Are you tired of waiting for the kettle to boil or constantly stocking your fridge with water bottles? Imagine having instant boiling and chilled water at your fingertips with just a simple twist of a tap.
Instant boiling and chilled water systems are revolutionising kitchens, providing unparalleled convenience and luxury to homeowners. Gone are the days of waiting for the kettle to boil or struggling with cumbersome water dispensers.
Read on as we will delve into the world of instant boiling and chilled water systems, exploring their benefits and highlighting the two leading brands in the market – Billi and Zip. Get ready to discover the wonders of these innovative hot and cold water taps that bring comfort and efficiency to your everyday life.
What Are Instant Boiling & Chilled Water Systems?
Instant boiling and chilled water systems are advanced water dispensing solutions that comprise a tap or dispenser visible on the countertop and an under-bench unit concealed within a sink cabinet. These systems are designed to deliver hot and cold water instantly, eliminating the need for waiting and wastage. With just a touch of a button, you can enjoy boiling hot water or refreshingly chilled water on demand, making everyday tasks in the kitchen more efficient and convenient.
One of the standout features of instant boiling and chilled water systems is their dual-role functionality. These systems serve as both hot and cold water taps, making them indispensable in any kitchen. With a simple twist or touch, you can instantly access hot water for tea, coffee, or cooking, as well as cold water for drinking or preparing chilled beverages. This versatility eliminates the need for separate appliances, saving space and streamlining your kitchen design. Whether you’re a home cook or a busy professional, the convenience of having hot and cold water readily available from a single tap is a modern convenience.
Moreover, instant boiling and chilled water systems offer a wide range of water options to cater to different preferences and needs. These systems can dispense a variety of water types, including:
Instant Boiling Water: With instant boiling water taps, you can have steaming hot water within seconds. Whether you need hot water for your morning tea or for cooking purposes, these taps provide a convenient and time-saving solution.
Instant Chilled Water: Enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled water without the hassle of using ice cubes or waiting for it to cool in the refrigerator. Instant chilled water taps deliver cool water instantly, quenching your thirst on hot summer days or during intense cooking sessions.
Ambient Filtered Water: Many instant boiling and chilled water systems come equipped with advanced filtration technology. These filters remove impurities such as chlorine, bacteria, and other contaminants, ensuring that the water you consume is clean and safe. The availability of ambient filtered water provides a healthier alternative to standard tap water.
Sparkling Water: For those who appreciate the effervescence of sparkling water, some instant boiling and chilled water systems offer the option to dispense sparkling water. This feature adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy sparkling water as a refreshing and indulgent choice.
Most renowned brands such as Billi and Zip offer systems that supply at least two of the above options. However, some systems can provide even more functionalities, catering to individual preferences and requirements.
Dispenser Options: Single or Dual Tap Systems
While most dispensers only offer the functions of boiling and chilled water, some models go a step further by incorporating an option for regular tap water. This eliminates the need for two separate taps and provides a convenient all-in-one solution for your kitchen needs. With this feature, you can have hot and cold water, as well as regular tap water, all from a single tap. It not only saves space on your sink but also simplifies the overall design.
These instant boiling and chilled water systems are typically installed at the sink. However, in certain situations, it may be more practical to opt for a font with the tap. A font refers to a smaller, shallow sink specially designed for the tap, which can be installed separately from the main sink. This option is particularly popular in bars or other areas where a dedicated space is desired for the instant boiling and chilled water tap. It provides a stylish and functional solution, ensuring that the system seamlessly integrates into the overall aesthetics of the space.
When it comes to the appearance of these water systems, while the shape options may be somewhat limited, Billi and Zip brands offer a range of colours and finishes that can match your existing tap and other kitchen fittings. This allows you to maintain a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your kitchen, ensuring that the instant boiling and chilled water tap complements the overall design.
Installation Considerations
Instant boiling and chilled water systems are commonly specified at the design stage of a new kitchen. While they offer remarkable convenience, installing these systems in existing kitchens can be challenging. The reason lies in the extensive requirements of electrical, water, and sewer connections. Integrating these connections seamlessly into an existing kitchen can be a complex task. Therefore, it is important to consider the feasibility of installation and seek professional assistance if needed.
Space & Positioning
The under-bench unit, which houses the primary components of the system, can be bulky and requires adequate space clearance. When planning for installation, it is crucial to assess the available space within the under-bench cabinet. Ensuring sufficient room for the unit, along with proper clearance for maintenance and service, is essential. Additionally, considering the positioning of the under-bench unit is vital to avoid any interference with adjacent appliances or obstructing essential storage space.
Air-Cooled Systems
Certain instant boiling and chilled water systems are air-cooled, requiring proper inlet and outlet venting within the cabinet. Ventilation is crucial to dissipate excess heat generated during the cooling or boiling processes. Before installation, it is important to consider the cabinet’s design and ensure proper provisions for venting, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance of the system.
Maintenance & Servicing
To maintain the pristine quality of the water dispensed by your hot and cold water tap, it is crucial to replace the filters periodically. Typically, filters need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on your usage. This ensures that any impurities or contaminants are effectively removed, allowing you to savour the purest and freshest drinking water. Furthermore, if you have a sparkling water system, it is essential to replace the CO² canisters regularly, again depending on usage. This ensures a steady supply of delightful fizzy water to quench your thirst.
Beyond filter and canister replacements, there are certain parts within the under-bench unit of your instant boiling and chilled water tap that may experience wear and tear over time. These parts might require replacement to maintain the system’s seamless operation. Fortunately, Billi and Zip offer two primary options for addressing maintenance needs:
Booking A Service Technician
When a fault arises in your system, manufacturers provide the option to book a service technician. This professional will diagnose and rectify the issue, ensuring your hot and cold water tap is back up and running in no time. Although this option is ideal for addressing immediate problems, it may not cover regular maintenance tasks.
Service Plans
To maintain your instant boiling and chilled water system proactively, many manufacturers offer service plans. By signing up for a service plan, you ensure that a qualified service technician visits your kitchen at regular intervals to perform essential maintenance tasks. This proactive approach helps identify and address any potential issues before they escalate, guaranteeing the longevity and efficiency of your system.
Maintenance and servicing not only extends the lifespan of your boiling and chilled water tap, but it also contributes to its overall performance. By engaging in routine maintenance, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, ultimately saving you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.
A Brief History Of Billi & Zip Systems
Both Billi and Zip began their journeys in Australia, driven by a shared mission to enhance the convenience and functionality of kitchen water taps.
Billi, founded in 1989 as a small family-owned business in Melbourne, recognised the need for instant hot and cold water solutions. They introduced their first boiling and chilled water tap system, quickly gaining popularity within the Australian market. With a focus on quality, design, and sustainability, Billi’s commitment to innovative engineering and contemporary design has garnered them international recognition. Their boiling and chilled water systems are now exported to more than 25 countries, making them a trusted choice for residential and commercial kitchens alike. Billi has positioned itself as a leading brand in the instant hot and cold water tap industry, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and water conservation.
Similarly, Zip Systems, established in 1947, emerged as an Australian pioneer in water filtration and instant boiling water technology. They revolutionised the way people prepared hot beverages and meals in their kitchens with the introduction of the world’s first boiling water tap in 1970. Over the years, Zip expanded their product range to include chilled and sparkling water taps, catering to the diverse needs of consumers. Venturing into international markets, Zip exports their range of instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling water taps. Their advanced filtration systems, combined with sleek designs, have gained popularity worldwide. Today, Zip products can be found in homes, offices, hotels, and restaurants in over 70 countries.
Both Billi and Zip have successfully expanded their reach beyond the Australian shores, solidifying their presence in the global market. With their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, these companies continue to shape the industry and provide reliable solutions for instant boiling and chilled water taps around the world.
At Dan Kitchens, we have been at the forefront of innovative kitchen designs. Since the introduction of instant cold and hot water systems to the domestic market, we have recognised their incredible convenience and efficiency. That’s why many of the kitchens we create to this day feature top-of-the-line Billi or Zip systems, ensuring a seamless and efficient water experience.
If you’re looking for a kitchen that combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design, our experienced kitchen design team at Dan Kitchens are ready to assist you. Start your project today and transform your kitchen into a luxurious and functional space. To find out more about how we can design a luxurious kitchen that is specific to your needs, don’t hesitate to contact our design studio at (02) 9624 2344.