small appliances

The Best Hot-Water Dispensers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

Photo: Courtesy of the retailer

Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)

While we’ve written about a lot of kitchen gadgets — from rice cookers and bread machines to milk frothers and drip coffee makers — here we’ve rounded up the best hot-water dispensers on Amazon, according to the people.

Best-rated hot-water dispenser

From the same century-old Japanese company that makes our favorite water bottle, this vacuum-insulated hot-water dispenser has over 400 5-star reviews. “This beats the pants off of boiling water for tea,” writes one reviewer. “No more waiting for the water to boil, then playing the guessing game of how long to let it cool before pouring over. As long as you’re set to the right temperature, just prepare the tea, press the button, let it steep, and you’re off to the races.” With four temperature settings and the ability to make “ramen, hot chocolate, or any other thing requiring hot water,” and it’s not surprising that this user says it’s “by far the more utilitarian countertop appliance.”

Others call it “nice-looking and solid,” and appreciate the insulation: “If we unplug it for a few hours, the water temperature is usually still pretty hot when we return.” Another reviewer says, “this product has greatly exceeded my expectations. It is simple to use, aesthetically pleasing, it heats quickly and maintains a nice temperature even when unplugged and moved from place to place.”

Best-rated (less expensive) hot-water dispenser

Although it’s more affordable, this is still a high-quality hot-water dispenser with one person commenting that they had one “last for 12 years.” Similarly, this reviewer says, “If you like to have hot water ready all day, get this pot. It is a workhorse as we’ve used it every day for years and it still works. As long as you keep it clean and descale it every once in a while, it should last for many years.” Others praise its accuracy and convenience, like this owner who says, “It boils the water quickly and keeps it at 194 degrees. It is simple to use and a lot better than having to put a pot of water on the stove every time I want tea. It looks good and works great.”

And now for some micro-picks for every type of hot-water dispenser you might be looking for.

Best countertop hot-water dispenser with panoramic window

Like the best-rated Zojirushi model, this hot-water dispenser has four heat settings and a timer setting. What sets it apart though is the clear window which reviewers say “makes it easy to check on how much water I’ve got in the reservoir,” and “allows you to see when you need to refill the unit.” Plus, the dispenser “sends out a whimsical musical note” when your water reaches the preset temperature. “This thing is always plenty hot and dispenses hot water with the push of an electrical button,” writes one reviewer and another adds, “the convenience of having clean, hot water available at the touch of a button for my tea and noodles is indescribable”

Best countertop hot-water dispenser with a slow-drip mode

Coffee lovers say the slow-drip mode on this water dispenser “is nice so the water doesn’t splash around too much,” when you’re preparing a pour-over cup, and others say the feature “can come in handy especially if you are making fancy coffee or slowly pouring water over fine tea leaves.” One reviewer, who calls this dispenser “a great time saver,” says it’s “well-made and designed, and remarkably convenient in any kitchen.” Many reviewers agree it’s “functional and aesthetically pleasing.”

Best under-sink hot-water dispenser

For hot water straight from the faucet, this “very nice looking unit” is “fairly easy” to install, with lots of reviewers commenting that “the directions were pretty straightforward.” A very enthusiastic fan raves, “I will NEVER have a kitchen sink WITHOUT my InSinkErator instant hot-water faucet! What a wonderful treat to have boiling hot water ready and waiting for me at my fingertips whenever I want it.” More than one reviewer claim they “could never live without one of these,” and compared to other “sputtering” models, they like that with this one “hot water always comes out smooth, steady, and quiet.”

Best (less expensive) under-sink hot water dispenser

“If I had known how convenient it was to have super hot water on demand, I would have purchased a dispenser years ago,” writes one reviewer of this less pricey, but still beloved, under-sink system. A loyal customer says, “this is my third or fourth one over a 25 year period,” and likes how “the water comes out just below a boil, and there is an ample supply.” Another fan writes, “it was very easy to install and it just plain works. You’ll be amazed at how many uses you find for this.”

Best hot- and cold-water dispenser

A compact version of a big, standalone water cooler, this “sleek and simple” dispenser is “small enough to fit on a table or countertop without being too bulky.” One reviewer says, “the cold water is cold [and] the hot water is very hot, so suitable for making on-the-go hot drinks,” and another writes, “it’s extremely well built and the best value for your money!” Thanks to its manageable size, it’s also portable: “What’s great is that it’s easily movable through different places in your home,” says one reviewer. “Mine is usually in the kitchen but I often take it to the back yard for gatherings on summer evenings.”

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The Best Hot-Water Dispensers on Amazon, Reviewed