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The Best Hot Water Dispenser – Hot Yea And Coffee In No Time At Home

A hot water dispenser is basically the modern approach to an electric kettle. They are units capable of heating the water close to the boiling point, allowing you to enjoy hot water in seconds whenever you need to.

The Best Hot Water Dispenser

So, if you ever wanted a fast way to defrost vegetables, heat the baby’s bottle, or perform other kitchen-related tasks where hot water was needed, then we have a lot of useful information in store for you in the following paragraphs.

 

Pros & Cons of Hot Water Dispensers

Before establishing which hot water dispenser is right for you, the real question is whether or not you need this kind of product at all. That being said, let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of hot water dispensers to see if you could really benefit from this type of product:

Pro: You have hot water ready in no time. It usually takes a while for water to reach that boiling point and, sometimes, waiting can be a real nuisance, especially when you want to cook generous meals for a large family or guests, or when you want a cup of tea but you’re in a hurry and can’t wait around for the kettle to boil.

Con: They need a hole in the sink. Some people choose to remove their sprayer (if any) to install a hot water dispenser faucet, but others don’t have this option, which means they have to drill an additional hole in the sink to fit the faucet in and make the connections needed with the water tank.

Pro: They aren’t very difficult to install. We’re going to guide you through the installation process in one of the upcoming sections in this article, but the process is pretty simple, especially if there is no need to drill an additional hole to make room for the faucet.

Con: They require an upfront investment. Hot water dispensers (the good ones) cost a few hundred dollars, and some people may not have the money needed to purchase one of these. While they are time-saving and stress-free to operate in the long run, it’s important to know that installing one of these requires having some cash up front, especially if you want to hire a professional plumber to install it.

Pro: You can often adjust the temperature of the water. As you’re going to notice in the second half at this article (the part where we look at some of the best hot water dispensers currently available on the market), the water tank is usually equipped with something like a dial located on its front side which allows you to adjust the temperature at which the water can be heated.

What to Look for in a Hot Water Dispenser

As you can expect, there are plenty of different hot water dispensers out there, some having more features and others with a rather basic package to offer. Let’s have a quick look at some of these features and determine which ones should be included in a hot water dispenser that you can actually benefit from:

Temperature control

As we mentioned earlier, almost every modern hot water dispenser comes with a feature that allows you to adjust the temperature at which the heating element will heat up the water. Most models offer the possibility to opt for temperatures that vary between 150 and 200 degrees.

Energy consumption

In order to heat up the water, the tank contains a heating element which can only be activated when the unit is connected to a power source. That means that it’s going to consume electricity when doing so, and since no one wants to spend too much money on electricity bills, you want to opt for products that are energy efficient.

Tank construction

The construction of the tank goes hand-in-hand with the efficiency of the unit in two ways. First of all, a sturdy construction leads to an overall durable product, but also keep in mind that it alters the tank’s ability to maintain the water inside at a high temperature. In general, it’s best to opt for dispensers that have tanks made from stainless steel. If the tank is insulated, it means that water will stay hot inside it for longer, which is energy efficient as well.

Draw off

The hot water dispenser is connected to a faucet, which is where you get your hot water from. Draw off refers to how much hot water can deliver before you need to leave the tank to refill. You will notice that most manufacturers offer this information upfront. A decent unit should be able to give you about 40 to 60 cups of hot water per hour before the tank needs refilling and reheating.

Safety features

There are some units that come with a feature that makes the dispenser shut down automatically in case you’re trying to draw water from a tank that isn’t filled. Simply put, if you’re running the heater of a dry tank, there are chances of malfunction, which is why it’s important to have this feature that shuts down the heating element to prevent burnout.

Faucet/tap

The hot water that’s heated inside the tank needs to come out somehow. Some units sell the hot water tank, but also provide you with faucets, while others only sell the tank, and you have to purchase the faucet separately. If you want to avoid the hassle of having to make an extra purchase, then consider buying a unit that comes with a faucet included in the package.

Related: How To Install A Kitchen Faucet

Is Hot Water Dispenser Better than Kettle?

An instant hot water dispenser, as the name implies, is a device that provides hot water instantly. Within one minute, you can prepare beverages such as coffee, tea, and instant noodles. 

The electric kettle was one of the first rapid water boiling appliances to gain popularity, and the hot water dispenser is now taking over. Although hot water dispensers have been for some time, they have gained popularity in the last few years. 

If you’re wondering which one to get, here is a short comparison between the two.

Ease of use

Similar to the hot water dispenser, an electric kettle swiftly boils water in a few minutes. Additionally, it is more portable than a hot water dispenser, since you can carry it wherever you need to and conveniently pour water. A hot water dispenser is a point-of-use device.

It’s extremely simple to use an electric kettle. Simply fill it with water, put it into a socket, and turn it on. Within a few minutes, you’ll have the temperature of your hot water for drinking or brewing hot tea. 

There are several types of hot water dispensers; some units are highly portable and suitable for home or office use; and there are plumbed-in ones that are suited for a large corporation.

Price & capacity

Generally, the electric kettle is slightly less expensive than the hot water dispenser and is not prohibitively expensive. The electric kettle is more cost effective and suitable for lesser volumes. 

You most certainly have a far less water capacity than the hot water dispenser. It is designed for three to five people, such as a small family or a small workplace with a few employees.

The most attractive feature of this appliance is its low price. They are really economical and come in a variety of pricing ranges. If you want to pay a lot of money to acquire extra features, you may, but you can also get a nice one for a reasonable price. Occasionally, the cost is as cheap as an electric kettle.

Efficiency

In order to boil around 500 ml of water, an instant hot water dispenser consumes nearly the same amount of electricity as an electric kettle, but if you use the electric kettle frequently, you are wasting a significant amount of energy. The exteriors consume the majority of energy and are inefficient. If you have a ten to twenty-person office and an electric kettle, it will take at least three to four refills.

However, a hot water dispenser has a significantly bigger capacity and, in many advanced models, you may select the amount of water you require and the water dispenser will only heat up that amount of water. 

Additionally, these units have an automatic stop feature, which means that once the water reaches a predetermined temperature, the unit will immediately shut off. Additionally, the high capacity allows for nearly 2 or 3 times the amount of water to be boiled, making it more energy efficient than an electric kettle.

Hot Water Dispenser Temperature

When you press the handle, cool tap water rushes into the tank, dislodging the near-boiling water that runs out the spout. When the handle is released, the valve closes and the flow of hot water ceases. 

The cool water is then heated to approximately 201 degrees Fahrenheit before usage; however, some report that their water tank heats the water to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, which results in water flowing out of the spout at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boilers vs. Water Heaters

Boilers vs. Water Heaters

The term “boiler” is somewhat deceptive, as a boiler does not really boil water. Rather than that, a boiler converts water to steam. Not only may boilers be used to heat water, but they can also be used to heat your home.

Boilers, like hot water heaters, heat water quickly and are available in tankless and tanked configurations. In comparison to hot water heaters, however, some boiler systems include a hot water storage cylinder.

Hot water heaters are more straightforward than boilers, as they perform a single function: they heat potable water. This water is then used in showers, washing machines, and dishwashing, among other things.

Water heaters store water

Typically, water is heated to roughly 125 degrees. It is maintained at a constant temperature until it is required — for example, when someone in your home showers, washes dishes, or does laundry. 

Water is drawn from the tank’s top and forced into your pipes. Cold water is subsequently pumped into the bottom of the water heater, where it is heated. The critical point to remember here is that a water heater reserves water until it is required in a particular region of the house, whereas a boiler does not – it just heats water as it flows through the tubes.

Boilers heat water faster

Boilers, which are constructed entirely of copper tubes, are sophisticated heating gadgets that convert water to steam. They commonly use electricity, propane, natural gas, or heating oil to rapidly heat water for two distinct purposes: hot water and home heating. A boiler system heats water to the point of boiling and then uses the steam generated to distribute heat throughout your home.

Best Hot Water Dispensers

1. Ready Hot Instant Hot Water Dispenser

How water dispenser install

Our first product for today is a hot water dispenser with plenty of features that make it a durable and reliable product to invest in. It can give you up to 60 cups of nearly boiling water each hour, which is pretty cool considering how much it would take for you to boil that much water through other means.

This model comes with a temperature adjustment feature that allows you to select between 140 and 200 degrees. The tank that goes under the sink has a 2.5-quart capacity and is made from high-quality stainless steel. The Ready Hot RH-200-F570-BN hot water dispenser gives you the possibility to choose between an open-vented single-lever and a dual-level hot and cold faucet, available in a chrome or a brushed nickel finish. It has a self-resetting thermal fuse that prevents the tank from burning out should you attempt a dry startup.

2. Satin Nickel InSinkErator

How water dispenser install

Next up, we wanted to show you the InSinkErator HOT150, a dispenser that’s affordable and packs a variety of features that a household can benefit from when in need of hot water. It combines a satin nickel faucet with a ⅔-gallon tank made from durable stainless steel to deliver nearly-boiling water each time you need it.

Much like the previous model, this one can also give you about 60 cups of 200-degrees hot water every hour, so you’ll never run out of it no matter how much you need. It comes with a front dial that allows you to control the temperature of the water (although it would have been nice to mark it with actual temperature thresholds). You can install this hot water dispenser without the need for additional tools, which is a pretty cool feature to have.

3. Anaheim AH-1300 Quick and Hot Instant Hot Water Tank

How water dispenser install

If you already have a faucet or a particular faucet model in mind that you want to go with and all you really need is the water tank that’s mounted under the kitchen sink, the Anaheim AH-1300 might be the right product for you. It is a hot water dispenser that delivers up to 60 cups of hot water every hour, so it should have you covered each time you’re looking to defrost peas or make yourself a cup of hot tea.

The stainless steel water tank is insulated to make sure that it retains heat and keeps the water inside as hot as it can for as long as it can. The front of the water tank houses a temperature control knob that turns the unit on and off, but also allows you to set up the temperature of your choice.

4. InSinkErator H-Wave-C Involve Series with Stainless Steel Tank

How water dispenser install

Coming up, we have yet another InSinkErator hot water dispenser, because these guys make some really good dispensers. This particular one gives you hot water exclusively, but you also have the possibility to choose a model that offers both cold and hot water.

The unit is delivered together with a fancy-looking faucet, saving you the trouble of having to look for a compatible one yourself. To install this unit, you’re going to need a 1.25 to 1.5-inch hole. The front side houses the temperature control knob, allowing you to set up the desired temperature between 160 and 210 degrees. Made with a durable metal construction, this is the kind of product that will stick with you for years to come.

5. Ready Hot Water Dual Lever Faucet

How water dispenser install

This particular model from Ready Hot comes with a dual-lever faucet that disperses both hot and cold water, depending on what you need at that moment. It offers up to 40 cups of nearly-boiling water every hour. The dial located on the front of the tank modifies the heating temperature, with the lowest setting being 140 degrees and the highest one, 190 degrees.

You have the possibility to opt between a chrome and a brushed nickel faucet, increasing the odds of you having an additional faucet that actually matches your existing kitchen hardware. The self-resetting thermal fuse is there to prevent the tank’s burnout in case of dry startup. And speaking of the tank, this stainless steel beast has a 2.5-quart capacity and has a resistant heated element, with even the inlet and outlet tubes being made from the same quality stainless steel.

6. Waste King H711-U-SN Quick & Hot Water Dispenser Faucet & Tank

How water dispenser install

Our last suggestion for today comes from Waste King and takes the shape of another Quick & Hot water dispenser, but this time, it comes with a faucet included in the package. Unlike the other dispensers we’ve seen so far, this one can make up to 100 cups of hot water every hour, making it suitable for larger families that often need to cook more food or are more likely to need a large volume of hot water on a regular basis.

The open-vented safety system might lead to a few drips from the faucet because of the safety feature that increases/decreases the temperature without over-expansion. The tank is mounted underneath the kitchen sink, in a vertical position, while the faucet can be installed in the sprayer hole.

Can You Install It by Yourself?

Can You Install It by Yourself?

Yes, it is possible for you to install a hot water dispenser by yourself, but there are a few things to consider first. Your sink top needs to have a hole that can fit the dispenser’s spout, which is why a lot of people choose to set up this unit during their kitchen renovation, prior to buying a new sink.

But let’s assume you are nowhere near remodeling and your existing sink doesn’t have the hole needed. If you have a sprayer, you can remove it to make room for the hot water dispenser. If not, you can call in a plumber to have them drill an additional hole in your kitchen sink. It’s best to leave this step to a professional if you’ve never had to drill holes in materials such as stainless steel or porcelain before.

When you have a hole available for your new hot water dispenser, things get a little easier from there:

  • Insert the spout of your dispenser through the top of the hole. Grab it from underneath the sink and tighten it in place using a large nut. There should be no room for wobbling once this step is done.
  • The next step requires you to mount the tank under the sink/on the cabinet wall. This depends on the type of hot water dispenser you chose.
  • You have to connect the tank to the water supply. The best way to do so is by clamping a saddle valve on the cold water pipe to gain access to the water supply.
  • Use ¼ inches of copper tubing and compression fittings to connect the appliance to the valve.
  • The last step implies connecting the spout to the tank. The majority of these models have two plastic tubes which are color labeled (red is for hot water and blue is for cold water). These two tubes are equipped with connectors that you need to plug at the top of the tank.

FAQ

Does Instant Hot Water Save Money?

When properly installed, an instant hot water system can save you money in the long run. While they are initially more expensive, you will only end up paying for the water you actually use. Additionally, you will not have to worry about potential heat loss from the storage tank.

On average, we’ve discovered that instant hot water systems outlast storage tanks. When combined with the elimination of sacrificial anodes that must be replaced on a regular basis as is the case with storage tanks, instant hot water is certain to make your wallet happy.

Not only will you save energy on your hot water, but you will also contribute less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. As a result, your instant hot water system benefits both you and the environment.

Is Water from Dispenser Safe, Healthy?

Water dispensers are known for facilitating the multiplication of microorganisms. On a regular basis, several people touch public dispensers at work, moving germs back and forth and putting the health of many individuals at risk. If not managed appropriately, people can end up being ill due to these microorganisms.

The best method of eliminating germs is to clean and sterilize your water dispenser on a regular basis. Public dispensers need to be cleaned quite often. If, on the other hand, you have a private dispenser in your home, you may not need to clean it daily, but you should still clean them once a week.

Mold is all about the presence of germs, which could result in a series of different problems for your health. It is not easy to detect mold growth since it occurs in hidden regions. Mold typically has a strong odor. 

With his knowledge, it’s important to make a monthly dispenser inspection to check for any potential mold growth. Using water and soap to clean the dispenser should be enough. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Water Dispenser?

Costs associated with installing a hot water dispenser vary. It will often cost between $200 and $400. The cost will vary depending on the type of instant hot water dispenser required, the length of the water lines required, and whether the sink must be dug out.

Can You Put Milk in a Hot Water Dispenser?

You should never put anything other than water in a hot water dispenser. It would be very difficult to do it, even if you tried. That’s because these dispensers are connected to your plumbing system, so you don’t actually get to open them and poke inside. 

How Does Instant Hot Water Dispenser Work?

An instant hot water dispenser is connected directly to your plumbing system. Once the machine is activated, water is drawn from the primary system and sent to the boiler machine. 

When water goes into the unit, it undergoes a filtration procedure. To begin, the water is first filtered using modern carbon filters. This imparts a clear, crisp flavor devoid of odor. Additionally, the carbon filters should remove pollutants like VOCs, chlorine, and silt, in addition to any other off flavors.

After passing through the filtration system, water is sent to the machine’s heating element. The hot water boiler’s heating element is faster than the one in something like a kettle, thus it just takes a few moments to heat up. 

There is a filament located in the boiler which guarantees that the water is then heated over 90 degrees (centigrade), killing any bacteria present in the water, making it totally safe to go ahead and drink. And at the ideal temperature for all your favorite hot beverages.

When the filters and heating filaments work together, it results in fresh, clean tasting water at the ideal temperature, making the hot water boiler the ideal complement to that ideal hot drink.

Bottom Line

While boiling water isn’t a complicated process, it does take a little bit of time and, sometimes, you don’t want to wait that long. A hot water dispenser can help with that issue, offering you hot water access in a matter of seconds. Whether you want to make yourself a cup of tea or are looking to defrost vegetables in next to no time, a hot water dispenser is a really good thing to have, especially if you find yourself cooking frequently or need boiling hot water for all sorts of kitchen-related activities.