BIBO Water Bar Vs Zip HydroTap - Which Home Water Dispenser Is Better?

Upgrading your water system can feel overwhelming. With so many water dispensers on the market, it's easy to get caught up in features, brands, and specifications. What matters most is how the system will fit into your daily routine, your space and your budget.

The BIBO Water Bar and Zip HydroTap are two popular options that deliver filtered water instantly at the perfect temperature. While Zip follows the traditional under-sink approach with professional installation requirements, BIBO revolutionises water filtration with an innovative benchtop design and advanced dual-stage purification. 

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from installation complexity and costs to temperature options, maintenance, and overall value, helping you decide which home water dispenser is the right fit for your household.

Understanding How These Systems Work

These two systems take completely different approaches to delivering filtered water to your kitchen.

Zip HydroTap Traditional Under-Sink Design

The Zip HydroTap uses a "command centre" system with a large unit under your kitchen sink (28cm × 46cm × 33cm) that handles filtering, heating, and chilling. A separate tap connects to this under-sink unit for dispensing.

The system requires connection to both the water supply and wastewater outlet, plus adequate ventilation. Professional installation is mandatory due to the complex plumbing work involved. Many people don't realise the under-sink unit makes noise even when not in use, which can be noticeable in open-plan kitchens.

BIBO's Revolutionary Benchtop Innovation

BIBO takes a breakthrough all-in-one benchtop approach where everything happens inside one compact unit - filtering, heating, cooling, and dispensing. It connects to your water supply with a flexible pipe but doesn't need a wastewater outlet, using a removable drip tray instead.

This self-contained design offers tremendous positioning flexibility. You can place BIBO anywhere you have bench space and water access. It doesn't need to be next to your existing sink like traditional systems.

Water Filtration Technology Comparison

Zip's Single-Stage Filtration

Zip uses 0.2-micron carbon block filtration that removes chlorine, sediment, heavy metals and chemical contaminants. The 6,000-litre filter capacity provides consistent performance, representing well-established filtration technology.

However, once water passes through the carbon filter, treatment is complete. The system doesn't address microbiological contaminants, relying on municipal treatment for pathogen control.

BIBO's Dual Treatment System

BIBO takes water purification to the next level with innovative two-stage treatment. The activated carbon filter handles chemical contaminants, while BIBO's exclusive UV purification system destroys 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mould that carbon filters cannot eliminate.

This advanced dual-stage protection makes BIBO the only benchtop system in Australia offering both filtration and purification. The UV treatment operates continuously during dispensing, providing chemical-free water sanitisation that gives families superior water safety assurance.

Installation And Kitchen Impact

Zip Installation Complexity

Zip installation requires permanent kitchen modifications. Technicians need adequate under-sink space, connections to the water supply and waste drainage, plus proper ventilation. You'll lose significant storage space and may need to relocate cleaning supplies or other items.

The tap installation requires drilling through sink or benchtop surfaces, creating permanent changes. Installation takes 2-4 hours and costs $499. Removing the system later requires another professional service call and leaves holes to repair.

BIBO's Installation Solution

BIBO revolutionises installation with its brilliant benchtop approach that eliminates traditional complications. The system connects through a simple, flexible line with no waste outlets, cabinet modifications, or permanent alterations required.

Installation completes in 30-45 minutes using basic tools and comprehensive guides. The innovative design offers unmatched flexibility - position anywhere convenient, relocate easily when needs change, and take it with you when moving house.

Temperature Control 

Zip Temperature Limitations

Zip provides chilled water (6-10°C) and hot water at a fixed 98°C. While adequate for basic needs, wanting warm water requires manually mixing hot and cold water, reducing convenience and precision.

BIBO's Intelligent Temperature Mastery

BIBO excels with three temperature ranges: chilled (4-16°C), hot (70-98°C), and warm (30-60°C). This flexibility transforms daily use - perfect for baby formula preparation, safe children's beverages, and delicate teas that taste bitter with boiling water.

Programmable presets remember individual preferences, delivering personalised hydration at the touch of a button. The wider ranges make BIBO significantly more versatile than traditional systems.

Cost Analysis 

Zip HydroTap Costs

The Zip system costs $5,995 plus a mandatory $499 installation, totalling $6,494 to start. Annual filter costs run $440, often requiring professional service calls for additional fees. Over five years, the total investment reaches approximately $8,694, representing a substantial financial commitment.

BIBO Water Dispenser Costs

BIBO delivers premium water treatment at $1,298, comparable to quality coffee machine pricing, yet providing superior dual-stage purification for the entire household. Optional professional installation adds $220, bringing the maximum investment to $1,518.

Annual filter packs cost $295, including UV lamp replacement. The front-panel design enables five-minute DIY changes, eliminating service fees. Over five years, BIBO owners invest approximately $2,993 - a remarkable value considering the advanced technology included.

Performance And Usage

Both systems handle typical household usage well. Zip produces 100 cups of hot water and 75 cups of cold water hourly. BIBO delivers 90 cups of hot water and 60 cups of cold water hourly - easily adequate for most families.

The key difference lies in the user interface. Zip offers straightforward tap operation with basic hot/cold selection. BIBO features sophisticated touchscreen control with programmable volumes, temperature presets, filter monitoring, and multiple user profiles.

Maintenance Requirements

Zip Maintenance 

Filter changes every six months require accessing the cramped under-sink space and working around the large command centre. Many people call technicians, adding costs and appointment scheduling. The under-sink location complicates routine maintenance.

BIBO Water Bar Maintenance

BIBO maintenance happens from the front panel - remove panel, twist out old filter, install new one, replace panel. Takes 5-10 minutes with no tools required. Annual UV lamp replacement integrates with filter changes in one convenient pack.

Making The Right Choice

Zip HydroTap

If you're staying long-term in your current home with adequate under-sink space, Zip's higher capacity and longer warranty might appeal. The traditional approach suits those comfortable with professional service despite higher costs.

Bibo Water Filter

BIBO is ideal for Australian households, offering innovative technology, exceptional value, and user-friendly design. The advanced UV purification delivers superior water safety that single-stage systems cannot match, while substantial cost savings keep budgets on track for other priorities.

The portable design adapts to changing lifestyles - ideal for renters, homeowners planning moves, or anyone preferring equipment that grows with their needs. BIBO's technology makes premium water treatment accessible without traditional pricing and service dependencies.

BIBO Water Dispenser Vs Zip HydroTap Comparison

 
Both systems deliver instant filtered water through fundamentally different approaches. BIBO's innovative benchtop design with advanced dual-stage purification offers exceptional value, superior installation flexibility, and comprehensive temperature control that adapts to modern family needs.

Consider your daily routine, kitchen setup, and long-term plans. Do you need flexible temperatures for different beverages? Would you prefer DIY maintenance or professional service? Is benchtop space available, or do you prefer under-sink installation?

Factor in your housing situation. Moving in the next few years? BIBO's portability provides major advantages. Planning to stay put? Consider whether Zip's higher capacity justifies the premium investment.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best choice depends on your specific priorities, budget, and lifestyle requirements priorities, and how you plan to use the system. BIBO works best for families prioritising innovation, value, and flexibility, while traditional systems may suit those preferring established approaches despite higher costs and complexity.

Learn more about the BIBO Water Dispenser

Read BIBO Water Bar reviews