Darren Cooper is the Managing Director of Hot Water Taps, a leading company specialising in advanced boiling water taps in the UK. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Darren has positioned the company at the forefront of the market, delivering cutting-edge solutions for modern kitchens.

Can you tell us about the journey and inspiration behind founding Hot Water Taps?

With our main business focused on B2B channels, it was a logical step to create a brand that we could use to offer our products directly to the consumer. The domain was a key factor in this which has from day one given a real positive identity.

What distinguishes Hot Water Taps from other brands in the market?

We are a small but growing family-owned business, and the ranges that we offer are, in our opinion, market-leading in the variety available at affordable prices. As a small business, every order matters to us and we try to ensure that each customer is well looked after.

How does your company ensure the quality and reliability of your products?

We work very closely with our two manufacturing partners, frequently spending time with the production and technical teams to ensure we are continuously improving quality. Any technical issues are dealt with speedily and problems are logged so that these improvements are made promptly.

Can you explain the technology behind your boiling water taps?

We use the unpressurised tank system as opposed to the pressurised system used by some of our competitors. This gives us a product that is straightforward to install and maintain. Our system comes in two parts: the boiler tank and the tap. The electric boiler tank is typically fitted below the kitchen sink and takes in water from the mains water supply that is filtered to remove minerals (and ensure the longevity of the system and its components). The tank then heats up the water, keeps it at this high temperature, and then releases it through the tap when the boiling water handle is turned.

The boiling tank operates up to 98°C, with the perfect temperature for tea and coffee being 90-98°C (according to the experts). What’s more, the temperature can be adjusted to suit a variety of needs at home.

What are some of the key challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how did you overcome them?

We are still in a sector that is rapidly growing. A big challenge is to show consumers that you do not have to spend £1000+ for an instant hot water tap system. We are trying to demonstrate that it is more affordable than people may realise and that it is often more economical to run than a kettle. In our busy world, the convenience of being able to access boiling water at exactly the right temperature instantly is a big incentive for people.

How do you see the future of kitchen tap technology evolving, and where do Hot Water Taps fit in?

Styles are always changing and we like to think we are one step ahead in many areas. With advancements in technology, we will see more digitally controlled taps with touch functions rather than mechanical movements. We have a full digital range set to be launched later this year. Chilled filtered water and chilled sparkling are also becoming popular. We have a chilled 4 in 1 available now and are running final tests on a chilled sparkling system which we think will be the best out there!

What sustainability practices does Hot Water Taps implement in its manufacturing process?

We are working closely with our two factories in this area, both have installed solar panel areas to push towards self-sufficiency in power use. All of our boxing is now from fully recycled sources. Our focus recently has been on 4-in-1 taps (which deliver filtered chilled water) to promote reusable bottles and encourage customers to move away from single-use plastic bottles (35 million are used every day in the UK).

How do you approach customer feedback and integrate it into product development?

Our customer service team records every query and question we get along with any faults. As a priority, we want to get the customer satisfied in the first instance. Faults are then reviewed monthly and any related to products are solved in partnership with the technical team to avoid long-term repeat problems. Any faulty product is always tested back here at our warehouse so we can sense check the customer’s feedback and then accurately report our findings.

Can you share any upcoming product launches or innovations that Hot Water Taps is working on?

As previously stated we have just launched the Quantum Chilled 4 in 1, and the Digital 4 in 1 with Pull Out Spray will launch in November at the same time as our 5 in 1 Sparkling/Chilled system. Two new tap designs are also planned for April 2025. Never a dull moment!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the home appliance market?

Choose your market carefully and work with products that you technically understand; if you are confident in what you sell everything becomes much easier.  It is always important to give your customers a good reason to choose you over your competitors, so try to have a point of differentiation. Be patient as new business is not as easy as just turning a tap on.

W: Hot Water Taps