FAQ


If none of these answered your questions, please contact our Customer Service Department
at 800-733-6270, M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST or by e-mail here.

Water Boilers & Warmers

A: The lid and inner lid gasket should be inspected yearly for signs of wear such as cracks or discoloration. The lid and inner lid gasket are available as replacement parts that may be purchased on our Zojirushi Parts & Accessories page. Please check the cleaning and maintenance section of your manual for instructions on how to replace the inner lid gasket.
A: The reddish staining is caused by the naturally occurring iron mineral in water. Using water with high mineral content may cause an accumulation of iron to occur if cleaning is not performed with enough frequency or if water is left in the unit and not thoroughly dried. Although this is not a hygienic problem, it is recommended to clean the inner container periodically every 1-3 months with citric acid. If using bottled lemon juice or white vinegar, then more frequent cleanings should be performed. Please refer to Q20, "How can I clean the water deposits in my Water Boiler & Warmer?" on instructions on citric acid cleaning.
A: A: This sound is normal and comes from the movement of the weight inside the lid that prevents hot water from flowing out of the spout if the water boiler is tilted or tipped over.
A: Zojirushi water boilers are tested to function at an altitude of up to 5,000 feet above sea level. The water boilers are programmed to reach boiling point at 212°F and at higher elevations where the boiling point is at a lower temperature, the water boiler may not function properly.
A: The water boiler is designed to heat up the water to keep it at the selected keep warm temperature. However, if it is continuously reboiling it may be due to using it at a higher altitude (see Q4, “Can I use a Zojirushi water boiler at higher altitudes?") or if there are mineral deposits on the inner liner. First, please try performing a citric acid cleaning cycle as instructed in the manual. If this doesn’t help, please reach out to our Customer Service Department for further assistance.
A: It is not uncommon for our customers who use a charcoal-based water filtration system to see black specks in the water due to the charcoal/carbon filter. The specks come from the filter and not from the water boiler.
A: Yes, all Zojirushi water boilers with nonstick coated interiors are PFOA-free.
A: Baking soda is not a recommended cleaning or descaling agent for our water boilers. It is an abrasive substance that will scratch the surface of the liner and may cause a clog in the dispensing mechanism. We recommend using citric acid and following the descaling instructions included in the Instruction Manual or refer to Q20 “How can I clean the water deposits in my Water Boiler & Warmer?”
A: We recommend emptying the water boiler and drying it when it will not be in use. The water boiler can remain on as long as it has enough water and is still in use.
A: We recommend performing citric acid cleaning every 1-3 months. The frequency will depend on the mineral content of the water being used. Higher mineral content will mean more frequent cleanings and with less mineral content, cleaning will be less frequent.
A: Unfortunately, the lid and safety net are not dishwasher safe. To care for them, simply wipe the lid with a soft, wet sponge, and remove the safety net from the water boiler for cleaning with a soft brush. For detailed care instructions, please consult your instruction manual—it provides step-by-step guidance on maintaining your water boiler.
A: Replacement parts may be ordered from our online Zojirushi Parts & Accessories page or by calling our Customer Service Department at 800-733-6270, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. Please have the model number ready when calling.
A: Please see a list of our Authorized Service Centers to find your nearest Service Center. Please have the model number ready when calling.
A: A Water Boiler & Warmer is a kitchen appliance that keeps water at a constant hot temperature for hot drinks and other culinary uses. You simply fill the boiler with water and plug it in. It boils the water and keeps it at a set temperature all day long. With a water boiler & warmer, hot water is ready all day at the touch of a button for hot tea, instant coffee, and instant noodles. Each model features different hot water temperature settings depending upon your needs. Some also utilize vacuum insulation to keep water hot without the use of electricity. See Water Boiler & Warmer. Also see Q16, "What are all those temperatures for?"
A: No, the Water Boiler & Warmer is for water only.
A: The multiple temperatures can be used for different beverages and foods. Here is a sample:

212°F and 208°F: Best for black herbal teas, houjicha pour over coffee, instant noodles
195°F: Best for oolong tea and white teas
175°F: Best for green teas like Sencha, genmaicha, matcha
160°F: Best for delicate, high quality green teas like gyokuro
A: It depends on the temperature of the water and the amount, but it usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. The Water Boiler & Warmer is not meant to boil water quickly, but to keep the water at a steady temperature all day long; that is why most of the models have a timer. Please see Q18, "How does the timer work?" for more information on the timer.
A: By setting the timer, you can have hot water ready within a specified time. When the timer is set, the electricity is automatically cut off until needed to heat the water. It's perfect if you set it before you go to bed, so hot water will be ready for instant coffee or oatmeal the next morning. It also saves energy by not having the water boiler & warmer on all night long.
A: The descaling mode cleans the inner container by reboiling the water with Zojirushi's Inner Container Cleaner (CD-K03E) or citric acid. If the inner container still becomes scaled, please see Q20 for "How can I clean the water deposits in my Water Boiler & Warmer?"
A: We recommend you clean the inner container periodically with Zojirushi's Inner Container Cleaner (CD-K03E) or citric acid every 1 to 3 months. You can purchase the cleaner from our online Zojirushi Parts & Accessories page or by calling our Customer Service Department at 800-733-6270, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. Follow these instructions to clean with citric acid, or visit our YouTube page to watch a video:

  1. Put 1 package of citric acid CD-K03E in a cup and add warm water to dissolve. Pour it into the inner container and fill with water to the maximum water level line. The cleaner may also be substituted with 1/2 cup of lemon juice from concentrate. Do not use freshly squeezed lemon juice as the pulp may get caught in the pump and damage the boiler.
  2. Close the upper lid, insert the power plug and press and hold the REBOIL button for more than 3 seconds. This will activate the descaling mode.
  3. Once cleaning completes, unplug the power plug, detach the upper lid and dispose water where indicated "EMPTY FROM HERE."
  4. To remove the smell of citric acid, fill the inner container with water. Boil and dispense about a cup of hot water, allow to cool, then dispose the remaining water.
A: The dechlorinate mode reduces chlorine and musty odors from tap water by extending the boiling time.
A: The boiler will automatically turn off to avoid overheating when there is no water left in the boiler or when the lid is left open.