Why Do Boiling Water Taps Deliver Water at 98°C Instead of 100°C?
Updated: [2025-07-12] | Xiamen Smart Water Tech. Allen Huang
As a leading manufacturer of boiling water taps, Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. is often asked: Why do your hot taps supply water at 98°C rather than a full 100°C? The answer lies in a well-balanced combination of safety, efficiency, engineering design, and real-world usage scenarios.
Let's break it down.
1. Safety Comes First – Minimized Risk of Steam Burns
At 100°C, water reaches a rapid boiling point, producing intense steam and bubbles. If a boiling water tap dispenses water at full boil, there's a much higher risk of dangerous steam blasts, which can cause scalding injuries or damage the faucet and surrounding components.
By setting the tap to dispense water at 98°C, the temperature is hot enough for most daily applications (like making tea, coffee, or instant noodles), but significantly reduces the risk of sudden steam release or splashing. This is particularly important in households, office kitchens, and commercial environments.
2. Controlled Heating – Designed for Longevity and Reliability
Boiling water taps use precise internal thermostats and tank heating systems. Heating water to just under the boiling point ensures the system runs more smoothly and avoids unnecessary strain. Continuous boiling at 100°C can result in:
- Increased limescale build-up
- Wear and tear on heating components
- Excess pressure inside the tank, which may lead to leaks or faults
Setting the temperature at 98°C helps maintain product durability, lowers maintenance needs, and ensures the heating element remains reliable over time.
3. Energy Efficiency – Lower Power Consumption, Same Performance
Heating water to 100°C consumes noticeably more energy compared to heating it to 98°C. While a 2-degree difference may sound small, in high-volume environments like schools, hospitals, or factories, it translates into significant energy savings over time.
A boiling water tap set at 98°C:
- Uses less electricity
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Cuts down operational costs
It's a smart design choice that aligns with modern environmental and economic goals.
4. Real-World Usage – 100°C Isn't Realistic at the Tap
Even if the internal tank heats water to 100°C, it's nearly impossible for the delivered water at the tap to maintain that exact temperature. Once the water flows through internal pipes and into your cup, it naturally loses a few degrees due to air exposure and thermal dissipation.
This means that setting the tank to 100°C doesn't guarantee 100°C water in your cup. A 98°C setting provides consistently hot and usable water, without misleading temperature expectations.
5. Suitable for Filtered and Ready-to-Drink Water
Modern boiling water systems, including our under-sink hot taps, use advanced filtration systems like UF (ultrafiltration) or carbon filters. These remove impurities, chlorine, and odors, making the water safe and pleasant to drink even without boiling.
In this context, heating water to 98°C is more about taste and convenience than sterilization. There's no need to reach full boiling point when the water is already purified and ready for immediate use.
6. Altitude Factors – Water Boils Below 100°C in Higher Elevations
In high-altitude areas, the boiling point of water decreases due to lower atmospheric pressure. At 2,000 meters above sea level, water boils around 93°C. In such environments, trying to reach 100°C is neither practical nor necessary.
Setting hot taps to 98°C ensures that the system performs consistently across all regions, regardless of elevation.
98°C is the Optimal Choice for Hot Water Taps
Delivering water at 98°C is not a compromise-it's a well-engineered decision that balances user safety, product durability, energy efficiency, and drinking water quality. At Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd., we build our boiling water taps with international users in mind, offering ODM solutions for global brands and wholesalers looking for trusted manufacturing partners.
We invite distributors, wholesalers, and private label brands to contact us for customized ODM/OEM solutions that combine intelligent design with international standards.
Why Choose Us?
- 15+ years of manufacturing experience
- Full support for ODM and private branding
- Global certifications and reliable quality
- Efficient lead times and competitive pricing
Explore our boiling water tap solutions today: www.kitchenwatertap.com