Best Water Boilers for Tea [Comparison]
If you’d like hot water in an instant and would like to serve multiple cups of tea over several hours, you need an electric hot water boiler. This guide includes in-depth reviews of several models.
Unlike electric kettles, an electric water boiler and warmer can both heat your water quickly and KEEP it warm at your preset temperature for several hours, saving both time and energy.
If you simply need an inexpensive electric kettle for one-time use, we’ve reviewed some great options like the Hamilton Beach, Breville Electric Kettle, and the Cuisinart PerfectTemp. However, for tea, coffee, noodle, baby bottle, and even oatmeal lovers who need on-demand hot water for extended periods, read on:
In a nutshell, water boilers differ in terms of their capacity i.e. you’d like to serve multiple cups throughout the day, temperature settings, design, and durability. Here is a quick look at our top picks, followed by an in-depth review of each model.
1. Secura Electric Water Boiler Review
The Secura Electric Water Boiler and Warmer 4-quart is a quality device that is simple to use. This affordable and durable hot water dispenser can be used to make noodles, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. It has some excellent features compared to other water boilers for its price point that we'll detail below.
Design
The Secura water boiler and warmer has a smooth and elegant stainless steel exterior along with a blue night light, which comes in handy in the absence of any external light source.
It features 4 different temperature settings, which can easily be adjusted according to your preferences. The micro temperature control system automatically keeps water warm at the configured temperature.
Capacity
It accommodates 128oz 4 Quarts of liquid that should be sufficient for a small family, but it's not ideal for larger settings. The quantity of water can easily be determined through its water-level gauge, and the non-stick internal container makes for easy cleaning.
Safety
For additional safety, the device also features a magnetic power cord that can be quickly disconnected in case of any spillage and an auto shut-off feature to prevent the spillage of boiling water.
Key Features
Other prominent features include steam ventilation, low water level warning, a removable lid, a multilingual instruction manual, a 360⁰ rotating base, and a secure dispenser lock.
Best Overall
2. Zojirushi 586361-CV-DCC40XT America Corporation Ve Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer, 4-Liter, Stainless Dark Brown
The Zojirushi 586361-CV-DCC40XT Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer is the gold standard water boiler.
This Japanese hot water dispenser in either the 4 or 5-liter model, has a lot of capacity for those who need a lot of hot water on demand and has many state-of-the-art features, most notably its variable temperature settings and its ability to keep water hot with minimal energy use due to its insulation technology.
We've reviewed and compared several water boilers and the Japanese-made Zojirushi is widely viewed as the best big electric water boiler and kettle you can buy.
The Zojirushi DCC40 comes with multiple temperature settings and a one-touch dispensing system. It's is an ideal machine for your veggies, breakfast, noodles, oatmeals, soups, and any other instant foods. Whatever the purpose is, the Zojirushi water boiler is up to the task.
Design
The Zojirushi CV-DCC40 has an elegant dark brown stainless steel design and a non-stick coated interior.
Features
Temperature Settings
The Zojirushi features micro computerized temperature control. It has a total of four different temperature settings: 160⁰F, 175⁰F, 195⁰F, and 205⁰F. It also keeps the water warm efficiently with its vacuum-sealed insulation technology.
Capacity
It has a large capacity of 4 liters, so you won’t have to worry about water shortage with this model.
LED Display
The Zojirushi water boiler features a one-touch operation and an easy-to-read LED display. The display also shows the real-time temperature of the water.
Audible Timer
For more convenience, the device is equipped with an audible timer notification so users can easily configure the device to start at a later time, which ranges from 6-10 hours to spare power and save energy.
The device is also equipped with cafe-drip and Bistro trickle administering mode that reduces the quantity of water up to 60% at a normal setting. That makes it an ideal device for preparing Bistro Espresso.
One of the unique features of the Zojirushi CV DCC40 Water Boiler and Warmer is that it can boil water directly to your desired temperature without having to first boil it to 208F and letting it cool down.
This significantly reduces heating time. It's also still equipped with dechlorination and descaling mode to ensure your water is clean at all times.
Safety
There's an auto shut-off feature with an audible notification for when water levels reach too low. It also shuts off if it senses the lid is open and has a magnetic cord.
Customer Support
We've never had any issues with the product but apparently, their customer support is top-notch according to many of the reviewers online. It also comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Tiger PDU-A50U-K Electric Water Boiler and Warmer - Stainless Black, 5.0-Liter
The Japanese brand Tiger PDU Electric Water Boiler and Warmer is a great addition to the existing Tiger water boilers. It comes with all the modern features one would expect and is essentially an updated model of the previous Tiger water boilers.
For those who need ample capacity to both heat and keep their water warm at preset temperatures for several hours, you'll be glad to know the Tiger comes in 3, 4, and 5-liter models.
Design
As seen in the picture below, the Tiger Water Boiler features a slick LCD. It is also elegantly designed, is made of stainless steel, and honestly just blends in nicely with any kitchen.
Features
Stay Warm
There is a reboil function to quickly bring water back to boiling temperature. Keep in mind the initial boil, as reported by some users is anywhere from 7-10 minutes.
LCD
Allows for easy adjustment of up to two sleep timer settings (6 or 9 hours), which allows you to program the water boiler to save energy by determining the time for which you'd like the water to be heated to a pre-determined temperature.
The display is also where you'll set up to four different temperature settings: 208°F /194°F / 176°F / 158°F. Perfect for making a variety of different teas.
Auto-Lock
This is essentially a safety feature that will keep water from being dispensed. There's also a safety auto shut-off feature that activates when the unit senses low water levels. Nowadays, I expect all of my appliances to be smart! The lever itself is pretty simple, simply push the button to dispense hot water when ready.
Removable lid
The lid is removable which makes cleaning the unit a lot easier. There's a hook on the back of the lid that can easily be detached to clean up any stains. But as far as overall cleanliness, there's a non-stick coated inner pot and the unit is leakproof.
Power
The Tiger Electric Water Boiler features a removable power cord for added safety and convenience. 928W when boiling, 65 W keep warm.
Dechlorination
It comes equipped with de-chlorination capabilities although that shouldn't be too much of a concern with water boilers that are made of stainless steel.
5. Panasonic NC-EH30PC Water Boiler 3.2-Quart Review
The Panasonic NC-EH30PC Water Boiler 3.2-Quart is the universal water boiling machine. The machine can be used for boiling and dispensing hot water. This hot water can be used for a variety of applications as coffee, tea, noodles, spaghetti, baby food, etc.
Overview
This versatile product can be used for many events such as parties, picnics, or any other get-together. Users can use the product all day long without any worry. For more convenience, the product also comes with different adjustable temperature settings.
The hot water dispenser is quite simple and easy to use. Simply push the button to fill a cup, mug, or jar. After the filling, release the button to stop pouring water. The flow and quality of water can easily be controlled on this device.
Features
Temperature Settings: The boiler features different temperatures that users can adjust according to their requirements. It offers a different temperature level for boiling as 140⁰F, 180⁰F, 190⁰F, 208⁰F, and 212⁰F. Users can also configure the boiler to start boiling at a later time through its energy-saver timer.
Another prominent feature of the device includes: removable lid, water-level gauge, LED control panel lights, low-level water warning, non-stick coated internal chamber, and over-heating protection mode.
As the water is boiled for a long duration, so it also helps with de-chlorination. De-chlorination is important as it reduces the amount and taste of chlorine in the water.
Safety
For additional safety purposes, the boiler is equipped with a locking lid to prevent accidental spills. If the water level gets too low, the device will shut down automatically, and it has an auto shut-off feature to boot.
The water boiler also comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Our Take:
If it’s within your budget, get the Zojirushi Water Boiler, it’s widely regarded as the best water boiler in the market. For value, however, the Secura Electric Water Boiler is an excellent choice as well.
Why Use a Water Boiler and Warmer
To save time, energy, and efficiency. Water boilers are ideal for keeping your water warm over several hours.
It’s a convenient way to get instant hot water on demand without having to go through the hassle of heating water time and time again on the stove.
You could still technically use a microwave but your water won’t be heated evenly and consistently, you’ll have no way of easily gauging its temperature, and you’ll have to keep reheating your water over and over.
What is the ideal water kettle?
As with many things, it depends. Do you need a large capacity because the water heater may be used for commercial use or several people in the household? Well, then you’re better off with at least a 4 or 5L model. If not, then you can probably get away with a smaller 3L model or even an electric kettle.
What Material is Best?
The most common material is plastic. Pretty much all manufacturers have taken great care to ensure their electric kettles and water boilers are BPA-free and that their plastic won’t leave a fishy smell on the water heater, but there are still many people who won’t touch anything besides a model made of stainless steel.
Kettles are a bit different as there are many excellent glass kettle models in addition to stainless steel versions.
What Features Should You Look For?
The models we’ve listed above are all high quality and come with some basics like Auto Shut Off, LCDs, adjustable temperature settings, and detachable cords in some cases.
The real differentiators are longevity, customer service, and durability. While there are several quality electric kettle brands, for water boilers, only a few names like Tiger and Zojirushi have stood the test of time.
Temperature Guide for Tea
Did you know that different types of tea taste better at certain temperatures? A good water boiler or electric kettle can easily be programmed to heat your water to your desired temperature.
Here’s a quick guide to the different temperatures that are best for a variety of teas:
- White Tea – 149-158F.
- Yellow Tea – 159-167F.
- Green Tea – 167-176F
- Oolong Tea – 176-185F
- Black Tea – 210F
- Boiling water – 210 degrees can also be used for instant food that requires hot water, such as noodles, oatmeal or to boil vegetables quickly.
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference and these measurements are merely guidelines. If you are still on the fence, we strongly recommend the Zojirushi Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer. You really cannot go wrong with this model.
