Considering how often we use hot water for cooking, preparing hot drinks and effective dish washing, the best instant hot water dispenser is a worthwhile investment which saves you time, effort and money on energy bills that would increase if you had to heat the kettle every time. The dispensers come with faucets and hose connection to supply hot water to your sink and are portable and compact enough to fit in your home, gym or office sinks.
Our definitive buying guide examines the most important factors to consider in a hot water dispenser. We first gauged the tank capacity to ensure it can hold enough hot water to match the level of demand, whether cooking, cleaning, making coffee, or warming your baby’s food. Next, we evaluated the tank’s dimensions for portability and placement purposes. We also assessed the temperature settings so that you could choose the perfect temperature for making specific drinks. Lastly, we looked at the faucets for their design and ease of use as well as to determine whether they dispense hot water only or both cold and hot water.
After analyzing individual features of various models and feedback from verified buyers, we compiled this comprehensive review which incorporates a comparison table, detailed reviews of each dispenser, an all-encompassing buying guide and an informative FAQ segment.
More features: automated heater protection
We ranked Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH as our Editor’s Choice because of its versatility in terms of installation, useful features and functionality like the dual-handle faucet which dispenses both cold and hot water to meet a wider range of needs and preferences. We love its performance and pricing as well as the stylish design which blends in with most décor.
The energy-efficient with 1300 wattage consumption unit comes with a power cord, a separate mounting ring and a clamp assembly which you can install entirely from above the sink. The package also includes an instruction guide which, however, could contain more illustrations to quicken the process.
It has a swiveling spout and diverse temperature ranging from 140 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit and a manual dial on the hot water side to adjust it. For safety purposes, the hot tap has a red button which has to be pushed in to unlock the lever forwards to dispense hot water. This is a useful feature because it reduces the burning hazard caused by the initial delay of the hot water, which then spews out in full force. Turn the dial slightly then allow 3 to 4 seconds for this delay. Comparatively, the cold tap dispenses water at normal temperature as soon as you turn the dial.
The stainless steel tank with a removable drain plug has a water capacity of 5/8-gallons, a production capacity of 100 cups per hour, and an hourly dispensing capacity of 60 cups of near boiling water which can effectively sterilize utensils, melt thawed food and instantly sate your thirst with your favorite hot beverages.
Other notable features include a self-resetting thermal fuse and automated heater protection mechanism against dry start.
More features: LCD display; spill protection
Zojirushi CD-WCC40 is a mini countertop model that doesn’t require any installation. It also has unique features on our recommended list of the best instant hot water tank and dispenser models.
For starters, it comes with preset temperature options of 160,175, 195 and 208 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can only select the specified settings. It also features a timer which you can activate for the unit to run in six to ten hours and a beeping indicator alert which notifies you when the water level runs low or when the water reaches boiling point. You can silence the alerts or choose between a melody and five beeps.
Secondly, it has protective mechanisms in the spout and within the lid to prevent water spillage when the dispenser tilts or tips over, an unlocking button which is activated for ten seconds when you press the dispense button to prevent accidental dispensing of hot water, and a detachable magnetic power cord which avoids scalding hazards from pulling or tripping over the cord.
It also boasts of a water tank with a large capacity of 135 ounces, an exterior made of brushed metal and an inner protective non-stick coating made of polyflon from Daikin to prevent scaling from minerals and calcium deposits. In case of buildup, the manufacturer recommends a citric acid cleaning which also prevents the formation of discolored spots.
Once the water boils, it maintains the selected preset temperature setting throughout the day as long as there is sufficient water in the tank. Otherwise, it automatically shuts off to avoid burnout.
In addition to the LCD display, which features temperature readout above the spout, this dispenser features two buttons for Reboil and Quick Temp which heats water to the set temperature.
More features: tool-free tank connections; delivers up to 60 cups per hour
In addition to the competitive pricing, our Budget Pick boasts of a compact streamlined profile, decent hourly rate of hot water output, safety features and low energy consumption which has made it the best rated instant hot water dispenser system. The tool-free connection system comes as a complete package comprising of a hot water tank, faucet, thermostat, power cord and everything you need to install it, including the instructions to guide you. This saves you money on additional installation and connection tools.
This dispenser is part of the Invite Series by InSinkErator, a longtime pioneer of several inventions for the sink, mostly water dispensers, and garbage disposals. Featuring an adjustable temperature range of 160 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, InSinkErator H-CONTOUR-SS instantly delivers hot water right to your sink. The temperature control dial is conveniently placed on the front of the tank, which can hold up to 2/3 gallons of water to yield a maximum hourly output of 60 cups of hot water per hour.
To eliminate the effects of chlorine and sediment, which may impact the flavor of your meals and beverages, you could acquire the InSinkErator filtration systems which are sold separately.
Customers praise the compactness of the 7.4-pound hot water dispenser, tool-free installation, twist handle, the self-closing valve which is a building code dispenser requirement in some areas, and the dry-start protection which protects the unit from damage by preventing it from running when there is no water.
The faucet sports a chrome finish but plastic tubing which a few buyers dislike. The dispenser may also be momentarily noisy during operation.
More features: 19-inch hose; up to 100 cups per hour
Waste King H711-U-SN comes as a package consisting of a hot water tank with a capacity of 5/8 gallons, a 19-inch long hose, an integrated power cord, and a sleek satin nickel faucet which adds a stylish aspect to your home.
The unit consumes 1300 watts to produce up to 100 cups of hot water per hour, although it only dispenses 60 cups per hour. The wattage is relatively higher than other models, which is why it heats water much faster than its counterparts, but you won’t notice much difference to your energy bill because its consumption is still less than than a 40-watt light bulb. With temperature ranging from 140 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit which can be adjusted by using the rotary knob on the front of the tank, you can instantly prepare a steaming cup of tea or thaw frozen food to shorten preparation time.
Although the hourly hot water dispensing capacity is much lower than the hourly production capacity, Waste King H711-U-SN is a dispenser which offers great value for the accessible price tag. We also like the swiveling faucet whose base can be pivoted to position the lever in any direction to customize it to your handedness.
However, it does not have an automatic shut-off feature that would be convenient when you are away. It also sputters steam when operating at high temperature due to the high pressure of the boiling water. This is fixed by adjusting the temperature to a slightly lower level.
More features: spring piston handle assembly with auto-off lever
In 1935, two siblings started a Company which mainly manufactured faucets and plumbing products such as valves and malleable fittings. Since then, the company has expanded to include water dispensers and several other products for bathrooms and kitchens.
The dispenser comes with an oil-rubbed bronze faucet. This shields the internal metallic components from rusting and deterioration.
Westbrass D271H-12 Velosah Instant Hot Water Dispenser comes with a water tank which rapidly heats water to ensure ready access to hot water for office and household use and a faucet made of oil-rubbed bronze which protects your dispenser from deterioration and corrosion to lengthen its lifespan. The 9-inch faucet features a high-arced spot which leaves plenty of clearance from the sink so it does not get in your way. Coupled with a tank capacity of 2/3 gallons of water which heats rapidly, it makes the best kitchen instant hot water dispenser for cooking and washing dishes.
The single handle on the faucet automatically turns itself off for safety purposes and to further reduce your power bill although Westbrass D271H-12 is energy-efficient, consuming only 1300 watts.
The package includes ¼-inch copper tubing, Santorin hose outlet, and mounting tools for the single-hole installation. Please note that you cannot modify this unit to dispense cold water. The manufacturer also recommends using plumber’s putty sealant instead of silicone seal for installation. Buyers like the easy setup and temperature control, which allows for adjustment between 145 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Some feel the pricing is a bit high for a dispenser which loses pressure and reduces the water flowing rate to a trickle after a while.
In the section below, we review the most important features to consider when choosing the best instant hot water tank and dispenser to help you identify the best model for the type and level of your hot water needs as well as your budget, space, and style. We also list out the benefits you can expect from the dispenser and useful tips on how to install instant hot water dispenser systems.
The portability and versatility of our recommended dispensers make them more than the best kitchen instant hot water dispensers because you can install them in offices, gyms, cafes and anywhere where there are a water supply, power outlet, and a sink. Below are the features that will help you choose the right one for you.
Evaluating the tank capacity enables you to choose the best kitchen instant hot water dispenser that would meet the volume of hot water required. You will obviously need a larger capacity for cleaning dishes and serving large gatherings.
The models on our list have a minimum tank capacity of 0.6 gallons and produce at least 60 cups of hot water per hour as we see in InSinkErator H-CONTOUR-SS. Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH and Waste King H711-U-SN, which have a 5/8 gallon tank capacity, produce 100 cups of hot water in an hour.
These energy-efficient units instantly avail hot water to you and save you money on utility bills.
Faucets are mostly included in the package, although that is not always the case. Sometimes, you may have to buy it separately. Most faucets feature a single lever or handle designed to dispense hot water, but you can get a few like the Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH which dispenses both cold and hot water.
As the mainly visible part of the best under sink instant hot water dispensers, faucets come in a variety of sizes, styles, and designs which are either inconspicuous to blend in or sleek and stylish to match your décor.
Since the faucet influences where the hot water will be delivered, be it in a cup, pot or sink, look for a swiveling spout which allows you to direct the flow to whichever direction you need.
One of the greatest benefits of instant hot water dispensers is the temperature range and control, which allow you to dispense hot water at your preferred temperature. You can set it a high setting to extract the optimal flavor of tea and coffee or for sterilization when washing dishes or to a lower setting to warm food. If you intend to use it at its highest temperature, don’t forget your sink should withstand it. A stainless steel kitchen sink is a good choice in this regard.
Examples of dispensers on our list and their corresponding temperature range are the Westbrass D271H-12 with 145 to 190 ºF, InSinkErator H-CONTOUR-SS with 160 to 210 ºF, and Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH with 140 to 210 ºF. This explains why these models are capable of dispensing water at the nearly boiling point of 212 ºF.
On the other hand, the Zojirushi CD-WCC40 comes with preset temperature options of 160,175, 195 and 208 degrees Fahrenheit, which limits your choice to the four programmed temperature settings.
Since water expands at boiling point, you may notice your dispenser spitting out steam due to the high pressure. Switching the temperature of your instant hot water dispenser to a lower setting will often fix this.
When choosing the best instant hot water tank and dispenser, the tank size matters a lot because these dispensers are designed to work with your existing cold water supply and fit in under the sink. They also need to be set up in close proximity to a power outlet. Fortunately, all the models we have reviewed here are portable and compact to fit easily in small spaces under the sink. Even the Zojirushi CD-WCC40, which is the largest on our list, has fairly space-saving dimensions of 8.2 x 13.5 x 11.2 inches.
This normally ranges from one to three years, depending on the brand and model. Going by the frequent demand for hot water in most households for various usages, this is a unit that you will most likely use often. The best kitchen instant hot water dispenser would, therefore, be the one with an extended warranty to cover you in case of breakdowns and other defects.
Indicators: They alert you when the water level runs low and when the water reaches boiling point. The Zojirushi CD-WCC40 has such indicator alerts.
How many cups it can deliver: Manufacturers and sellers typically indicate the number of cups of hot water that their units can dispense per hour. Some models like the Waste King H711-U-SN and Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH have a production capacity of 100 cups of hot water per hour and a dispensing capacity of 60 cups of hot water per hour.
Housing materials: Stainless steel is a popular material in the best rated instant hot water dispensers because it is durable and sturdy enough to withstand heat. Other materials used are brass and silicone. Most models feature coatings and finish made of chrome, satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze due to their protective and aesthetic properties.
Our top three picks are the Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH for its versatility, followed by the Zojirushi CD-WCC40 for its uniqueness, then the InSinkErator H-CONTOUR-SS for the competitive pricing.
As the best instant hot water tank and dispenser, the Ready Hot RH-200-F560-CH boasts of no-tool installation, a dual handle faucet for hot and cold water, a convenient swiveling spout and automated heater protection mechanism against dry start.
The high tank capacity, maintenance of set temperature throughout the day, Reboil mode and protective measures against spillage and scalding are among the reasons we chose Zojirushi CD-WCC40 as the best instant hot water dispenser for tea which requires water at boiling point.
Our Budget Pick is also the best rated instant hot water dispenser system by verified buyers. The InSinkErator H-CONTOUR-SS dispenses 60 cups per house and is equipped with an adjustable thermostat for the different temperature ranging from 160 to 210 °F and an auto shut-off safety valve.