Whilst some (incorrectly) assume sparkling water is the H2O drink of choice reserved only for the fancier amongst us, many turn it away as they assume it’s the unhealthier option, having heard whispers of tooth decay and dehydration. But are the rumours true? Is sparkling water bad for you? 

Here, we take a look at the science to bust the fizzy fibs and lift the lid on the health benefits of carbonated water.

What is sparkling water made of?

Sparkling water is created when highly pressurised carbon dioxide is passed through still drinking water at a low temperature to create carbonic acid. Once the pressure is reduced to normal levels, or the temperature is increased, carbon dioxide escapes from the water in the form of bubbles. Ta-da, that’s how water is carbonated. Easy, right? 

To save you from going through the Breaking Bad level of chemistry above, many sparkling water makers are now available on the market such as our BIBO Fizz. At the touch of a button, the BIBO Fizz carbonates your water in a matter of seconds. Plus, with four levels of carbonation that you can set yourself, you can choose the perfect level of fizz for you. 

Is sparkling water as good for you as still water?

In short, yes. You just need to read the label if you’re not carbonating the water yourself.

The truth is that sparkling water is just as healthy as regular water as long as it doesn’t contain added sweeteners and sugar. Pay close attention to any nutritional information before you take a sip as many carbonated water brands tend to add artificial sweeteners to their formula for added taste and this is where things start to get unhealthy for you and your body. 

Is sparkling water bad for your teeth?

Whilst still filtered water is best for your pegs, fizzy water is much better for your dental health than sodas and other flavoured fizzy drinks. 

In an interview with Right as Rain medical journal, registered dietician nutritionist Anne Linge, spilled the beans: “When we talk about teeth, adding carbon dioxide to water and sugar in a sweetened carbonated beverage can promote tooth decay. But that’s not the same thing as sparkling water that doesn’t have the added sugar.”

In fact, a study by The University of Birmingham reported that whilst some dental erosion did occur in patients, the overwhelming finding was that tooth decay from carbonated water was very low in comparison to sugary soft drinks such as orange juice and colas that proved over one hundred times more corrosive.

Can sparkling water affect bone density and calcium levels?

Fear not, fizz lovers! Flavoured, sugary sodas have been proven to promote issues such as osteoporosis but it’s not the same with carbonated water. This is because sparkling water is phosphorous free, a chemical that can reduce the amount of calcium your body can absorb. Take a sip of relief!

Does sparkling water hydrate you like regular water?

Yes! Many studies have now shown that carbonated water hydrates you just as much as still water – after all, it is regular water; it just has carbon bubbles in it! 

A recent randomised trial put this exact conundrum to the test. This study investigated the effects of both regular water and sparkling water (as well as 11 other beverages such as milk and soda) on urine output and hydration levels when ingested in an euhydrated (normal water level) state. After results were collected, the trial found there was no difference between carbonated water and regular water in regard to hydration levels.

Are you interested in learning more about the best ways to quench your thirst? Check out our top tips on how to stay hydrated.

So, is sparkling water good for you?

At the end of the day, plain carbonated water is as healthy as you’re going to get after still, filtered water. The negatives only come into play when you don’t check to see whether your drink contains added sugar, flavourings, and sweeteners. If you’re clear on this, the benefits of carbonated water are both tongue-tingling and plentiful!

Want to find out more about sparkling water and the BIBO Fizz? Get in touch with our expert team to find out more about our range! We’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

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As you can tell, we’re a big fan of the old cup o’ Joe, and this got us to thinking – how do you brew the perfect cup of coffee at home? From scouring scientific research papers to quizzing our Mums, we’ve poured over all the best caffeine know-how in the biz to help you serve barista-level coffee, every time. 

But first, what type of coffee should you buy?

On your way to becoming a caffeine connoisseur, you’re going to have to do a lot of tasting. Yes, you may kiss a few frogs on the way, but it’s important to realise that good coffee is like fine wine – the flavour combinations, strengths and blends are endless, and your perfect match is out there waiting to be sipped! 

In your research phase, we would definitely recommend the following:

• Chat to your local barista about flavours you enjoy and how strong you like your brew to get some recommendations.

• Order in some samples from across the world: flavour and strength profiles can vary greatly from Brazil to Kenya and Indonesia, so you need to do the test taste to see which region best floats your boat.

• Read some reviews! Coffeely is a brilliant community app where caffeine lovers can discover, rate and share coffee recipes. Simply scan the label of a coffee you’re interested in and the app will identify the brand in seconds, providing you with everything you need to know from country of origin to roast level and customer reviews and ratings!

Should you buy coffee beans or ground coffee?

If you’re super committed to your new life as a coffee crusader, you’ll already have (or have your eye on) a coffee grinder. In that case, coffee beans are the best option for you every time. Coffee beans stay fresh for longer, and as whole beans are ground just before brewing, the taste packs a lot more punch and complexity.

However, if you are sans grinder, ground alternatives should by no means be sniffed at. Ground coffee is very popular as it’s extremely accessible, packed tightly to preserve flavour and saves you time as you skip the grinding process.

How to make the perfect cup of coffee

Coffee-making equipment

As the old saying goes, it’s essential to have the right tools for the job. If you’re serious about brewing the perfect cup of coffee, we’d recommend investing in a high-quality cafetière, V60 drip system or AeroPress for the best results.

Also, make sure your equipment is thoroughly cleaned after each use. Swill with hot water and dry completely with a paper towel or other absorbent material. Make sure there’s no coffee left behind as this can lead to future brews tasting horribly bitter.

Filtered water

Since the majority of your coffee is technically water, quality H2O is non-negotiable. Using filtered water is a sure-fire way to up your coffee game. As well as providing endless benefits from digestion to skin hydration, filtered water makes your brew infinitely tastier. In fact, this is one of the main things we hear from our customers – they cannot believe how much BIBO’s filtered water elevates their beverages. Effective filtration removes impurities from your coffee and, as an added bonus, will avoid any detrimental damage to your coffee-making equipment. 

Coffee to water ratio

But before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to have a good think about the ratio of coffee to water. As a rule of thumb, experts recommend a ratio of 60g of coffee per litre of water as a solid benchmark – or in layman’s terms, about 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 180ml of filtered water.

Temperature

Once you’ve conquered filtration and ratio, temperature should be your next priority. Some like it hot, but too hot (or even too cold), and the ‘extraction’ process will destroy your dreams of achieving the perfect cup of Joe. Extraction refers to the process of coffee dissolving in water and this all centres on getting the temperature right; too cold and your coffee might lack that desired punch but too hot and bitterness will take over. 

There are a lot of guides out there pitching the perfect temperature, but the US National Coffee Association recommends a water temperature between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction – that’s 90 to 96 degrees Celsius for us Brits.

Here’s where your trusty BIBO machine takes centre stage as it can deliver instant hot water at your ideal temperature with the simple touch of a button, up to a scorching 98 degrees Celsius. Put that thermometer away!

Timing

Yes, we get it, you’re excited to taste your results, but don’t jump the gun and let your good work go to waste. As your Nan always said, good things come to those who wait! 

Add your coffee to your equipment of choice, pour in your water and give it just enough of a stir that everything is combined. In a drip system such as the V60, the brewing time should be just under 5 minutes, no more than 4 minutes in a cafetière and only 2.5 minutes in an AeroPress. 

If you’re not happy with the taste of the final product, you’re most likely over-extracting (brewing for too long) or under-extracting (not brewing for long enough) so make sure to do a few time and taste tests to determine the ideal timing for your perfect cup of coffee.

Enjoy your coffee!

Congratulations, you cracked the caffeine enigma! Sip your success, take in the aromas and let the flavours tickle your taste buds. We’d recommend enjoying your coffee black at first to get the full impact of your labours, but if you know what you like, feel free to add milk or other additions to make the perfect cup of coffee for you.

The post How to make the perfect cup of coffee every time appeared first on BIBO.

If you’ve found yourself reading this blog, however, you’re in the market for drinking water apps and we’ve got some good news – there are loads! To save you stumbling down an app store rabbit hole, we’ve put together a go-to list of our favourite hydration apps. These clever creations are the best in the business at getting you to drink more water, so get downloading!

Best apps for drinking water

Plant Nanny

We love Plant Nanny because it takes hydration reminders to a new level. If you’re someone who snoozes the alarm or brushes aside notifications like no tomorrow, then this is the app for you. Plant Nanny is built around a cute little plant that has to be watered at certain points during the day – reminding you at the same time to hydrate along with your pretty plant friend. Everyone’s a winner!  

WaterMinder

If you’re into your stats, WaterMinder could be the tech-focused water-drinking motivator you never knew you needed! This hydration-championing app can be tailored to your personal needs, taking into account your weight or goals to calculate the right amount of drinking water for you. WaterMinder is also really simple to use, can be easily used to track your hydration history, and offers achievement badges as motivation. Five gold stars to you!

Aqualert

For those who like a challenge in their day to day, Aqualert could be the best app for drinking water for you. Designed to give you simple and accessible information, Aqualert really helps to break down your daily water intake goals and understand what your body needs. Aqualert also lets you run hydration contests with your colleagues so, if you like a bit of competition, get your fellow employees to join you in developing better water drinking habits! 

Aloe Bud

Aloe Bud isn’t just a daily water tracker – it’s a self-care app designed to bring a bit more zen to your quest for hydration. Notifications are used as gentle reminders to keep us on top of our mental wellbeing and physical hydration and are programmed to suit your schedule. Aloe Bud can help if you need someone in your corner to help make time to breathe, move, drink more water or even just take a break. In Aloe Bud’s own words: “You’ve got to nourish to flourish.”

Daily Water – Drink Reminder

The Daily Water app does exactly what it says on the tin. With a neat visual of glasses filling up, Daily Water is an easy way to ensure you are reminded to keep drinking water every day. Simple to use, this app is perfect for anyone who just needs a low maintenance, little helping hand towards better hydration. 

Whether you need a gentle nudge or a high level of motivation to get you drinking more water, there’s a hydration app out there for you. Remember: our bodies are made up of 60% water and if you know you’re not getting enough of the good stuff, then one of our favourite apps could be what you need to top up and stay hydrated. 

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We get it, it’s hard to know how best to get your fill. We dove into the facts to bust the most widely circulated hydration myths and get you on track to a healthy, happy and perfectly sated lifestyle.

Myth: Everyone needs to drink eight glasses of water a day

Whilst this is the figure recommended by the NHS for people in the UK, it’s important to note this is an average estimation. How much water your body needs is a highly personal affair and depends on a wide range of variable factors from body weight and age to activity level, environmental temperature and health conditions. If you’re unsure how much water you should be drinking, sticking to the recommended eight glasses is a good place to start but let your body be your guide. Still thirsty? Drink some more. Running to the toilet every two minutes? Drink a little less.

Myth: The only way to hydrate is by drinking water

No, no my friend! This is one of the biggest hydration myths going. It’s true that water is a guaranteed source of hydration, but our bodies also gets a fantastic watering from the food we eat as well as other types of beverages. In fact, research shows that around 80% of the water we consume comes from drinking water and other liquids – such as milk, juices and caffeinated drinks – and the other 20% comes from our food consumption. Fruits and vegetables in particular carry a very high percentage of water content. Cucumber and lettuce, for example, have an astronomical 96% water content, whilst tomatoes carry a huge 94%. Remember when your GP told you to eat your 5 a day? It makes a little more sense now.

Myth: Coffee makes you dehydrated

How many times has someone told you that your love affair with caffeine is terrible for your hydration levels? But this isn’t strictly true – it’s all about balance. It’s true that caffeine acts a diuretic, causing your kidneys to flush extra sodium and water from the body through urine, but experts have suggested this doesn’t necessarily lead to dehydration. When you drink coffee – or a cup of tea for that matter – you’re also taking in a large fluid dose of water and hydrating yourself. It’s just important to realise that drinking coffee shouldn’t be your only source of hydration. Mix up your cup of joe routine with regular glasses of water or juices to give your body some varied balance and reap the rewards.

Myth: You can never drink too much water

This is the deadliest of hydration myths – be warned! You can absolutely drink too much water. In fact, Runner’s World recently interviewed Professor Doug Kasa who specialises in kinesiology at the University of Connecticut who explained that consuming too much water can cause a condition known as ‘symptomatic hyponatremia’, where sodium levels in the blood can drop to extremely low and dangerous levels.

This means that overhydration is especially dangerous for those with certain medical conditions. For the average Joe, the kidneys are able to absorb the water our bodies need whilst getting rid of the excess through urination. But for those with kidney, liver, or even heart problems, this may not be the case. Low sodium levels caused by drinking an extremely high level of water can lead to mild symptoms such as a lack of concentration and having little energy, but in severe cases where overhydration happens rapidly, it can cause severe confusion or even seizures.

Myth: Clear pee is the only way to tell if you’re properly hydrated

We were certainly told this growing up, but this hydration myth isn’t strictly true. Rather than a crystal clear stream, experts say we should be aiming for urine which resembles a pale yellow colour similar to lemonade. Clear pee simply means our bladder is completely full and that whatever we are imbibing is simply coming straight back out. The only time you need to be paying attention to your urine is when the colour is anything darker than a honey yellow (this can often pong quite a bit too). If you haven’t realised already, our bodies are pretty clever, and a dark coloured pee is your bladder letting you know that you’re dehydrated and it’s time to drink up!

Have a question about how BIBO can help you hydrate effectively?

If you want to know more about how BIBO can help you to achieve the perfect level of hydration every day, get in touch with our expert team today. Our friendly advisers are happy to fend off any other hydration myths you may have and will walk you through exactly how our BIBO products can directly benefit your health and lifestyle.

The post Water the facts? Biggest hydration myths busted appeared first on BIBO.

Some signs of dehydration are quite severe, such as migraines, dizziness and headaches. But some symptoms are very subtle and often go unnoticed, including dry skin, fatigue and needing the loo a little less than usual. That’s why it’s so important to discover the best ways to stay hydrated and start implementing them today. 

The great news is, staying hydrated is easy, and it can also be fun! Plus, it’s not just water that keeps our levels of hydration up, as we’re going to discover. 

Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into how to stay hydrated in order to remain active, healthy and lead a full life. We’re going to discuss the dangers of dehydration and why it’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. And, of course, we’ll give you lots of tips and advice on which drinks are best and how to incorporate them into your diet. 

So sit back and relax and let’s begin.

Dangers of Dehydration

Dehydration is what happens when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. We all know the sensation of dry mouth or feeling thirsty, but these are not necessarily the best ways to gauge dehydration, and there are many other symptoms that people often don’t associate with being dehydrated.

Common symptoms or signs of dehydration include fatigue, lightheadedness and an inability to concentrate. These things can really affect your day, such as your work or even home life, if you find it hard to enjoy your free time and/or be productive. 

Other physical signs include constipation, dry skin and less urination. But that’s not all! In some cases, severe dehydration can cause much more serious health problems, including an inability to produce sweat, low blood pressure, sunken eyes and even disorientation. And, not to scare you, but in the most extreme cases dehydration can sometimes lead to death, if not treated quickly and effectively. 

So how do we combat this potentially disastrous catalogue of health issues? We need to stay hydrated! And it’s easier than you think. 

Why We Need to Stay Hydrated

Being fully hydrated does not mean that you simply don’t get thirsty. It’s so much more than that, and hydration has an essential part to play and how our bodies function on a daily basis. 

For example, remaining adequately hydrated is crucial to regulating your body temperature. It also acts as a lubricant for your joints and bones. Not to mention, without good hydration our organs do not function properly, and our bodies ability to deliver nutrients to cells and prevent infection is also compromised.

But if you’re fully hydrated, you’ll feel tip top throughout your day! That means better productivity at work and more time spent enjoying the things you love with friends and family. Plus, hydration affects our mood and sleep, so you can look forward to feeling more positive all-round and getting a better night’s rest. 

So as you can see, hydration is a bit more serious than some of us have given it credit for. But if you’re feeling daunted, or even a bit nervous about improving your hydration and health, have no fear! We’re here to give you everything you need to know about how to stay hydrated and live your best life.

How to Stay Hydrated

For many of us, we have this image that drinking a sufficient amount of water involves downing glasses upon glasses of water all throughout the day and peeing continuously. However, staying hydrated doesn’t need to be daunting, and it definitely doesn’t need to be boring. 

The ‘EatWell Guide’ says that we should drink 6 to 8 cups of glasses of fluid a day, and you’ll be pleased to know that milk, soft drinks, tea and coffee are all included in this quota. 

Depending on where you live, you may need to take in more fluids than others. This is the case if you live in a hot or very dry climate, which will dehydrate you more rapidly than living in a cold and/or wet location. As a rule of thumb, children need slightly less fluid and older people need slightly more. Your lifestyle also affects your hydration levels, and if you’re someone who works out often, then you can expect to add on some more glasses of fluid per day. 

As expected, water remains King of the Beverages, but you can also top up your hydration levels with other drinks, such as tea and coffee, soft drinks and smoothies. But water will always be our first choice! Plus, you can spice up your water by adding a slice of fruit, a splash of concentrate, or even simply by swapping still water for sparkling. Water is so fabulously versatile, and doesn’t come with any added sugar or colourants. All hail H20! 

But, while we love nothing more than a glass of delicious, filtered, chilled water, there are plenty of other ways to stay hydrated. So with that in mind, let’s check out some great ways to keep those levels of hydration up throughout the day.  

Milk and Semi Skimmed Milk

If you’re old enough to remember the old slogan ‘nice cold ice cold milk’, then you’ll know that a tall glass of chilled milk can be extremely refreshing. 

Full of calcium and important minerals, milk helps with various bodily functions, including keeping you hydrated. Although it’s not advisable to get all of your 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day via milk, the odd delicious and creamy glass of the white stuff can do wonders for your health and keep you nice and hydrated at the same time. 

However, do keep in mind that full fat milk is, as the name suggests, full of fat! We therefore recommend skimmed or semi-skimmed varieties, or even nut or soy milk alternatives, if you’re going to drink milk regularly.

Fruit Juices and Smoothies

Fruit juices and smoothies, depending on what you put in them, offer a whole world of nutrients and vitamins. If possible, try to consume the whole fruit (smoothies), as this is where most of the benefits lie. 

That said, the juice from fruits will still offer you lots of lovely nutrition, as well as keeping you hydrated throughout the day. Plus, smoothies and juices are definitely some of the most delicious drinks you can put into your system. 

However, fruit juices bought from a shop are often laced with unnecessary added sugar, so if you can find freshly squeezed juice and/or make your own smoothies, then this is definitely the most beneficial and a more low-fat option.

Fizzy Drinks and Squash with Added Sugar

While fizzy drinks should only be consumed in moderation, they still help with hydration. But do be careful not to consume too many cans of pop, as they are full of sugar, artificial sweeteners and e-numbers. 

A healthy alternative is to take some fresh chilled and filtered water and add a little squash. Again, if you can avoid squashes with tons of added sugar, then you will get all of the benefits of hydration without putting unnecessary nasties into your system. We recommend citrus-based squashes, such as lemon or lime, which tend to be slightly lower in added sugar.

Energy and Caffeine Drinks

Another set of drinks only to be consumed in moderation are high caffeine or energy drinks, such as Red Bull or Monster Energy. While these drinks are definitely tasty, and pack quite a punch when it comes to caffeine, they are also chock-full of added sugar, colourants and e-numbers. 

And although a healthy adult is safe to consume these drinks in small quantities, they should be completely avoided by children at all times. So even though these drinks aren’t the best for you in a nutritional sense, they still offer adequate hydration if consumed in moderation.

Tea and Coffee

Chances are you drink either tea or coffee, or both! Most of us love to start our day with a hot drink, and we usually enjoy the little buzz of caffeine that tea and coffee provide. 

The good news is, both of these drinks offer high levels of hydration, as they are both made with large volumes of water. Of the two, tea is more beneficial, especially if you opt for varieties such as green, black or rooibos. 

But regardless of which hot drink you prefer, avoid adding sugar to tea or coffee, in order to eliminate unnecessary calories, and keep up your hydration. Also, avoiding fancy coffees with whipped cream, syrups and the oh-so-cute-and-delicious marshmallows on top will also help you enjoy your favourite hot drink without adding unneeded calories into your diet. 

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks manufacturers have done a fantastic job of marketing their beverages as beneficial for people who live active lifestyles. 

One thing that they usually purport is that these drinks are specifically designed to encourage hydration. And although they often have added extras, such as electrolytes and vitamins, sports drinks still also contain lots of added sugar. This puts them in the same category as things like fizzy drinks, squashes and energy drinks. 

Full of sweeteners and often added sugar, these are on the list of drinks that should only be consumed in moderation.

Fruit and Veg

Good old fruit and veg! If you love your veggies, then you may already know that a good intake of fruits and vegetables is a fantastic way to keep on top of your hydration. 

Many common fruits and vegetables are made up of as much as 90% water, so not only are they packed full of flavour, nutrients and other lovely good stuff, but they also keep you hydrated throughout the day. 

Things like tomatoes and cucumbers in a salad, or a big juicy piece of watermelon as a dessert or snack, can seriously boost your hydration without you even noticing it. Not to mention, if you like your smoothies and juices, then why not fling a few high water content staples in there as well? Your smoothies will not just taste better, but they will also offer you far greater levels of hydration as well.

Tips to Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

Now that you know all about which drinks you should stock up on, and which ones you should minimise, it’s time to take a look at some tips on how to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Firstly, we recommend starting your day with a glass of water. This helps to kick-start your metabolism, and will also top up your hydration levels after a night of sleep. 

If you want to seriously up your water consumption, then we recommend carrying around a reusable bottle. Not only will this help the environment by keeping more plastic out of bins, but you will also have a nice little reminder throughout your day to top up and drink more water. To the same end, you can also set an alarm or a reminder to drink more water at regular intervals.Plus, drinking a glass of water before every meal helps with digestion and is a great way to get those extra glasses of fluid into your diet. We also recommend that you drink a glass of water within 2 hours of going to bed, as this will aid a more restful sleep and keep you hydrated throughout the night. 

Finally, check the colour of your urine when you go to the toilet. Dark orange or brown urine is a sign of dehydration, so up your water intake until your urine becomes a light straw colour. This is the ideal colour for your pee brackets (yes, there’s an ideal colour for pee!) 

Finally, keep track of your water consumption throughout the day and try to limit your intake of fizzy drinks or drinks laced with lots of sugar. Remember, you can always liven up your water by opting for sparkling over still, as well as adding in a drop of low-sugar squash and/or pieces of fruit.

How BIBO Helps People Stay Hydrated and Healthy

Our mission, as a water dispenser provider, is to help you keep hydrated with the freshest, tastiest and healthiest water around. BIBO customers who install one of our state-of-the-art water dispensers can access both ice-cold and boiling-hot water in an instant, ideal for making a refreshing soft drink, tea, coffee or juice. 

Plus, BIBO customers enjoy all the benefits of filtered water. Free from chlorine and other nasty contaminants as well as keeping all of the good minerals you will find naturally in water. Our BIBO water dispensers use carbon-block filters and UV lamp purification system, so you know you’re getting the freshest glass of water possible, without having to buy endless bottles of mineral water!

Once you have increased your hydration, you can look forward to some incredible benefits which include a better ability to concentrate, an improved ability to control weight gain and all-round better digestive help. Other perks include more subtle joints, better skin texture and vastly improved bodily and organ functions. 

Finally, hydrated people are more productive and find themselves in a consistently better mood than those who do not drink enough fluid. So go forth and be happy…with perfectly coloured pee, of course!

As we’ve seen, keeping yourself hydrated is easy, and can be a great way to introduce new and interesting drinks into your diet. The best ways to stay hydrated include drinking fresh fruit juices and smoothies, eating delicious fruit and veg and, of course, drinking lots of water. 

So if you’re looking to increase your water intake, and you want filtered, fresh and tasty hot and cold water at the touch of a button, we recommend our BIBO water dispensers for all your H20 needs! They’re modern, compact and cost-effective, so staying hydrated has never been easier. 

For help selecting your new water dispenser, as well as answers to our most frequently asked questions about installation and maintenance, check out our FAQ page, call us or fill out our online webform.

How can BIBO help me stay hydrated?

Want to find out more about how BIBO can help you to drink more water? Get in touch with our expert team to find out more about our range! We’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

The post Top Ways to Stay Hydrated appeared first on BIBO.

Kettles are so last year. Our busy 21st century lives can’t afford the hassle of finger-tapping the counter for 7 minutes whilst we wait for our brews to boil. We need instant hot and cold water, energy efficiency, and ease: enter the BIBO. Whether you need that piping hot coffee to go in the morning or an ice-cold glass of H2O once you get in from the run you’ve been putting off during lockdown, there are so many reasons why a water machine would come in handy at home. 

But now that you’ve seen the light, how do you know which product is perfect for you? Read on to find out why we are the best alternative to kettles this side of the water dispenser market.

Why BIBO is the best kettle alternative

One touch is all it takes

Touch the button for instant water – it’s as simple as that. But what’s more, and what sets us apart from other water dispensers out there, is that by using our intuitive touchscreen display, you can ensure your brew is poured at the perfect temperature every time. BIBO dispenses water up to a scorching 98˚C, as low as an icy 4˚C and every preference in-between.

Eco-friendly and energy efficient 

The Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have estimated that if every person in the UK only boiled the water they need – rather than filling the kettle – the UK would save 1.27 billion kWh of electricity. Want to save the world and your bills from excess energy use? We’ve got you covered.

As well as boiling and chilling to exact desired temperatures, BIBO also only dispenses the exact amount of water you need, saving you both time and money and saving the environment from unnecessary energy usage. Plus, when you’re not using your machine, there is an adjustable power on/off setting as well as a variety of sleep modes to ensure you’re only paying for the energy you use. Nifty, huh? 

It’s easy to use and kind to your joints

For many sufferers of chronic pain or arthritis, lifting heavy kettles to achieve the perfect pour is an uncomfortable experience to say the least – and that doesn’t even take into the account the fact you have the fill and carry them too. BIBO is the perfect kettle alternative in this respect and completely solves this painful problem. Your dispenser is plumbed into your supply so you’ll never have to bear the weight of filling a kettle again, and the water machine’s vertical spout means there is no need for lifting and pouring. All you need to do is push the button.

Additionally, unlike many other hot water dispensers such as the Virgin Pure T6/T7 model, the BIBO’s intuitive colour touchscreen interface and control panel make it a doddle to use. 

Health boosting and delicious

The BIBO water dispenser uses multi-stage filtration including a silver impregnated carbon block and sophisticated UV filtration to remove the bad stuff from your water but keep the natural essential minerals that are good for you! The health benefits are endless: from skin hydration to nutrient absorption, detoxification and digestion. 

Our filtration system also ensures the H2O you drink is downright delicious; fresher and purer, your BIBO removes all the chlorine and bacteria that can make tap water taste flat, tasteless, or even metallic. Think you make a good cuppa now? You just wait – you’ll be shocked by how much our filtration will elevate your brew making skills.

Join the water dispenser revolution

Looking for the best kettle alternative? BIBO is the answer you’ve been searching for. If you have any further questions for our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch! 

What do people think?

We are obsessed with customer care and our clients rave about our friendly and responsive customer service and quickly become rather fond of their BIBO. Check out our customer reviews below!

The post Best kettle alternative 2020 – and that’s the tea appeared first on BIBO.

So how do you remember to drink more water every day? We’ve put together a hotlist of our favourite hacks that’ll have you hydrated in no time.

Easy ways to drink more water

Download an app

Call it lazy, call it tech-crazy, call it whatever you like; there’s an app for everything these days and you best believe there is a whole host of them that remind you to drink water. One of our favourites is Plant Nanny as it’s such a fun and engaging way to stay hydrated. Not only does the app help you to keep track of what you drink but there are serious consequences if you skip a sip as every time you water yourself, you water your app’s plants too! Forget to hydrate and you risk the health of your thriving little flower babies – imagine self-care Tamagotchi and you’re pretty close.

Fancy something a little more technical? Drink Water Reminder is super tailored to your lifestyle, taking into account your age, activity level, and even what kind of climate you live in. You can easily tell the app how often you want to drink water as well as your average waking and sleeping hours to customise your reminders around your lifestyle. 

Invest in a reusable bottle

Investing in a reusable water bottle to have by your side throughout the day is a great way to ensure you’re staying hydrated and alert. Not only will you not have to venture to the kitchen every time you want a drink, but you’ll also be doing the environment a favour too as you’ll never need to buy a plastic bottle when you’re out and about again! Keeping a water bottle handy can also serve as a visual reminder to drink more water day to day. When you see the bottle on your desk when you’re working from home or next to you on the sofa when you’re catching up on your latest boxset, you’ll automatically be reminded to drink more – result.

Drink a glass of water before every meal

A simple way to up your water intake is to make sure you drink a glass of water before every meal. If you make a routine out of drinking a pint of the good stuff before breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day that’s already three more cups than usual – it’s elementary my dear Watson!

Plus, sometimes our bodies can mistake feelings of thirst for hunger so if you’re looking to get a little healthier, drinking water before eating is a great way to aid digestion as well as assess how hungry you actually are before mealtime. 

Flavour your water

Want to jazz things up a little? Why not add some natural flavours to your water using herbs, berries and veggies to keep things interesting. Popular combinations include cucumber, lemon and lime, and raspberries but feel free to get creative with your favourite flavours from your store cupboard. Think about it, you won’t have to remind yourself to drink more water if it’s so delicious now, will you! Moreover, fruit infusions are a fantastic and tasty way to gift your body with more nutrients.

Need some inspo and fancy a little fizz in your sip? We’ve been experimenting in the taste lab with our BIBO Fizz machine, adding bubbles to all types of flavours to discover the best summer combinations. Check out our creative sparkling water recipes and hydrate in style. 

Make it a ritual

Your body is a temple and it deserves to be treated as such! Build having a glass of water into your morning routine; we all wake up feeling dehydrated so do yourself a favour and keep a glass of water next to your bed. We can guarantee you’ll be feeling much perkier and more alert as soon as you start drinking more water before the daily grind starts. 

Top BIBO tip: we set our morning alarm with the title ‘DRINK WATER’ for a cheeky reminder first thing.

Want to find out more about how BIBO can help you to drink more water? Get in touch with our expert team to find out more about our range! We’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

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But how do you keep your brand spanking new water dispenser in tip-top condition we hear your cry? Just as your BIBO will take care of you, you need to take care of your BIBO for long-lasting, quality results – simples! Check out our top tips and helpful resources below.

Your BIBO: Care and Maintenance Tips

Clean your machine 

Just like your precious self, the BIBO’s body is a temple and needs a good clean once in a while to keep looking its best. Clean your BIBO machine by simply wiping it down with a damp cloth – your drip tray can also be removed and placed in your dishwasher. Soap or any other gentle detergent can also be used if you wish but please don’t use harsh detergents or anything abrasive to clean the body of your BIBO as it will scratch and nobody wants that!

Simply fancy a change in colour? That’s no problem. You can browse and replace your BIBO’s coloured side panels in our Accessories Shop when the time comes!

Change your filters

It’s really easy to change your water filters in your hot water machine. With BIBO, your clever little machine will remind you when the time has come! This will be every 6 months. If you purchase our BIBO Classic machine, choose the Filter Pack Delivery Service to receive your filters automatically and save over 20%! Our convenient service ensures you receive your filters exactly when you need them each year and takes away the worry of having to order them yourself. 

And please remember – our filters are completely recyclable so make sure to pop your old filters in your recycling bin once removed! 

Take a look at this handy guide to changing your BIBO’s filters

Clean your hot water tank

A high proportion of the UK population live in hard water areas. That’s why we recommend regularly cleaning your hot tank to protect your BIBO from symptoms of limescale. Our filters do not remove the minerals that cause limescale but the hot tank has been designed to keep those minerals in suspension so that the elements inside do not become furred. We offer a hot tank cleaning kit to descale your hot tank and we typically recommend you do this every 6 months. We have actively avoided using an anti-scale “dosing” system, unlike our major competitor Virgin Pure, as we don’t believe that adding anti-scale chemicals to the water is the best option for the creation of pure water.

Symptoms to look out for are:

• Hot water dispenses more slowly
• The hot tank will continue to dispense briefly after you touch the key to stop
• The rear section of your drip tray will slowly fill from the hot tank overflow each time the tank re-heats
• Excessive dripping from the dispense nozzles whilst heating

We recommend descaling your hot tank every 6 months to maintain optimum performance, even if your BIBO isn’t presenting any of the symptoms above. This helps prevent limescale build-ups which may cause your BIBO harm in the future and none of us want to return to the doom days of the dreaded kettle!

Check out our hot water tank cleaning kits

Accessories and Replacements

Should you require any further accessories or replacement parts to keep your BIBO running smoothly, follow the handy links below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Speak with our expert team or use the chatbot on our website for help!

1. Accessories and replacements: BIBO Classic
2. Accessories and replacements: BIBO Fizz
3. BIBO Filter Packs
4. BIBO Cleaning Kits

Other helpful care and maintenance resources

1. BIBO User Manual
2. BIBO Self Installation Guide
3. BIBO Troubleshooting Guide

Have a maintenance question for our expert team? Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our friendly advisors on hand to answer all of your queries. In the meantime, why not check out our guide to the health benefits of drinking water!

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Wondering how you can help to make a change and take steps towards a plastic-free lifestyle? Here are our top tips for how to reduce your plastic waste.

7 easy tips to reduce your plastic waste

Treat yourself and the planet to a reusable bottle or cup

One of the best steps you can take to reduce your plastic waste is to invest in a reusable bottle. Greenpeace recently stated that the UK uses around 35 million plastic bottles every day – if that isn’t a scary enough statistic to prompt you to make the change, we don’t know what is. Plus, for bonus points, if you take a reusable cup to your local coffee shops you’ll not only be looking after the environment but you’ll more often than not get a cheeky discount on your hot beverage for your efforts! 

Say no to plastic straws

It’s hard to reach for a plastic straw at your local drinkery now without hearing a tiny voice in the back of your head shouting ‘save the turtles!’ Listen to that tiny voice – it’s telling you the truth! The BBC last year claimed we use an estimated 8.5 billion plastic straws every year in the UK, and that pesky straws are consistently within the top ten waste items found washed up on our shores. The government has vowed to ban them this year – along with cotton buds – but in the meantime why not invest in some trusty metal straws for your home? 

Shop local

Cut down on plastic packaging by scoping out your best local suppliers, from butchers to fishmongers, grocers, and bakers. Food wrappers are particularly pesky plastic offenders, when in fact loose fruit and veg is often priced much more reasonably. Whether it’s a change in supermarket or a conscious decision to shop at your local supplier, opt for paper bags where possible or at the very least reuse a sturdy bag for life – the clue’s in the name!

Say bye to bottled water and filter your own

When you’re in a rush, bottled water can seem like the easy option to get your filtered water fix – but that doesn’t, and shouldn’t, be the case. “Bottled water is no safer than filtered tap water, but the industry doesn’t have to disclose the results of its testing,” according to the Environmental Working Group – so don’t believe the hype! Investing in a filtered water machine such as the BIBO Classic doesn’t just provide you with the benefits of filtered water in your own home at the touch of a button, but helps you take a dedicated step towards reducing your plastic waste footprint. 

Takeaway with a conscience

It’s Friday night and you fancy a naughty little takeaway to see in the weekend, kudos to you. You may not have thought of it before, but make sure you ask the restaurant or food supplier not to deliver any plastic cutlery or straws – this is an option on most delivery apps, but you can always leave a message in the delivery notes too. This is all the more important when you consider the research in a blog from WWF that has estimated we only use plastic cutlery for 3 minutes (if we use it at all!) before tossing it in the trash.

Shop sustainably

This was news to us but a huge amount of clothes contain synthetic plastic fibres. As people look to new ways of achieving a plastic-free lifestyle, many have turned to shopping second-hand, washing their clothes less to make them last longer or opting for brands that have sustainability at the heart of their messaging. Footwear brand Allbirds is a great example of this; their brand ethos ‘Measure, Reduce, Offset’ ensures they remain committed to eradicating their carbon footprint altogether. Take the time to research where your next outfit is coming from so you can be a fashionista with sustainable sass!

Scrap the plastic food wrap

Cling film is the bane of the planet’s fight against plastic. Did you know more than 1.2 billion metres, equating to 745,000 miles of cling film is used by households across Britain every year? That’s enough to go around the circumference of the world 30 times over! Clingfilm is a nightmare to recycle meaning that it often ends up in landfills where it can take hundreds of years to degrade. Luckily there are some amazing clingfilm alternatives out there from beeswax wraps to reusable metal or glass Tupperware, silicon storage pouches, and paper sandwich bags. Moral of the story: don’t be clingy for cling film.

Do you have any ways of reducing your plastic waste which we haven’t included in our list? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you and further the conversation to protect the planet from single-use plastic pollution together.

Want to find out more about how BIBO can help you to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle? Get in touch with our expert team! We’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

The post How to reduce your plastic waste in 7 easy steps appeared first on BIBO.

We’ve scoured the web, interior design mags, and the most relevant Insta influencers to find you the latest kitchen trends for 2020. This year seems to be all about strong colours, maximising space, and innovative storage solutions. 

6 kitchen design ideas

1. Showstopper shelving

Long gone are the days of chucking utensils and teatowels behind dull cabinet doors we’re afraid; it’s time to bare all. DIY giants B&Q’s 2020 trends report revealed that Pinterest searches such as ‘statement shelving’ were up 30% at the start of the year, with open shelving and glass-fronted cabinets taking centre stage. Display your Le Creuset with pride people!

2. Two-tone tranquility

With the likes of Country Living declaring “Unified cabinetry is a thing of the past”, we’re leaving matchy-matchy one colour kitchens in the last decade: cue two-tone kitchens. The two-tone trend extends beyond just contrasting paint colours on your walls, to cabinets and worktops too – and even beyond paint itself, as you can apply the same logic and experiment with contrasting materials too such as woods and metals. You have a real opportunity to get creative with this trend, creating depth and a much more interesting aesthetic in your kitchen.

3. Go green 

Not only do houseplants make your home look beautiful, but they can also help purify your air and increase humidity to help keep your heating bills down when the cold months roll around! Plus, studies have shown plants make morale, overall happiness, mood, and productivity skyrocket – four things we could definitely do with more of in our kitchen! 2020 is seeing interior design’s love of nature and everything organic continue; House Beautiful even went as far as to say that house plants help to promote a spacious feel in your kitchen by bringing the outdoors in, whilst also creating ‘nest-like nooks intended for cooking, relaxing and entertaining.’

4. Clutter be gone!

In the spirit of Mary Kondo, thank your once loved but now unused appliances and kick them to the curb. This is 2020 and we’re about decluttering both space and mind! Whether it’s innovative storage solutions, such as the gorgeous use of drawers by interior designer and influencer Janis Nikolay below, or a clear out of utensils you never use to free up some space on your worktop, it’s a great place to start when making your kitchen into the sanctuary it should be. Many of our customers have said goodbye to the clutter of their kettles, separate filters, and other water filtration devices in 2020 and welcomed our ergonomically-designed BIBO machine instead for a less cluttered look in their kitchens. Want to find out more? Read more.

View this post on Instagram

A warm and pretty kitchen, with a plant filled window, for your self isolation viewing pleasure. This kitchen was designed by @bidgoodco and was featured in @houseandhomemag The entire house was beautiful. Hope you’re all doing well out there! #kitchensofinsta

A post shared by Janis Nicolay (@pineconecamp) on Mar 25, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

5. Colour pops galore

If you’re a modern-day colour-loving Frida Kahlo, this kitchen design idea is for you. Elle Decor has dubbed 2020 as a time to experiment and get a little risky with your use of colours in the kitchen, as opposed to the magnolia walls of old. Interior design guru Christine Marakatos Lowe told Elle, “A backsplash is the best place to add a pop of color into a kitchen design without having to do a full kitchen renovation. While white kitchens will always be in style, people seem to be taking more risks with color and design these days” – and long may it continue! If you don’t want to touch your walls or backsplash, another great way to incorporate a pop of colour is through bright appliances. Our BIBO Classic for example comes in 12 different colours to complement your space: check them out on our colour selector.

6. Textural treats

Home and interiors magazine The Spruce is all about a more natural, textural feel in 2020, favouring warmer hues that remind people of the great outdoors like blacks, browns, and grays. But why not mix it up a little bit more? The Spruce recommends introducing interesting textures to your kitchen design to put “materials front and center — like the mashup of wood textures paired with brick and subway tiles” for example, to create a much more natural and authentic aesthetic.

Want to find out more about how BIBO can help you to stay on-trend with kitchen design ideas in 2020? Get in touch with our expert team to find out more about our range! We’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

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