Breville VKT111 Hot Water Dispenser - Review

Breville is an Australian brand known for their innovative kitchen appliances like toasters, kettles, and coffee makers. Founded in Sydney in 1932, Breville has grown into a global leader in small kitchen appliances. Their products emphasize modern design, ease of use, and consistent performance.

In recent years, Breville has expanded into more premium kitchen gadgets, including hot water dispensers. The Breville HotCup is one of their newest offerings, providing instant boiling water for tea, coffee, cooking, and more. This review will examine the key features and performance of the Breville HotCup to see if it lives up to the brand's reputation for quality appliances.

Overview

The Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser is a stylish and convenient way to have instant boiling water on demand. This countertop appliance features a 3 liter tank capacity and a variable temperature control that allows you to customize the water temperature from 100°F to 212°F.

The HotCup dispenses water in 10 ounce cups at the touch of a button. It can dispense up to 60 cups per hour so you'll never have to wait long for hot water. An easy-view water window lets you check the water level at a glance.

Key features and specs:

• 3 liter tank capacity
• Variable temperature control from 100°F to 212°F
• Dispenses 10oz cups at the touch of a button
• Up to 60 cups per hour dispense rate
• Illuminated water window shows water level
• 3600W fast-heat element
• Removable limescale filter
• Cord storage and swivel base for convenience
• Designed for countertop use

Having an instant hot water dispenser like the Breville HotCup can be a real game changer in the kitchen. No more waiting for water to boil on the stove or microwaving cup after cup. With hot water ready and waiting, you'll save time making tea, coffee, oatmeal, instant noodles, and more. The HotCup allows you to choose your ideal water temperature so you can optimize it for different beverages or uses.

The generous 3 liter tank capacity means you can brew or fill several cups before having to wait for the HotCup to reheat. A tank this size is great for families or office settings. And an impressive 60 cups per hour dispense rate means you likely won't have to queue up to use the HotCup.

Convenient features like the detachable limescale filter, illuminated window, and swivel base add to the user-friendly design. The HotCup takes up minimal counter space but delivers maximum functionality.

For those seeking an eco-friendly hot water solution, the Breville HotCup is far more energy efficient than a constantly boiling kettle. It only heats the water to your preset temperature when you need it. This on demand system helps conserve electricity.

With modern styling and durable construction, the HotCup makes an attractive addition to any contemporary kitchen. Breville is known for quality appliances designed to last.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly hot water dispenser option, consider the BUYDEEM S9013. This dispenser has a slightly smaller 2.5 liter tank but still offers variable temperature control and fast dispensing. It can produce 50 cups per hour and has useful features like a child safety lock.

While it may not have the same brand cachet as the Breville, the BUYDEEM S9013 provides reliable performance at a more accessible price point. It's a great alternative for cost-conscious consumers who want the convenience of an instant hot water dispenser without the premium price tag.

No matter which hot water dispenser you choose, being able to instantly access boiling or near-boiling water can make a big difference in your cooking efficiency and enjoyment. Take the hassle out of heating water and consider adding one of these handy appliances to your countertop lineup.

Design

The Breville HotCup has an elegant and modern design that looks great on any kitchen countertop. It has a footprint of only 9.4 x 15.2 x 20.3 cm, so it doesn't take up too much space. The HotCup comes in a stylish brushed stainless steel or black sesame color to match any decor.

The durable housing is made of brushed stainless steel with die cast metal and plastic components. The water tank holds 1.7 liters and is removable for easy filling and cleaning. There is a viewing window on the tank to easily see the water level.

The drip tray is integrated into the base to catch any accidental drips or spills. It can hold up to 300 ml before needing to be emptied. The dispenser nozzle has a height of 10.8 cm to accommodate different cup sizes.

The Breville HotCup has a very sleek and modern aesthetic that will look great in most kitchens. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium feel. The black sesame color option provides a nice contrast and will fit well in a black, white or gray color scheme. The size is compact enough to fit on most countertops without taking up too much valuable space.

The Swan SWU8L is another hot water dispenser option with a nice design. It has a gloss white and chrome finish that will brighten up any kitchen. The dispenser stands at a height of 32cm. It has a 1.5 liter tank capacity with viewing strip to monitor water level. There is built-in Brita filtering to improve water taste. The drip tray can hold up to 300ml. Overall, the Swan SWU8L has a sleek modern design similar to the Breville HotCup.

When comparing the designs of the Breville HotCup and the Swan SWU8L, they have a lot of similarities. They both feature compact footprints to save on counter space. The water tanks are removable on both models for easy filling and cleaning. Each has an integrated drip tray and accommodation for different cup sizes.

The main differences are the Breville comes in brushed stainless steel or black sesame, while the Swan has a gloss white and chrome finish. The Swan is a bit taller at 32cm over the Breville's 20.3cm height. But they share a modern, minimalist aesthetic perfect for contemporary kitchen decors. So the designs cater to similar tastes but offer some nice options based on color and size preferences.

Overall, the Swan SWU8L matches up nicely with the Breville HotCup when it comes to design. Consumers can choose between the two styles based on their space constraints, color schemes and size needs. Both hot water dispensers have premium builds and compact footprints perfect for kitchen countertops and prep areas.

Ease of Use

The Breville HotCup has been designed for maximum ease of use. The controls are simple and intuitive. There is an easy-slide lever on the top to dispense hot water, allowing you to fill different sized cups or containers with no hassle.

The LCD display clearly shows the selected temperature and keeps you informed. You can choose from 9 precise temperature settings ranging from 80°C to 100°C. Just press the up and down buttons to set your desired temperature.

Dispensing hot water is effortless. Simply place your cup under the nozzle and slide the lever to release the water. The flow rate is fast, filling a mug in seconds. There is no need to hold down buttons or wait for it to heat up each time. The HotCup maintains the temperature so hot water is always ready on demand.

The water tank is easy to access from the front and has markings to show the volume inside. Refilling is straightforward and the tank securely locks back into place. Overall, the well-designed controls and intuitive operation make the Breville HotCup exceptionally easy to use.

Performance

The Breville HotCup has excellent performance for quickly heating water to your desired temperature. It can heat a cup of water in under 50 seconds, meaning you don't have to wait long for your hot beverage.

You have a choice of 9 precise temperature settings, ranging from 160°F to 212°F, so you can get the perfect temperature for different drinks - whether it's delicate green tea or piping hot cocoa. The default temperature is 185°F.

The flow rate is also very good. You can dispense water at a rate of 10 ounces per minute directly into your cup or travel mug thanks to the height-adjustable drip tray. This allows fast fill ups without splashing or spills.

Overall, the rapid heating system, temperature control, and fast dispense rate make this an ideal hot water dispenser for homes or offices where you want hot water on demand. It delivers excellent performance.

Energy Efficiency

The Breville HotCup has an impressive energy efficient design. It has a power rating of 3000W and only heats the amount of water needed for each serving. This on demand heating system helps conserve electricity compared to kettle style hot water dispensers that constantly keep water hot.

Some key energy saving features include:

• Auto shut off after 2 minutes of inactivity. This prevents wasted standby energy usage.

• Adjustable temperature settings from 50°C to 100°C. Users can select the precise temp needed rather than overheating water.

• Single cup dispensing from 68ml up to 500ml. Heating small amounts uses less energy.

• 3000W power rating. Provides rapid heating while avoiding excess wattage.

• Insulated tank design. Helps retain heat and minimize energy required to maintain temperature.

Overall, the Breville HotCup has an eco-friendly design focused on minimizing electrical consumption. It's more energy efficient than a standard kettle yet still provides piping hot water on demand.

Safety Features

The Breville HotCup has several important safety features that make it a good choice for homes with children.

• It has an auto shutoff that turns the dispenser off after 2 hours of inactivity. This prevents it from continuing to heat and waste energy if you forget to turn it off.

• There is a child lock button that locks the dispensing lever and controls. This prevents children from accidentally dispensing hot water and scalding themselves.

• Safety sensors detect when the drip tray is removed or not replaced properly. The dispenser will not heat water unless the drip tray is securely in place.

• The heating system automatically shuts off if it senses the water level is too low. This prevents the heating element from running dry and getting damaged.

• The exterior of the HotCup remains cool to the touch even when it's heating water inside. This reduces the risk of burns from accidental contact.

• It meets British electrical safety standards. Breville also provides a safety assurance guarantee, so you can return it if you have any concerns about safety defects.

Overall, Breville designed the HotCup dispenser with families in mind. The combination of auto shutoff, child lock, sensors, insulation, and electrical safety makes this one of the safer options for homes with children.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your Breville HotCup dispenser running smoothly for years to come. Here are some tips for cleaning, descaling, and filter changes:

Cleaning - Wipe down the exterior with a soft damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent. The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning.

Descaling - Mineral deposits from water can build up over time and affect performance. Descale every 3-6 months depending on your water hardness. Use Breville's descaling solution and follow the instructions in the manual. Descale more frequently if you notice flow slowing.

Filter Changes - Replace the filter every 60 days or after 40 gallons to keep water tasting fresh. Use Breville's official replacement filters. Remove the old filter, rinse the holder, insert the new filter, and flush 2-3 cycles before use. Mark your calendar to stay on schedule.

Proper cleaning, descaling, and filter replacement is essential to maximizing the life and performance of your Breville dispenser. Refer to the user manual for full maintenance recommendations. With regular care, your HotCup should provide years of hot water on demand.

Warranty

The Breville HotCup has a 1-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use for 1 year from the date of original purchase.

The warranty does not cover damage from commercial use, misuse, abuse, accidents, alterations, or damage during transit. It also does not cover normal wear and tear.

The warranty covers parts and labor to repair any manufacturing defects. If the product cannot be repaired, Breville will elect to either replace the appliance or refund the purchase price.

To obtain service under this warranty, customers need to contact Breville Customer Service to troubleshoot the issue and coordinate any repairs or replacement if needed. Proof of purchase is required, so be sure to keep your receipt.

Overall, the 1-year limited warranty provides decent protection against early manufacturing issues. But the warranty is relatively short compared to some other brands that offer 2 or 3 year warranties. And it does not cover any damage from normal use over time.

Pros and Cons

The Breville HotCup has several notable pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Fast boiling - It can boil a cup of water in under 50 seconds, making it very quick and convenient for making tea, coffee, instant meals etc.

• Variable temperature control - You can choose the exact temperature, ranging from 50-100°C, for optimal results with different drinks.

• Large capacity - With a 3L tank, it can dispense many cups before needing a refill. Good for families or offices.

• Removable drip tray - Catches any spills and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

• Auto shut-off - Shuts off automatically after 2 minutes to prevent wasting electricity.

• Descaling function - Helps remove mineral deposits to maintain performance.

Cons

• No water filter - It does not come with a water filter so may need descaling frequently depending on water hardness.

• No keep warm function - It does not keep already boiled water warm for long periods.

• Brittle water tank - Some reviews mention the plastic tank becoming brittle and cracking over time.

• Noisy - It can be quite loud when boiling and dispensing water.

• Expensive - It is more costly than some basic kettles or dispensers.