Zip Taps — Instant Boiling and Chilled Water for South African Kitchens
Zip is the global leader in instant boiling and chilled filtered water systems, and their tap range represents the most advanced drinking water technology available for residential and commercial kitchens. A Zip tap replaces the kettle, the water filter jug, and the bottled water delivery — consolidating everything into a single, beautifully designed fixture at the sink. Bella Bathrooms in Kramerville, Johannesburg is a proud Zip stockist, bringing these systems to the South African market.
How Zip Taps Work
Zip taps connect to a compact under-counter unit that heats, chills, and filters water on demand. When you turn the tap, you get instant boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius, or chilled still or sparkling water, depending on the model. The filtration system removes impurities, chlorine, and sediment, delivering water that tastes noticeably better than unfiltered tap water. This is not a gimmick — it is a genuine upgrade to how a household uses water daily, saving time and eliminating plastic waste from bottled water.
Models and Configurations
The Zip range includes taps that deliver boiling water only, boiling and chilled, or boiling, chilled, and sparkling combinations. Some models integrate with a standard hot and cold mixer, meaning a single tap handles all kitchen water needs. Designs range from minimalist arc spouts to more traditional profiles, available in finishes including chrome, brushed chrome, matt black, and gold. Bella Bathrooms can help you identify the right model for your kitchen size and usage patterns.
Explore the Zip Range
For specific Zip product lines, browse our Zip HydroTap collection — the flagship all-in-one system — or the Zip HydroBoil range for boiling-only wall-mounted units suited to offices and utility spaces. If you are also upgrading your kitchen fixtures, see our kitchen taps collection for complementary options.
Visit Bella Bathrooms in Kramerville to see Zip taps in action. We can demonstrate the system, discuss installation requirements, and help you choose the right configuration for your home or commercial kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hydroboil, ChillTap, Chillmaster and HydroTap?
Hydroboil is Zip's instant boiling water unit, designed to replace a kettle for offices, tea points and busy domestic kitchens. ChillTap delivers chilled filtered water alongside a standard tap. Chillmaster is the larger commercial-grade chilled water unit. HydroTap is the flagship all-in-one tap that combines boiling, chilled and optionally sparkling filtered water with conventional hot and cold from a single spout. If you want one elegant tap doing everything at the sink, HydroTap is the answer. If you want a separate boiling-water solution, Hydroboil is the more affordable starting point.
What filtration does a Zip tap use?
Zip systems use a 0.2 micron filter that removes sediment, chlorine, cysts and a wide range of taste-affecting contaminants. This is materially finer than most domestic carbon filters and produces water that is cleaner and noticeably better tasting. The filter is a serviceable cartridge that needs to be replaced periodically based on water quality and usage, typically every twelve months in a residential setting. Bella Bathrooms can supply replacement filters and arrange installation through Zip's accredited service network in South Africa.
What installation requirements should I plan for?
Zip taps require a dedicated under-counter unit with mains water supply, a standard 220V power socket within reach, and adequate ventilation around the chiller component. Allow roughly 350mm width by 450mm depth in the under-sink cupboard for the unit, plus access for filter changes. A standard 15mm cold inlet is sufficient. The under-counter unit must sit on a stable, level base. Talk to our team in Kramerville before purchasing so we can confirm your cabinet dimensions and electrical access will accommodate the chosen system.
What warranty applies?
Zip products carry the manufacturer warranty as supplied through the South African distributor, typically covering the tap and under-counter unit against manufacturing defects under normal residential or commercial use. Registered installation by a Zip-trained installer is usually a condition of the warranty. Bella Bathrooms in Kramerville can arrange installation through accredited Zip technicians, which protects your warranty cover. Keep proof of purchase and the installation certificate filed somewhere accessible for future reference.
How much electricity does a Zip tap use?
Zip systems are engineered for efficiency: the boiling tank is heavily insulated and the chiller cycles intermittently rather than running continuously. Typical residential running cost is materially lower than boiling a kettle multiple times a day or running a separate water cooler. Exact consumption depends on the model and how often you draw water. The HydroTap range incorporates additional energy-saving modes including timed sleep, which further reduces standby draw overnight. Ask our showroom team for the current spec sheets if energy use is a key factor.
