If looking for an appliance to help you get hot water in minutes, you can never go wrong with either a hot water dispenser or an electric kettle. The two add up more convenience to your life, and you’ll enjoy having one around.
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However, which of the two appliances is the best option for heating water? Is it the hot water dispenser or the kettle? What is the difference between the two? Which one is more efficient?
These are some of the questions you’ll need to answer first before stepping out for a shopping spree. Luckily enough for you, we have simplified everything for you.
All you need to do is go through this article and nurse your curiosity.
Electric Kettle
An electric kettle, also known as the electric tea kettle, is modeled after the traditional kettle. It uses electricity to boil water, a process that takes only a few minutes.
It is a simple kitchen appliance designed in a way that makes it easy to carry anywhere. All you’ll need is a power source. Some kettles are even designed to work on car USB charging ports hence very effective and reliable when traveling.
These kettles boil water fast, are easy to use, and easy to store. They also come at a lower price when compared to hot water dispensers.
Another thing to note about electric kettles is that they are available in an array of models. There are those that you can even use not only to boil water but also to heat milk. In other words, they are multipurpose appliances.
And since kettles are perfect for boiling water in small quantities, getting one for your household is an excellent idea if you don’t usually entertain guests at your home or have a small household.
Hot Water Dispenser
A hot water dispenser is a kitchen appliance that dispenses hot water. With it, you can prepare coffee and tea with ease. And not only that, you love instant noodles? This dispenser will help you make them in a minute.
Hot water dispensers deliver hot water from the faucet, meaning you won’t have to wait for it to boil water. They are also available in different designs and styles.
These appliances offer both visual and functional appeal. They can sit on the countertop or be wall-mounted. It all narrows down to individual tastes and preferences.
Hot water dispensers are easy to use and the best to use in high-traffic environments like offices, school staff rooms, and bigger households.
So, How Does a Hot Water Dispenser Differ from an Electric Kettle?
Water Capacity
Hot water dispensers can serve more than 20 people at once without refilling. For instance, if using a top-loading bottle dispenser, and in this case a 5-gallon bottle, it can dispense 80 cups of hot water without a refill. Enough to serve your small number of guests, right?
With a kettle, you can only get a maximum of 5 mugs per boil. This means that multiple boils are required for a large coffee and tea rounds.
Ease of Use
To get your cup of hot water from a hot water dispenser, all you’ll need to do is push a button. Some superior models even give an option of selecting the amount of water you need. The dispenser only boils the selected amount.
They also have a self-stop feature that stops it from working when the water reaches the temperature of your choice.
With a kettle, you will never get to enjoy all that luxury. To begin with, there’s a lot of lifting and pouring when using it. Second, you don’t get the chance to select the temperature you want for your water.
Portability
Imagine a situation where you are traveling with your family for a vacation, and you want to carry a water boiler with you. Although highly effective, a hot water dispenser may not be the perfect option. It is not only bulky but also a little heavy.
Electric kettles carry the prize here. They are usually fairly lightweight hence portable. And as we mentioned earlier, some can work on car USB charging ports.
Cost
Since hot water dispensers come in different varieties, it means that prices vary as well. There are those that come at a very affordable price, almost as low as an electric kettle, and other models with a very high price tag.
If you want one with more features, you will definitely have to part with a handsome amount.
Electric kettles are cheaper than hot water dispensers. So if you have a small household and working with a tight budget, a kettle would be your best bet.
Energy Efficient
To determine how energy efficient any of these kitchen appliances is, you need to know the volume of water you need to boil in a day. Actually, experts argue that about the same amount of energy is required to heat water in a kettle and a hot water dispenser.
But then, how often will you be boiling the water? If using an electric kettle, the more you use it, the more energy you will spend. You should know that an electric kettle uses a lot of energy for a very short time.
Hot water dispensers use less electricity for an extended period. However, as long as you leave it in the ‘on the ready’ position, it’ll spend more energy. This is because it’s using electricity to maintain the water at a temperature higher than room temperature.
Safety Features
Some hot water dispensers come with features that make the dispenser shut down automatically should you try drawing water from an empty tank.
Why is this important?
If running the heater of a dry tank, there are high chances of malfunction. Having features that shut down the heating element at this point will help prevent burnout.
You need to be more cautious when using an electric kettle. One mistake, and you expose yourself to electric shocks. Some kettles even get extremely hot, and touching them with bare hands can expose you to severe burns. You also need to be extra careful when lifting to pour the hot water.
Time- Saving
Hot water dispensers are instant. You just need to place your mug by the faucet, push the on button and get your cup full in seconds. This isn’t the case with kettles; it’ll take you at least 5 minutes to get your water hot.
Is a Hot Water Dispenser Better than an Electric Kettle?
The two kitchen appliances work great, and what to go for will depend on your needs. If you live in a large household, a hot water dispenser will suit you best. It’s energy-efficient and has a large water capacity. You’ll also need it for your office if you have a lot of staff that need hot water several times in an hour.
If you live in a small household and you don’t need to boil water from time to time during the day, get an electric kettle.
If temperature control is your primary concern, a hot water dispenser is the appliance to go for. It gives you more control over what temperature and amount to dispense at a given time.
An electric kettle makes a great option if looking for a water boiler that you can carry along when traveling since it’s lightweight and less bulky.
When it comes to the price, you are definitely going to pay more for a hot water dispenser than a kettle. Therefore, if working with a low budget, a kettle seems like the best option.
Conclusion
Getting either of the appliances will help you tackle your hot water needs fast. At the end of the day, what to settle for will depend on your needs, budget, and counter space and how large or small your counter space is.
So long as the appliance can meet all your needs, go for it! It’s the tool for you.
