Having an endless supply of hot water available at the push of a button can make life more convenient in many ways. Hot cup water dispensers allow you to quickly brew a cup of tea, make instant coffee, soup, or oatmeal, without having to boil water on the stove. They provide a steady stream of hot water on demand. But are they really worth investing in? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons to help you decide if buying a hot cup water dispenser is the right choice for your needs.
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Pros of Owning a Hot Cup Water Dispenser
There are several advantages that make hot cup water dispensers useful appliances to have in your home or office:
Convenience
The main benefit of a hot cup water dispenser is the sheer convenience it provides. Just press a button and hot water starts flowing out immediately. There is no waiting around for water to boil. This can save you time when making hot drinks, cooking, cleaning, and more. The constant availability of hot water makes the tasks requiring it faster and simpler.
Energy Efficient
Most hot cup water dispensers only heat the water at the time it flows through. This means they don’t have to maintain a whole tank or kettle worth of hot water at a constant temperature when it’s not in use. The on-demand heating process makes them more energy efficient than a kettle that is constantly on. This can help lower electricity bills.
Safety
Hot cup water dispensers dispense water at a set temperature that is ideal for hot drinks but won’t result in burns. The water that comes out is around 180-192°F. This makes them safer to use than kettles where you have to monitor the boiling temperature and pour it carefully. There is less risk of accidental spills and burns.
Space Saving
These dispensers are designed to have small, compact footprints. They don’t take up much counter space and are easy to tuck into a corner. This makes them ideal options for offices, dorm rooms, or apartments where space is limited. In contrast, a kettle takes up space even when not in use.
Many Uses
You can use the hot water from these dispensers for making various hot beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, instant oatmeal or soup. The water can also be utilized for quick cleaning tasks like washing dishes, defrosting frozen foods, sterilizing baby bottles, removing stains, and more. Their versatility makes them handy appliances.
Filtered Water
Some advanced hot cup water dispensers come with built-in water filtration systems. This removes impurities like chlorine and improves water taste, while also preventing scale build-up in the machine that can hamper heating efficiency.
Cons of Hot Cup Water Dispensers
For all their benefits, hot cup water dispensers also come with some downsides to consider:
Upfront Cost
Purchasing a hot cup water dispenser represents a significant upfront investment. Prices range from $50 for basic models to over $200 for high-end versions with advanced features. This initial purchase cost may not make financial sense for some households.
Slow Flow Rate
The water flow rate from these dispensers is relatively slow, around 0.5 – 1 gallon per minute. This can make filling larger containers like pots a bit time consuming. Electric kettles tend to have faster boiling and pouring ability.
Prone to Mineral Buildup
As the water is heated repeatedly, the minerals get concentrated and can form scales inside the dispenser over time. This buildup will require periodic descaling to remove. Otherwise, it hampers the machine’s heating efficiency and functioning.
Regular Maintenance
To keep the dispenser working well, you need to do periodic maintenance like changing filters, removing mineral deposits, cleaning nozzle. Neglecting this care can make it more prone to breakdowns and decrease its lifespan.
Risk of Damage from Spills
The heated water tanks and internal wiring make hot cup dispensers more vulnerable to permanent damage from water spills and leaks compared to a basic kettle.
Takes Up Counter Space
While compact, these dispensers still take up some precious real estate on your kitchen counter. If you have very limited counter space, this could be an important consideration.
Not Ideal for Larger Volumes
Filling up large pots for cooking meals will take quite long with a typical flow rate of 1-2 cups per minute from these dispensers. Kettles work better for rapidly boiling gallons of water.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Hot Cup Dispenser
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing which specific hot cup water dispenser model to purchase:
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity determines how much water it can hold at a time, ranging from 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon. Larger capacity is better for reducing refill frequency.
Heating Element Wattage
Higher wattage heating elements heat water faster but also use more electricity. Choose wattage based on your speed and energy efficiency needs.
Temperature Settings
Models with multiple temperature settings allow customizing the heat level for different uses from 160°F for baby food to 195°F for coffee.
Flow Rate
Faster water flow rate reduces waiting time when filling cups or containers. Optimal rate is 1-2 gallons per minute.
Safety Features
Auto shut-off and child lock prevent accidental overheating and dispenser misuse for safety. Insulated carafes are also useful.
Ease of Use
Intuitive controls, easy water refilling, and clear water level indicators improve convenience and user experience.
Filter Included
Built-in filters improve water purity and taste while also minimizing scale buildup inside the machine.
Descaling Function
Auto descaling makes the cleaning and mineral removal process simpler allowing the dispenser to work more efficiently.
Warranty
A longer 1-2 year warranty provides peace of mind and protects against early manufacturer defects or breakdowns.
Dimensions
Compact, space-saving footprint is desirable for countertop use, especially in smaller kitchens.
Budget
Hot cup dispensers range from $50 to $300. Decide how much you are willing to spend based on your needs and which features are must-haves.
Hot Cup Dispenser vs. Electric Kettle Comparison
Here is a comparison of the key differences between hot cup water dispensers and electric kettles:
| Feature | Hot Cup Dispenser | Electric Kettle |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | More convenient, provides instant constant hot water on demand | Less convenient, have to wait for water to boil every time |
| Speed | Slower flow rate, can take longer to fill larger volumes | Faster boiling and pouring, ideal for filling big pots quicker |
| Energy Use | Only heats water flowing through, more energy efficient | Maintains whole volume hot, uses more energy |
| Safety | Fixed temp. reduces burn risk, child lock available | Risk of burns from boiling water, no child safety |
| Size | Compact, space-saving smaller footprint | Takes up more space when not in use |
| Capacity | 1/2 to 1 gallon | Typically 1.5 quarts to 1.7 liters |
| Cost | More expensive, $50 to $300 range | Cheap, $15 to $100 range |
| Maintenance | More – descaling, filter changes, cleaning | Less – occasional descaling and cleaning |
Conclusion
Here are the key takeaways on whether or not investing in a hot cup water dispenser is worthwhile:
- The convenience and constant availability of piping hot water on demand is the biggest perk.
- They are energy efficient since water is only heated when dispensed.
- Safety from fixed optimal drinking temperature and child lock makes them safer.
- Compact size saves counter space versus an electric kettle.
- But the higher upfront cost, slower flow rate, maintenance needs, and risk of mineral buildup are downsides.
- Electric kettles work better for rapidly boiling large volumes.
- A hot cup dispenser makes most sense for frequent small volume hot water needs, in settings like offices, dorms, studios.
Ultimately, it’s about weighing your specific wants and needs. Frequent tea and coffee drinkers who value convenience can benefit most from having a hot cup water dispenser. But occasional boiling water users may be better off sticking with a humble stovetop or electric kettle.