The shift from water cooler to hot tap has been on the cards since before the pandemic, however the recent change of pace signifies a significant uptick in adoption, leading to a surge in popularity for the leading T3 commercial 4-in-1 drinking water tap.
Borg & Overström introduced the T-series with the iconic T3 boiling tap back in 2022, betting big on the inevitable shift from traditional water coolers to more compact, advanced hot tap technology. A change in the industry similar to that of the move from bottled water dispenser to POU, Borg & Overström saw an opportunity in the market to provide a drinking water tap that was as simple to install as a cooler. Designed by their in-house research and development team and made at their solar-powered, zero-to-landfill production facility in Norfolk, the T3 tap and its iconic silhouette can now be found in the finest commercial interiors around the world.
Today, as the very first T3s are reaching completion of their contracts, this powerful breakroom facility is truly coming of age. This is reflected in the uptake and installations seen across the distributor base, as the T3 becomes the most in-demand product for OCS providers, as well as a top seller for Borg & Overström themselves. Building on the gathering pace of the boiling tap trend and frustrations within the market, the T3 has capitalised on the first round of finishing tap contracts, as facilities disappointed with the service and performance of alternative hot taps, opt to upgrade to the T3.
Thanks to the MonoFit® baseplate and Retrofit Kit, the design team at Borg & Overström have made the process of swapping over to a T3 as simple as making a cup of tea. Often faced with the challenge of large unusable cutouts in worktops at the end of a contract, operators now have the confidence to know that they can simply install a T3 over any previous hot tap installation, providing a performance and aesthetic upgrade, without complex further cutouts or worktop replacements. To date over 200 competitor taps have been replaced since the recent introduction of the Retrofit Kit, keeping contracts rolling and customers happy.
Greystar™ | Read the case study
Whilst the rise in taps is driven by customer demand, it is equally being championed by OCS and water providers as they see the increased return on investment that can be achieved from swapping a cooler contract for a boiling tap. On average it is estimated to drive around 150% of increased revenue over a typical 3 year contract, and is proving a successful tool to re-engage existing customers with additional benefit from their providers. As the demand for sparkling water continues and commercial interiors become ever-more discerning, the T3 is fast leading the way as the tap of choice, often placed alongside coffee and breakroom contracts, delivering significant extra revenue. With the T3, water is no longer an add-on or after thought, it is a valuable asset and central to any breakroom solution for both customer and operator.
Today, you can find T3s in shared office space and commercial real-estate all around the world, including 4 out of 5 leading law firms, fintech disruptors, leading hotel groups and technology bemouths. These contracts are demanding unparalleled performance and design and returning high growth for OCS distributors. Customer competitor testing has proven that T3 consistently outperforms its competitors when it comes to energy efficiency. From KPMG to Koba, the first WELL accredited co-working space, the T3 with its sustainable credentials and DDA compliant inclusive design, is a perfect choice for forward thinking businesses who are looking to improve wellbeing and reduce energy consumption.
Koba Space | Read the case study
Since its introduction, the T3 tap has been refined, now offering a powerful 80L/hr, smooth laminar flow, and increased hot water temperature as standard. Loved for its discreet ventilation, energy-efficient EcoMode and hygienic DryChill® system, it is no wonder that this versatile and compact tap is no longer seen as just a pretty face, but a serious contender in the market. So, as the T3 comes of age, it finds itself not only an industry leader but a much-loved icon of design, elegantly elevating drinking water in leading commercial environments.
Interested in installing the T3? Contact us today to find a trusted installation partner near you, or talk to out team about becoming a trusted partner and help the T3 drive your growth in 2026.
