Product Features
- 700-watt one-touch electric dispenser with 4-liter hot-water capacity
- Micro-computerized temperature-control system; reboils to 212 degrees F
- 4 keep-warm temperature settings; auto shut-off for peace of mind; 6- to 10-hour timer
- Cafe-drip dispensing mode; LCD display; water-level gauge; nonstick interior
- Measures 11-3/16 by 8-3/16 by 13-1/2 inches
Who spends money on fancy water heaters? People who like to have fine control over the brewing of their tea. Also probably some folks who like to have unusual gadgets so they can rub it in the faces of those who are less awesome but for the sake of this review let's pretend you're not one of those people.
This particular Zojirushi holds enough water for 2-3 people to drink throughout the day. It boils the water first -- this takes about 15-20 minutes -- and then allows it to cool to one of four "keep warm" temperatures. The "keep warm" presets of 208 195 175 and 140 are perfect for most kinds of tea cup o' noodles baby bottles and various kinds of water torture on intrusive guests.
The magnetic break-away cord is a fantastic feature that demonstrates Zojirushi's attention to detail. When your mother decides to rearrange your kitchen without warning you can rest assured that the Zojirushi will be safe from electrical mishaps. Don't ask how I know this.
Other safety features include an automatic shut-down when it runs out of water a dispenser that will not dispense until you "unlock" it by pressing a button and a "steam-save" design that limits the amount of steam being vomited into your kitchen. This last feature is especially nice for those of us with wall cabinets extending over the counter. I like to steam my food on the stove not while it's in storage thanks.
This device is so simple to use that even my husband can do it. That said due to the charming Engrish in the instruction book at first I was under the impression that the timer existed to shut down the machine. I realized later that either my math skills were terrible or in reality the timer was designed to start it up. Ignore the fact that I ended that sentence with a preposition. The point still stands. The good news is that having a timed start-up is more useful to me than a timed shut-down so for once I was glad to discover further evidence that I am an idiot.
I had one concern prior to purchase. Would teapots fit under the dispenser? I am pleased to report that they can despite the best efforts of the Zojirushi photographers to make it look like the spout is designed to work with cups alone. If you have an epic teapot that serves 300 you might have a problem getting it up under there. But a normal pot? Rock on.
This little device is now my favorite appliance next to the washing machine. Because as much as I love tea I like clean underwear better.
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Note: Confused about which Zojirushi water heater to purchase? Check the comparison chart! Amazon links to this chart in the Product Details section of the description but the average person manages to miss it. It's like a ninja but with fewer pointy edges.
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Update 1: It's now been over a year since I got my Zojirushi and I am pleased to report that it still works like it's new. I have cleaned it twice with Zojirushi's cleaner -- sold in packets here on Amazon -- despite it never really looking like it needed cleaning at all. I did it simply because the company recommended it. I'm a follower like that. The Zojirushi has survived a move three extreme power surges and a switch to mineral-heavy tap water. I'm starting to wish Zojirushi had made my own body. I mean think of the time I could save if I only had to be cleaned up twice a year! And I didn't survive the move in nearly as good a condition. Tsk. At least I'm not old enough for power surges yet.
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Update 2: And now we're going on 2.5 years of watery ownership. It's survived a second move as well as an unfortunate mishap that left its inner container discolored orange. No you may not have the hilarious but humiliating details. The official cleaning packets I mentioned in my previous update saved the day so it's good as new again. (Use the keywords "ZOJIRUSHI INNER CONTAINER CLEANER" here on Amazon to find a box of the packets. You only need one packet per cleaning job. I swear.) I'm pleased to report that its gold-tan color has not faded over the years nor has it slowed down started making odd noises or in any other way complained. Best $125 ever spent outside that marriage license thing. I think.
