If you’ve decided to install a new filtered, chilled & boiling water system in your kitchen, two brands to consider are Billi and BIBO. Read below for a review on the Billi Eco tap compared to the BIBO Water Bar. Billi systems have been around since 1990 and BIBO arrived in Australia in 2016.
Both units are ideal for home or a small to medium business, and this quick overview will help you figure out which is the best filtered, chilled & boiling water system for you.
Cost of a Billi compared to BIBO
The Billi Eco has two tap options and comes with either a lever style tap or a touch tap dispenser starting at c$2,500 (source: waterpeople.com.au, 2024). It requires installation by an approved technician at an additional cost. The BIBO Water Bar retails for $1,498 including free shipping and 1 year warranty. (source: bibowater.com.au, 2024).
How to install a Billi compared to the BIBO Water Bar
Billi is a two-part fixed system with an above-counter tap and an under-counter filtration unit. The ‘box’ usually goes under a sink because it requires plumbing into the mains and a waste water outlet. The filtration unit for the Billi Eco is 18 x 50 x 34 cm. This unit can dispense up to 90 cups of boiling water and 60 cups of chilled water every hour.
The BIBO is an all-in-one counter-top unit that requires connection only to the mains via flexible ¼” piping. It can be placed anywhere that’s suitable for a bench-top appliance and has a footprint of 30 x 35 cm. Instead of needing a waste water outlet it has a detachable spill tray , similar to a coffee machine. An upside is that you don’t need to locate it right next to a sink and if you move house you can take it with you. This unit can dispense up to 90 cups of boiling water and 50 cups of chilled water every hour.
Maintenance and filter change for the Billi compared to the BIBO Water Bar
Both units require a filter change every six months. Replacement filters for the Billi Eco cost about $400 per year and most people organise a technician to change the filter at an additional callout cost.. The annual cost of replacement filters for the BIBO water dispenser is $295 per year when purchasing an annual filter pack. It’s simple to change the filter yourself, see video.
What nasties do the Billi and the BIBO Water Bar filters remove?
Both of these units have an industry leading multi-stage carbon block filter, with a capacity of 6000 litres. It removes sediment, chemicals like chlorine, heavy metals such as lead, and cysts such as cryptosporidium, but retains fluoride and beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
The BIBO also has a unique UV lamp to prevent the build- up of bacteria and compensate for the removal of chlorine.
Are Billi and BIBO water bar water temperatures the same?
Both systems allow you to set temperatures within a range to suit individual preference.
The Billi Eco dispenses chilled water at from 6-15°C and hot/boiling water at 98°C only.
The BIBO water bar dispenses chilled water from 4-16°C and hot/boiling water at from 70-98°C. It also dispenses warm water from 30-60°C, which can be temperature controlled at increments of 5°C. This feature is useful if you want heated, but not boiling, drinking water and a specific temperature, such as for herbal teas, to mix with baby formula, or make warm drinks for younger kids.
What Billi or BIBO Water Bar colours and styles are available?
The Billi tap is available with either a lever or touch tap dispenser and in a range of different colours.
The BIBO Water Bar comes in a range of 9 popular colours, including red, white, silver and black – check them out here.
What are some of the other Billi and BIBO features?
Other features in both units include an energy saving mode and time/date display and automatic reminder notices when it’s time to change the filter.
The BIBO has a touchscreen panel that is easy to use and offers more menu options for those who like their tech. These include pre-set temperatures, programming a set cup size and activation of a double child-lock to prevent misuse.
Comparing the BIBO Water Bar, ZIP HydroTap and Billi B-5000
Download the BIBO, ZIP and Billi B-5000 comparison sheet.
Other useful articles:
Read BIBO water bar reviews on Google
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