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InstaNOT

December 12th, 2003 · 3 Comments

Thanks to a friend’s suggestion, as our house was being built, we asked the contractor install an instant hot water dispenser , an InstaHOT, in the kitchen sink. What a treat for making tea, since Ted has at least a cup or two a day, and I’ve learned to enjoy it too. Nothing like sitting down in the quiet at the end of the day with a good book and a cup of raspberry tea.

The other day though I went and made myself a cup of tea, took a sip and ooh – cool! Our InstaHOT has broken suddenly. Water still comes out, plenty of cold water. I called the company and they are sending us a kit so we can add a Restart button to our machine. Who knows if this will solve the problem; I hope it will.

In the meantime, I gotta go back to making tea the old fashioned way, on the stove. I even gave our tea kettle away to someone so I’m boiling water in a nice big pot. Takes a bit longer than just flipping a handle to get hot water.

It’s affected us. This week I’ve gone from drinking two or so cups of tea a day to maybe having one. Maybe. If I feel motivated enough to boil the water. It seems like so much work. Abigail’s even commented that there are fewer mugs in the dishwasher.

Wow, though. Why am I even complaining about this? Ted had to remind me that InstaHOT is a luxury. We lived for years without one. Made plenty of tea anyway.

I rarely eat fast or frozen food. No instant mashed potatoes or coffee at our house. Never shop at 7-11. I like to think of myself as someone who doesn’t live off of convenience or the easy way out. Yet what a wimp I am, having a hard time boiling water! And what an American I am also, wanting everything easy and instant! Maybe it’s time for me to learn some patience, just sitting and watching water boil…..

Tags: journal

3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 David // Feb 12, 2004 at 11:09 am

    I agree whole-heartedly, Julie. While looking for info on the insta-hot system, which is often included in private jets we write manuals for, I happened across your Seedlings and Sprouts.
    Can you imagine sharing your “woe” with someone living in more primitive conditions? For that matter, an American of 50 years past.
    I also agree that a dollop of patience would go a long way for us in this instantly gratified society. If we’re not careful, our idea of craftsmen and artisans will be relegated to electronic wizardry exclusively.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • 2 gene // Jul 11, 2004 at 3:17 pm

    mine broke today… this is the second time since i installed in 97…. what a disappointment.
    please tell me about the restart button, thanks gene.

  • 3 carolyn // Sep 11, 2004 at 11:32 am

    I’ve had mine for 18yrs (just got number 2) and my brother -in- law, in a fit of impatience, “disconnected” mine by cutting through the copper tubing, then ripping out the other tubings. I have been so disappointed at not having my insta hot. Also disappointed at my b-i-l for not being more patient. He was helping me with a plumbing project. Oh well. I’m still planning re-connecting when I find out how.