Quooker taps or faucets are innovative kitchen addition that deliver instant boiling water straight from the tap. How do they work you ask?
The premise is simple as they operate based on a simple yet effective mechanism that provides instant hot water at the flick of a switch or the turning on of the tap.
Quooker faucets are convenient for instant hot water, whether you are making a drink, have a pan to fill to just want to wash a dish. Are they worth the money and how do they work?
How Do Quooker Taps Work
Quooker faucets work via a combination of technological innovation, safety and convenience, to deliver instant boiling water to modern kitchens.
Heating System
The key to a Quooker faucet heating system is a tank that is installed under the kitchen sink. This tank is connected to the water supply.
The water in the tank is heated to 110°C (230°F), which is above the boiling point. This higher temperature is maintained under pressure, which keeps the water from boiling inside the tank.
Tank Insulation
The tank is heavily insulated to ensure that the energy is used efficiently and the water remains hot without constant reheating.
This insulation keeps the heat from escaping, which means the system is ready to deliver boiling water on demand with minimal energy waste.
Safety and Delivery
When the boiling water tap is turned on, the pressure drops, allowing the water to boil momentarily as it exits the tank. However, before the water comes out of the tap, it cools slightly to a safe boiling temperature of 100°C (212°F).
Quooker faucets are designed with safety in mind; they usually come with a child-lock safety feature to prevent accidental use.
The flow of water is also aerated or delivered in a fine spray to prevent burns or scalds from a sudden jet of boiling water.
Instant Use
Because the water in the tank is kept at a constant high temperature, Quooker taps can provide boiling water instantly.
They eliminate the need to wait for water to boil for cooking or making hot beverages.
Efficiency and Integration
Besides providing boiling water, some Quooker systems are multifunctional, offering cold, filtered, and sparkling water from the same tap by integrating additional filters and a CO2 cylinder for carbonation.
What Does Quooker Mean?
The brand name “Quooker” was created by Niels Peteri, co-founder of the company along with his father Henri Peteri.
The name itself does not have a specific meaning listed but represents the brand’s innovative approach to kitchen appliances.
The word “Quooker” signifies the unique product they developed, an innovative boiling water tap.
This invention originated from Henri Peteri’s idea in 1970, leading to the creation of a tap capable of instantly delivering boiling water, which was officially introduced to the market in 1992.
How To Plumb A Quooker Tap
Installing a Quooker tap, while straightforward for those with basic plumbing skills, is a task that involves careful attention to detail to ensure safety and proper function.
Here’s our guide on how to plumb a Quooker tap:
Preparation
Choose the Location
Decide where you want to install the Quooker tap on your kitchen sink. You’ll need enough space underneath for the tank and potential filters or CO2 cylinders for the sparkling water feature.
Check the Water Supply
Ensure you have a cold water supply line near where you want to install the tap. You’ll connect the Quooker’s tank to this supply.
Gather Tools and Materials
Typically, you’ll need adjustable wrenches, a drill with the appropriate bit for your countertop material, and possibly Teflon tape.
Installation Steps
Install the Tap
Drill a hole in your countertop (if one doesn’t already exist) where you want the tap to go. Insert the tap into the hole and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This usually involves tightening a fixing nut underneath the countertop.
Connect the Tank
Place the Quooker tank in the cabinet under the sink. Make sure it’s stable and set on a level surface. Connect the tank to a power outlet. Most Quooker tanks require a standard electrical outlet.
Connect to the Water Supply
Use the flexible connecting hose that comes with your Quooker system to connect the tank to your cold water supply. You might need an adapter to fit your specific plumbing connections.
Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks, using Teflon tape if recommended by the manufacturer.
Check for Leaks
Turn on the cold water supply and check all connections for leaks. Tighten any connections if necessary.
Activate the Quooker System
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill and activate the tank. This usually involves opening the tap to allow the tank to fill with water, then waiting for the water to reach the boiling point.
The system may have specific procedures for removing air or checking that everything is functioning correctly.
Safety Testing
Test the safety features, especially the child-lock mechanism, to ensure they’re working correctly.
Additional Considerations
Follow Specific Instructions
Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your Quooker tap. Installation details can vary between models, especially with additional features like water filtration or carbonation.
Electrical Safety
Ensure any electrical connections comply with local regulations and are performed safely. If unsure, consult a professional electrician.
Maintenance
Familiarize yourself with the maintenance and filter replacement schedules to keep your Quooker tap in optimal working condition.
For those not comfortable with performing these steps or dealing with plumbing and electrical connections, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional plumber or an installer familiar with Quooker systems.
How Does The Instant Hot Water Work?
Instant hot water systems, like those found in Quooker taps or other on-demand hot water dispensers, work by heating water rapidly to a boiling point as needed, rather than storing a large volume of pre-heated water.
The technology behind these systems allows for the efficient delivery of hot water on demand, minimizing waiting time and reducing energy consumption compared to traditional hot water tanks.
Heating Mechanism
Electric Heating Element
In the heart of an instant hot water system is an electric heating element. When you turn on the tap, cold water from the plumbing system flows through the device. The water is rapidly heated by this element as it passes through the unit.
Thermostatic Control
These systems are equipped with thermostatic controls that allow the water to reach a specific temperature quickly and maintain this temperature consistently.
The thermostat ensures that the water is instantly heated to the desired temperature as it flows through the system.
Delivery
On-Demand Heating
Unlike conventional water heaters that store hot water, instant hot water systems heat water directly without the need for a storage tank.
When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and electric elements heat the water.
Instant Supply
Because the system heats water as it’s needed, you get a continuous supply of hot water for as long as the tap remains open.
This eliminates the wait time for hot water and the potential for running out of hot water that comes with traditional tank systems.
Efficiency and Convenience
Energy Efficiency
Instant hot water systems are typically more energy-efficient than traditional storage water heaters.
They eliminate the need to constantly heat a large tank of water, which can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Space Saving
These systems are compact and can be installed under sinks or in closets, saving valuable space in homes and commercial settings.
Reduced Water Waste
By providing hot water on demand, these systems also reduce the amount of water wasted while waiting for hot water to reach the tap from a distant heater.
Types of Instant Hot Water Systems
Point-of-Use
Installed at a single water source for immediate hot water, ideal for sinks far from the main water heater.
Whole-House
Capable of providing hot water to multiple fixtures, designed for larger households or where instant hot water is desired at several points.
Are Quooker Faucets available in United States and Canada?
Quooker taps are indeed available for installation and use in the USA and Canada.
While the product descriptions and purchasing options mainly target the UK and European markets, individuals in North America have successfully installed Quooker systems in their homes.