20 Different Types of Water Appliances For Your Home (Checklist)

To complement our main appliance guide, today we’ve broken things down further for you.

When you think about water appliances in your home, you might instantly think of dishwashers and washing machines then start scratching your head.

Widening the net to take into account all appliances that make use of water, we’ll give you an overview of 20 water appliances you can find in your home.

After that, we’ll highlight 6 of the best online outlets so you can get the best deals whatever you’re looking to add to your home.

Related: All Types of Appliances | Types of Water Purifiers | Types of Water Heaters | Online Appliance Stores | Types of Garage Appliances

1. Above-Ground Pools

Okay, is an above-ground pool an appliance? Maybe. Maybe not. We include it anyway because it sure uses water.

Core Purpose	Relaxation in the yard
Price Range	$100 – $1500+

If you’re looking for an inexpensive and flexible backyard pool, above-ground models make perfect sense.

Quick and easy to set up, you can also shift these pools around if you need to and take them down over the cooler months.

It doesn’t matter if you purchase from a wholesale specialist, an online or physical store, above-ground pools are ideal whether you want some exercise, cheap and healthy entertainment for the kids or more specialized water therapy.

This video has some handy hints on choosing an above-ground pool the easy way.

Pros

• Much cheaper than in-ground pools
• Installation is straightforward
• Can disassemble in colder months if you don’t want to winterize the pool
• Possible to reposition if required
• Delivers significant amount of water therapy health benefits

Cons

• Not possible to customize much with steps or other features
• Don’t look as commanding as in-ground pools
• Lifespan can be disappointing

2. Bathroom Faucets

Core Purpose	Combine form and function to make a design statement while delivering all the water you need
Price Range	$20 – $2500

Bathroom faucets are simple products that vary dramatically in price depending on functionality and materials.

You have 3 broad choices with bathroom faucet style:

1. Center-set: 1 spout and 2 handles in a single unit
2. Spread-fit: 1 spout and 2 handles as 3 separate components. These work well for corner sinks and small bathrooms
3. Single-hole: All-in-one unit with a single handle for both hot and cold water. Ideal for motion-sensor faucets

Faucets can be mounted over the surface of your sink or set into the wall.

Whether you want a design-driven statement piece, a water-conserving faucet or a smart tap with motion sensors to make your life easier, you’ll soon find choosing the right fixture is a little more complex than you first thought. Check out our detailed guide to bathroom faucets for some inspiration.

Pros

• Some faucets come with smart functionality baked in
• WaterSense certified faucets can save water
• Opportunity to make a design statement in your bathroom

Cons

• Upscale models can be surprisingly costly
• Installation can be expensive driving price up
• Some elaborate finishes respond poorly to wear and tear

3. Bathroom Sink

Core Purpose	For washing face and hands. Shaving
Price Range	$50 – $4000+

With your faucets in place to deliver the water, you’ll obviously need a sink to accommodate it.

Take the chance to make a real statement or opt for something simple and classic. The shape is generally either round, oval or rectangular.

With materials, you could go with rugged and utilitarian stainless steel, cast iron or copper for a more vintage look, or even resin and polymer. Durability, ease of cleaning and design all dictate your material of choice just as much as the budget.

Pros

• One of the key focal points of any bathroom so the chance to get creative
• Huge range of materials and colors available
• Can come with storage space below which is great for cramped bathrooms
• Space-saving corner basins also work well in tighter powder rooms

Cons

• Reasonable pricey to install if you need a plumber
• Might need some internal work done to accommodate

4. Bathtub

Core Purpose	Designed for a relaxing soak
Price Range	$200 – $10,000+

If a sink is a small statement piece, the tub is the first thing anyone will notice when they enter your bathroom so you should make that initial impression count.

From majestic marble tubs to cast polymer models designed to resemble stone, you should think about the weight as well as durability when you’re pondering which materials would make the best fit.

Whether you want a standalone claw-foot tub perfect for lengthy soaks with a book or a functional, multipurpose tub with a shower built in to save space, imagination is your only limitation.

If you’ve got a sprawling primary bathroom and you need some ideas for an arresting tub to set it off, check out our guide right here.

Pros

• Offer a much more relaxing experience than a shower
• Can introduce a showerhead if you’ve got limited space
• Enormous scope for choosing an aesthetically striking tub
• ADA-compliant bathtubs available for anyone with mobility issues

Cons

• Bathtub installation is laborious and complex
• One of the more expensive additions to your bathroom
• Need to consider the weight of tub before installation

5. Bidet Sprays

Core Purpose	Enhancing hygiene in the bathroom
Price Range	$30 – $100

A staple throughout Asia for some time, bidet sprays are becoming increasingly popular in the US.

Many intelligent toilets feature integrated bidets but, for a nominal sum, you can smarten up your existing WC with a third-party spray.

With the average American using 50 pounds of toilet paper a year, using a bidet can help cut your costs while also doing your bit for the environment. As an inbuilt bonus, you can also reduce wear and tear on your pipes while minimizing the risk of clogging.

If you don’t want the expense or footprint of a standalone bidet, sprays are the ideal compromise.

Pros

• Feel fresher and cleaner
• Use less toilet tissue
• An inexpensive addition to your bathroom
• Self-cleaning tips for increased hygiene

Cons

• Can transfer bacteria
• Not everyone feels comfortable using a spray

6. Dishwashers

Core Purpose	Streamline cleaning dishes
Price Range	$200 – $1000+

While almost three-quarters of American households have a dishwasher, the US Energy Information Administration conducted a Residential Energy Consumption survey showing almost 20% of these dishwashers are used less than once weekly.

With washing by hand using triple the amount of water, it’s sound practice to make fuller use of these labor-saving devices. As well as cutting down on your work, you’ll save time and money, too.

Dishwashers might seem relatively new, but they’ve been around since way back in 1850. It wasn’t until the 1920s, though, that the predecessor of today’s residential models came into being in the UK.

Fully penetrating the US market by the 1970s, as the 90s rolled around, manufacturers started introducing more features to conserve energy.

Take a look at some bargain dishwashers for less than $500 if you’re not sure where to start looking for the most effective model.

Pros

• Save time, money and hassle with a single powerful appliance
• Load as you go to keep your kitchen looking spotless
• Save up to 10 liters of water a day compared to washing dishes by hand
• More germs and bacteria killed thanks to extremely hot water

Cons

• Take up a fair amount of real estate in the kitchen
• The need to rinse plates first is an annoyance
• Loading can seem a tedious task
• Some dishes are not dishwasher-safe

7. Electric Water Boiler

Core Purpose	Immediate source of hot water
Price Range	$50 – $150

Also known as thermo pots or hot water dispensers, electric water boilers give you piping hot water on demand.

Commonplace throughout Japan, these boilers offer rapid delivery and adjustable temperature making them a sound alternative or supplement to a kettle.

If your routine in the morning is particularly hectic and you enjoy the idea of shaving off a few precious seconds, an electric water boiler is worth considering. If not, stick with a standard kettle.

Pros

• A near instantaneous approach to making tea and coffee
• Ideal for households with toddlers needing constant hot water for bottles
• You don’t need to keep re-boiling the water

Cons

• Much pricier than a regular kettle
• Tend to consume more electricity
• Relatively limited choice

8. Hot Tubs

Core Purpose	Relax and soak outdoors year round
Price Range	$400 – $5000+

Hot tubs come with a range of health benefits beyond the obvious and undeniable way they can help you relax after a hard day at work.

The Arthritis Foundation states that warm water therapy is highly beneficial not just for arthritis sufferers but also anyone with fibromyalgia and any kind of lower back pain.

If you’re suffering from any kind of inflammation or you’ve incurred a muscular injury, a long soak in a hot tub can work wonders.

While soaking in the hot tub can be fun for the kids or a romantic way to spend an evening under the stars with your partner, running costs and the hassle of maintenance should be considered before you commit to the sizeable outlay.

Pros

• An ideal method of releasing stress after a busy day
• Warm water works to alleviate all musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis
• Can help to improve circulation while reducing inflammation
• Recover quicker from any sports injuries

Cons

• Possible risk of infections
• Not cheap if you want a durable, high-quality tub
• Maintenance costs can add up over time

9. Humidifiers

Core Purpose	Release moisture into the air to increase humidity levels
Price Range	$25 – $1000

If you’ve got dry indoor air, this can bring about a number of health issues easily addressed with a humidifier.

Where a dehumidifier works to decrease humidity by sucking moisture from the air, humidifiers work in the opposite way by reintroducing moisture with cool or warm mist.

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent mold or bacteria from growing inside the device. Using distilled or purified water can help reduce this to some extent.

Humidifiers with warm mist are best avoided if you’ve got children in the house. Check out some eco-friendly humidifier alternatives or consider a model kicking out cool mist instead.

Pros

• Help with dry skin and lips caused by low humidity levels indoors
• Can help mitigate allergens and viruses
• Sometimes useful for treating colds through dispensing steam medications
• Some models allow for both cool and warm mist

Cons

• Risk of burning or scalding with warm mist humidifiers
• Cool mist humidifiers can leave a white scale powder on furniture
• Some models make a fair amount of noise
• Warm mist humidifiers use quite a lot of electricity
• Cleaning can be tiresome

10. Ice Maker (Portable)

Core Purpose	Fresh ice for all your drinks on demand
Price Range	$100 – $400

While you can get under-counter ice makers, they verge on overkill in the average home. Luckily, there is plenty of portable machine available that comes with a series of advantage over the larger plumbed-in units.

While a permanently installed machine makes sense in a commercial setting, the expense and hassle of putting one in at home mean portable ice makers are more cost-effective while still providing you with ample ice to freshen up your drinks.

Although cheaper, much more convenient and close to plug-and-play, capacity is obviously limited to a portable unit.

Pros

• Portable ice makers can also be great for use outside the home in RVs or on boats
• Many countertop ice makers are compact so work well in small kitchens
• No need for a water line or drain line

Cons

• You’ll need to keep physically topping the ice maker up with water
• You might not get enough ice if you’ve got heavier requirements like frequently hosting large gatherings

11. Jacuzzi

Core Purpose	Making bath time even more relaxing
Price Range	$600 – $15,000+

A jacuzzi bathtub, also known as a whirlpool tub, is seldom cheap but adds an extra layer of decadence to bath time.

If you like the idea of pulsing jets adding bubbles while easing away the aches and pains of a busy day but you don’t fancy heading outside into a hot tub, a jacuzzi indoors is the obvious solution.

Prices vary substantially and this is one product where you are ill advised to make a purchasing decision based purely on the bottom line. Many cheaper whirlpool baths end up using a great deal of electricity and they’re also much more likely to malfunction.

Pros

• Get the benefits of a hot tub indoors
• Can increase the value of your home
• Offer the same health benefits as a hot tub for helping inflammation and muscle pain

Cons

• Can be noisy in operation
• You’ll need to think about cleaning and maintenance
• Electricity costs can be steep, especially with cheaper, less efficient models

12. Kitchen Faucets

Core Purpose	Water delivery
Price Range	$50 – $3000+

Arguably the most frequently used water-related appliance in the house, kitchen faucets date back to the Roman times.

Responsible for 18% of total household water consumption, poor quality or leaking faucets should be replaced if they’re beyond repair. Water-saving models can help make a dramatic and positive impact on your annual bill.

As well as delivering water from your plumbing system for easy access at all times, you’ll be able to control the temperature of that water with modern faucets. These sprang into being during the 1930s when Alfred Moen invented and marketed a blended fixture.

From pull-out sprays to electronic faucets, choose the level of technology you need rather than angling for the most feature-rich faucet for the sake of it.

If you’re not sure which of the array of styles would make the best fit, explore our guide to the 8 main types of kitchen faucets.

Pros

• Water delivery on tap for multiple applications
• Touchless systems with soap dispensers ramp up hygiene when cooking
• Low-flow rate faucets can minimize water consumption significantly

Cons

• Some upscale faucets are surprisingly expensive
• Poorly maintained faucets can cause a great deal of water wastage

13. Kitchen Sink

Core Purpose	A central part of the kitchen for cooking, doing dishes and washing hands
Price Range	$100 – $1000+

Even if you’re not much of a cook, a kitchen sink is an obvious essential. From doing any dishes you don’t pop in the dishwasher to washing your hands, you simply can’t do without a sink.

While you can save water by reducing the flow rate below 2.2 gallons per minute, doing so is not always worthwhile. Much of the time you’re using water in the kitchen, you’ll simply use the same amount of water.

With at least 7 different types of kitchen sink to choose from and a staggering array of materials, think closely about what you need, specifically any extra features like garbage disposal to maximize your chances of getting the most appropriate model.

Pros

• Top-mount sinks are very easy to install
• Elaborate, ornamental sinks can really set off your décor
• Double bowls add an extra layer of convenience

Cons

• Undermount sinks can be reasonably expensive
• Installing a new sink can be time-consuming and costly
• The sheer breadth of choices can make choosing a kitchen sink overwhelming

14. Pressure Washer

Core Purpose	For all types of cleaning from vehicles to driveways
Price Range	$100 – $400+

A pressure washer or power washer is a highly versatile cleaning workhorse ideal for keeping your vehicles spotless as well as your decking, pathways, and driveways. For any substantial mess outside, a pressure washer is an ideal solution.

Electric pressure washers are quiet, compact yet still reasonably powerful. You’ll be encumbered by the length of the power cord, though, and it’s inadvisable to use an extension cable. Build quality is also sometimes lacking. Expect anywhere from 1300 to 1900 PSI in terms of pressure.

If you want more oomph along with a little extra mobility, gas pressure washers are worth looking into. These are better if you carry out occasional heavy-duty cleaning and you want a bit more freedom of movement. The pressure is generally greater coming in at 2000 to more than 4000 PSI.

Pros

• A highly effective method of deep cleaning with little physical effort
• Real time-saving appliances
• Multi-purpose appliance
• Extremely easy to use most models

Cons

• The extreme force of the water can be dangerous
• Not all surfaces react well to pressure washing

15. Showerheads

Core Purpose	Get the best from your shower
Price Range	$30 – $200+

A great shower stands or falls according to the quality of the showerhead you choose. The good news is that even upscale showerheads are really not that costly.

Handheld showerheads come with a short hose and make a smart choice when you want a shower added to a bathtub.

Fixed showerheads, by contrast, attach to a pipe or faucet hole in the wall of your shower unit. You’ll get a more dependable and robust experience but without quite as much freedom of movement.

Spray patterns vary and can include massage sprays or powerful jets. Check the water pressure level in your home before choosing a showerhead. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are 10 showerheads to make your day.

Pros

• Multiple configurations to suit all tastes and budgets
• Offer a water-conserving alternative to baths
• Rainfall showerheads look great and can increase the value of your home
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Most traditional showerheads are aesthetically poor with the correspondingly low build quality
• Low-flow showerheads are great for saving water but you won’t get that powerful cleansing experience
• Multiple showerheads deliver the first-rate shower but use a great deal water

16. Tank-Style Water Heaters

Core Purpose	Heating water for use around the whole house
Price Range	$300 – $900

Tank-style water heaters, also known as storage heaters, heat hot water in a tank where it’s stored until you need to use it. This results in standby loss, energy wasted by keeping the water heated.

Installation is simple and can usually be carried out in a matter of hours with no need for any remodeling.

Tank capacity varies from 20 gallons to 80 gallons. Once the supply is exhausted, you’ll need to wait for more hot water, one of the serious drawbacks of this type of system in a house with heavy water demands. This chart can help you determine the appropriate tank size for your needs.

We’ll look next at an increasingly common alternative to storage heaters, tankless models.

Pros

• Straightforward installation
• Very easy to maintain and replace
• The most affordable type of heater at the point of purchase

Cons

• Standby heat loss
• Don’t last as long as tankless heaters
• Tend to be large and bulky
• While cleaning is not taxing, you will need to do this twice a year
• Finite capacity of hot water depending on the size of a tank

17. Tankless Water Heaters

Core Purpose	Providing on-demand hot water throughout your whole house
Price Range	$200 – $3000

Unlike storage heaters, tankless systems heat all the hot water you need on demand using gas or electric coils.

Despite a theoretically unlimited capacity, there is a limit on flow rate, measured in gallons per minute. This brings about limitations when you’re trying to use multiple applications simultaneously. A gas tankless heater normally has a higher flow rate.

If you’ve got a smaller home or need hot water in an RV or when you’re camping, you can also get point-of-use units and portable heaters.

Energy savings could translate to over $1800 over the lifespan of your heater according to Energy Star.

If you’re still not certain which type of heater would work best in your home, consult our guide to the 5 main types of water heater.

Pros

• Highly energy-efficient with no standby heat loss
• Space-saving design
• Many models suitable for outside mounting
• Last much longer than tank-style heaters
• Potential to yield significant savings on your power bill

Cons

• Upfront costs and installation is higher than conventional storage heaters
• Some models call for extensive changes to your home to accommodate
• Extra upfront costs can outweigh potential savings

18. Toilets

Core Purpose	Removing liquid and solid waste
Price Range	$100 – $5000+

It goes unsaid no home can do without a toilet so it’s not a question of whether or not you’ll buy one but rather which type you’ll choose.

Choose from a traditional gravity-feed flush or a more modern and powerful pressure-assisted flush. Toilets certified to WaterSense standards use 1.28 gallons of water or less per flush saving you and the environment. This is often achieved by using a dual-flush mechanism allowing for less water to be used for liquid waste.

Design-wise, you can choose a one-piece or two-piece toilet, both with a range of upsides and drawbacks. In general, the former is easier to clean and requires less maintenance while also looking sleeker. The latter is more efficient, less expensive and lasts longer.

Bowl shape is normally round or elongated and you can shoot for plenty of extras from heated seats and bidets through to full smart models with remote controls.

Pros

• A great array of choice from cheap and basic to feature-laden smart toilets
• ADA-compliant toilets available for anyone with mobility issues
• Many water-conserving models

Cons

• Some upscale toilets can be prohibitively expensive
• The sheer breadth of choice can be confusing

19. Washing Machines

Core Purpose	Keep your clothes clean without the hassle of handwashing or the expense of dry cleaning
Price Range	$500 – $1500+

With over 150 different washing machines sold in the US, your main choice concerns the method of loading with 2 options:

1. Front-loading
2. Top-loading

Front loaders use much less water in general. Opt for an Energy Star-certified model and you could see a reduction of 20% in electricity consumption and 35% in water usage. Performance is average.

Top loaders vary in size significantly. Many incorporate an antiquated agitator – a plastic rod in the drum that eats up precious space. If you’re looking at top-loaders, avoid these models if you want increased capacity. Updated versions feature an impeller instead. Top loaders are usually less efficient using far more water.

Some washing machines feature more than one tub and a number of smart washing machines are beginning to include user-friendly apps to streamline operation.

Pros

• Front-loaders clean with ruthless efficiency
• Many upscale washing machines come with multiple special and delicate cycles
• Sidestep the agitator and you can get a drum with outstanding capacity

Cons

• Colored machines are disproportionately expensive
• Most washing machines are bulky and heavy

20. Water Filtration Systems

Core Purpose	Eliminate contaminants in your water supply with some also softening hard water
Price Range	$100 – $1000+

Water filtration is a huge niche with a vast array of different treatment methods available.

Whole-house filtration gives you anywhere from 5 to 10 years of use. Filters need swapping every 6 months or so. These all-encompassing systems give you flow rates from 15 gallons per minute (GPM) to 20 GPM and up. The filters are capable of screening particles to a size of 5 microns.

If you don’t want the expense or installation issues of a comprehensive system, there are many less intrusive options including:

• Counter Top
• Inline
• Refrigerator
• Under-Sink

Reverse-osmosis filters can be used to purify all types of water to a high standard but it’s relatively wasteful with up to 5 gallons of wastewater for every 1 gallon that’s filtered. With this type of RO system, regular household water pressure is used to channel water through a membrane then through a series of supplementary filters.

Water softeners can be salt-based using a method of ion-exchange to remove minerals from hard water while you can also find salt-free water conditioners.

Pros

• Huge choice of configurations and filtration methods available
• Ensure your water tastes better and cleaner
• Remove odor from water
• Get rid of all chlorine, heavy metals, total dissolved solids, and other waterborne contaminants
• Reduce the chance of bacteria and viruses in your water supply

Cons

• The sheer amount of choice can be confusing
• Cost of replacing filters mounts up over time

Where To Buy Water Appliances for Your Home

Ordering bulky water appliances online is a smart move, especially if you don’t have transport and you want them delivered to the door.

Using an online outlet also gives you a much greater choice than you’ll find in many bricks-and-mortar stores. That said, most of the options we outline below also have a physical presence so do what works best for you.

Amazon

The world’s global marketplace is a solid choice for most water appliances.

Amazon offers quick delivery and you can find most products covered by robust guarantees.

Returns are normally straightforward, and a useful review system allows you to check user feedback before committing to purchase.

The only things you might struggle to find from our collection of water appliances are bathtubs and whirlpool baths. These aside, Amazon should be among your first options when you’re assembling a shortlist.

Home Depot

Home Depot has been a major presence in the home improvement vertical since the late 1970s.

By 1989, it had surpassed Lowe’s as the largest home improvement store in the US bringing in over $100 million in revenue in 2018.

You can only access the website within the country being served but doing so brings you an unparalleled range of choice for any water appliance you can imagine. You can take advantage of in-store pick-up and online returns for the best of both worlds.

Lowe’s

Home improvement giant Lowe’s offers a staggering choice of water appliances from all major brands.

Pricing is extremely competitive and you can explore the option of in-house financing. There are also frequent deals so keep your eyes peeled when you’re looking for any water appliances and check the site for bargains.

You can benefit from free local delivery with all appliances priced $299 and above.

Menards

A home improvement chain with 350 stores across 14 states, Menards offers a broad spread of choice with water appliances at very competitive prices.

Alongside the physical outlets, there’s a thriving online store allowing you to get what you need without leaving home.

Menards comes in at number 3 after Home Depot and Lowe’s so it’s well worth bookmarking the site next time you’re looking to invest in some new appliances.

Sutherland’s

Another home improvement beast with an online presence, Sutherland’s offers a great variety of water appliances from all major manufacturers.

There’s a 6-month financing deal available for larger purchases. Sutherland’s credit card provides a range of discounts and benefits.

Walmart

The world’s largest company in terms of revenue, Walmart has an unrivaled selection of appliances for your home including just about anything water-related you can imagine.

With rock-bottom prices and free shipping, getting large and unwieldy appliances couldn’t be cheaper or easier.