User manuals

Need support? reach out to us at hello@bibo.co.za

Hey hotrock!

Welcome

Congratulations on your new BIBO hotrock. You are just moments away from
enjoying endless cups of boiling water on tap. As we want you to get the best from your
BIBO hotrock, we ask that you read through this manual before getting things started. This
manual is your go-to-guide for your BIBO hotrock and includes practical advice and technical
information to answer any questions you may have. However please remember that our
team is just an email or phone call away should you have any further queries. 

Visit www.bibo.co.za/contact, email help@bibo.co.za or call 0800 00 BIBO (2426). So let’s clink glasses and say ‘cheers!’ to many happy and healthy drinks with BIBO.

Note:

The pictures and diagrams in this manual are for reference only, please refer to your BIBO hotrock. We reserve the right to make corrections or changes to the information provided in this manual without prior notice being given. The products, functions, structures and designs described in this manual have been patented by our company and are thus protected by the UK, EU, South Africa and Australia patent offices. Version number 190901 © Copyright BIBO 2019, All Rights Reserved

Meet your BIBO hotrock

BIBO hotrock overview

  1. Touch screen interface
  2. 2.8″ TFT LCD screen
  3. Water outlets
  4. Front panel
  5. Removable Drip Tray




  6. Lid
  7. Refrigeration condenser
  8. Hot tank switch
  9. Water inlet
  10. Rear panel
  11. Cooling fan
  12. Mains fuse
  13. Power seitch
  14. Mains power cable

The touch screen interface

  1. Zapper status
  2. Child lock status
  3. Calendar (DD – MM – YYYY)
  4. Clock (24 hour)
  5. Automatic on/off icon
  6. Power saving
  7. Boiling water button
  8. Super boil button
  9. Ambient water
  10. Chilled water
  11. Measured cup
  12. Lock button
  13. Heating & boiling water
  14. Chilling & cold water
  15. Menu button
  16. Water outlet indicator

Installing your BIBO hotrock

Before getting started

Our experienced installation teams are here to make sure that your BIBO hotrock is correctly installed. If you are installing your own BIBO hotrock, then please read through all the instructions carefully, familiarising yourself with and understanding all the steps completely before beginning.

If you are at all uncertain about any of the steps, please call us on 0800 00 BIBO (2426) and ask to speak to one of our experienced technical team members.

Cautionary notes

Your BIBO hotrock is a high-performance electrical appliance, and following proper safety
protocols is key to ensuring both your safety and the longevity of the unit. Please read the
safety guidelines carefully before installation or use.

Where to place your BIBO hotrock

The BIBO hotrock often takes centre stage in the kitchen and fast becomes the most loved and used appliance. It is for this reason that the choice of where to place and display your BIBO hotrock needs to be one that offers both convenience and style. 

However a few considerations need to be taken into account before choosing where to place your BIBO bar:

Install in a cool, dry area away from heat sources or risk of freezing. The best position is directly below the BIBO rock faucet.

Operate the unit in environments with 10%–60% humidity.

Leave at least 10–15 cm of space on either side and 2.5 cm behind the unit for airflow.

Ensure the unit is close to both a mains water connection and a power source.

Water supply

Before beginning the installation, you will need to flush your incoming water supply until it runs clear to avoid sediment buildup. The water pressure should be between 3bar and 5bar. A pressure-reducing valve is required if above 5 bar. Ensure you know where the isolation valve is in case of emergency. Before drinking water from your BIBO hotrock for the first time, we recommend running 10 litres through the unit to flush out any residual manufacturing substances.

Step by step guide for self-installation

Preparations:

  • Select a suitable location for both your BIBO hotrock and BIBO rock faucet. The hotrock
    should ideally be installed directly beneath the faucet. Follow all safety placement guidelines.
  • Place the unit upright on a level surface. Ensure it is secure and stable.
  • Make sure all hoses and the power cord comfortably reach their respective connection
    points without being bent, twisted, or under strain.
  • Do not connect the hotrock to electricity during installation.
 

Faucet Monitoring

  • Mount the BIBO rock faucet as per the installation instructions included in your package.
 

Water supply connection

  • The hotrock uses standard 1⁄2” BSP male threaded connections. Ensure compatibility with
    your plumbing setup.
  • Secure the hoses onto the inlet and outlet using a spanner or wrench. Do not overtighten.
  • Properly attach the cold and hot inlet hoses.
    Note: If cold mains pressure exceeds 5 bar, install a pressure-reducing valve.
  • Inspect all joints for leaks. Tighten fittings where necessary using a spanner or wrench.

 

Priming the BIBO hotrock

  • Confirm there are no leaks before continuing.
  • Individually open and close the hot, cold, and filtered water valves on the faucet. Let water
    flow through each to purge air. Only move on once water is flowing from that individual valve.
  • Unlock the boiling lever and keep it open until water begins flowing (approx. 90 seconds).
    This confirms the tank is full. Close the valve once complete.
  • Inspect again for leaks. Wipe the area dry and ensure a safe, clean workspace.

 

Powering Up & Temperature Setup

  • Plug in the unit and switch it on at the socket. The display and ON/OFF button will light up.
  • Touch the ON/OFF button to begin the setup.
  • Select Your Temperature:
    • Press the SET button to scroll through 14 preset options.
    • Available temperatures:
      45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C, 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C, 94°C, 95°C, 96°C, 97°C, 98°C
    • Press OK to confirm your selection.
  • Inspect again for leaks. Wipe the area dry and ensure a safe, clean workspace.

Installation Notes

Water Flow Delay

The BIBO hotrock is not pressurized, so you may notice a brief delay in water flow when the
boiling water tap is opened. This is completely normal and indicates that your BIBO hotrock is
functioning correctly.

E3 Error

  • If the BIBO hotrock is empty and powered on, it will automatically detect the lack of water. In this case, the heating element will remain off, and the E3 “lack of water” indicator will flash on the display.
  • This is your BIBO hotrock’s dry-burn protection feature in action—designed to prevent damage when there’s no water in the system.

What to do:

  • If the E3 indicator appears, press the Power Off button
  • This is your BIBO hotrock’s dry-burn protection feature in action—designed to prevent damage when there’s no water in the system.

Performance Notes

The following environmental factors can affect boiling performance:

  • Incoming Water Temperature
  • Atmospheric Pressure
  • Altitude

 

Tip: Water boils at lower temperatures at higher altitudes. For example, boiling point in
Gauteng is lower than at sea level. To ensure optimal boiling performance and the BIBO
hotrock dispensing water and not just steam, select a temperature suitable for your region.

If you notice water spurting from the spout during boiling, try lowering the temperature by
1–2°C.

This can help prevent excess steam or overflow caused by high temperature settings.

Using and Maintaining your BIBO hotrock

Saving Energy

The BIBO hotrock is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Thanks to its advanced
insulation, heat loss is minimized—helping you save power and reduce environmental
impact. However, as with any hot water system, some heat loss over time is inevitable, and
the unit will need to reheat to maintain your chosen temperature.

Energy Saving Feature: Temperature Differential

You can control how much the temperature is allowed to drop before the BIBO hotrock
reheats. This setting is called the temperature differential, and it helps reduce the number of
times the unit needs to reboil.

Available Options:

  • -3°C
  • -5°C
  • -7°C
  • -9°C

 

Example:

If your set temperature is 93°C and you select -3°C, the BIBO hotrock will reheat once the
water temperature drops to 90°C.
A larger temperature differential (e.g. -9°C) means the unit will reheat less often, saving
more energy.

How to Set the Temperature Differential

  1. Press and hold the SET button for 3 seconds.
  2. The current differential setting will begin to flash.
  3. Press SET to scroll through the options (-3, -5, -7, -9).
  4. Once your desired setting is displayed, press OK to confirm.

Temperature Display & Heating

  • The Actual Temperature on the display shows the approximate water temperature at the thermostat.
  • While heating, a moving white arc of lights will appear.
  • Once your selected temperature is reached, the white arc will become static.
  • Two indicators on the display will show:
    • Heating – when the unit is actively heating
    • Hot – when the set temperature is reached
  • If hot water is used or the temperature drops, the BIBO hotrock will automatically reheat to your selected temperature.

How to Turn it Off

  • To turn off the BIBO hotrock at any time, press the Power Off button

Saving Power

  • If the BIBO hotrock won’t be used for 2 days or more, switch it off at the ON/OFF button
    to save power.

Regular Inspections

To ensure the longevity of the BIBO hotrock it should be regularly inspected for:

  • Water leakage
  • Cracks or damage
  • Loose or worn silicone tubes or flexi tails

 

Replace any damaged parts immediately to prevent water damage.

For added protection, you may place the BIBO hotrock in a drain pan connected to a suitable
outlet, following the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Troubleshooting

Use this guide to quickly identify and resolve common issues with your BIBO hotrock and rock
faucet system.

Issue Possible Cause What To Do
Water & Steam Spitting from the Faucet • Unit is actively boiling
• Water temperature is set too high
• Blocked aerator
• Air trapped in the system
Turn faucet on to release pressure.
Adjust temperature on display.
Remove and clean aerator.
Re‑prime system to vent air.
No Hot Water / Water Not Heating • BIBO hotrock unplugged
• Display not powered up
• Temperature set too low
Plug hotrock into grounded socket.
Press ON/OFF, select temperature, confirm.
Increase temperature and wait to heat.
Water Dripping from Faucet Spout • Expansion chamber not draining
• Frequent small draw‑offs <150 ml
• Blocked faucet spout
Draw off 500 ml to re‑prime system.
Avoid draws under 150 ml where possible.
Remove and clean aerator.
Water Takes Time to Dispense • Non‑pressurised system design
• Recently dispensed large volume
Delay is normal after large draws.
Allow system to refill before dispensing.
No Water Flow at All • Water valves closed
• Inlet hoses twisted/blocked
• Blocked aerator
• Internal scale build‑up
Open all valves.
Untwist/unblock hoses.
Clean/replace aerator.
Descale hotrock and flush lines.

If you’re still a little stuck and find that your BIBO hotrock is still not operating as it should, or if a problem persists, please contact us via email at hello@bibo.co.za or call us on 0800 00 BIBO (2426). Your BIBO hotrock may require some professional TLC.