Best Countertop Water Boilers
If you’re like me, the kettle is on a slow boil all day long. From my lemon-steeped hot water in the morning, to instant porridges, Ramen noodles, soups, and my afternoon cuppa – or two. Seriously, the kettle barely gets a chance to cool down before it’s being fired up again. If you’re the same, its time to pause and think about how much energy you use each time you re-boil water and how much time you waste checking back to see if it’s done. And, that’s why a countertop, combination water heater/boiler is a no-brainer. It heats water to the temperature of your choosing and keeps it hot all day. No need to re-boil. And with one touch you instantly have water hot enough for all your favorite beverages. Ready to check out the time- and money-saving features on our 5 favorite countertop models?
Our Top Countertop Water Heater/Boiler Combos
EAVAIRE 5.2-quart Electric Water Heater/Boiler: For Heavy Household Usage
Overview:
Material: Stainless-steel body and inner pot
Capacity: 5.2-quarts
Watts: 700-watts
Special Features: 5-stage temperature controls
Warranty: 1-year
When a countertop water heater has to meet the demands of a busy family, this 5.2-quart, EAVAIRE has to be one of the best units out there. Beyond its large capacity and 700 watts of power for quick, efficient heating, it features micro-computerized, 5-stage temperature controls that let you customize your heat levels. Why waste energy if you only need hot – not boiling – water, right? In fact, this unit can heat from 122-degrees which is optimal for morning coffee, all the way up to 208-degrees to tackle your porridge, instant noodles, and more. Now, if you’re in cottage country and want to purify water, it reaches a 212-degree boil in minutes. Or maybe you just need enough heat to warm jars of baby food or formula. You choose. I love that the 24-hour start timer and insulated stainless-steel inner pot means water can be heated in the night and kept warm for when you wake the next morning. And boil-dry protection ensures you never have to worry about it operating when empty. Better still, it features 3 dispense modes – electric, manual, and a cup-touch option as well as a child-safety lock that protects little ones from accessing super-heated water.
Pros:
- Micro-computerized temperature controls
- 3 dispense modes
- Large, 5.2-quart capacity
- Auto start-timer
- Boil-dry protection and child safety lock
Cons:
- Unit it tall and may not fit under kitchen cabinets
If you’re in the market for a large capacity water heater/boiler that offers auto-start and sufficient temperature controls to meet your family’s needs, this is the one.
Panasonic 3.2-quarts Electric Water Boiler Dispenser: For Those Who Want an Appliance That Can Do It All
Overview:
Material: BPA-free plastic with stainless-steel inner pot
Capacity: 3.2-quarts
Watts: 700-watts
Special Features: Slow-drip feature for making coffee
Warranty: 1-year
Not all households require a large capacity, countertop water heater, but all will certainly appreciate having instant access to super-hot water, and the cost-savings that come from energy efficiency. That’s where this Panasonic, 3.2-quart combination boiler enters the picture. Its smaller size means its ideal for singles or couples who enjoy teas, soups, and other instant foods throughout the day, but don’t want to waste time or electricity, re-boiling the kettle. And unlike most other designs, this unit can even replace your coffee maker because it offers a slow-drip feature for fresh, drip-brewed coffee at the touch of a button. Speaking of which, the at-a-glance, LCD panel includes 4 precise temperature settings ranging from a 212-degree boil down to keep-warm temps of between 140 and 208-degrees. And its those lower temperatures that make it ideal for specialty teas such as oolong, green, black, and herbals. But there’s even more for tea lovers because this unit’s stainless-steel inner pot is coated with bincho-tan charcoal to help purify water for a more flavorful, full-bodied tea. And for added convenience, it also includes a 6-hour energy savings timer, easy-to-read water gauge, detachable cord, and convenient carry handle for super-heated water wherever you go.
Pros:
- LCD panel with 4 temperature settings
- Slow-drip feature for brewing coffee
- 6-hour energy savings timer
- Bincho-tan liner to purify water
- Removable cord and carry handle
Cons:
- Does not include manual dispense feature
If you like to enjoy your teas, coffees, and hot beverages on the deck or patio, this smaller unit with detachable cord and handy carry handle is the perfect choice.
Zojirushi 4.2-quart Hybrid Electric Water Heater/Boiler: For Those Who Want Optimal Energy Savings
Overview:
Material: Stainless-steel body and double-insulation inner pot
Capacity: 4.2-quarts
Watts: 840-watts
Special Features: hybrid system uses vacuum insulation
Warranty: 1-year
If your primary reason for checking out countertop water heaters is to save on your energy bill, this Zojirushi, is about to tick that box. But before we get into how efficiently it operates, lets look at some of its other features. At 4.2-quarts, its ideally suited to smaller families who need super-heated water for snacks and beverages throughout the day. And at 840-watts, its certainly one of the more powerful units out there – making quick work of reaching your ideal water temperature, before moving into its impressive keep-warm feature. In fact, it has a micro-computerized temp control system with pre-programmed settings of 160-, 175-, 195-, and 208-degrees – perfect for coffee, specialty teas, noodles, or more. A one-touch LED control panel keeps it simple while a super-handy beep signal lets you know when the heating process is complete. But it’s the unique, vacuum-insulated carafe that really delivers on energy savings. Because it works like a thermos, it can maintain your water’s ideal temperature for hours – no electricity needed. Add to that, the energy-saving timer that lets you begin the heating process 6 to 10 hours in advance (when rates are lower), and you have one super-saver of a unit.
Pros:
- Vacuum-insulated, non-electric keep-warm feature
- One-touch LCD panel with 4 temperature settings
- Removable power cord
- Auto shut-off and ready-alert features
- Removable cord and carry handle
Cons:
- Does not include manual dispense feature
If you’re looking for a larger capacity water heater/boiler that not only comes with all the bells and whistles, but brings some serious energy savings, then we’ve just found your unit.
Chefman 5.6-quart Electric Countertop Hot Water Boiler: For Those Who Love to Entertain
Overview:
Material: Stainless-steel body and inner pot
Capacity: 5.6-quarts
Watts: 700-watts
Special Features: auto and manual dispense modes
Warranty: 1-year
When you’re busy entertaining, you don’t always want the party to end up in the kitchen, do you? Especially when you’re trying to do a quick tidy-up, away from the spotlight. That’s why this Chefman combination water heater is a great helping hand for those who love to entertain. Not only does it deliver a generous, 5.6-quart tank – which is more than ample for coffee and tea at the end of the evening – but its insulated to keep water piping hot for hours. And that means you can just put it out on the buffet, the patio, or dining area for guests to self-serve – you don’t have to repeatedly replenish and reheat water. What I love, is that in addition to providing an auto dispense feature (LED panel push-button) and cup-activated option, it also has a manual push pump so it can be used without electricity. That, and a carry-handle mean it can be set up anywhere. Now, for the busy host, an easy-view water gauge takes the guesswork out of whether you’re running low while a locking lid means you don’t have to worry about spills. And with boil-dry protection, this unit literally takes care of itself.
Pros:
- Thermal pot for keep-warm
- Manual dispense option and carry handle for portability
- Easy-read water level gauge
- Boil-dry protection
- Locking lid prevents spills
Cons:
- No variable temperature settings.
- Stay warm time is somewhat limited
If you love to play host and are on the look-out for a water heater/boiler that can take some of the pressure off, this extra-large unit with self-serve option and thermal pot will make your day.
Secura 4.0-quart Electric Water Heater/Boiler: For Those Who Want Versatility That Won’t Break the Bank
Overview:
Material: Stainless-steel body and inner pot
Capacity: 4.0-quarts
Watts: 750-watts
Special Features: auto and manual dispense modes
Warranty: 2-year
When your life is all about streamlined efficiency, you want a water boiler that you can rely on to quickly and effectively heat water to your ideal temperature and keep it piping hot for hours on end. But wouldn’t it be nice if it also offered additional convenience features? That’s where the Secura combination water heater/boiler steps up. How would you like an automatic clean cycle that removes water scale build up, so you never end up with residue in your water? Or what about a night light that activates for 15 seconds in low-light settings so you can make those late-night snacks without having to wake the house? But there’s more, because this unit also features a micro-computerized temperature control system so you can achieve a rolling boil of 212-degrees in just minutes, or opt for the auto keep-warm that can maintain water temperatures of 176- or 208-degrees – perfect for teas, coffees, or soups. It also means no more waiting around for water to heat. I love the electric cup-activated dispenser for safe and hassle-free access to super-heated water and the 5-second gentle pour option that eliminates splashes – great for seniors or kids in a hurry
Pros:
- Built-in automatic clean cycle
- Manual dispense option and carry handle for portability
- Easy-read water level gauge
- Low water sensor with auto shut-off
- Finger-print and smudge resistant stainless-steel exterior for a stylish look on your
Cons:
- Doesn’t beep or notify when water boiled.
If you need a reliable, hassle-free water heater/boiler that offers unique and useful options, then you’re going to want to check this one out.
You May Be Surprised at How an Electric Water Heater/Boiler Can Simplify Your Day-to-Day Life
From the onset, there are a number of conveniences this handy combination appliance brings, including the ability to have boiling or super-heated water at the touch of a button. But there’s more because they’re also space-saving. Not only are they compact and take up minimal space on your kitchen counter, they can also take the place of your stovetop or electric kettle, and in some instances – such as the Panasonic model we reviewed – they can even replace your coffee maker. These versatile units come with variable temperature settings so they can not only able to reach a boiling temperature to purify water, or a super-hot level to brew tea, make coffee, noodles, or soups, but also a gentle heat that can be used to warm baby bottles or foods. And you’ll never have to waste time waiting around for your kettle to boil because you get to choose your optimal temperature setting and save energy by not boiling and re-boiling water for every use. For multi-member households, this alone can represent significant cost-savings when it comes to energy bills – just one more reason that consumers are opting to go this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t They All Have Variable Temperature Settings?
No, some of the less expensive water heaters provide just the basic – boil and keep warm – which may be the only features you think you need. But the primary benefit to a combination water heater/boiler is its versatility and that’s why investing a bit more in a unit that can achieve and maintain a variety of temperatures for up to 10 hours, makes sense. Heating water to a high temperature versus boiling is typically sufficient for making teas, coffees, and snack foods. So, why pay to continually bring your water to a boil? With the touch of a button, you can choose the ideal temperature for a number of different uses, and then keep it warm for you to enjoy throughout the day. It’s that simple.
For Daily Use, What Capacity Should I Be Looking At?
That depends on the size of your household and your frequency of use. These boilers range in size from under 3 quarts to over 5.5 quarts. If you have multiple family members who enjoy tea, instant soups, hot chocolate, porridges, ramen noodles, and more, you should be looking at nothing less than a 4 to 5-quart unit. This will provide sufficient hot water to meet your needs, and means you won’t need to be replenishing the water mid-way through the day. Which is a key benefit to purchasing a countertop water boiler.
Are Some Materials Better Than Others?
Counter-top water boilers generally come in plastic, aluminum, or stainless-steel. For greater durability, it makes sense to opt for a metal unit, however the plastic versions are lighter weight, easy to clean and you don’t need to worry about them rusting or corroding. If it’s sitting on your countertop, aesthetics may cause you to lean more towards the stainless-steel version that not only looks great, but is ideal for dealing with the changing water temperatures.
Are They All Easy to Clean?
Some offer non-stick interiors that help to prohibit the build-up of minerals from the water. It makes cleaning easier, but these finishes can become damaged and peel or erode over time. Brands such as the Secura option we featured, include a built-in descaling cycle to help prevent this type of mineral deposit build-up as well as a smudge-resistant outer shell.
Conclusion
Have you ever boiled a kettle, forgotten about it, and then not had enough hot water to make a full cup of tea or soup? What do you do? You fill it up again and put it back on the stove. Or you flick the electric kettle back on and have it start all over again, right? Wouldn’t it be easier to have instant hot or boiling water at your fingertips? Water that is always the ideal temperature and in sufficient quantity to meet your needs. And that eliminates the need to continually reheat water? We’ve all been there, and the hassle, waste of electricity and personal time, just doesn’t make sense. That’s why its worth exploring a combination water heater/boiler. We’ve profiled 5 models that bring a variety of features ranging from multi-temperature controls, slow-drip for coffee making, night-lights, self-cleaning options, and so much more. Put a price on your time, and opt for the convenience this type of appliance can bring to your household.