When designing or upgrading kitchens, sustainability in design is more important than ever, and homeowners are constantly looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and water waste. One technology that's making waves in the kitchen is Zenith Water’s HydroTap, which delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling water, and has completely changed how we access drinking water. 

We spoke with Zenith Water’s Country Manager—New Zealand, Daniel Cuthbert to dive into the latest innovations in HydroTap technology. He shares five reasons why it’s a game-changer for anyone aiming to build a more sustainable kitchen.

1. 100% water-efficient design

Water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainability, and Zenith Water’s HydroTap takes this to the next level with its 100% water-efficient cooling technology. Unlike traditional refrigeration systems that use water in the cooling process, the HydroTap uses air-cooling technology to deliver perfectly chilled water. The system employs closed refrigeration forced air cooling, removing waste heat generated as part of the refrigeration process for cooling, which means the HydroTap rapidly chills water without any water waste. 

“As a result, you can enjoy crisp, chilled water on demand without feeling guilty about unnecessary water usage—an important feature for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact,” shares Daniel. 

2. Eco-friendly refrigerant for reduced environmental impact

One of the standout features of Zenith’s latest HydroTap G5 technology is its use of R290 refrigerant gas, which is far more environmentally friendly than traditional refrigerants. R290 is a natural, sustainable refrigerant with a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP). By incorporating R290 refrigerant in the latest HydroTap, it delivers a 95% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to the previous refrigerant gas used.

“This not only reduces the carbon footprint of each HydroTap but also ensures that your kitchen is equipped with a product that aligns with modern eco-conscious values.”

By opting for this eco-friendly refrigerant, the HydroTap ensures that your kitchen's water delivery system has a minimal environmental impact while providing maximum efficiency.

This latest innovation will require a new installation process. Every HydroTap product comes with a full set of installation instructions for the command centre and tap. The installation videos, available on the Zenith Water website should be viewed in conjunction with the supplied instructions.

Zenith Water recommends all plumbing and electrical work must be completed by trained and suitability qualified tradespeople and must comply with all relevant local, state and federal codes. For free training on the new installation process with the Zenith team, register your details here: https://www.zenithwater.co.nz/r290-request-training

3. Smart underbench system for instant access

Zenith HydroTap features an intelligent underbench system that provides instant access to boiling, chilled, and sparkling water. This innovative system houses all of the essential components in a compact, efficient design, ensuring that you don’t need separate appliances for different water temperatures. 

“This ultimately saves both energy and space in your kitchen,” shares Daniel. “By streamlining your water delivery, HydroTap technology helps eliminate the inefficiencies associated with boiling kettles or refrigerating large jugs of water, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable kitchen.”

The additional benefits being that you won’t have to constantly spend money or create more landfill waste due to replacing  appliances.

4. Improved energy efficiency for long-term savings

In addition to being water-efficient, the HydroTap also boasts improved energy efficiency. The newly redesigned front fascia and integrated airflow vent in the system's command centre optimise air circulation, allowing air to be expelled from the cupboard quickly and efficiently. During periods of high water usage, the HydroTap continues to provide consistent chilled water while maximising energy efficiency by up to 24%. 

“Even in standby mode, the system is 10% more energy efficient than older models, ensuring that you aren’t wasting energy while still enjoying chilled water whenever you need it.”

These energy-saving features make HydroTap a wise investment for any eco-conscious homeowner.

5. Reduction in plastic bottles

Purchasing plastic bottles for sparkling water is not only costly, but it also contributes to unnecessary plastic waste. 

“With the HydroTap, we’ve seen a significant reduction in the amount of plastic consumption in the home," says Daniel. "By providing instant access to sparkling water at the touch of a button, homeowners are able to skip the store-bought bottles altogether, making a real impact on their environmental footprint.”

This simple shift not only cuts down on single-use plastics but also offers a more convenient and sustainable alternative to traditional bottled sparkling water, which often ends up in landfills.

Explore sustainable HydroTap technology from Zenith Water