The Waterdrop CT01 is a countertop appliance that combines water filtration, temperature control and a five-litre reservoir, delivering hot and cold filtered water at the push of a button without any plumbing work. It is currently available for £209 via Amazon.
The device is designed to replace a kettle, potentially saving money over time by removing one of the most power-hungry appliances in the home. Its black and white finish gives it a modern feel, though it requires a significant amount of worktop space and is larger than a typical kettle.
Simple Setup and Operation
Because of its countertop format, there is no need to modify plumbing or install a dedicated water connection. Getting started involves inserting the supplied filter, filling the reservoir with tap water, connecting the unit to a power socket and following the initial flushing instructions.
The five-litre reservoir proved sufficient for a household of two, requiring refilling roughly every couple of days. The unit offers five dedicated presets covering hot water, coffee, tea, formula and cold water, with adjustable temperature and volume settings for customisation.
Filtration and Maintenance
Waterdrop says the system uses an eight-stage filtration process designed to reduce common impurities, chlorine-related taste and odour, and limescale-forming substances while retaining minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The result is more pleasant-tasting drinking water, particularly for those who dislike the taste of their local tap water.
The filter-life indicator reminds users when the cartridge needs replacing, with a typical replacement interval of about three months depending on water quality and consumption. Replacement cartridges represent an ongoing expense, though the filter cartridge is designed for simple twist replacement and the reservoir and drip tray require regular cleaning.
Performance and Considerations
Hot water worked well for coffee, though tea drinkers may find the maximum temperature insufficient for a proper boil. Cold water is not as ice-cold as fridge-chilled water but remains refreshing at just under room temperature. One user noted the cold water sits at around 15°C, which they found not quite cold enough.
Unlike reverse-osmosis systems, the CT01 does not require a wastewater outlet. Its main strengths are convenience, combining hot and cold filtered water in a single appliance, while its downsides include a relatively high price, substantial footprint and the continuing cost of replacement filters.