In all the countries where Quooker operates, it is already well known: the Quooker reservoir with balg technology. It features an inner tank with a ribbed lower section. These ribs work like an accordion and can expand and contract. “It breathes a little,” says Sybolt Wiersma from our R&D department, who has spent many years working on this component. “When stretched, the ribs create space. That space is necessary because water expands when heated. You need somewhere to accommodate that extra volume. Pushing it back into the water supply is not allowed. For a long time, we solved this with an inlet valve, which resulted in a small funnel in the cabinet where droplets would drip out. Not ideal. It looks messy and no one likes moisture in their kitchen cabinet. The balg technology solves this problem inside the tank itself.”

Easy installation The first balg tank was developed in 2009 but initially had some issues. Once these were resolved, it was introduced in Denmark. “We always introduce innovations first in smaller markets, where we can produce in limited quantities,” explains Yvette Elemans, Commercial Project Manager responsible for bringing the balg tank to market. “From there, we gradually expand to other countries. The Netherlands, where we sell the most Quookers, was the last. Since early 2025, all Quooker systems leaving our factory are equipped with balg technology. Our dealers were really looking forward to this. A major advantage is that installation is much easier. It also makes the cabinet look much neater.”

Deceptively simple Looking at the inside of a balg tank, it may seem like a simple solution. But it took eighteen years from concept to full rollout. “Technologies that look simple usually require a lot of research, testing, and development to make them appear that way,” says Sybolt. “And the process happens step by step: first the 3-liter PRO3 tanks, then the 7-liter COMBI and COMBI+.” Today, no Quooker leaves the factory without balg technology. “We expect fewer service requests,” Sybolt adds. “The inlet valve used to make customers nervous. They would ask if it was normal for their Quooker to drip. That’s now a thing of the past.” Both Sybolt and Yvette are proud that the balg tank was entirely conceived, developed, and produced in Ridderkerk. “Almost every kitchen boiler in the world uses an inlet valve,” says Yvette, “but Quooker has found a better solution.”

Published on 12-06-2025