Frequently Asked Questions — Zip HydroTap G5 Arc Plus Boiling & Chilled

Is the Zip HydroTap G5 Arc Plus worth it?

If you regularly use both boiling and chilled drinking water and want a premium built-in solution, the Arc Plus can be a worthwhile kitchen investment.

Its biggest advantage is convenience: filtered boiling water for tea, coffee and cooking and filtered chilled water for drinking are available instantly from one dedicated tap.

However, it is a premium system. If you only want boiling water and are unlikely to use chilled filtered water regularly, a boiling-only or simpler boiling-water tap may offer better value.

What are the disadvantages of the Zip HydroTap Arc Plus?

The main considerations are price, under-sink space, installation requirements and ongoing filter maintenance.

Unlike a standard kitchen mixer tap, the HydroTap requires an under-bench Command Centre, electricity and a mains water connection. Filters also need replacing periodically, and homes in hard-water areas should consider additional limescale protection.

It is therefore best suited to customers who value the convenience of instant boiling and chilled water enough to justify a premium integrated system.

Does the Zip Arc Plus replace my normal kitchen tap?

The Arc Plus Boiling & Chilled model is a dedicated drinking-water tap, providing filtered boiling and chilled water.

It does not provide the standard hot and cold mixed water you would normally use for washing up, so you would generally retain a separate kitchen mixer tap.

If you want to combine more of your kitchen water functions into one tap, compare it with Zip's All-in-One HydroTap models.

What's the difference between the Zip Arc and Arc Plus?

This is an excellent comparison question to include because people shopping Zip are very likely to encounter both names.

I'd make this answer model-specification precise on your live page rather than filling it with generic marketing language. Ideally link directly to your Arc vs Arc Plus comparison or relevant alternative product.

Does the Zip HydroTap Arc Plus produce genuinely boiling water?

The HydroTap is designed to store and dispense water at near-boiling temperatures ready for immediate use, rather than making you wait for a kettle to boil.

It's suitable for everyday tasks such as making tea and coffee and preparing food.

Is the chilled water refrigerated or just filtered cold tap water?

It is actively chilled filtered water, rather than simply water supplied at the temperature it enters your home.

That's one of the major differences between a boiling-and-chilled HydroTap and many simpler boiling-water taps.

How much space does a Zip HydroTap need under the sink?

The G5 Command Centre for this model measures approximately 280mm wide × 478mm deep × 333mm high.

Don't check the dimensions alone, though. You also need sufficient room for plumbing, filtration, ventilation and future servicing.

If cupboard space is tight, we recommend checking your proposed installation before ordering.

Can a Zip HydroTap go in any kitchen?

Most suitable kitchens can accommodate one, but it isn't simply a case of replacing an existing tap.

You'll need an appropriate cold mains water supply, electrical supply, sufficient cupboard space and suitable worktop/tap position. The water pressure requirement for this model is 1.7–5 bar.

If you're renovating, it's much easier to plan these requirements with your kitchen designer or installer before the worktop and cabinetry are finalised.

Do I need professional installation?

A HydroTap has more installation requirements than an ordinary mixer tap, so professional installation is recommended.

We offer Zip engineer installation for customers who would prefer the system installed professionally.

If you're currently planning a new kitchen, send the specifications to your kitchen fitter or designer early so the necessary cupboard space, power and water connections can be incorporated into the design.

Do I need the Zip limescale filter?

If you live in a hard-water area, we strongly recommend appropriate limescale protection.

The standard HydroTap filtration is primarily concerned with drinking-water quality; limescale protection has a different job — helping protect the internal system from scale build-up.

This is particularly important with equipment that repeatedly heats water.

Does it come with a filter?

Yes. The kit includes the filtration required for the HydroTap.

Your kit includes the Arc Plus tap, G5 under-bench Command Centre and filter.

Additional limescale protection may still be recommended depending on your local water hardness.

How often will I need to change the filter?

Filter replacement frequency depends on factors including water quality and usage.

Rather than waiting until the water tastes different, we recommend following Zip's specified replacement schedule for your system.

I'd add a “Shop replacement Zip filters” link immediately underneath this answer. That's useful to the customer and creates a natural future accessory sale.

How much does a Zip HydroTap cost to run?

There are two types of ongoing cost to consider: electricity and replacement filtration/maintenance.

Actual electricity consumption varies according to household usage, settings and operating conditions, so we wouldn't promise a universal monthly figure.

When comparing the HydroTap with a kettle, also consider that its value proposition isn't purely energy cost — you're paying for filtered boiling and chilled water to be available on demand.

Is a Zip HydroTap expensive to maintain?

There are ongoing costs that you wouldn't have with an ordinary mixer tap, principally replacement filters and potentially servicing or scale-management consumables.

We think it's better to factor those costs into your decision before buying rather than treating them as an unexpected expense later.

For customers comparing systems, look at the total cost of ownership, not simply the initial tap price.

Very Marcus Sheridan. Keep this one. Competitors often avoid discussing ongoing costs, which makes an honest answer more valuable.

Is the boiling water safe around children?

Zip HydroTaps incorporate safety controls intended to help prevent accidental dispensing of boiling water.

However, it still dispenses extremely hot water, so it should always be treated as a hot-water appliance and children should be supervised appropriately.

Which Zip Arc Plus colour is best?

There's no technically “best” finish — this is primarily a design decision.

Bright and Brushed Chrome are versatile choices, while Matt Black creates stronger contrast. Zip's premium finishes such as Brushed Gold, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Rose Gold can work particularly well when you're coordinating the HydroTap with handles, lighting and other kitchen hardware.

For a new kitchen, we'd recommend choosing the finish alongside your main mixer tap, sink and cabinet hardware, rather than in isolation.

Can I install the Arc Plus away from my sink?

Yes, depending on the installation. A matching Zip Font & Drainer can be purchased separately, allowing you to create a dedicated HydroTap position rather than dispensing over the main kitchen sink.

This can work particularly well on a kitchen island, breakfast area or dedicated drinks station.

What's the difference between a Zip HydroTap and a cheaper boiling-water tap?

Price is one of the biggest questions shoppers have, so I would absolutely include this.

A basic boiling-water tap and a HydroTap aren't necessarily like-for-like products.

The Arc Plus combines filtered boiling and actively chilled drinking water, specialist under-bench heating and chilling technology, filtration and Zip's HydroTap ecosystem.

If you simply want to replace your kettle with instant hot water, there are significantly cheaper alternatives. If you specifically want premium filtered boiling AND chilled water on demand, the HydroTap becomes a much more relevant comparison.

Should I buy the Boiling & Chilled Arc Plus or a Zip All-in-One?

Choose the Arc Plus Boiling & Chilled if you're happy to retain a separate mixer tap and want a distinctive dedicated HydroTap for drinking water.

Consider a Zip All-in-One if your priority is bringing your everyday hot, cold and HydroTap water functions together into a more consolidated kitchen setup.

This is another excellent place for a “Compare Zip HydroTaps” link rather than trying to force everyone into the product they're currently viewing.

Who shouldn't buy the Zip HydroTap Arc Plus?

I'd actually finish with this.

The Arc Plus probably isn't the best choice if you:

• only want instant boiling water and don't particularly value chilled water;
• have very limited under-sink cupboard space;
• want the lowest-cost boiling-water solution; or
• specifically want one tap to replace your conventional kitchen mixer as well.

But if you're looking for a premium, design-led boiling and chilled water system for the home, particularly one with an elegant curved spout and a wide choice of finishes, the Arc Plus is a very strong option.

One SEO/UX change I'd make

Don't put all of these into one enormous block of visible text.

Use Shopify accordion FAQs underneath the main product information. Make the questions the actual customer/search queries — “Is a Zip HydroTap worth it?”, “What are the disadvantages?”, “Does it replace my kitchen tap?”, “How much does it cost to run?” etc.

That's much closer to Sheridan's philosophy: answer the uncomfortable buying questions better than anybody else, rather than filling the FAQ with manufacturer questions whose answers are already in the specification table.

I'd especially keep the “disadvantages”, “worth it”, “cheaper tap comparison”, “running costs” and “who shouldn't buy it” questions. Those are the ones that can make The Tap Specialist feel like an expert adviser rather than simply another retailer trying to sell a £3k+ tap.Can Zip Install include tap cut outs on Corian Worktops?

- The Zip Pro team can cut tap holes for install in worktops made in these materials: Hardwood Laminate, Stainless Steel (up to 5mm), Maia, Corian, Granite, Quartz or Marble but this has to be prebooked - Please request from our team upon install, for Granite composite -please let us know the materials and we can check if you wish.

How Large Are The Cut Out Holes/Where Can I Find Templates?

- Please view the downloadable Install/Tech guides above.

Can I Adjust The Temperature Of My Zip Hydrotap?

Yes! Zip Water HydroTaps do have adjustable temp control, the video here at 1min 13 secs has a handy guide on this in summary:
- Boiling can be set between 68°C and 99°C, whilst Chilled can be set 5°C-15°C. Sparkling levels can also be adjusted!

Q. Can ZIP engineers cut into the worktop?

A. Zip engineers can cut holes in worktops excluding Dekton, Marble and certain granite worktops - please enquire with our team if you require further details.

Key features

• Instant filtered boiling water for hot drinks and food preparation
• Instant filtered chilled water for drinking and reusable bottles
• Zip filtration for clean, great-tasting drinking water
• Arc swan-neck design with an elegant curved profile
• G5 technology housed discreetly beneath the worktop
• Energy-saving functionality designed to reduce unnecessary energy use
• Safety controls for boiling-water dispensing
• Choice of 7 premium finishes

• Specification Sheet
• WRAS Product Approval Certificate
  
  

• Quick Start Guide
• Tap Operation Label
• Instruction Manual
• Installation Guide (Downloadable PDF)
• User Manual