IIt’s the age old dilemma–you enjoy a steaming cup of coffee in the morning, while your partner would rather have a cup of tea.
In the chaos of your morning routines, you find yourself bumping into each other while you are using the coffee maker and your partner is doing the dance of heating water either on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in an electric kettle.
Seeing the hoops your partner has to jump through to get their morning fix, in comparison to the pot of coffee that is waiting you every morning at 8 am, makes you think there must be a simpler way.
Thankfully, the days where your coffeemaker only offered one button, the on/off switch, is gone.
Instead, you now have the option to purchase a coffee maker that can also dispense hot water, catering to all of your household’s needs while adding simplicity to your daily routines.
Definition
Before we take a deep dive into the world of coffee makers with hot water dispensers and the added benefits, let’s start simple.
What exactly is a coffee maker with a hot water dispenser?
The definition varies depending on the model of the machine.
Most often, you will find that the coffee maker and the hot water dispenser are separate, each pulling from their own water reservoirs and dispensing the liquid through different spouts.
This means you can make coffee and hot water independently from each other, but through the same machine.
The coffee machine side usually offers few surprises, functioning the way you’d expect a coffee maker would function.
On the other hand, making hot water usually involves pouring water into the reservoir, pressing a button to heat the water, and then holding down the dispense button to release the hot water.
The process isn’t hard to figure out and involves one less small appliance in achieving the perfect cup of hot water.
Even if you aren’t a tea or cocoa drinker, you could use the hot water dispenser to make oatmeals, instant noodles and soup alongside your cup of joe.
The convenience of having two functionalities in one machine means the possibilities are open-ended.
Who are the Ideal Buyers
There are quite a few sectors of society that would benefit from purchasing a coffee machine with a hot water dispenser.
As mentioned earlier in the piece, a couple with differing beverage choices might find that this machine makes coordinating their mornings easier and creates less stress in maneuvering around the kitchen.
Additionally, the rare-breed of people who are avid coffee and tea drinkers would find this machine convenient and space saving.
Nowadays, since most people own more small appliances than they can use (or properly store), a two-in-one machine provides compactness and practicality.
For city-living folks with a cramped kitchen or shared communal space, this appliance may be the solution you didn’t even know existed.
Lastly, this product even suits families with small children.
Even though you need that jolt of caffeine in the morning, you know your kids do not.
Instead, you can use the machine to whip up breakfast or dinner without any cleanup.
Oatmeal? You can make that in flash.
Instant noodles?
No more waiting around for the water to boil.
If you are tired of hearing your kids complain about how long “instant” foods take to cook, you might want to invest in one of these versatile machines.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Coffee Makers with Hot Water Dispensers
Advantages:
Space Saving–This is one of the top draws for users looking to upgrade their coffee machine.
Why take up precious counter space if you don’t have to?
A coffee maker with a hot water dispenser takes up less room than a traditional coffee maker and electric kettle, saving space without sacrificing functionality.
Convenient–It goes without saying but boiling water can be a pain, especially if you don’t own a kettle.
This leaves you with two options, you can either heat water in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.
The problem with the microwave is that it gives you hot, not boiling, water at best, which results in less flavorful tea or uncooked noodles.
But the benefit of the microwave is that it involves no dish washing, which you’d have to do if you boiled water on the stove.
Thankfully, with a coffee maker with hot water dispenser, you don’t have to be stuck between two less-than-ideal options.
Time Saving–Most machines are more efficient than your typical electric kettle.
In fact, the water heats up faster than an electric kettle or microwave (and it goes without saying, it’s lightening years faster than the stovetop).
No Waste-–It’s hard to gauge how much water to pour into your kettle or pot, but now it’s easy to dispense the exact amount of water you need, creating no waste.
Disadvantages:
Issues with Durability–Many of the mid-range models have a problem with durability.
Users note that the hot water dispenser stops functioning after a few months, which means you now own an appliance that only half-works.
Unless you are willing to shell out a considerable amount of money for a top-tier product or take a risk on a mid-range model, you may be better off, in terms of quality and price, buying two separate products.
Small Water Reservoir–Depending on what kind of model you get, you may be stuck with a small water reservoir, meaning you need to refill the machine after each use.
Some people may find it more convenient to just boil a large batch of water at once.
Sacrificing Taste–Even though coffee taste varies from person to person, there is a consensus that the coffee from these dual machines is, in a word, unremarkable.
If you are looking for a coffee machine that gets the job done, you may be perfectly happy with your purchase.
If you are a coffee fanatic with hard-to-please tastes, you might want to invest elsewhere.
And as for the hot water, there have been some reports of the hot water tasting of coffee due to leaks in the reservoirs.
Features of the “perfect” Coffee Maker with Hot Water Dispenser
The perfect coffee maker with hot water dispenser should include:
- A Large Water Reservoir–If having to refill the water tank multiple times is enough for you to break out the kettle again, look for a coffee machine with a large water reservoir, like the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus.
- Programmable Coffee and Water Dispenser–If you want your morning tea to be ready in the morning like your coffee is, get a machine that has two programmable sides, so no matter what you choose to drink that morning, you won’t have to wait. Check out the Hamilton Beach 49982.
- Brew Strength–Personalize your coffee by selecting the strength that fits your taste, like the Mr. Coffee BVMC-DMX85-RB.
- Brew Pause–Start your day off right with a feature that allows you to have a cup of coffee while you’re waiting for the rest of the pot to finish brewing.
Depending on your budget and your household needs, investing in a coffee maker with a hot water dispenser may or may not be for you.
One thing is for sure–making hot water shouldn’t be a pain. If it is, you should explore the possibilities of an all-in-one machine.
Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus (3267 | 3.8)
The Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus machine features a hot-water dispenser that functions independently from the coffee maker.
This feature ensures you get fresh, hot water every single time, and you can even use it while brewing your morning cup of coffee.
Compared to other coffee makers that feature a hot water system, the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus machine is of average price.
This unit is a popular choice for many buyers, especially those who are looking for a convenient way to make coffee and tea (or cocoa, soups, and oatmeal).
Its users have generally positive feedback for the machine, minus a few complaints here and there.
Buyers love that this coffee machine adds convenience to their morning routine and cuts down on the number of small appliances they own.
But some users note that with the added convenience, there may be issues with the hot water dispenser leaking or breaking after a few months of use.
Overall, most users agree that the coffee maker itself is reliable and has an array of useful features.
If your main reason for purchasing this unit is for the hot water system, you may want to look at more durable options.
This dual coffee maker and hot water dispenser has a sleek rectangular design, giving it a more modern look.
Its simplistic, no-nonsense design is both functional and most importantly, space saving.
The unit also features a clock and minimalistic buttons that are very user-friendly.
This coffee maker features many elements that is sure to make your morning routine more enjoyable:
- Carafe temperature control: Keep your coffee at the temperature of your choice, with high, medium and low temperature settings.
- 24-hour programmability: You can automate your morning cup so it’s ready when you wake up
- Brew-pause: Instead of waiting for the entire pot to brew, you can simply pause, pour, and enjoy a cup of coffee with no down time.
- Self-clean: Get some time back in your busy day with the self-clean feature.
- Removable drip tray: With this feature, you don’t have to worry about your travel mugs not fitting under the dispenser. Just fill up and go.
For coffee and tea drinkers looking to simplify their morning routine, this product’s compactness and convenience just can’t be beat.
Mr. Coffee BVMC-DMX85-RB (191 | 3)
The Mr. Coffee Versatile Brew machine is a coffee maker and hot water dispenser in one.
The hot water feature allows users to make tea, oatmeal, and soups with a push of a button.
It’s a feature that appeals to both coffee and non-coffee drinkers.
The price point for this machine is mid-range.
It is comparable to other coffee machines with hot water systems.
But judging by the reviews, the average price point should not be enough to entice you to buy this machine.
Buyers of this machine have generally negative feedback concerning the quality and ease of use.
Many users are unhappy with the 2-hour heating feature, which doesn’t allow coffee to stay warm for over two hours.
Another added inconvenience is the fact that the hot water dispenser only holds a small amount of water, meaning it needs to be refilled after every use.
A positive aspect is that the hot water does heat up quickly. Lastly, and most problematic, is the coffee maker’s short lifespan.
Many buyers note that their units stopped functioning after a few months of use.
The coffee maker’s design is traditional, featuring a gray and black color scheme and curved edges to give it a softer look.
It is sure to fit in with a buyer’s existing kitchen appliances.
Beyond the hot water dispenser, this coffee maker includes the following features:
- Brew Strength Selector: Brew a cup of coffee that truly fits your unique taste. With this feature, you can choose a stronger brew for a bolder taste.
- Delay Brew Timer: Wake up to a fresh cup of coffee every morning
- Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause: Don’t wait for the pot to finish brewing, enjoy a cup of coffee now.
- On/Off Light Indicator: Know exactly when your hot water is ready to dispense–no more guessing games.
Even with the array of features included in this machine, this machine fails to satisfy the needs of coffee or non coffee drinkers.
If you are looking for a quality coffee maker and hot water dispenser, this should not be your go-to product.
Hamilton Beach 49982 (34 | 3.2)
The Hamilton Beach 49982 offers versatility for both coffee and tea drinkers.
With a programmable hot water dispenser, you can have hot water waiting for you when you wake up, alongside your cup of coffee.
With a 32-ounce water capacity, this machine can satisfy your tea, cocoas, and oatmeal needs all at once.
In comparison to similar products, the price point of the Hamilton Beach 49982 is mid-range.
By opting for a mid-range product, you may be sacrificing the higher quality that a more expensive product offers.
A less popular coffee maker in comparison to its counterparts, this product has garnered mixed reviews from its customers.
The scattered reviews of this machine indicate that there are still improvements to make on this model.
The biggest complaint for this machine is the inconvenience the coffee reservoir lid poses.
The opening is very small, meaning it’s hard to fill the machine without making a mess.
Users also describe the temperature of the hot water as lukewarm instead of boiling, which can be a turnoff for tea drinkers.
A handful of customers also state that the coffeemaker feels cheaply made and the hot water dispenser became faulty with continued use.
It appears you may be sacrificing quality for the added convenience of having two appliances in one.
The unit’s design does not deviate from what you would normally expect of a coffee maker.
Featuring grey steel on top and a glass carafe with black accents, the only differentiating aspect of this coffee machine is the hot water dispenser found on the right-hand side.
The machine appears a bit bulky on top but is still compact in comparison to similar coffee maker/hot water dispenser units.
In addition to the programmable, hot water dispenser, the unit also features:
- Programmable coffee maker: That’s right, you can program the coffee separately from the hot water dispenser, meaning you’ll never have to wait on a morning cup again.
- Cone Filter: Unlike some coffee makers, this unit features an ergonomic cone filter that ensures all grounds are evenly covered with hot water.
- Brew Strength: Choose your ideal strength of coffee without compromising taste.
- Automatic shutoff: Ever forget to shut off your machine before you leave in the morning? No worries, this unit will take care of that for you.
If you are looking for a coffee maker and hot water dispenser in one, and are willing to sacrifice durability for the added convenience, this may be the product for you.
Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System (64 | 4.5)
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is an all-in-one solution to your coffee and tea needs.
With its ability to recognize whether you are brewing coffee or tea, it offers a hot water system embedded into the coffee maker.
Switching seamlessly from coffee to tea automatically, you’ll never have to pull out your electric kettle again–which means less complications and more time to enjoy your hot (or cold) beverage of choice.
This coffee system is considerably higher in price than similar products offering a hot water system.
However, its high-end price is reflective of its higher quality and the many unique features that most other coffee makers do not include.
This coffee system has received glowing reviews from the majority of its users, proving to be a popular and stand-out choice in comparison to competitors.
The most loved features of this coffee system are the different brewing temperature settings and the wide range of cup sizes available.
Users say that these features, very rarely offered by other coffee machines, makes each drink feel perfectly customized to their tastes.
Beyond its high-tech features, buyers also rave about the taste of the coffee and tea produced.
They state there is a noticeable difference between the taste of coffee brewed using the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System versus a cheaper product.
Even with its high price tag, users report that the machine is worth every penny.
The design of this coffee system is reflective of its high-tech nature, looking and feeling more modern than the one-pot coffee makers of the past.
Featuring curved edges and a compact feel, the black and stainless steel machine looks user friendly and unintimidating, even with the abundance of settings and features available.
In addition, the included milk frother is entirely collapsible into the side, keeping the machine sleek and not clunky.
Beyond its hot-water brewing capabilities, this machine features:
- 2 Ways to Brew Over Ice: You can enjoy cold drinks on demand that never taste watered down. With 2 temperature settings for cold drinks, you can create a truly personalized drink.
- 6 Brew Sizes: Have full control over how much coffee you want to make. You can even make a single cup of coffee without having to purchase expensive and wasteful coffee pods–talk about being environmentally friendly!
- Hot and Cold Frother: Take your coffee or tea to the next level with the collapsible beverage frother. You might even find yourself skipping visits to your local coffee shop to enjoy an at-home beverage instead.
- Separate Coffee and Tea Baskets: This will ensure your drinks are always fresh and full of the flavor you want. This also allows the machine to auto-detect which type of drink you are brewing, without you having to change the settings.
If you’re a coffee or tea drinker looking for a machine that can do it all, this product should be at the top of your list.
Sunbeam Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser
The Sunbeam Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser dispenses hot water at the push of a button.
It is a specialized small appliance that has one use and one use only.
In comparison to other hot water systems and electric kettles, this machine’s price point is very low, which is likely an enticing feature to buyers.
Unfortunately, its affordable price is reflective of its quality, with many buyers noting that their machine lasts only a few months and is not worth the money.
This version of the Sunbeam Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser is not popular with long-time or first-time users. It has proven to be less durable than its previous model and more likely to break in comparison to an electric kettle or coffee maker.
Many buyers are regretful of their choice to buy this product due to its short lifespan.
Especially problematic, as noted by a large portion of users, is the tendency of the hot water dispenser button to break off, rendering the appliance useless.
This machine only has one use, and it does not even deliver on that one use.
The machine’s appearance is simple but effective, mimicking the look of a classic coffee maker.
It’s traditional design means it is easy for any user to intuitively know how to work the machine.
Smaller than your traditional coffee machine, it will also compactly fit on any countertop or desktop.
In addition to its ability to brew hot water on demand, the machine features:
- Quick Heat-Up: Free up your microwave and skip the dish-washing by efficiently heating water in the Sunbeam Hot Shot.
- Auto Shut-off: Never stress about whether you left the machine running again. With its ability to auto-detect when the cycle is over, the Hot Shot will do the shutting off for you.
- Cord Storage: No more clunky cords to wrap up when you move the machine. This cord fits into its base.
For tea, cocoa, oatmeal and instant noodle enthusiasts looking to retire their electric or stove top kettles, look elsewhere for a more reliable option.
