makes entertaining a breeze. Check out Zip’s dual boiling and chilled options.

3. Boiling, chilled and sparkling taps

The ultimate in kitchen convenience. Enjoy instant access to boiling, chilled and sparkling water – all from your kitchen tap. This is premium performance and design. Explore your design options.

4. Boiling, chilled, sparkling, hot and ambient taps

These smart taps stretch it even further, adding hot and ambient water into your range of options. It doesn’t get easier or more convenient than this. See your options.

Whether you want to simplify your tea breaks, drink more water, or redesign your kitchen around smarter habits, there’s a Zip HydroTap to match. Built for performance, designed for real life.

Now, after all of this, you may have a lingering question: boiling water from a tap, is it really safe?

Are instant hot water taps safe?

It’s a fair question. When you hear “boiling water on tap,” you might picture spills, splashes or steam burns. But the reality is quite the opposite. Today’s best instant hot water taps are designed with safety built in, so you get total convenience without compromise.

Cool to the touch

Zip HydroTaps are engineered with insulated casings and clever tapware design that keeps the outer surface cool, even when dispensing boiling water. No scalding metal, no unexpected surprises.

Safety locks

Every Zip HydroTap includes a safety lock feature for the boiling function. That means no accidental activation, even if someone bumps the tap or curious little hands are nearby. You choose when it’s unlocked and ready.

Precise control

Because water is preheated and dispensed at a consistent, preset temperature, there’s no risk of sudden steam or erratic boiling. Just a smooth, steady pour every time.

Smooth flow, no splash

We designed the spout to release water in a controlled, non-splash stream. So whether you're filling a teacup or prepping a pot, there’s no mess (and no burn risk).

Peace of mind, built in

From open-plan family kitchens to busy shared workplaces, HydroTap systems are made to feel intuitive and safe. And unlike kettles or stovetops, there’s no exposed heating element or moving pot of water.

Instant hot water should feel like an upgrade, not a risk. And with Zip, that's exactly what it is. Every design gives you confidence, control, and comfort with every pour.

By now maybe you’ve found out how instant hot water taps work. And maybe you’ve realised they’re not the right tap for your kitchen. Not to worry, here are some brilliant options to consider instead.

Don’t need boiling? Here are smart alternatives

Not every kitchen or lifestyle needs instant boiling water. Maybe you’ve already got a good system in place. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little different – filtered, chilled, or sparkling, without the steam.

Here are some brilliant alternatives to instant hot water taps.

Filtered chilled and sparkling water taps

If hydration is your top priority, a filtered chilled water tap gives you refreshing, crystal-clear water without the clutter of bottles or jugs. A Zip HydroTap uses advanced MicroPurity™ filtration to remove dirt, chlorine, microplastics and other nasties – leaving your water clean, clear and better tasting.

Or do you want that cafe fizz at home? Chilled sparkling systems let you pour instant bubbles on demand – great for entertaining, winding down, or swapping soft drinks for something healthier. No bottles. No waste.

Hot, ambient, filtered chilled and filtered sparkling taps

Whether you’re filling the sink, rinsing dishes, or pouring a crisp glass of sparkling water, these taps adapt to every part of your day. A Zip HydroTap gives you instant access to hot, ambient, chilled or sparkling water at your kitchen sink. It’s hydration, simplified.

Modular systems

If your kitchen space is tight or your needs are specific, you might prefer a modular system. These let you pick and choose your features (boiling, chilled, sparkling, ambient) and combine them to suit your space, usage, or style.

Want help choosing? Use the HydroTap Selector Tool to find the model that’s just right for you.

Okay, let’s bring it all together. Which tap is best for your kitchen?

Find the right instant tap for your kitchen

Every kitchen’s different. So is every household. Some need speed. Others want style, sustainability (or all three).

That’s why a Zip HydroTap isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a range of beautifully engineered systems designed to suit your space, match your rhythm and routine, and grow with your needs. Whether you’re after boiling-only or the full chilled-and-sparkling experience, there’s a tap that fits your life and your benchtop.

Ready to explore? Compare the full HydroTap range, learn more about the technology behind the tap or choosing the right tap for your kitchen.

One tap. Endless possibilities. Discover how good water can be.