Best One Cup Kettle
Looking for a one cup kettle?
With so many different sizes, makes, and models on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best one cup kettle for you.
This article will look at one cup kettles or hot water dispensers as they are also called and will explain how they differ from regular kettles or other hot water appliances.
We have also compiled a list of some of the best one cup kettles available, to help you narrow down your options.
What Is a One Cup Kettle?
A one cup kettle is an appliance that heats up enough water for a single cup of tea or coffee without the need to boil a full kettle. For this reason, they are referred to as one cup kettles or hot water dispensers.
Most one cup kettles will boil a cup of water in less than a minute, and many have variable temperature settings for beverages that require hot rather than boiling water. Many also have different settings for various-sized cups and so can accommodate a large mug or a small espresso cup and anything in between.
Water tank sizes also vary from 1.5 litres up to 4 litres, so depending on how it will be used, there is a one cup kettle to suit most people.
The larger tank sized hot water dispensers are more likely to be used in an office setting, while the smaller capacity may be more useful for a small household.
How Does a One Cup Kettle Work?
So, before you go out and buy a one cup kettle, it's a good idea to find out how they work and exactly what you will be getting for your money.
Filling the Water Tank
A one cup kettle will have a water tank or reservoir which is filled from your cold-water supply. Most can be lifted off their base and taken to the tap to be filled. Others need to be filled with a jug as they are too large or not portable.
The capacity of the water tanks will vary, as will the design, although many of the water tanks are transparent, so you can monitor the levels.
Selecting Temperature
Some hot water dispenser have options to select the temperature that your water can be heated to. This is useful if you drink coffee, black tea and herbal teas as they all require slight variation in water temperature for maximum taste.
Heating Speed
The speed that a one cup kettle heats water will vary from model to model, with an average of just under a minute. Of course, many hot water dispensers allow you to choose a specific temperature depending on the desired beverage. The speed with which it heats to each water setting will vary.
Dispensing Speed
The rate at which a one cup kettle dispenses hot water will depend on the make and model. Some are very quick at heating water but slower at dispensing it once heated. Many instant hot water one cup kettles have a manual stop button to allow more control over the volume of water dispensed.
Additional Features
Several one cup kettles also feature inbuilt water filters which removes limescale, chlorine and heavy metals from the water for a better tasting beverage.
Almost all hot water dispensers have a drip tray to catch any overflow or dribbling from the spout.
Many one cup kettles have water tanks that illuminate when they are heating up to let you know just by looking that it is working. Some also have lights at the dispensing spout for ease of use in dim light.
A one cup boil kettle should only be used on a flat, stable and heat resistant surface such as a kitchen worktop.
Types of One Cup Kettle
There are several different types of one cup kettles on the market and you should think about which would best suit your needs before buying. Here, we will look at the different variations of one cup kettles and discuss how they differ and the pros and cons of each type.
Hot Water Dispenser and Purifier
A hot water dispenser with a purifier does exactly what the name suggests. It purifies water by passing it through filters in the appliance and heats it to the required temperature.
The difference between a hot water dispenser with a purifier and a standard one cup kettle is that the water is filtered first and then heated. This removes chlorine, limescale and other chemicals and impurities from the water thereby improving the taste.
You may use a hot water dispenser and purifier if you live in a hard water area and there is a lot of limescale build up in your kettle. The water in these areas will taste different to soft water and some people do not like the taste although it is perfectly safe to drink.
Chlorine is used to disinfect our drinking water and can react with some metals and plastics affecting the taste of the water. A filter will remove the chlorine thereby eliminating the reaction that causes the bad taste of the water.
Having a hot water dispenser and purifier means that not only will you have filtered water that tastes better, but also removes any film on the top of your hot drink improving its appearance and appeal.
You will also only be using enough energy to heat a cup of hot water at any one time rather than a whole kettle of water.
However, a hot water dispenser with a purifier will cost you more. You will also need to replace the filter cartridges on a regular basis, which will add to the ongoing cost.
Variable Dispense One Cup Kettles
A variable dispense one cup kettle allows several different settings for different sized cups. Models that offer this facility give the option of up to nine different settings.
This differs from a standard one cup kettle which will typically dispense 250ml of hot water. A variable dispense one cup kettle can offer anything from a small teacup to a large coffee mug of hot or boiling water.
This would be ideal for a large family with different tastes in beverages or for an office, as it to provides options for everyone according to their taste and preference.
The most obvious benefit of a variable dispense one cup kettle is the wide range of choice of cup sizes which means there will be something to suit everyone.
The availability of different dispense amounts means that you are saving money by only heating the amount of water for the cup size chosen, something that it is difficult to do with a standard kettle.
With nine different cup sizes to choose from it may take a while to get used to the operation of a variable dispense one cup kettle.
If making a number of cups of tea or coffee the variable hot water dispenser will need to reheat slightly for every separate cup, unlike a kettle where you can fill several cups from one supply of boiled water.
Instant Hot Water One Cup Kettles
An instant hot water one cup kettle provides a supply of hot water without having to wait for the appliance to heat the whole tank of water each time.
The difference between the instant hot water one cup kettle and a standard kettle is that a standard kettle can take up to 3 minutes to produce hot water, whereas an instant hot water one cup kettle can supply it in under 60 seconds.
An instant hot water one cup kettle would work well in a busy office environment where people don’t have long for coffee breaks or in a large, busy household. Some models can supply large quantities of boiling water which can be used for cooking pasta or noodles.
The main advantage of an instant hot water dispenser is that there is no waiting around for the water to heat up.
While some one cup kettles will heat water to 98°C this is not actually boiling temperature. A few instant hot water one cup kettles will heat the water to 100°C or boiling point.
Although they are called instant hot water dispensers there will still be a waiting period for the hot water and if you are filling several cups you will need to pause between each one to allow the water to reheat.
Some instant hot water dispensers heat the entire amount of water in the reservoir and then maintain its temperature through insulation and periodic application of heat.
Automated One Cup Kettles
An automated one cup kettle will dispense hot or boiling water at the touch of a button and fill a cup to a pre-set limit. There is no need for you to push a stop button once the desired level has been reached.
Some hot water dispensers require you to manually start and stop the dispensing process by pressing a button on the appliance. An automated one cup kettle will stop automatically once the selected level of required hot water has been reached.
This type of kettle allows one button operation, making it easy to use especially for those who may struggle to lift a kettle such as the frail or physically impaired.
An advantage of the automated one cup kettle is the ease of use. Some hot water dispensers which offer multiple choices of temperature setting and cup sizes can be complicated and confusing. An automated one cup kettle is relatively straightforward to use.
As this kettle will switch off when the correct amount of water has been dispensed there is no need to stand and wait for it to finish. You could carry out another task while the hot water is being dispensed, knowing that it will switch itself off at the correct time.
An automated one cup kettle may be quite basic and not offer a lot of different settings so be sure that what you are buying meets your needs.
Without a manual stop button there is the danger of an overflow of hot or boiling water if the correct cup size is not used.
Best One Cup Kettle
If you have decided to forego the traditional kettle and opt for a one cup kettle or hot water dispenser you will need to know what the features they offer are and which would be the best one cup kettle to suit your situation.
This section will look at different types of one cup kettles, and consider the merits and drawbacks of each including some one cup kettle problems. With our help you should be able to decide which is the best one cup kettle for you.
Best Hot Water Dispenser and Purifier
Breville Brita HotCup Hot Water Dispenser
The Breville Brita HotCup Hot Water Dispenser with an integrated water filter holds 1.8 litres of water and can deliver boiling water in around 40 seconds courtesy of its 3kW concealed element.
The appliance has 9 different cup size settings, allowing for a variety of hot beverages and has a manual stop button if needed. It also has a removable drip tray.
The filter technology includes a Brita cartridge which has micro carbon pearls that remove the chlorine and similar impurities from the water. It also contains ion exchange pearls which remove lead, copper and limescale. This means that the water tastes better for hot drinks, will not cause a build-up of limescale in the appliance and is much healthier.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Filter removes heavy metals, chlorine and limescale
- Boils water in 40 seconds
- 9 different cup size settings
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- The filter takes up space in the water reservoir reducing capacity
- Takes longer to fill
- Drip tray is quite small
Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine
Another hot water dispenser with purifier is the Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine. It has a large 3 litre water tank, which is double the capacity of the average kettle. This makes it a good choice for a large, busy household or an office.
This one cup kettle offers a range of temperatures, depending on what beverage you are making from 100°C for black tea to 85°C for herbal infusions. It will automatically dispense up to 600ml, but for larger amounts you need to push a button to manually dispense.
The Brita filter removes the unpleasant taste of chlorine and filters out heavy metals such as lead and copper. By taking the impurities out of the water, it not only improves the taste of your beverages, but also the appearance by eliminating the film that can remain on hot drinks from unfiltered sources.
The Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine, while not the cheapest, one cup kettle is a stylish appliance with many useful features and would serve a large household or small office. The large capacity means that it can be used to provide hot water for cooking as well as for beverages.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Offers different heating temperatures
- Two spouts for fast dispensing
- Brita filter removes impurities
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Large water tank may be too heavy for some users
- Expensive
- Complaints of metallic taste
BIBO Classic
At the top end of the price range and with plumbed in water supply is the BIBO Classic. This machine provides filtered hot and cold water at the touch of a button, and as it is permanently fitted to the mains it will not require filling up like the stand alone models.
It has variable dispense options and a power saving mode. The filter cartridge is a carbon block and works in conjunction with a UV light to purify and filter the water.
The cartridge will only need to be changed every six months, and the UV light once a year. The BIBO Classic will let you know when it is time to change these parts of the filtration system.
This hot water dispenser would look good in a high end kitchen or in a busy office. It is suitable for either environment and is 25% cheaper to run than a standard kettle. There is the option to rent the unit or purchase it. As it is quite expensive you may want to rent one for a while to see if it works for you and if it is worth the investment.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- As it is plumbed in you don’t need to worry about refilling it
- Can be installed as a DIY job
- Available in 12 colours
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Not the cheapest one cup kettle
- Will need to be plumbed into your existing cold water supply
- Takes up a lot of counterspace
Best Variable Dispense One Cup Kettle
Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser With Variable Dispense
The Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser with variable dispense has 9 different cup sizes which reduces waste by only heating the amount of water required and allows a range of choices from teacup to large mug.
It also has a stop button, which means you can stop the flow at any point in the dispensing process. There is a removable drip tray and a permanent limescale filter to keep the appliance clean.
It has a generous 2-litre water reservoir which gives around 10 cups of hot water. The hot water dispenser is removed from the base for re-filling, much like a kettle, and has a wide lid to facilitate easy access. As it heats the water it glows blue to let you know it is operating, and will heat a cup of water in around 50 seconds.
This variable dispense one cup kettle is a good option for a family with different tastes in beverages or for a small office. The choice of different sized cups means that there is something for everyone, including espresso to latte, builders tea to herbal infusions.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Nine different cup sizes to choose from
- Larger than average water tank
- Manual stop to control flow of water
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- loud operation
- Water tank may be heavy for elderly or physically impaired
- Prone to spitting out hot water
Breville Brita HotCup
Breville Brita HotCup is another variable dispense one cup kettle, offering 9 different cup size settings. This hot water dispenser, however, also purifies the water with a Brita Maxtra filter, making it taste better and taking out chlorine and limescale.
It has a 1.8-litre water tank which is enough for 7-8 cups of tea or coffee and is transparent, so the water level is extremely easy to monitor.
The Breville Brita HotCup also features a manual stop button, so that you can control the flow of dispensed water. It is also one of the few one cup boil kettles that will heat water to 100°C.
The stainless steel finish is modern and stylish and will look good in any kitchen, while the 3kW concealed element will heat a cup of water in approximately 50 seconds.
This model would suit a single person or someone who only uses it a few times a day, due to the smaller water reservoir and time taken to refill it.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Heats water to 100°C
- Removes impurities
- 9 different cup size selections
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Water tank is not very large
- Slow to fill
- Relatively expensive
Morphy Richards 131004 Redefine
The Morphy Richards 131004 Redefine not only has variable dispense control but also variable temperature settings. While the variable dispense allows anything from 300ml to 1.5 litres, the variable temperature means you can choose from 85°C, 95°C or 100°C.
The water tank is a spacious 3-litres so refilling will not be a continuous task. You can set an automatic dispense amount from 300ml to 600ml but anything above that will need to be manually set.
The Morphy Richards 131004 Redefine has two dispensing spouts which means that two cups can be filled simultaneously, and a pot can be filled double quick for cooking.
This one cup kettle would be ideal for a large, busy household and equally for an office setting. The large water reservoir and variable dispensing settings means that it is a versatile appliance equally at home in the office as in the home.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Very large water reservoir
- Dispenses up to 1.5 litres of hot water
- Contains a Brita filter to purify the water
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Expensive
- Users complain of strong chemical smell
- Takes a long time to fill
Best Instant Hot Water One Cup kettle
Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser 3 kW Fast Boil
The Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser 3 kW Fast Boil will heat water in a matter of seconds providing instant water for tea, coffee or whatever hot drink you want.
It will dispense 5-7 cups of water from the 1.5 litre reservoir, which can either be lifted from the base to fill at the tap or from a jug.
The water tank is transparent allowing the water level to be monitored and glows blue in operation like many of the Breville standard kettles. There is a permanent limescale filter fitted to protect against build-up and a removable drip tray.
The Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser 3 kW Fast Boil one cup kettle is stylish and fits well into any kitchen.
This model would be good for a small household as the water tank is not very big. It has a fast boil function, so will deliver hot drinks instantly, making it a good buy for busy households and professionals alike.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Provides hot water in around 40 seconds
- Easy to use and maintain
- Has a permanent limescale filter
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Has one of the smallest water tanks of one cup kettles
- No variable dispense options
- No manual stop button to interrupt water flow
Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser
The Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine also has a 3kW concealed heating element so will boil water in under a minute. Not only does it give instant hot water, but you can choose the temperature from 85°C, 95°C or 100°C, depending on whether you are making tea, coffee, herbal infusions or boiling water for your pot of pasta.
It has a 3 litre water reservoir and will dispense anything between 150ml to 1.5 litres at a time depending on whether you require hot or boiling water. This means no waste of water or electricity.
With two dispensing spouts, you can fill two cups at a time which is a great time saver if you are making several hot drinks at a time.
The Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine also has a filtration system using a Brita Maxtra cartridge, a water level indicator, removable drip tray and boil dry protection.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Variable temperature options
- Large water tank
- Filtered water for better taste and appearance
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Expensive
- Some users report bad tasting water on initial use
- Does not always reach 100°C
Breville VKT111 Hot Water Dispenser
The Breville VKT111 Hot Water Dispenser is a stylish kitchen appliance and will instantly heat your water. It has 9 variable cup size settings to allow you to choose exactly the right amount so that you are not wasting water, electricity or money.
With a 2 litre water tank, it will not require frequent refills and has a large window at the front of the machine so that you can tell when it needs a top up.
There is a pour cancellation button so you can interrupt the flow of water if you need to and an adjustable and removable drip tray which is also dishwasher safe. It stands on a wide base with non-slip feet to keep it safely in place on your countertop and provides an ambient light while it is operating.
This is an ideal hot water dispenser for those who struggle to lift a kettle as it can be filled in situ with a jug and is easy to operate.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Variable cup size settings
- Looks stylish
- Good for those who cannot carry a kettle to the tap
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Users expressed preference for a side water level window
- Complaints about spluttering and spitting hot water
- Drip tray easily dislodged
Best Automated One Cup Kettle
Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser
The Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser with variable dispense allows you to make a hot drink with the push of a button. This makes it ideal for a busy household and especially for the morning rush when there is little time for waiting for the kettle to boil.
So, whether you need a cup of coffee to get you going first thing or have a short tea break at work the Breville HotCup Hot Water Dispenser with variable dispense will automatically provide you with your chosen hot drink.
By only heating the amount of water for the preselected cup size this one cup kettle saves water, energy and money. As you can dispense the amount of water you want at the touch of a button it saves time, and there is a manual stop button if you change your mind mid flow.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Variable cup size selector
- Automatically dispenses the correct amount of water
- 3kW heating element for rapid boiling
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Complaints of inconsistent dispensing with pre-selected amounts of hot water
- Water tank may be too heavy for some when filled to maximum
- Does not reach 100°C
Morphy Richards Redefine
The Morphy Richards Redefine provides the option for pre-set water temperature as well as the ability to select cup size. You can choose between 100°C, 95°C and 85°C according to your desired drink as well as deciding the amount to be dispensed.
You can choose from 150ml to 600ml on an automatic setting. For manual selection, you can dispense up to 1.5 litres at a time.
The 3-litre water tank means that this hot water dispenser can be used not just for drinks, but can automatically dispense boiling water for cooking pasta, rice or noodles. Compared to boiling a pan of water on the hob, the Morphy Richards Redefine will save time, money and energy.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Pre-set temperature selection possible
- Automatic dispensing for various cup sizes
- Water can be used for hot drinks and for cooking
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Users complained of chemical taste to dispensed water
- Expensive compared to other one cup kettles
- Both spouts dispense hot water even if you only have one cup
Breville Brita HotCup
The Breville Brita HotCup gives a choice of 9 different cup sizes which means there is something for everyone and with the push of a button your selected amount is automatically dispensed. It includes the Brita Maxtra cartridge which filters your water by using a combination of carbon and ion exchange resin.
This one cup boil kettle automatically removes the chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities from the water ensuring better taste and appearance of your hot drinks.
One cup kettle problems include some of the hot water dispensers not reaching boiling point. The Breville Brita HotCup promises to dispense water only when it has reached 100°C, ensuring that it has reached boiling point for optimum taste. It also has a stop button, which allows you to control the flow of hot water if needed.
THINGS WE LIKED:
- Automatically dispenses up to 9 pre-set cup sizes
- Filters the water to improve taste and appearance
- 3kW fast boil concealed element
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE:
- Water tank is small in comparison to other one cup kettles
- Slow to fill due to filter
- Heavy to move when filled for some users
What to Consider Before Buying a One Cup Kettle
Before you decide to ditch your current kettle and buy a one cup kettle there are some things you will want to think about, including:
Cost
The average cost of a one cup kettle is between £40-£55 for 1.5 litre or 2-litre model, which do not tend to have many complex features. However, they do seem to be reliable and last as long as a standard kettle.
A slightly more expensive one cup kettle will cost between £75-£100 and will have features such as variable dispense settings for different cup sizes.
When the list of features gets longer, and the size gets bigger then so does the price. For example, the Morphy Richards Hot Water Dispenser Redefine which holds 3 litres of water and has variable temperature and cup size selection costs £150-£200.
At the very top end of the scale is a plumbed-in hot water dispenser, which will cost you around £500. However, you can rent more expensive one cup kettles for around £25 per month, and this may be a good idea while you decide if it is right for your situation.
Size
The number of people who will be using the one cup kettle, as well as the frequency of use will determine what size will best suit your situation.
A 1.5-litre one cup kettle would suit a single person or couple, while a 1.8-litre to 2-litre may suit a small family. A 3-litre model would serve a large household or an office environment, while the plumbed in version would also suit an office or a high end kitchen.
Automated
Once you have determined your budget, and the size that will best suit your needs, then you can start looking at the different features that the various one cup kettles offer.
One of the most popular features is the variable cup size selection. This means that you can set the dial on the one cup kettle to a specific cup size, and it will automatically dispense the exact amount of hot water to fill the cup. Therefore, there is no need to stop the water manually.
Other one cup kettles offer the benefit of determining how hot the water will get, with pre-set temperatures from 85°C, 95°C and 100°C for automatic dispensing. This allows for optimum temperature of water for tea, coffee, herbal infusions and even pasta and rice.
Instant Hot Water Access
The appeal of a one cup kettle is that it delivers instant hot water for tea, coffee and other beverages without waiting for a kettle to boil. This convenience is enhanced by the fact that one cup kettles provide exactly that, one cup of hot or boiling water.
This serves two purposes - instant access to something we want, and a sense of doing something environmentally responsible i.e., only boiling exactly the amount of water that you need and no more.
If it is important to you to have instant hot water but equally important not to waste energy, water and money then a one cup kettle is the right solution.
Ease of Use
Most one cup kettles are straightforward to use, as they are similar to a standard kettle. These models only require filling with water either from the tap or a jug and with the touch of a button they will dispense hot or boiling water.
Other models which offer variable cup size or temperature selection will obviously be a bit more complex, and may take a bit longer to get used to.
One cup kettles with filters will need more maintenance, as the filters will need to be changed regularly to retain the taste and quality of the dispensed water.
Speed
The average speed that one cup kettles dispense hot or boiling water at is typically under one minute, with some heating water in 40 seconds. In comparison a standard kettle, which usually takes around 3 minutes to boil water depending on the volume.
Some filtered one cup kettles take longer to refill as the water needs to drain through the filter into the water tank before it can be used. An alternative is to buy a separate Brita filter water jug to keep in the fridge and fill your one cup kettle with this.
You will still have all the benefits of filtered water but without having to wait for it to trickle through your one cup kettle.
FAQs
How do you descale a one cup kettle?
One cup kettles can be descaled with proprietary descaling liquids or for a more environmentally responsible approach with white vinegar or citric acid.
Each one cup kettle will be different so the manufacturers instructions on descaling should be followed including the type of descaling product to be used. Failure to follow the manufacturers instructions in this may void any guarantee.
Once the descaling product has been allowed to work on the machine it should be thoroughly flushed through with clean water. Regular descaling will keep the appliance in good working order.
How much does it cost to boil a kettle for one cup?
A one cup kettle will heat water 3-4 times faster than a standard kettle which costs around 0.02 pence to heat when full.
Of course, different makes and models will vary but the majority of one cup kettles are powered by 3kW elements for rapid boiling which may use more power but will be in operation for shorter durations.
Are one cup kettles more energy efficient than standard kettles?
One cup kettles will only boil the amount of water required to fill one cup in less than a minute and save energy by doing so. Some standard kettles offer similar rapid boiling for one cup of water, but you need to carefully measure the amount, or the function will not work.
While both use electricity at the same rate the one cup kettle will only boil the pre-selected amount of water while filling a kettle is less precise and there is often wasted hot water.
Do all one cup kettles boil water?
Most one cup kettles dispense hot water but not all offer boiling water at 100°C. Some manufacturers claim a 10°C tolerance either side of quoted achievable temperatures for their appliance.
So, while the description may say boiling water a hot water dispenser may only reach 90°C.
Are one cup kettles better than boiling water taps such as Quooker?
If you want to have instant boiling water on hand whenever you need it, you may consider an instant hot water tap such as Quooker or similar. These taps are plumbed in beneath your sink and will require professional installation unlike a one cup kettle which can be plugged in straight out of the box.
Unlike the majority of one cup kettles the instant boiling water taps will provide as much boiling or near boiling water as you need at any one time. However, they are much more expensive than a one cup kettle.
