Water Cooler: Sunbeam 6131 Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Sunbeam 6131 Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.8 x 9.8 inches ; 1.5 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B000C3QSPQ
Item model number: 6131

By : Sunbeam
List Price : ~~$19.99~~
Price : $17.41
You Save : $2.58 (13%)

Product Description

Color: Black

HOT SHOT - Hot Water Dispenser. Heats 16 oz of water fatser than a microwave. Auto Shut off, Cord storage. Great to make a variety of foods such as hot cereal, hot noodles, hot beverages, baby food and more. Ideal for home,office or travel.

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Product Features

Heats 16 oz. of water faster than a microwave and auto shut off turns unit off immedialey after cycle is completed
Space saving design fits conveniently on countertops, desktops and more
Cord storage fits neatly under the base
Easy to use heat and dispense buttons
Mesures 10 by 6 by 8 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Costumer Reviews

I've used a Hot Shot a whole lot for heating up water for drinking various types of tea and other beverages. If it's right for what you're brewing, it really is a great product--the water is heated within a minute or two, which is way faster than a kettle, and it holds the perfect amount for a large mug.

There are a couple things to note though. Like other reviewers have said, because of the product's design, some taller mugs (especially large vacuum-sealed caddy mugs) won't fit in to receive the water, so you either can't use them or have to dispense the water into another container first and pour it from there. Also, you definitely should empty the excess water after you're done--you might even want to open the lid while it's still warm to let the extra moisture evaporate. This is because the inside is metal, and re-re-reheated water that's been sitting in there gets a bit gross and might not be the healthiest.

The last issue, which affects me more than it may others, is that the Hot Shot heats the water to boiling or very near to boiling. This is great if you're drinking black tea, hot chocolate, or hot cider, but if you're drinking green tea (which takes hot water that is well below boiling), the water from the Hot Shot can be too hot and make the tea bitter. If it's right for the beverage you want to make, though, I can't recommend a more convenient or quick option.

I've used a Hot Shot for at least 20 years and won't go without one. But they are made real cheap now. My son is still using the one he bought over 10 years ago. I had this less than a year when it leaked, and is getting worse. Put water in, press the button. Before you get the water poured in and put the cup under the spout it is dripping, real fast now. By the time the water is heated, if I grab it real quick I lose about 2 tbsp. (in about a minute). If I don't catch it right away it will leak enough so I have to warm up more water to make a full cup. I keep a towel under the spout now. This worked good for a few months. Think about it, if every small appliance in your kitchen had to be replaced within a year......

Also, a tall cup/mug won't fit under the spout. So I pour the water from one cup to another. I do like the old hot shot, saves time and electricity.I gave it one star because I do like the hot shot water heater, I just don't like this one.

UPDATE: A couple months after I wrote this review, there was a burning smell--the cheap thing burned out. Meanwhile it leaked water into the cabinets below and spoiled the food.

I went without one for a while, but eventually bought another one because I like the concept... put in cold water, press a button, come back to boiling water. I bought the cheapest I could find because it won't last. I'm just glad I don't have to replace all my other appliances every year.

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