How to Choose Electric Thermo Pots
Panasonic, Zojirushi and Other Instant Hot Water Dispensers
Thermo pots are convenient, easy to use and can maintain a fixed water temperature: making them especially useful to tea drinkers.
Popular brands include Panasonic and Zojirushi. Prices range from $50 to $200.
How Thermo Pots Work
Water is poured into the thermo pot, just like a kettle. After the water has boiled the water is allowed to cool until a preset temperature is reached. If the temperature drops further the thermo pot heats the water back up to the preset temperature.
If boiling water is required, a manual reboil switch can be pressed.
Water is dispensed through a spout, with a push-button controlled electric pump. This is useful for people with arthritis or weak hands. However it means that no water can be dispensed if there is no electrical power, making thermo pots unsuitable for picnics.
Standard Thermo Pot Features
Thermo pot designs have been refined to a high degree of perfection over the years. Models from different brands are surprisingly similar, converging to the same ideal solution:
- Electrical power of 700 to 800 watts, bringing tap water to a boil in 20 to 30 minutes.
- Water capacity of 2 to 5 quarts (2 to 5 liters).
- Dry-boil protection.
- Water volume indicator (water level window).
- Safety quick-release magnetic power cord. The plug is easily disconnected if the electrical cord is accidentally pulled, preventing the thermo pot from tipping over.
- Thermostat control of water temperature. The number of preset temperatures typically range from 3 to 5. More preset temperatures are especially useful for tea drinkers, for boiling different types of tea.
Most thermo pots even have the same distinctive shape: a fat cylindrical body with an overhanging spout on top. The front of the thermo pot is curved in to allow cups to fit under the spout. Tea and coffee drinkers should check that the indentation is deep enough to fit their favorite pot.
Advanced Thermo Pot Features
Some advanced features are reserved for more expensive models. While not strictly necessary (after all, boiling water isn't that complicated), they can be useful.
- "Hybrid" models have vacuum insulated double walls, saving electricity by giving the same heat retention performance as vacuum flasks. Some have an energy saver mode, disabling the thermostat and allowing the water to slowly cool down over a few hours, without any reheating.
- A non-stick inner coating reduces hard water scale build-up.
- A drip mode dispenses water at a slower rate, allowing drip coffee to be made.
- A timer saves electricity by switching on the thermo pot after a 6 or 10 hour delay. This allows the pot to be filled at night and deliver hot water in the morning, without wasting electricity keeping the pot warm all night. Unfortunately most timers need to be set every day, there is no daily repeat timer. Some timers also automatically reset the thermostat to the highest temperature.
- A digital thermometer shows the current water temperature.
- A low water alarm beeps when the thermo pot needs to be refilled.
- A dechlorination mode boils the water longer to get rid of chlorine.
- A "steam save" feature lowers power before boiling temperature is reached, reducing the amount of steam produced (which can damage kitchen cabinets).
The Best Thermo Pot
Choosing the right thermo pot involves choosing the water capacity and the various features described above.
In general, thermo pots perform well. They are a mature product with few moving parts and have few vices or weaknesses. Any model from a major manufacturer should give years of excellent service.
Electric kettles and other hot water dispensers should also be considered.
Thermo Pots Mean Hot Water for Instant Soups
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