The cheapest Shabbos hot water dispensers
We totally understand that you don’t want to break the bank on a hot water dispenser. They’re not generally products that last over decades and you have better places to spend your money, like school tuition. Besides, it’s debatable if an expensive electric hot water dispenser is actually better than a cheaper one. So far, I haven’t seen any evidence that shows that to be true. The only true benefit of buying a pricier appliance is the warranty, but how many of us actually bother using it? Sometimes shipping the appliance back to the manufactuer costs almost as much as buying a new one! For that reason, I think there’s a major case to be made that a cheap shabbos urn is just as good. But that comes with some caveat — sometimes cheap is too cheap when it endangers your health and safety.
Your hot water urn is too cheap if:
The inside lining starts flaking off
If there’s any fear of a fire breaking out
You can’t leave your children alone in the kitchen with it
Your hot water urn is the right price if:
It fits into your monthly budget
Doesn’t show signs of rust or flaking
It dispenses hot water
Ultimately, an urn just has one job to do, so if the water is hot then I would say it’s good enough!
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Here’s the best five cheap Shabbat hot water urns:
1. Hamilton Beach Brew Station 40-Cup Coffee Urn, Silver $50
This urn falls just under the $50 mark and for good reason: it has basically no electronic features. For non-Shabbat users that may be a downside, but for us it works perfectly! Sometimes simplicity really is best. Simply remove (or leave in) the brew basket, fill with hot water and plug in. Then, press the pump (which looks like an electric button but it is in fact mechanical).. Easy-peasy. The only negative is I could not independently confirm that it holds a full 40 250ml/8oz cups, but it will likely be big enough for your needs. Just make sure to fill it with a bit more water than you’ll think you’ll actually use over Shabbos/Yom Tov because otherwise the bottom could burn.
This no-name brand urn works like a charm, and is almost identical to the Hamilton Beach as described above. It’s lack of electronics works fine for only-on-Shabbat users. Simply remove (or leave in) the brew basket, fill with hot water and plug in. Just make sure to fill it with a bit more water than you’ll think you’ll actually use over Shabbos/Yom Tov because otherwise the bottom could burn.
This hot water dispenser comes with all the bells and whistles, making it the perfect appliance for both Shabbat and during the week. It has an automatic pump and a high downspout making it safer for children to be around.
If you’re just looking for something cheap and cheerful then why go electric at all? If all you need is a few cups of coffee or tea for the morning and evening, or a backup urn then consider going with the carafe/Thermos route. This one insulates hot water for over 25 hours. I also like that it has a two year warranty. Just boil water in your normal kettle before Shabbat or Yom Tov and pour in the hot water. In fact, you could also make actual coffee and pour it in this urn before Shabbat if that’s the only reason you want hot water. I also like that it looks snazzy on the dinner table during the week, and that it’s super easy to transport and travel with. Plus I love the idea that you are reducing the risk of an electric fire.
This non-electric hot pot will keep your hot water/tea or coffee warm until at least shalosh seudos. It only has a manual pump so there’s no worry about pressing anything electric accidentally. Plus, it has a surprising large capacity for such a sleek appliance. I think it looks much nicer on a countertop than anything with buttons. For this price you could even buy two: one for tea and one for coffee! It works well for travelling, small families, singles and as a back-up urn. Plus I love the idea that you are reducing the risk of an electric fire.
