Boiling water taps - a good thing?

[duderanch]

I'm about to start planning my new kitchen and I wonder how useful any of you found a boiling water tape. Do you have a combo boiling and filter water - is that a good thing? Which brand would you recommend. I'm leaning towards getting a Quooker.

I'm against.

Too specialist. Too dangerous (for kids).

also an eco-disaster. Don't believe all you read:

asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2012/1/Quooker-UK-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_168593.aspx#.VNTA7i7vdU0

unless you are incapable of boiling a kettle that isn't filled to the brim, these things are a waste of money too. I've got a cheap kettle that takes 45 seconds to boil a cup of water for tea, and about 2 mins for a pan full. How much of a hurry are you in?

the quooker only uses 10W on standby. The kettle uses nothing on standby.

Specialsubject - interesting reading, thank you.

love mine... completely safe with kids too. I don't claim any environmental justification, but we've had ours a year and seen no increase in electric bills. it is purely a time and ease benefit (and saving on worktop space).

I was on tea duties at a family gathering at my sisters recently using a kettle...what a ball ache!

ohh and to answer your actual questions we have a Franke Minevra. which I like.

I like them in principle, but only if I ignore the environmental concerns! I keep flitting back and forth about them tbh. Sorry that's not helpful is it.

I'm gagging for one.

My neighbour claims it is the thing she loves most in her new kitchen (which includes a steam oven which I've decided against). I'm keen to find out if anyone has had problems with them.

it's my favourite thing too. no problems here have only had a year though

The most vital things in any kitchen are a hot water tap and a pyrolitic oven.

I used one when we were house sitting for a friend. I had coveted one beforehand but was not impressed. It slightly sputtered so you had to keep your hands back or get a light boiling hot spray. I am sure this was probably specific to the installation and water pressure at their house (the house was extremely high spec and well finished), but just something to keep in mind could happen if there is a problem with water pressure? (disclaimer - I am not a plumber)

Mine is bloody brilliant.
It's not unsafe at all for children - it does not turn on like an ordinary tap.
I love it. The children often have pasta in a thermos for lunch and being able to fill a saucepan is dead easy first thing. Coffe and tea instantly is nice too.
It's great. My mum wants one now.

Does anyone have one in a very hard water area? My concern would be lime scale or chalk stopping the tap working

Good point about scale, I'm in a very hard water area.