Re. the inner components (not the brass body) -will the "O" rings &amp; the other parts last Reasonably long using the unit w/ HOT water too?
233675
The body is die-cast zinc (pot metal). The trigger handle is stamped steel. The internals are brass. There is a rubber o-ring in the base. Not sure, what you mean by HOT water, but there is no insulation in the handle - it will heat up and would require a glove or something with really hot water. I have used one for ~ a year, 4 nights a week with hot and cold water (std water heater hot) as part of cleanup for patios and mats at a restaurant. Works great and has yet to break from being dropped or kicked around on concrete and asphalt like the plastic ones we used before did.
1688419
The majority of the posts are positive. However, a few fuss about "breakage" and/or the heating element dying out after a couple of uses.What model is yours? I am begining to comprehend the proper uses and the best recipes, but "model numbers" are not given with the posts.MML
822146
The unit is still functioning perfectly. The "hose" part of the pull-out feature is a very heavy woven material. I am not sure what it is made of but it shows no stress or wear. The only plastic parts that are visible to the user are the plastic dots where you switch between a flow to a spray. Occasionally I have to clean the head of the unit to clear the holes of the spray and flow. I soak it in vinegar to clean. Since I use rain-harvested water only, calcium build-up is not a problem so the cleaning is a very infrequent event.
245714
I have never had to replace the o ring on this item. I always buy this item and then replace the whole thing after four to five years after the sun had literally killed the handle or cracked the plastic. But if I was to replace the o ring itself I would take the ring to a hardware store where plumbing supplies are sold, they have all kinds of rings. That shouldn't go for a more than a buck. Once you get the ring remember to lube it after placing it on the hub. Hope this helps a bit.
1714009
The upper heating coils stopped working after barely 2 years and since Oster does not make replacement parts, I threw it away --- so I cannot answer the question.
141216
Yes, there is a problem. The internal valve has a tendency to stick within the first two weeks, impeding water flow. The only way to prevent this was to remove the valve completely, eliminating the handy feature of having a quick connect that doesn't require turning the water off to move the hose. The other issue is as others mentioned. The ones I bought were brass, but about one in 5 chronically leaked. If I had it to do over, I would not have purchased.
1174548
The water chamber is removable and so is the plastic filter holder. You can clean it by hands or in the dishwasher I have done both. There is no need to brew the usual vinegar & water for cleaning. The internal heater is NOT connected to machine. It is a metal plate which heats up by heat transfer. It gets a bit coffee burned month after month. Can use a scrubby pad with baking soda...if one is that anal.
1191409
I had the same concern but it has worked fine. Refreshing, comes to mind. And as I thought about it I came to fear a burst of too hot water more than cold. I've not used the warm/cold model but I don't think there would be a lot of difference in that when you turn a hot faucet on it takes a while before it is hot.
2177263
Yes, but it's worth it to keep the steamer running longer. Tap water will ruin the internal parts.
1935443
Yes. All except for the heating element of course. The plastic is good quality and keeps the unit cool. I had one 20 years ago. It too was plastic and lasted the years until the heating element died. This one is designed better, works better, and cleans up easier. Don't worry about the plastic.
838679
The heating system is stainless steel-lined, which eliminates water contact with the heating element, which I understand is aluminum. This should help extend the life of the heating element
183660
I've had this for over a year and a half and my sister has had hers for at least twice as long, neither unit has had any problems that would require repair. They just keep working. So no parts needed.
2112252
My wife has had it for about 6 months now and loves using it weekly for broth stock, and other recipes. She boils the water with the inner pot on our gas range then puts the pot into the outer pot as instructed. We've not had any issues with the using the inner pot on the gas range.
765928
Yes this unit is made up of a handful of different components, if one were to fail, you can replace each one independently. You would not need to replace the whole unit. Thanks for looking, let me know if you have any other questions. Will 623.224.9012 Abc Water Equipment
300968
Interior would probably be alright. I only had it fail with hot water on it.
2255928
No one can tell how long your water heater will last. It could die tomorrow or next year, or make it to 26 years, impossible to guess. I grew up (5 - 26 years) with a water heater my Dad religiously maintained. You can help yours last longer by making sure you do a flush from the bottom valve until clear water comes out. How often? Depends on your water quality, but the best frequency is at least every 2-3 months. What you are flushing out is sediment that builds up. The longer water sits stagnant in the heater, just being heated over and over without cycling through, the greater the chance for sediment to build up. If you are a low volume user, you may need to flush more often. ALSO....NEVER have the temperature control at maximum. Hot water expands. The hotter, the more expansion...and that can burst internal tubing or break seals at connections. You may also want to have a professional do a periodic (yearly?) check of the heating element to keep it in good shape. Follow recommendations in the owners manual. Good luck.
1127530
Not that I'm aware of. I usually put hot water in the unit first and then run it. The vibration keeps the water hot. The piezo transducers in these aren't meant for a 30 minute duty cycle, and there needs to be a few minutes cool down between cycles when using the 4 minute setting. I've run mine quite a bit, but not 30 minutes constantly. These machine are inherently weak and inefficient because of design, and when the water reaches boiling point, the efficiency drops much further. That is why commercial machines cost so much more.