Help and advice

Factors to consider when choosing a table top hot water dispenser:

• 'One cup' hot water machines dispense a single output (around 250ml) which is larger than a standard cup. Thus if you are using a one cup hot water machine use a mug large enough for the output to avoid overflow.
• If you are making tea, you are recommended to use boiling water so check the hot water machine dispenses water at this temperature;
• Check you can refill the hot water dispenser without difficulty. You could use a lightweight jug to fill the water reservoir.

Its worth looking at reviews of table top hot water dispensers on the internet. The Good Housekeeping Institute have tested a selection of kettles and hot water dispensers and produced a report on kettles and hot water dispensers. This has useful information on weight, noise and other pros and cons of the individual kettles and a few hot water machines.

As an alternative to wall mounted kettles and hot water taps you may wish to consider:

• Lightweight kettles also called travel kettles which only hold about half a litre of water and thus weigh less than traditional kettles
• Vacuum flasks which store, but do not boil, hot water and may be easier to pour.
• Kettle tippers which may be helpful if you want to keep using a traditional type of kettle but find lifting and pouring from a kettle heavy or difficult to use due to reduced strength or tremor.¹
• Wall-mounted kettles or water heaters