In a kitchen, every appliance has to earn its spot. And if you make multiple cups of tea or cook packages of instant ramen frequently, a hot water dispenser may be more convenient than a stovetop or electric kettle. While a tea kettle can quickly heat one to two liters of water, most don’t stay hot after. A hot water dispenser will heat and hold water at a designated, near-boiling temperature for several hours. It’s intended for all-day use, with hot water ready at the press of a button. Many models even have features for temperature control and flow rate, as well as energy-saving modes. 

We tested nine popular hot water dispensers to find the best ones, assessing how well they performed, whether they could maintain a consistent temperature for hours, and how useful and user-friendly added features were. 

The Winners, at a Glance

This model from Zojirushi was the best mix of performance and everyday usability. It kept water nearly as warm as the Panasonic model but had a few of the features we loved from the Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler, such as a digital display and an alarm that lets you know when the water has finished boiling.

The Panasonic Electric Thermo Pot Water Boiler Dispenser is undeniably excellent at keeping water at a steady temperature for a long time. Its size makes it well-suited to smaller spaces; it has the smallest footprint of any hot water dispenser we tested, about two inches taller and wider than a 1.7-liter electric kettle. It may not have as many features as other models, but it performs incredibly well for a good price. Editorial director Daniel Gritzer, a hot water dispenser enthusiast, is a fan of this model.

The Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler has some features not found in other models, among them, a mode that allows you to bring water to a specific temperature (like 160°F, 175°F, or 195°F). It will keep water hot for a few hours without the use of power, too.

The Tests

• Water Temperature Test: We filled each hot water dispenser with water to its maximum capacity, heated it, and then dispensed eight ounces of water every hour for four hours, taking the temperature of each cup of water with an instant-read thermometer. We judged the consistency of the temperature over time, as well as the ease of operation and setup.  
• Dispensing Test: We dispensed eight ounces of water at a time until it was empty to see how easily the machines dispensed water down to the last drop.
• Usability and Cleanup Tests: Throughout testing, we noted how easy each dispenser was to use. We also cleaned each dispenser per the manufacturer’s instructions and evaluated the ease of doing so.

What We Learned

Taller Hot Water Dispensers Splashed More, Lost Heat, and Were Harder to Clean

The hot water dispensers we tested varied in height, with the shortest measuring 10.8 inches and the tallest 15.3 inches. We found that with most of the taller models, the extra couple of inches meant a much splashier experience when dispensing water.

At 15.3 inches, the Chefman Electric Hot Water Pot was more than four inches taller than the stout Panasonic Electric Thermo Pot Water Boiler Dispenser. While the Panasonic model had a very smooth, pleasant flow from the machine to our cup, the Chefman model sputtered and sloshed onto our hands. 

Beyond the safety issues with splashing hot water, taller models tended to lose more heat on the drop from the machine to the cup—and also had less consistent temperature measurements over four hours. For example, the Chefman model poured at only about 184°F throughout testing. The NutriChef Hot Water Urn was just a half-inch shorter than the Chefman and produced the wildest swings in temperature over the testing period, ranging between 183° and 195°F. 

Finally, taller models were more difficult to clean. From a high countertop, it was tricky to replace the mesh filter (which prevents flakes of limescale and other debris from entering the dispensing mechanism) on one of the taller Zojirushi models than on a shorter model from the same brand. 

Dispenser Design Impacted Usability and Ease

The primary purpose of a hot water dispenser is to keep hot water hot, and all of these models can perform that basic function. However, the design differences impacted each machine’s ease of use, creating a pleasant (or not) experience. Many of the models had a lid that detached from the body of the machine at the hinge—that made emptying containers of any remaining water easier than models where the lid didn’t fully detach.

The water level window was a small feature that also impacted usability. Those with ball water level indicators were especially easy to read at a glance, whereas water level gauges that relied on markings on the exterior of the machine required a closer look.

We preferred models with added-value functions, such as an alarm that sounded when the water reached a boil. This eliminated the need to babysit the machine or rely on the indicator button to show that the water reached a boil. It was also nice to have a range of keep-warm temperatures to choose from. Digital displays removed the question of how far into the boil or cooling cycle water was. 

More Functions Didn’t Necessarily Equal a Better Machine 

Many of the hot water dispensers we tested had a variety of temperature settings, a useful tool for tea drinkers who want to ensure their water is at the correct temperature for proper extraction. Others have a timer that will put the machine to sleep to save energy. However, if your primary goal is to have a large amount of consistently hot water, the most tricked-out model isn’t necessarily your best bet—and it can cost more. The Panasonic was one of the least expensive out of the lineup and performed better than pricier models.

The Criteria: What to Look for In a Hot Water Dispenser

The best hot water dispensers maintained stable temperatures over several hours and didn’t lose a significant amount of heat as their water traveled through the machine and into a cup. A good hot water dispenser should produce a steady flow of water that doesn’t splatter over the side of a cup and will feature an easy-to-read water gauge. 

Our Top Hot Water Dispensers

What we liked: This hot water dispenser from Zojirushi had the best mix of performance, cost, and functionality. It maintained a precise temperature of 191°F for four hours, earning it the titles of most consistent and second-hottest (after the Panasonic). The Zojirushi had a keep-warm setting, as well as a few features we liked from the Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler, including multiple timer options, a digital display, and an alarm letting you know that water has finished boiling. Happily, the price splits the difference between our two other winning models.

What we didn’t like: The water level gauge is harder to read at a glance than the other winning Zojirushi and Panasonic models because it lacks the floating red ball. Sometimes, water splashed us as we dispensed it into a cup.

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 4 liters
• Materials: Nonstick coated stainless steel interior container; plastic exterior
• Stated operation time: Not listed; unplug when not in use
• Operating temperatures: 160, 175, 195, and 208°F 
• Dimensions: 11 1/2 x 9 1/8 x 11 7/8 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Cord length: 35 inches
• Care instructions: Wipe the inner lid with a soft wet sponge; wipe the exterior with a damp well-wrung cloth; use a soft brush to clean the filter; periodically descale

What we liked: The hot water dispenser from Panasonic wasn’t the fanciest of the bunch, but it kept water at the temperature we wanted and had the fastest, most consistent stream. Plus, it was the only model on our winners’ list that didn’t splash when dispensing. We appreciated the detachable lid and removable mesh filter that made it easy to clean.

What we didn’t like: We were tempted to make this our best overall pick, but there were a few key features this model lacked. The control panel was simple to use, but we found the digital displays on other models easier to read. Additionally, without the helpful alarm noting when the water had reached a boil, we found ourselves circling back multiple times to see when it was finished heating.

Key Specs

• Stated Capacity: 3 liters
• Materials: Charcoal-coated stainless steel interior container, plastic exterior
• Stated operation time: Not listed; unplug when not in use
• Operating temperatures: 160, 175, 195, and 208°F 
• Dimensions: 10 4/5 x 8 1/2 x 11 1/3 inches
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Cord length: 37 inches
• Care Instructions: Clean the main unit and lid with a damp, well-wrung cloth; clean the inner container with a soft wet sponge; periodically descale

What we liked: Of the four Zojirushi models we tested, the VE Hybrid Water Boiler offered features that made it easy to use and customizable. The orange LED display was the easiest to see of all models, and the water level gauge could be discerned at a glance. It also had the widest range of options for the energy-saving timer function. Users can set the device to idle for six, eight, 10, 12, 14, or 16 hours so that the machine doesn’t use energy to heat water when you don’t need it, but will reboil once it reaches the end of that time (perfect to set before bed for hot water first thing in the morning). Plus, this model featured an option to keep water warm for a few hours via vacuum insulation, another energy-saving bonus. 

What we didn’t like: Of the three winning models, this dispenser lost the most heat when dispensing liquid. While it stayed at a consistent temperature over four hours, it was five degrees cooler than water dispensed from the Panasonic model set to the same “keep warm” temperature, and one to two degrees cooler than water dispensed from the Zojirushi Panorama model. A few droplets of water splashed us when dispensing into a cup. 

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 4 liters
• Materials: Nonstick coated stainless steel interior container; stainless and plastic exterior
• Stated operation time: Not listed; unplug when not in use
• Operating temperatures: 160, 175, 195, 208°F, and vacuum
• Dimensions: 11 7/8 x 9 1/8 x 12 1/2 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Cord length: 35 inches
• Care instructions: Wipe the inner lid with a soft wet sponge; wipe the exterior with a damp well-wrung cloth; use a soft brush to clean the filter; periodically descale

The Competition

• Zojirushi Micom Water Boiler and Warmer CD-WHC40: This model had disappointing results when it came to temperature consistency and retention from machine to mug.
• Zojirushi Micom Water Boiler & Warmer CD-WCC40: While this model performed better than the Micom model above, it was still less consistent than the winning models. The temperature fluctuated three degrees over the testing period, and water was about seven degrees cooler after being dispensed than the model that kept water hottest.
• Chefman Electric Hot Water Pot: This was the tallest dispenser in the lineup, to its detriment. The height resulted in excessive water splatter and was difficult to clean. It did not allow us to select different keep-warm temperatures.   
• NutriChef Hot Water Urn: This model had the same issues as the Chefman model. It was cheaper, but it also displayed the wildest swing in temperature over four hours of monitoring, temping at 183, 185, 195, and 186°F. We missed the keep-warm function on this model, too.
• Tiger Electric Water Boiler and Warmer: The Tiger Electric Water Boiler was just edged out of a winning spot in the lineup. It retained heat well, but the temperature varied by two degrees throughout the four-hour testing period (a minor quibble, but still more than the winners). The water stream was somewhat splattery, but this is still a solid option, especially if it’s on sale.
• CUCKOO Hot Water Dispenser and Warmer: The Cuckoo model did not maintain a consistent temperature over the testing period. We found the lid to be prone to misalignment, and the inability to completely remove the lid made dumping out extra water annoying. 

FAQs

What is a hot water dispenser?

A hot water dispenser is a countertop appliance that heats a large volume of water to a boil and keeps the water warm for several hours. Hot water dispensers are useful in a home or office setting and make it easy to have hot water for tea or other needs at the press of a button.

How is a hot water dispenser different from an electric tea kettle?

Electric tea kettles boil a smaller amount of water than a hot water dispenser (our winning models have .9- and 1.7-liter capacities). While some electric kettles can hold water at a specific temperature, it is usually for no more than an hour. Hot water dispensers can keep water at a specific temperature for many hours.

How do you clean a hot water dispenser?

Most hot water dispensers can be cleaned by wiping the exterior and interior with a damp (not wet) sponge or cloth. It’s recommended to descale a hot water dispenser every two to three months to prevent or get rid of any mineral buildup. You can use a 2:1 ratio of water to citric acid in most cases.

Are hot water dispensers worth it?

If you make tea multiple times a day, a hot water dispenser may be more convenient for you than an electric kettle or a traditional kettle. The Panasonic Electric Thermo Pot Water Boiler Dispenser may be good for someone seeking a small, affordable dispenser, whereas a household with multiple users may prefer the larger size and additional functions that the Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler or Zojirushi Panorama Window Micom Water Boiler and Warmer provide. 

Why We’re the Experts

• Katy O’Hara is a writer and editor.
• She has a master’s in publishing from Emerson College.
• In addition to Serious Eats, she has written for America’s Test Kitchen and Allrecipes.
• For this review, she tested nine hot water dispensers by examining their accuracy and how long they kept water hot. We also tested their usability, paying attention to how easy it was to fill and empty each model.