Hot Water Dispensers – Understanding The Basic
Hot water dispensers can be very convenient – both for home use and for industrial purposes. However, there is still some confusion about what, exactly, a hot water dispenser is, how it works, and the different types of hot water dispensers available on the market today.
Let’s take a look at the basics now, starting with what hot water dispensers are.
What Is A Hot Water Dispenser?
A hot water dispenser is an appliance that integrates a faucet or some kind of water container with a heating element. This heating element allows water to be heated to a certain temperature instantly, or heats a specific volume of water, and maintains that level of heat. Usually, water is heated to about 201° F, or just under the boiling temperature.
This makes it easy to get hot water for just about any application – whether it’s for hot beverages such as coffee or tea, for cooking food, for cleaning laundry or dishes, or any other reason. Hot water dispensers eliminate the time-consuming process of constantly boiling water in electric/stovetop kettles, or in pots and pans.
The Different Types Of Hot Water Dispensers
There are three primary types of hot water dispensers that are used in the home today. Here’s what you need to know.
- Integrated hot water dispensers – Integrated hot water dispensers are the most expensive, power-hungry type of hot water dispenser. However, they are also the most convenient.As the name suggests, these hot water dispensers are integrated directly into your home’s sink and plumbing, and usually can dispense hot water directly from a faucet in the sink.Typically, integrated hot water dispensers consist of an insulated tank, a heating element, and a faucet, and link directly with the water supply of your home. Water is drawn into the insulated tank, where a heating element brings it to the desired temperature. Then, the water is maintained at this temperature until it must be used.After water is dispensed, the insulated tank will fill with cold water, and the entire process will be repeated. Though these dispensers do use a fair amount of energy, they are very convenient, and integrate seamlessly into an existing sink.
These units also often integrate a filtration system, allowing for a more high-quality water supply.
Instant, “tankless” hot water dispensers are also available. These are usually more expensive than units with tanks. They use an extremely powerful heating element to rapidly bring cold water to a boil on-demand, and they don’t need an insulating tank.
This allows users to save money on power costs, as the unit is only activated when hot water is dispensed.
- Boil-on-demand water dispensers – Boil-on-demand water dispensers are, essentially, supercharged electric kettles. These devices do not require installation, and are usually small enough to fit comfortably on a kitchen counter.These water dispensers are able to heat a small volume of water – usually not more than a pint or so – in a very short time, usually less than a minute. Because water is not constantly heated and kept at a steady temperature, they are more energy-efficient than comparable integrated hot water dispensers.However, they do have some drawbacks. They take longer to boil water, as the process is not instantaneous. They also require regular refilling by the user, making them somewhat more inconvenient. Finally, only a small volume of hot water can be boiled at once.Despite these drawbacks, these units are very inexpensive, making them popular for consumers on a budget.
- Thermo-pot hot water dispensers – These standalone units are quite similar to integrated hot water dispensers, but do not require installation in a sink. They are usually quite a bit larger than boil-on-demand water dispensers.Thermo-pot hot water dispensers essentially combine an electric kettle and an insulated hot water flask. The boiler brings the water to the desired temperature, and the built-in heating element and insulated tank allows the water to maintain that temperature until the water is used.These dispensers usually have a capacity of between 2-5 liters, making them a better choice than boil-on-demand water dispensers if a large volume of water is required. However, these units must still be refilled by the user, and do use up a fair amount of electricity maintaining proper water temperature.
The Benefits Of A Hot Water Dispenser
Hot water dispensers have a number of benefits, compared to alternative sources of hot water such as the sink, stovetop kettles, or dedicated electric kettles.
- Higher temperatures – Most home water heaters limit temperatures in sinks and showers to about 120° F. This is done for safety reasons – you don’t want to accidentally use boiling water in your bath, or for cleaning your dishes.Still, sometimes you may need higher-temperature water to cook, or make hot beverages quickly. Hot water dispensers usually bring water to temperatures in excess of 200° F, so they’re perfect for these applications.
- Convenience – Having hot water on demand is much more convenient than going through the process of filling a kettle and boiling it – so a hot water dispenser can save you quite a bit of time!
- High capacity – Your standard kettle can only boil 48-64oz of water at a time, and boiling a large volume of water takes time. In contrast, high-capacity hot water dispensers can often boil and heat a gallon or more – providing you with a high-volume water heating solution.
Hot Water Dispensers – Safe, Convenient, And Affordable
Because hot water dispensers come in so many different types, there’s sure to be a dispenser out there that’s perfect for you. So think about how you can benefit from the convenience of a hot water dispenser, and shop now.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Mendo Lake, CA and surrounding areas. We have technicians trained to repair, install, and tune-up water heaters of all makes and models. Give us a call at (707)-263-1629 or visit us online at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.
*We have 24/7 emergency services available in Lake & Mendocino Counties
Toll Free: (877)-236-1776.
