No British home is complete without a vehicle for producing a piping hot brew.
Whether you use a traditional kettle atop an AGA or an electric option, they’re the first thing any true Brit will purchase when moving into a new space – whether it be student digs or your first flat. As a nation, we are rightfully repulsed by the concept of heating tea in the microwave but require a near-instantaneous appliance which can help us make a perfect cuppa multiple times throughout the day.
What if we told you, our fellow tea obsessives, that there was a more efficient way than kettles and microwaves et al? We’re talking no more waiting for the water to boil, no wastage of water by boiling too vast a volume for the round of brews you’re making, and far less pesky limescale. Too good to be true? Not at all. Let us introduce you to your new favourite kitchen accessory, the humble hot water dispenser.
What’s the difference between a hot water dispenser and a kettle?
Put simply, the main difference between the two is energy usage. With the cost of living crisis showing no signs of slowing down, you can save precious pennies in the long haul by investing in a hot water dispenser over a kettle.
Though the energy to heat the same volume of water is the same for both a kettle and hot water dispenser, the former uses a large amount of electricity for a short amount of time, and the latter uses a small amount of electricity for a large amount of time.
If you’re using a kettle three to four times a day, it pays to invest in a dispenser which consumes less energy over a longer period of time and delivers instant and variable hot water temperatures.
What are the benefits of using a hot water dispenser?
Instant hot water: Say goodbye to waiting an age for the kettle to boil before engaging in the ritual of tea-making. Hot water dispensers make light work of brewing cuppas, coffees and even instant hot chocolates.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best hot water dispensers below. Keep scrolling to stay hot to go.
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Breville VKJ318 HotCup Water Dispenser - Black
With a generous two-litre capacity, Breville’s design is a departure from a traditional kettle. It will get water to boiling point but instead of pouring, it will dispense the liquid into the receptacle of your choosing, side-stepping the effort of lifting it up and potential scalds.
It comes to temperature in less than sixty seconds and lights up while it’s doing its work, giving you a free light show. At full capacity, it can make up to 10 cups, so perfect if you’ve got a thirsty crowd over. Comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now £66.91, Amazon
Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser
A slightly fancier iteration of the Breville HotCup, this rather chic stainless steel device comes equipped with Brita technology and limescale protection. It’s capable of boiling a cup of water in under 50 seconds, has a 1.8L tank which holds enough water for seven to nine cups and has a variable dispense setting depending on what size brew you desire. We like the smart light feature, which glows blue when the device is in boil mode.
Buy now £30.00, Amazon
CASO HW 660 Hot Water Dispenser
Designed to use up to 50 per cent less energy than a traditional kettle, this brilliant dispenser has seven temperature settings ranging from 40°C up to 100°C and is adjustable in 10°C increments. It’s a great option for families, not just because of its large 2.7-litre tank capacity, but thanks to the pre-set baby food preparation setting.
Caso’s hot water dispenser also has seven different water quantity options ranging from 100ml to 400ml – conveniently delivering piping hot water whether you’re making a cuppa, instant noodles or a small bowl of pasta.
Buy now £97.49, Amazon
Andrew James Airpot Hot Water Dispenser
A classic and indispensable piece of kit for caterers, this hot water dispenser by Andrew James is a must-have if you’re hosting a tea at home. Offered in either a three or five-litre capacity, it’ll keep water piping hot for hours on end (24, to be exact) thanks to the double-walled insulation. Serving drinks is easier than ever thanks to the pump dispenser, and the 360° rotating base offers flexibility and scratch-proofing.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Bear 3L Hot Water Dispenser
Featuring a three-litre tank, integrated cleaning settings, an impressive six temperature settings and five water volume options, this tidy little dispenser is a brilliant option for busy homes. We love how it’s equipped with a safety lock feature to prevent accidental touch, should your little one get too close to the appliance.
Buy now £53.19, Amazon
Philips Water Station, Hot & Ambient Filtered Water Dispenser, 2.2L Capacity
For crisp, pure-tasting hot and room-temperature water at the touch of a button, look no further than the innovative and high-tech Philips Water Station. It has the standard six pre-set temperatures and five pre-set water volumes and is also Brita compatible – offering 20 per cent faster filtration.
Buy now £199.00, Amazon
Swan SWU8L Catering Urn
Offered in an impressive six sizes ranging from eight to 30 litres, the Swan Catering Urn is the go-to option for commercial use. It’s constructed from hygienic stainless steel, is equipped with a handy drip tray and has a variable temperature function which you can adjust as and when needed.
Buy now £69.99, Amazon
