We are much more impressed with the hotcup than we expected to be. I couldn't really see a need for it before it came but now I barely use my kettle at all as it's so much quicker and easier to use the hotcup.
It's very nice to look at and smaller than the average kettle. You fill it just like a kettle by lifting it off the base and popping up the lid. It hold 5 X 250ml "shots" of water.
It stays turned off until you need it, then you put a cup under the spout and press the button on top and it starts to boil a shot of water. It's fairly loud right at the end when it's dispensing the water and a bit sputtering but you have a cupful of boiling water in 50 seconds. I use the time that it's boiling to be ready and waiting with my milk and spoon and it really is a quick cup of tea.
When reading other reviews I saw mention of a plasticky taste but I haven't noticed any difference in taste to tea made in my kettle.
I think we get on with it well particularly as we have fairly large mugs so the shot of water either fits v well or underfills. I've had no case of it overflowing although I can see that this would be a problem for some people and the lack of control is a downside. I also wish it would have levels on the side illustrating how many cups of water are left in the tank.
It won't replace our kettle completely as I still use larger amounts of boiling water for cooking but it has been used for every cup of tea since we've had it.
All in all,we are really impressed with the hotcup and it has speedily become a well-used appliance in our kitchen. Only problem is how much tea I am getting through since it has arrived.