it takes an extremely long time to start hot , 30- 45 seconds and the filter actually changes the taste of the water. I had the lesser expensive option for2 and 1/2 years and loved it but it stopped working effectively in August. This machine with installation is almost double the price and yes I definitely need and use it but it is not wonderful , like the previous and I am not sure , for this amount of money , that I would do it again. The reasoning behind the actual purchase is , I am confident the stove top is off and no hot water pot is on.