InSinkErator Wave Instant Hot and Cold Water Dispenser System Review

Few kitchen upgrades change a daily routine as quietly and consistently as an instant hot water dispenser. The InSinkErator Wave Instant Hot and Cold Water Dispenser System, model HC-Wave-C, is a compact side faucet paired with a stainless steel tank that sits under the sink. Together, the two components deliver near-boiling water and cool drinking water from a single fixture mounted at the edge of the sink. The system is positioned as a convenience appliance for cooking, cleaning, and beverage preparation, and its feature set reflects that focus: a lever-activated faucet, adjustable temperature control, and a design intended for straightforward installation.

Design and Build Quality

The Wave faucet is described as an exquisite blend of modern and traditional design elements. In practical terms, that means a transitional look — one that pairs well with main kitchen faucets featuring transitional design lines, according to the manufacturer. The finish on this version is Chrome, and the faucet is a compact, lever-activated side fixture rather than a full-size primary faucet. It mounts on the edge of the kitchen sink, so it occupies a small footprint on the countertop while keeping hot and cold water within easy reach.

The accompanying tank is made of stainless steel and holds 2/3 of a gallon. It is a 750-watt unit, which is the heating element rating for the system. The tank is designed to sit out of sight, typically in the cabinet below the sink, connected to the faucet above. The combination of a slim side faucet and a concealed tank is what allows the system to add hot and cold dispensing without taking over the sink area.

Features and Technology

The centerpiece of the system is its dual dispensing capability. The faucet provides near-boiling water and cold drinking water at the fingertips, which the manufacturer frames as the core convenience of the product. Temperature control is handled by an easy-adjustable thermostat that lets you set the hot water temperature anywhere from 160 degrees F to 210 degrees F. That range gives you room to tune the output to your preference, whether you want water hot enough for steeping or closer to a gentler heat.

Safety and usability details are built into the lever design. The integrated hot lever features an instant self-closing valve that automatically shuts off, which the manufacturer states is intended to ensure safe use. The cool lever, by contrast, is a Stay-On design that conveniently remains on. This asymmetry is a deliberate part of how the faucet operates: hot water requires an active press, while cold water can be left running.

Under the sink, the system includes convenient tool-free tank connections and dry-start protection. Tool-free connections simplify the physical hookup between tank and faucet, while dry-start protection is described as providing peace of mind during setup and operation. The system requires an unswitched AC power outlet, a dedicated control valve with compression fitting, and a T-fitting. These are installation prerequisites rather than included accessories, so it is worth confirming they are available before planning the install.

Installation and Everyday Experience

The Wave system is designed for do-it-yourself installation, with no special plumbing required according to the manufacturer. The faucet needs a standard 1-1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch diameter hole in the countertop, with a maximum counter thickness of 3 inches. That single hole, combined with electricity under the sink, is the basic physical requirement. Because the faucet mounts at the sink edge and the tank lives below, the visible change to the kitchen is minimal.

In daily use, the appeal is speed and immediacy. The manufacturer lists a range of tasks the system is suited to: preparing gourmet coffee, hot tea, and flavored water; steaming vegetables in a flash; warming baby bottles in seconds; removing candle wax from candle holders; cleaning without harsh chemicals; and loosening stubborn lids and labels. These are the stated use cases, and they share a common thread — each benefits from having hot water available without waiting for a kettle or a pot to heat. The cold side adds drinking water from the same fixture, so the system covers both temperature extremes at one location.

The self-closing hot lever is a meaningful part of the everyday experience. Because it shuts off automatically, dispensing hot water is a press-and-release action rather than something you leave running unattended. The Stay-On cool lever works the opposite way, staying on when you want a continuous flow of cold water. Together, the two levers give the faucet a distinct operating logic that becomes second nature with use.

Power, Plumbing, and Compatibility

The system runs on a 750-watt tank and requires an unswitched AC power outlet beneath the sink. It also requires a dedicated control valve with compression fitting and a T-fitting to connect to the water supply. The faucet’s mounting hole must measure between 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and the counter cannot exceed 3 inches in thickness. These requirements are specific, so measuring the intended installation spot ahead of time is a sensible step. The manufacturer describes the setup as do-it-yourself friendly, with tool-free tank connections supporting that claim.

Who Is This Product Best For?

This system suits households that want hot and cold water dispensing at the sink without adding a kettle or a separate filtered pitcher to the countertop. It is a natural fit for anyone who regularly prepares hot beverages, steams vegetables, warms bottles, or handles kitchen tasks that call for hot water on demand. Because the faucet is designed to pair with transitional kitchen faucets, it also appeals to those updating a kitchen who want the side faucet to look intentional rather than added on. Finally, the DIY-oriented installation and tool-free tank connections make it a reasonable option for homeowners comfortable with a basic under-sink project, provided the required outlet, valve, T-fitting, and counter hole are in place.

Final Verdict

The InSinkErator Wave Instant Hot and Cold Water Dispenser System combines a compact, lever-activated Chrome faucet with a 2/3-gallon stainless steel tank and a 750-watt heating element. Its adjustable thermostat spans 160 to 210 degrees F, and its dual-lever design separates the self-closing hot side from the Stay-On cool side. Installation is presented as a do-it-yourself task with no special plumbing, though it does depend on an unswitched outlet, a dedicated control valve with compression fitting, a T-fitting, and a correctly sized counter hole. The package is rounded out by a 3-Year We Come to You In-Home Full Service Limited Warranty, which the manufacturer states includes free house calls covering parts and labor for the entire warranty period. For buyers who want near-boiling and cold water from one sink-edge fixture and are prepared for the stated installation requirements, the Wave system is a well-defined option worth considering.