Definition
An under-sink water heater is a compact electric water heater installed beneath the kitchen sink, typically 5-10L, delivering instant hot water for rinsing and dishwashing.
Two Types
- Storage (mainstream): 1200-2200W, works on ordinary 10A sockets.
- Instant: 5500W+, endless hot water but requires a 16A dedicated line.
Relation to Your Bathroom Heater
They complement each other: the bathroom heater covers showers; the under-sink unit covers kitchen tasks with short pipes and minimal heat loss.
Who Needs One
- Homes where washing dishes in winter is painful.
- Kitchens more than 8m from the gas heater.
- Families needing warm water for baby bottles and fresh food.
Common Misconception
A storage heater is not the same as an instant faucet: the former keeps a stable tank of hot water; the latter has no tank and fluctuates with water pressure.