Reaching boiling point

introduction of instant hot water but also the upgraded designs of multiple water options, pullout spouts, digital controls and a variety of finishes. Stephen Johnson of Quooker comments: “Consumers appreciate multifunctional, all-in-one products. Since its launch in 2018, our Flex tap has quickly become the most popular, fastestgrowing tap model.” And Nick Taylor of Hotspot Titanium states its Flex tap is also his company’s most popular model.

Sales and marketing director at Franke Jo Sargent says consumers are prepared to spend more money on the latest technology. “Order values have increased as consumers are now looking for more technology from their instant boiling water taps. We’ve seen a move from manually operated options to premium, electronic 4-in-1 models, which make the tap easier and more convenient to use.” She adds: “The introduction of more coloured finish options has also impacted positively on sales as it reflects the growing appetite for design personalisation in the home.”

Innovation peak

But does that mean instant hot water taps have now reached their innovation peak? Industry experts say absolutely not. Nick Taylor of Hotspot Titanium says: “An innovation peak is still a good distance away. So much more to innovate.” He points to areas such as improved

1. QUOOKER

Front features a top mounted lever for standard hot and cold water supplier. It uses the bezel at the base of the spout to deliver 100°C boiling, filtered or sparkling water. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAP018

2. QETTLE

The Signature Classic range offers 4-in-1 functionality and comes in a choice of five finishes. Discover all the details at www.rdr.link/KAP019 filtration, better hard water tolerance and enhanced safety.

However, experts believe the innovation will differ at varying levels of the market, as marketing manager of Qettle Alex Rowe states: “Despite the proliferation of taps, no segment of the market has really peaked in terms of innovation. At the higher-end the opportunity is for intelligent design, so that everyone from the installer to the end-users enjoy a refined and perhaps even customised experience. At the lower-end of the market, innovation will be key to addressing the basics – build quality, longevity and safety are just examples. And across all segments, innovation will be the answer to improved energy efficiency and better eco-credentials.”

Tamsin Mills, brand communications manager at mid to high-end Blanco, indicates the future development of its hot taps stating. “Product enhancements will include a modernised tap design with increased functionality and exciting new colour options. Space-saving features under the cabinet and a quicker and easier installation process will take the drink.hot Evol-S Pro to the next level of innovation.”

Greater sustainability focus

In a post-COVID world, consumers have bought into the hygiene benefits of instant hot water on tap. But with increasing price inflation, particularly on utility bills, consumers are also becoming more conscious about energy use.

Alex Rowe of Qettle adds: “Consumers from every market sector are questioning value for money, sustainability and a product’s

The drink.hot Evol-S Pro features an integrated measuring function, allowing users to dispense the exact amount of required hot water. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KAP020 provenance. As a result, even relatively affluent buyers are no longer giving retailers carte blanche with appliances without taking a careful look at the detail.” And sustainability, allowing consumers to save energy and, just as importantly money, could encourage clients with a squeezed budget to include an instant hot water tap in their kitchen. “In the home sustainability comes down to saving energy

The Moderno Side Tap offers steaming water only and can be used alongside a standard mixer. It is available in four finishes. Read the technical specification at www.rdr.link/KAP021 and water, reducing waste and overconsumption and investing in long-lasting, quality products. While there is an undeniable upfront cost to purchasing a boiling water tap, the benefits and savings that come with it are completely worth it in the long-term,” says Stephen Johnson.

Service and support

However, industry experts suggest the future development and sales opportunities are not solely about the product but will include service packages, after sales and guarantees. Jo Sargent of Franke UK explains the support offered for its Minerva instant hot water taps. She says: “The annual health check gives retailers and end-consumers the confidence that our instant boiling water taps are supported by a strong aftercare service” adding it “takes the onus off the customer when it comes to maintenance tasks and gives them the reassurance that their system is working at an optimum performance.”

Whatever the sales focus for a consumer, whether as a lifestyle and convenience product, for hygiene or to save energy and money, industry experts agree the hot tap will become a default choice in kitchen design. Design manager of Abode Paul Illingworth concludes: “I am confident the percentage of hot water tap sales will only increase with the passing of time, so that the next generation of householders will come to see a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 as standard in the kitchen future.”