Most households in Israel have water dispensers providing fresh, hot, or cold, filtered, or mineral water, available for frequent, everyday use.
If the countertop water dispensers that provide unlimited hot or cold water were considered the invention of the last few decades, then the creator of the under-sink water system deserves a Nobel Prize!
After thoroughly testing this brilliant invention, we can declare a "kitchen revolution!" Finally, after years of carrying barrel-sized water jugs on our backs and bottles from the supermarket, there is a product that not only meets a vital need but also significantly enhances comfort, aesthetics, and quality of life at home.
Among the various brands offering under-sink taps for hot or cold water, we chose to test Electra’s under-sink water bar, the Electra Water Plus. Our choice was based on factors such as design, functionality, water temperature range, and more, all of which offered great value for the price.
Advantages and Innovations
Anyone who has struggled with replacing water bottles in a dispenser or tried to hide the sight of a countertop water dispenser will appreciate the convenience and minimalist design of the under-sink tap.
Here are the benefits of Electra's under-sink water system:
Space-Saving: The under-sink tap saves valuable counter space. The traditional water bar, which took up precious workspace, is removed, providing you with previously unused functional space.
Maximum Convenience: Filling pots, glasses, and jugs is easy and takes place over the sink, with no need to move the dispenser, replace bottles, or clean up spilled water on the countertop.
Fresh and Quality Water: The advanced filtration system by Brita ensures fresh, filtered, and clean water directly from the tap.
Elegant Design: The under-sink tap enhances the kitchen's appearance, giving it a more open, modern, clean, and sophisticated look.
User-Friendly: Simple, intuitive operation makes using the tap a pleasant experience.
Instructional Video for the Electra Under-Sink Water System Electra's Under-Sink Water System Overview
Electra offers two external faucet models with different designs: "Sticky" and "Modern," available in five colors: brushed gold, matte black, white, brushed nickel, and classic nickel.
Cold water temperatures range from 4-8°C, and hot water temperatures range from 90-98°C, with a capacity of over 100 cups per hour. The desired temperature can be adjusted independently.
The device includes a German-made Brita filter, featuring an advanced filtration technology that requires replacement once a year, a simple process costing NIS 500.
The system consists of two separate under-sink units made of stainless steel, a material resistant to under-sink conditions such as water, humidity, heat, and more. The heating unit has a capacity of only 10 liters, while the cooling unit is available in two sizes: 5 or 10 liters. The 5-liter unit is smaller and intended for those with limited space under the sink. The separation into two units is advantageous; if one malfunctions, the other continues to operate.
Quiet Filtration, Out of Sight
The filtration process in Electra’s Water Plus system takes place under the sink using Brita filters that guarantee optimal water quality. The filters employ a reliable, systematic filtration technology that removes carbon from the water in four stages, efficiently reducing unwanted substances that affect taste and aroma.
The filter removes chlorine, particles, iron, manganese, zinc, and total dissolved solids (sediments), and also prevents bad tastes and odors.
Brita, the world's leading filter manufacturer, was founded in 1966, employs over 1,800 people, and is an international brand committed to uncompromising quality. It is the best-quality filter available today.
The Brita filters comply with the strictest standards, including NSF, offering a clear marketing advantage. Brita’s filtration system is easy to operate independently, with quick filter replacement, featuring an innovative locking handle for secure fit.
Brita’s filter is the only one that filters limescale in addition to filtering sand and rust, eliminating the need for regular cleaning and extending the system's lifespan, as proven by rigorous laboratory tests and independent inspections.
Important Information Before Purchase
Mobility: The device is portable. If moving, you can take the under-sink water system with you by coordinating with customer service for removal and installation at the new location (service fee applies).
Electrical Infrastructure: The system requires an electrical outlet with two standard sockets under the sink. If there are additional under-sink appliances like a garbage disposal or a dishwasher next to the sink, four outlets are recommended.
Carpentry Requirements: The cabinet where the system will be installed should be at least 70 cm wide, preferably with a door without drawers. The required space under the sink cabinet: minimum width: 60 cm, height: 45 cm, depth: 57 cm.
Purification and Filtration: Electra’s system reduces limescale in the water it produces, filtered and purified.
Warranty: Electra provides a one-year warranty.
Repair Service: All repairs are carried out at the customer’s home.
Customer Service: Electra offers multi-channel service, including remote troubleshooting and telephone support.Maintenance: The filter needs replacement once a year, with a reminder sent by Electra.
Evaluation
Electra's under-sink water tap frees up valuable workspace on the countertop by removing the traditional water bar. It is equipped with an under-sink system installed beneath the kitchen sink without special preparation.
The system is compact and aesthetically fits various kitchen designs, both modern and classic, thanks to the two models offered by the brand in a range of colors to match the main water tap.
Like traditional water dispensers, the under-sink water system provides unlimited hot or cold water for drinking or cooking. Still, it has several advantages that make it the obvious choice: it does not take up valuable counter space, is compact and small, and is installed alongside the kitchen tap above the sink. This makes it a worthy alternative to the traditional water dispensers that have stood on countertops for years and occupied valuable workspace.
Electra’s tap is installed above the sink, next to the main kitchen tap, and provides unlimited fresh drinking water, either cold, hot, or at room temperature. The entire system is installed under the sink; we tested it in a standard 60 cm-wide cabinet next to a garbage disposal, and it passed the test.
Occasionally, when the water in the under-sink system needs reheating, if you are particularly quiet and stand by the sink, you might hear the process occurring, but since it is enclosed within a cabinet, the noise is minimal and unobtrusive.
The installer, coordinated by the company, was polite, professional, and patient.
Conclusion
As awareness of healthy living and the importance of drinking plenty of water increases, and as we navigate crises like COVID-19 that taught us to filter out bacteria, the demand for water bar products continues to grow.
In 2024, more and more households are opting for convenience, enjoying unlimited water for cooking or drinking (hot or cold) at a constant and precise temperature, available for immediate use anytime.
Compared to similar devices from other brands, we found that Electra’s under-sink water system is priced mid-range but offers service, warranty, quality, and peace of mind comparable to (if not better than) more expensive brands selling their systems for much higher prices.
On the other hand, some brands offer water systems at a lower price, but something else may be lacking (the brand name, service, design, temperature, available colors, water flow rate, system size, noise level, etc.).
Additionally, from our comparison with competing models on the countertop, a water bar will cost about NIS 4,000, divided into installments over three years. The price difference becomes more reasonable when countertop space is limited or when the appearance of appliances does not match or detracts from the clean design.
Price: NIS 5,500 + VAT, including delivery, installation, and one-year Electra warranty.