Making The Right Choice
When it comes down to a quick and convenient cup of tea, you may have found yourself debating: would a hot water dispenser do this better?
We use hot water a lot throughout the day. From that morning cup of coffee to cooking dinner in the evening, the humble kettle has become an essential part of our kitchen. But with the introduction of the hot water dispenser, it may be time to start thinking about which would be more suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as the space in your kitchen, how often you use your kettle, and how much you want to save on your energy bills. Would making the switch to a hot water boiler be the right choice for you?
Both appliances have their unique advantages and disadvantages, so we’ll take a look at both – listing the pros and cons of each, so you can make the right choice for you and your home.
And, once you’re finished, be sure to head on over to Boxed2Me.co.uk to check out our range of kettles and hot water dispensers.
The Classic Kettle
Kettles are a time-honoured kitchen staple and have been a familiar sight in most of our homes for generations. These days, the traditional stovetop design is a thing of the past when heating water. Electric kettles are the reigning champions of water heaters, gaining immense popularity due to their speed and convenience. Affordable and easy to install, they come in a wide range of models to suit your needs, with smaller eco-friendly models and larger versions perfect for offices.
This stylish electric kettle has a 1-litre capacity and is compact, yet surprisingly quick to the boil. Thanks to a powerful performance of 2150W, you’ll have your tea ready in no time.
If coffee is more to your tastes, a coffee maker might be more your thing – head on over to Boxed2Me for our wide range of easy-to-use coffee machines.
Pros of Kettles
- Versatility – Kettles are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, such as making tea, coffee, instant noodles, or even instant porridge.
- Mobility – Electric kettles come in cordless models which are highly portable, allowing you to move them to different parts of the kitchen or even take them on your travels.
- Durability – Traditional kettles, whether electric or stovetop, are known for their durability and ease of repair, offering a longer lifespan than some hot water dispensers.
- Energy Efficiency – Electric kettles are generally energy-efficient, using power only during the active heating process.
Cons of Kettles
- Slower Boiling Time – Kettles, while relatively fast, can take longer to boil water compared to hot water dispensers. This can be inconvenient when you’re in a rush.
- Manual Operation – Kettles require manual oversight and may not shut off automatically, potentially leading to energy waste when left unattended.
- Space Consumption – Traditional kettles occupy countertop space, which can be problematic in smaller kitchens.
Hot Water Dispensers
Hot water dispensers are a more modern addition to the kitchen. They are designed to rapidly boil water and quickly dispense it, giving you a cup of hot water in seconds. An instant hot water dispenser will only boil the amount of water at any given time, and some more advanced models feature temperature selection and dispense qualities, so you get exactly the amount you want at the perfect temperature for your drink. A hot water boiler is super convenient and ideal for coffee mornings and offices.
Dispense hot water instantly whether you want just a cup full or a continual flow. This energy-saving device can heat water up to boiling in just 5-10 seconds.
Pros of Hot Water Dispensers
- Speed – Hot water dispensers are made to boil water fast. They deliver nearly instant hot water, making them the ideal choice for busy mornings.
- Precise Temperature Control – Most hot water dispensers allow users to set their desired water temperature, ensuring optimal brewing for coffee, hot chocolate, and even baby bottles.
- Energy Efficiency – Hot water dispensers are energy efficient as they only boil the water you need, minimising waste energy.
- Space Saving – Compact and often designed to fit nicely on a countertop, hot water dispensers save valuable space – and look good doing it.
- Safety Features – Many hot water dispensers come with safety features like automatic shut-off, which reduces the risk of overheating.
Cons of Hot Water Dispensers
- Limited Functionality – Hot water dispensers primarily focus on boiling water and may not be as versatile as kettles, lacking the capacity for other cooking tasks.
- Installation – Some hot water dispensers may require professional installation, incurring additional costs.
- Higher Initial Cost – Generally, hot water dispensers have a higher initial price tag compared to traditional kettles.
- Maintenance – Periodic descaling may be necessary to prevent mineral buildup in hot water dispensers, which can be considered an additional hassle.
Is A Hot Water Dispenser Cheaper To Run Than A Kettle?
Whether a kettle or hot water dispenser is the more efficient option for you really boils down to (get it?) how you use them.
If you only require hot water once or twice a day, then an electric kettle is the clear choice in terms of energy efficiency. However, if you find yourself in need of hot water multiple times throughout the day, say for example, in a busy office, then a hot water dispenser would be the better option.
Hot water dispensers become cost-effective and more efficient when you aim to heat a small amount of water, and you have a kettle whose minimum fill level exceeds 250ml. In these instances, the kettle may take longer to boil and cost more to run.
When boiling 500ml of water, an instant hot water dispenser consumes nearly the same amount of energy as an electric kettle. Yet, if you frequently use an electric kettle, you may find yourself wasting a considerable amount of energy (ref. Homedit, 2023, The Best Hot Water Dispenser).
So, unfortunately, the choice between a kettle and a hot water dispenser in terms of energy efficiency depends on your specific requirements and how you use it – though if you’re using only a little water a day, a kettle is a clear choice.
So, Which Is Better?
So, to round it up, the choice between a kettle and a hot water dispenser greatly depends on your individual needs. Consider factors like the speed of heating, space available, how often you’ll use the appliance, and budget when making your decision.
