I purchased this item to replace our Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker - I was curious about the hot water system. I have to say, I use that all...the...time. For tea, hot chocolate, to heat up our dog food believe it or not. It's so nice not to have to put the tea kettle on every time I want hot water. Heats it quickly too. Oh yes, love the coffee maker also - my only complaint is that right after we bought it the little red "clean" button goes on all the time. We just ignore it.