Instant hot water dispensers

An instant hot water dispenser or "boiling water tap," is a sink appliance that dispenses near-boiling water (up to 200°F) right at the kitchen sink. Having near-boiling water at one's fingertips helps speed up the preparation of foods, beverages and also aids in clean-up. The dispenser sits right at the edge of the kitchen sink, complimenting the existing faucet. Homeowners can choose to have a hot-only or a hot and cool water model. Filtered water is also an option on select models. Instant hot water dispensers provide style and convenience to the kitchen, becoming a favorite appliance among homeowners over the years. Consumers have found various ways to use the appliance to their advantage. Some common uses include preparing instant beverages like coffee and tea, cooking pasta, making soup, cleaning dried-on food from pans, warming baby bottles and cleaning without harsh chemicals.

History

Instant hot water dispensers became popular in the 1970s. InSinkErator acquired H&H Precision Products, a manufacturer of instant hot water dispensers in 1973 and later became the world’s leading maker of instant hot water dispensers. The product has evolved over the years into an appliance that integrates well into the various kitchen decors, while helping expedite life’s daily chores.

Operation

When a person activates the handle on an instant hot water dispenser, cool tap water flows into a tank and displaces the near-boiling water, which flows out of the spout. Release the handle, and the valve closes automatically so hot water stops flowing. The cool water is then heated to up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit where it is ready for later use. Some tanks feature a 750 W heater that delivers up to 60 cups of near-boiling water per hour with an easy-to-adjust temperature dial. Certain models also dispense cool, filtered water for drinking, equipped with a filtration system designed especially for instant hot water dispensers. These systems give homeowners added assurance that their hot and cool water will be filtered from a variety of contaminants. Advanced filtration systems not only reduce chlorine taste, odor, sediment, and dangerous parasites and protozoa like Cryptosporidium, but remove toxic chemicals, heavy metals like lead and dangerous minerals.

Models and finishes

Consumers have a variety of models and styles to choose from to fit their needs. Homeowners can opt for traditional designs or a more contemporary style. There are also several designer finishes, ranging from chrome to Oil Rubbed Bronze, that correspond with current design trends. Most instant hot water dispensers can be purchased through plumbers, kitchen designers, remodelers, home centers and online.

Energy efficiency

Since the instant hot water dispenser only heats the water as needed, it uses very little energy. In most cases, instant hot water dispensers cost just pennies a day to operate and use less energy than a 40-watt light bulb.Fact|date=May 2008

Installation

Instant hot water dispensers can be installed by most do-it-yourselfers or a professional plumber. The faucet fits in a standard sink hole and the compact tank mounts underneath the sink.

References

* http://www.insinkerator.com/isejsp/index.jsp
* http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hfacts.html
* http://www.onthehouse.com/tips/19960323
* http://www.answers.com/topic/in-sink-erator?cat=biz-fin
* http://www.insinkerator.com/dispensers/howitworks.shtml