Is instant hot water at the kitchen sink worth it?

Having instant hot water available right at your kitchen sink can be a huge convenience that saves time and makes cleaning up easier. But installing an instant hot water dispenser or hot water tap does come at a cost. Is the convenience and time savings worth the expense? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

What are the benefits of instant hot water at the sink?

Here are some of the main benefits and conveniences that come with having instant hot water available right at your kitchen sink:

• No more waiting for water to get hot when you need to fill a pot, wash dishes by hand, or clean up a mess. Hot water is available instantly with the turn of a faucet.
• Saves water since you don’t have to let the tap run and wait for hot water from the pipes. This can help reduce your water bills.
• More sanitary for washing hands and cleaning as you have immediate access to hot, germ-killing water.
• Allows you to quickly clean greasy pans and messy dishes that need hot water to cut through grime.
• Great for making coffee, tea, or preparing baby bottles where hot water is essential.
• You can fill pots faster with hot water to boil.
• Helps prevent burns as you don’t have to reach into a stream of hot water flowing from the regular faucet.
• Convenient for washing fruits and vegetables or defrosting frozen foods.
• Saves time spent waiting around for hot water.

The main appeal of instant hot water dispensers and taps is the convenience and time savings. For busy kitchens, instantly available hot water can make cleaning up and cooking much quicker and easier.

What are the downsides of instant hot water systems?

Despite the benefits, there are some downsides to keep in mind as well:

• More expensive upfront cost for purchase and installation.
• Ongoing operating costs for energy to heat the water.
• Risk of accidental scalding since water comes out instantly hot.
• Possibility of breakdowns requiring repairs.
• Takes up extra space under the sink or on the counter.
• Limited flow rate in some models.
• Only provides hot water at the one faucet, not others.

The main downsides are the added upfront expense, energy costs, and limitations of only having hot water available at one sink instead of all faucets. Safety could also be a concern if the hot water temperature is set too high.

What are the different types of instant hot water systems?

There are a few different ways to get instant hot water from your kitchen faucet. Here are the main types of systems:

• Electric tankless water heaters – Heat water on demand using electric heating elements. Only heat the water when the hot water tap is turned on. Require a 120V or 240V electric connection under the sink and may need an upgrade to support the electric load.
• Under Sink Mini Tank Hot Water Heaters – A small water tank, usually around 2-4 gallons, is kept hot under the sink to provide a ready supply of hot water. May plug into a standard outlet or hardwire to electrical supply. Keep a small reservoir of water hot.
• Instant Hot Water Dispensers – Countertop appliances that heat a reservoir of water to boiling temperatures then cool it down to an adjustable temperature for the hot water tap. Do not require plumbing into pipes. Uses counter space.
• Hot Water Recirculating Systems – Uses a pump to push water through a loop from the water heater back to a dedicated faucet. Keeps hot water circulating through the pipes so it arrives faster. Requires recirculating kit and return line.

The choice depends on your budget, available space, and plumbing access. Tankless heaters provide the fastest supply of hot water but have the highest upfront cost. Mini tank heaters offer a balance of convenience and affordability. Hot water dispensers are the most affordable option but take up counter space.

How much does an instant hot water system cost?

Costs can vary greatly depending on the type of system:

System Type	Average Cost Range
Electric Tankless Water Heater	$200 – $1000
Mini Tank Water Heater	$100 – $350
Hot Water Dispenser	$50 – $300
Hot Water Recirculating System	$100 – $500

On the low end, a hot water dispenser can cost as little as $50. On the high end, a whole house electric tankless water heater can cost $1000 or more. Most common under sink options range from $100 – $500 installed.

What are the operating costs?

Ongoing costs for an instant hot water system include:

• Energy costs – Electricity or gas is used to heat the water. This can add $5-$15 per month depending on use.
• Maintenance – Keeping minerals or scale buildup cleared from tankless heaters may require descaling treatments or filter changes every 6-12 months. Costs $10-$30.
• Repairs – Parts like heating elements or pumps may eventually need replacement after 5-10 years. Repair costs can range from $50 – $200.

To save on energy, buy an Energy Star certified model. Be sure to descale and maintain the system regularly. Overall operating costs are reasonable for the convenience gained.

What factors determine the cost?

Key factors that influence the overall cost include:

• Type of system (tankless, mini tank, dispenser)
• Size and capacity
• Energy source (electric vs gas)
• Brand and quality
• Installation difficulty
• Smart features like WiFi control or voice activation

More expensive tankless heaters have larger maximum flow rates. Smaller under sink mini tank heaters are generally cheaper. Installation costs also add to the total if you hire a plumber or electrician.

Is it worth paying more for higher flow rates or faster heat up time?

Paying more for a unit with higher maximum flow rates (measured in GPM or gallons per minute) allows you to run more hot water appliances at once. For larger families, a 5-6 GPM or higher flow rate unit may be worth it.

Faster heat up times are also nice to have so you get hot water more instantly. But for most under sink applications, heat up times under 30 seconds are acceptable.

If your main goal is having hot water for a single sink, lower flow rates around 1.5 GPM are usually adequate and can save on purchase and operating costs. Prioritize ease of installation and reliability when choosing an under sink mini tank or electric tankless model.

What kind of power supply or wiring is required?

Electric instant hot water systems need adequate power:

• Mini tank heaters usually just need a 120V household outlet under the sink, no special wiring required.
• Small electric tankless heaters may run on 120V. Larger whole house electric tankless heaters require 240V and may need an electrician to install a dedicated circuit and outlet.
• Gas fired tankless heaters need a gas line with adequate gas supply pressure.

When running power for a tankless water heater, use at least 12 gauge copper wiring for maximum power delivery. Follow local building codes for proper electrical connections. Have an electrician assess your electrical service panel and outlets to make sure there is enough capacity for a tankless heater.

How difficult is the installation?

Ease of installation depends on the system:

• Mini tank heaters are the simplest, with flexible water lines and plug-in power cords.
• Under sink tankless heaters require hard plumbing connections to hot and cold water supply lines. May also need wiring.
• Hot water dispensers don’t require plumbing, just need a power outlet. Takes up counter space.
• Installing a recirculating system requires running a dedicated return line to the water heater which can involve wall demolition.

Hiring a professional plumber is recommended unless you are experienced with plumbing repairs. Electricians may also be needed for any new wiring. Getting permit approval may also be required in some areas.

Are there any maintenance requirements?

Occasional maintenance helps keep instant hot water systems working properly:

• Mini tanks will need sediment draining every 6-12 months. Check valves and anode rods every 2-3 years.
• Tankless heaters require scale removal via flushing or descaling treatments. Clean inlet filters monthly.
• Dispensers need scale filters changed and water reservoirs cleaned periodically.
• Recirculating pumps may eventually need replacement after 5+ years of use.

Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintaining your model. Take steps to control water hardness to minimize scale buildup. Having an appliance repair service inspect your system annually can help spot potential problems.

Can it provide hot water to multiple sinks or appliances?

Standard under sink systems only provide hot water at one faucet:

• Mini tank and under sink tankless heaters supply the one sink they are installed under.
• Hot water dispensers provide hot water just at their separate faucet.

To get instant hot water from multiple taps, either install separate units at each sink, or install a whole house tankless heater with multiple hot water lines. Another option is a centralized recirculating system with each faucet having a return line.

How much counter or under sink space do they require?

Space requirements are as follows:

• Mini tank heaters take up around 2 sq. ft under the sink.
• Compact under sink electric tankless heaters take up about 4 sq. ft.
• Larger gas tankless heaters may need 10+ sq. ft under sinks or require an external mounting.
• Hot water dispensers take up some counter space but can be removed when not in use.

Consider clearances needed for water and electrical connections. Make sure you will have enough free space under the sink or on your countertop before purchasing a unit. Mini tank and electric tankless heaters give the most flexible installation options.

Can it provide both hot and cold water?

Some instant hot water systems like dispensers or taps provide both hot and cold water:

• Dispensers have separate spouts for hot and cold.
• Specialized instant hot water taps allow toggling between hot and cold.

Under sink mini tank and tankless heaters usually only provide hot water to mix with the cold water line. You turn the faucet handle to adjust between hot and cold.

Look for a unit or faucet that provides both hot and cold if you want the added convenience. Certain models allow hot and cold water to come from a single spout.

Conclusion

Here are some final recommendations on whether instant hot water systems are worthwhile for your kitchen:

• They provide great convenience and time savings for busy kitchens by eliminating the wait for hot water.
• Under sink mini tank heaters offer the best balance of affordability and a quick hot water supply.
• Electric tankless heaters work well for larger supplies of continuous hot water.
• Factor in upfront costs against ongoing savings on water usage and time.
• Maintenance requirements are minimal with proper care and descaling.
• Hire professionals for complex wiring or plumbing needs.

If you frequently cook or hand wash dishes and the delays of waiting for hot water frustrate you, then an under sink instant hot system can be a very convenient upgrade. The simplicity and low cost of mini tank heaters make them the best bet for most households. With some smart planning and periodic maintenance, instant hot water can be an affordable luxury.