Sunbeam 6131 Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser

Comment: Purchased Sunbeam Hot Shot at Christmas time and had to throw it out by mid-March. Loved it at first, despite the flimsy construction and the reservoir which would not fully empty after each use. It heats 10-12 oz of water in less time than microwave, stovetop or hotpot (does not really hold 16 oz, since reservoir does not empty).

We used it twice a day for 2 months with no problems. It then developed a serious problem. During each use it emitted a strong odor of hot/burning plastic. We continued to use it for a week or so, unplugging it after each use, to see if odor would continue, it did. We tossed it since it seemed to be a fire hazard. It's really a shame, since I would be willing to pay much more for a sturdy, reliable, safe product that serves the same function. (I did, in fact, just spend over $150 on coffee pod type machine to replace this Hot Shot, it does the same thing - heat water quickly - plus it makes great tasting coffee)

I would not recommend this product, but if you do purchase it -UNPLUG after each use to reduce fire hazard.

Comment: I have had a hot shot for years and think that it's "the next best thing to sliced bread"! I have turned several friends on to the hot shot. It was a tremendous help for my father who was legally blind. He could make a cup of tea, instant coffee or hot chocolate with ease. I will never be without a hot shot in my kitchen.

Comment: Other people have commented on the pros and cons of the Hot Shot. I have purchased 2 of these new models in black, and they work perfectly. Great for making tea, oatmeal, or just heating water quickly.

Comment: For every busy person out there with a need for caffine, but no time, the Sunbeam Hot Shot is the perfect answer. Other reviewers despair of the limited space under the drip, however, I have found that my cup of tea cools so fast (government building and regulated temperature) that a fresh cup is always near a hand. Somehow, tea just takes better when it isn't out of an insulated mug. My hint: rather than running back and forth from the sink, I keep a gallon water jug in my office. Instant fill-up. The only negative comment I have for my 1 1/2 year old model is that the dispensing button is made of plastic, and the connecting hinges have bent and broken. So now I am ordering Hot Shot #2. Considering how little money it costs and the convenience, it is still a great deal.

Comment: I'm always a little hesitant to buy single purpose kitchen gadgets. After all I can heat water on the stove or in my microwave, so why buy this. Bottom line, this is an excellent product. Water is heated in just over a minute. To reach the same temperature takes 3 minutes in my microwave so I feel like this is a more economical and eco-friendly method.

Would love it if they came out with a taller model that fits a travel mug. This model has a clearance of 4-1/2". Any cup taller than that will not fit in the dispenser.