Goodbye Office Kettles: The Rise of Instant Boiling Water on Tap

With instant boiling water on tap like the ZIP HydroBoil range provides, gone are the days of awkward silences between colleagues watching the office kettle bubble its way to a boil. In this article, we take a brief look at the history of water heating, we unpack the technology behind instant boiling water on tap, and introduce you to the remarkable ZIP HydroBoil range of workplace water boilers. 

A brief history of water heating

• Ancient times

Humans have been boiling water for thousands of years, with evidence of boiling water dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. They likely used heated stones or containers placed over fires to heat water. As societies progressed, the development of pottery and metalworking led to the creation of more sophisticated vessels for heating water. Clay pots and metal cauldrons became common for boiling water and cooking food.

• Industrial revolution

The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in technology, including the widespread adoption of stoves and kettles fueled by coal or wood. This made boiling water more efficient and accessible for households. In the 19th century, the invention of the kitchen stove with temperature control and the tea kettle with a whistle for boiling water became popular. These innovations made boiling water safer and more convenient for everyday use.

• Electric kettles

In the early 20th century, electric kettles were introduced, revolutionising the process of boiling water. Electric kettles provided faster heating times and automatic shut-off features, making them safer and more efficient than traditional methods. With advancements in technology, methods of boiling water continue to evolve, with options like boiling water on tap becoming popular energy-efficient, eco-friendly, time-saving water heating solutions. 

What is instant boiling water on tap?

An instant boiling water on tap system is a device designed to rapidly heat water to boiling temperature and dispense near boiling water on demand. Typically installed in kitchens, offices, or commercial settings, these systems maintain a reservoir of near boiling water, ensuring immediate access without the need for waiting. 

With the pull of a lever, users can instantly draw near boiling water for various purposes such as making tea, coffee, soups, or other hot beverages, as well as for cooking. These systems offer convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need to wait for water to heat up, making them ideal for high-demand environments. 

Meet the ZIP HydroBoil

The ZIP HydroBoil and ZIP HydroBoil Plus are cutting-edge instant boiling water on tap systems that set a new standard for efficiency and convenience in providing near boiling water on demand. Manufactured under licence by Franke, a leading manufacturer of kitchen solutions, the HydroBoil range is designed for installation in various settings, including kitchens, schools, workshops, and office environments. 

With their sleek and compact design, the ZIP HydroBoil models integrate seamlessly into any space while offering a continuous supply of near boiling water at the pull of a lever. Renowned for energy efficiency, varying capacities, and rapid heating capabilities, the ZIP HydroBoil range completely revolutionises boiling water on tap. 

The ZIP HydroBoil operates within three degrees of boiling point, with a thermal temperature control. This means that near boiling water is always readily available at the pull of a lever. The two-way tap control allows for precise filling of cups or locks on for when filling pots - minimising water wastage. 

Forget battling with annoying pipes or power cords - the ZIP HydroBoil units feature concealed plumbing and electrical connections. This allows for a sleek, clutter-free appearance in the kitchen with a non-obtrusive water boiling solution. What’s more, peak demand electricity load is reduced considerably in comparison to traditional kettles and urns. 

Why should your workplace have a ZIP HydroBoil?

1. No refilling required
   The ZIP Hydroboil units are plumbed (permanently connected to a water supply) so there is no need to constantly refill them like with a conventional electric kettle or urn.
   
   
2. Saves you time
   No more wasted time and loss of productivity waiting for water to boil. The ZIP HydroBoil range provides near boiling water 24 hours a day and is designed to operate within 3°C of boiling point.
   
   
3. Energy efficiency saves you money
   Does not waste water by boiling more than required. The ZIP HydroBoil range’s two-way tap control allows for a cup-full or a teapot-full at a time. Includes a patented steam heat boost system which recycles energy from steam to preheat the incoming cold water.
   
   
4. Saves space
   The ZIP HydroBoil and ZIP HydroBoil Plus are wall-mounted, which means they free up space on your kitchen counter that you’d otherwise need for a countertop kettle and do away with exposed power leads.
   
   
5. Low consumption saves energy
   The 2.5L – 25L models of the ZIP HydroBoil operate on 220-240V single phase supply, with the 50L requiring three phase supply. Energy consumption is as follows:

• 5 to 7.5 litre = 1.5kW
• 10 to 15 litre = 2.4kW
• 25 litre = 3kW
  
  

6. Easy to maintain
   The ZIP HydroBoil units have no PC boards or sensitive electronic equipment. Instead, they feature robust components that are serviceable. It’s also easy to source replacement parts, including element replacement kits, thermostat replacement kits, tap assembly kits and more.
   
   
7. Highly dependable
   ZIP HydroBoil units are able to deliver between 12 to 300 cups of boiling water at one time depending on your choice of model.
   
   
8. You’ve got options
   The ZIP HydroBoil range includes 5L, 3L, 5L, 7.5L, 10L, 15L, 25L and 50L capacities, and you can choose between a stainless steel or white epoxy exterior finish. Also, you can choose to have a water purification kit installed with your ZIP HydroBoil. 

Who can benefit from having a ZIP HydroBoil?

• Offices

In busy office environments, where employees frequently consume tea, coffee, and other hot beverages throughout the day, having near boiling water on tap ensures a constant supply of hot water without the need for waiting. This can improve productivity by reducing downtime spent waiting for water to boil in conventional kettles, as well as providing convenience for employees. 

• Cafes and restaurants

In food service establishments, speed and efficiency are crucial. Having boiled water on tap allows for rapid preparation of hot beverages and soups, enabling quicker service to customers. The consistent supply of near boiling water ensures that staff can meet customer demands efficiently during peak hours, leading to improved customer satisfaction and potentially higher sales. 

• Schools and universities

Water boilers are invaluable in educational institutions where there is a high demand for hot beverages among students, faculty, and staff. These systems can be installed in cafeterias, break rooms, or faculty lounges, providing quick and convenient access to near boiling water for tea, coffee, and other beverages, enhancing the overall experience for students and staff. 

• Hotels and hospitality establishments

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other hospitality businesses can benefit from near boiling water on tap in guest rooms, breakfast areas, and conference rooms. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to make hot beverages in their rooms at any time, while breakfast service can be streamlined with a constant supply of boiling water for tea, coffee, and oatmeal. 

• Healthcare facilities

In hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, boiling water on tap plays a crucial role in providing hot beverages and soups to patients, visitors, and staff. These systems can be installed in cafeteria areas, waiting rooms, and staff lounges, ensuring that near boiling water is readily available for consumption or for use in food preparation, contributing to the overall comfort and well-being of patients and staff alike. 

Get nation-wide ZIP HydroBoil support

If you’d like to buy a ZIP HydroBoil online, Livecopper is proud to be of service! We offer sales of new ZIP HydroBoil units and the sale of spare parts for ZIP HydroBoil and ZIP HydroBoil Plus. 

We can deliver ZIP HydroBoil units and spare parts throughout South Africa to all main centres within 1 to 2 business days. 

Contact us today to discuss your ZIP HydroBoil needs or browse our full range of ZIP HydroBoil water boilers and available spare parts today.