A Guide to Buying a Kitchen Water Heater
A kitchen water heater is a plumbing appliance that heats incoming cold water to provide hot water for taps and appliances. They’re essential for a well-functioning household and they come in many different sizes and shapes.
When choosing a kitchen water heater you should consider where and when you use it. Then, look at the initial purchase cost and running costs to make sure it fits within your budget.
Under-sink heaters
Under sink water heaters are a compact solution that allows you to have instant access to hot water at the point of use. They work in one of two ways: some hold hot water in a tank, while others heat it as you run the tap. They’re very efficient, reducing energy consumption and water waste. They can also be installed under the kitchen sink, in restroom closets or other small spaces.
They’re a good choice for homes with an existing water heater that isn’t enough to serve the needs of a kitchen sink or other fixture. Adding an under-sink heater saves on energy costs by heating water only as it is used, and it avoids the need to constantly run the faucet to get hot water from the main supply. The main advantage of an under-sink heater is its convenience. It’s easy to install, and you don’t need a lot of space under the sink for it.
However, a kitchen under-sink water heater isn’t necessary if your home has a central hot water system. Having an under-sink heater only makes sense if the distance between the sink and the main water heater is too far to get a reasonable kitchen water heater amount of hot water at the faucet. Otherwise, you’re wasting a gallon of water every time you turn on the faucet.
Point of use heaters
Point of use heaters are small devices that heat water close to where it’s used. They can be tank or tankless and are typically installed under a sink, near a shower or dishwasher. They come in a variety of sizes, from 2.5 to 20 gallons and are electronically powered (although there are gas-powered models). Because they’re so close to the tap or tub, hot water arrives quickly and efficiently.
Many of us have stood in the shower waiting for water to flow. The longer the distance between your traditional heater and your shower, the more time it takes for your water to reach the faucet. Adding a POU unit under the sink or near the shower will shorten the wait time considerably.
There are a wide variety of point-of-use models available and they are generally very affordable. They’re also easy to install and can be DIY jobs, but make sure the unit is properly and safely installed. If you’re not comfortable installing a point of use heater, ask a licensed plumber to do the job.
Adding one or more of these appliances to your kitchen is a great way to cut down on energy costs. It will save on utility bills and it will help you reduce the amount of waste water and electricity that’s wasted heating your water.
Boiling water taps
Boiling water taps are the latest gadget to hit kitchens, and they do exactly what they say on the tin. These special taps link directly to a small boiler tank beneath the sink, heating water instantly when you turn the tap on.
They’re available in a wide range of styles to suit your kitchen design, including 3-in-1 taps that provide boiling water, filtered cold water and chilled sparkling water (like our electric boiler water heater Fohen Futura Fizz 5-in-1 tap). These types of taps also allow you to declutter the space under the sink by replacing your kettle, freeing up counter space for other appliances and cookware.
The best boiling water taps will include a child lock, insulated spout and handles and a touch screen digital display for ease of use. Many of the taps also feature a filter to remove chemicals from your drinking water, which is especially beneficial for those with hard or softened water.
Choosing the right tap for you will also depend on how much boiling water you’ll be using. Look for models with a smaller tank size, like the Abode Pronteau 3-in-1 tap that has a two litre tank, as these are more compact and will fit into tighter spaces. Look for tanks with a quick reheat time to save energy, and make sure you choose a tap with an A-rated energy rating.
Water boilers
This sleek, glass electric boiler from Aigostar is a good choice for the modern kitchen. It has a capacity of 1.7 liters and comes with an automatic shutoff feature, which ensures safe usage. It also has a boil-dry protection system that prevents accidental spills and boiling incidents. The manufacturer also offers a one-year warranty on this product.
Water boilers are an energy-efficient way to heat a building, as they turn nearly all of the fuel into heat. They can produce both hot water and steam, and are typically less noisy than a furnace. However, boilers must be carefully maintained to avoid problems like strange noises or water leaks.
The main difference between a water heater and a boiler is that a water heater has a tank and a boiler doesn’t. The main function of a water heater is to warm up the domestic water that’s used for household purposes like showering, washing clothes and cooking. A boiler does this by heating the incoming water with gas burners or electric heating rods inside of its sealed tank.
The water is then stored in the tank until it’s needed. When the handle on your sink or tub is turned on, it sends cold water through pipes to your hot water heater. The water is warmed by the heating rods or a gas burner, and then sent out to your taps at the right temperature.