Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine review

How easy is it to set up the Nuby RapidHot?

Setup was incredibly simple. The instructions were clear, and from unboxing to first use, it took me no more than 15 minutes to get everything going. Filling the water tank, selecting the temperature, and setting the memory mode were all straightforward.

How fast does the Nuby RapidHot prepare formula?

This machine dispenses boiling water almost instantly. Once dispensed into the RapidCool flask (which you need to buy separately), the water cools to the perfect feeding temperature in about 1–2 minutes. That’s miles ahead of the traditional method of boiling a kettle, waiting for it to cool, and measuring out water.

For me, this meant less crying time from a hungry baby and a much calmer feeding routine. It’s also energy-efficient since you only use the water you need. Just bear in mind that if you wanted to use without the RapidCool, you will need to leave the water to cool before giving it to your baby. You'll also need to take care as the bottle will be very hot at first.

Is the temperature control on the Nuby RapidHot accurate?

Yes, very accurate. The machine allows you to choose between boiling or room temperature (21 degrees) filtered water. Once you’ve set the amount in ml for your usual feed, it remembers it, so you’re not constantly re-entering details. That memory mode is a real lifesaver, especially in moments of sleep-deprived panic or when you’re multitasking with older children.

How easy is it to use the Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine for night feeds?

It’s a dream for night feeds. The machine is quiet, quick, and can be operated with just one hand—a huge plus when you’ve got a baby in one arm.

Although our little one sleeps through the night most of the time, on the rare occasions she woke for a feed, the RapidHot made the process seamless and stress-free. No loud kettle noises to wake up my light-sleeping toddler, and the memory function meant I didn’t have to think too hard in the early hours.

How safe is the Nuby RapidHot?

Very. The built-in safety lock is fantastic, especially with my older kids being able to reach the kitchen counter. You have to press and hold the lock button to unlock the machine, so there’s no chance of accidental burns or spills.

During testing, I also did a few 'dummy runs' to check the measurements and temperatures—every time, the water level and temperature were exactly as expected. No risks of overheating or mismeasuring.

How easy is it to clean and maintain the Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine?

The water tank is removable and easy to rinse, which made day-to-day maintenance simple. It’s designed to flash an error code when descaling is needed, roughly every 4 weeks. We didn’t hit that mark during the testing period, but knowing there’s a built-in reminder is reassuring for long-term use.

How well does the Nuby RapidHot work with different formula brands?

Since the Nuby RapidHot doesn’t handle the formula powder directly, there are no compatibility issues. You simply add the powder to your cooled water in the RapidCool flask or bottle, so you can use it with any formula brand. We didn’t have any issues with mixing or clumping, and every feed turned out consistent and well-prepared.

Does the Nuby RapidHot take up much counter space?

This is where the machine loses a few points. It’s narrow in width, so it fits easily between other appliances, but it’s also deep, meaning it sticks out on the counter more than I’d like. Compared to something like a Nespresso machine, it feels quite bulky. If you have limited kitchen space, this might be something to consider.

That said, we were happy to store our usual kettle away since this device covers both boiling water for formula and hot drinks (we make all our teas and coffees using it) – a great space trade-off for us.

How does the Nuby RapidHot compare to similar formula preparation machines?

We haven’t used other formula prep machines before, but I’ve always been wary of the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep, mainly because it doesn’t use boiling water (although the brand says it's designed to achieve the same result as following World Health Organisation guidelines.). The Nuby RapidHot is approved because it uses boiling water, making it safer for sterilising powdered formula, although you will need to buy the RapidCool separately if you want to bring the bottle down to a safe temperature for your baby quickly.

Is the Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine worth the money?

This depends on your budget, as it costs £129.99 and the RapidCool costs an additional £39.99. I wouldn’t call it an essential baby product, but it’s definitely a luxury worth having. For busy parents or anyone dealing with multiple children, the time and convenience it saves are huge.
I often found myself thinking, “I wish I had this when my older 2 were babies.” And I’ve already recommended it to my mum friends.

Where can I buy the Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine?

It's available at Amazon, Boots and Argos.

MadeForMums verdict

The Nuby RapidHot Formula Preparation Machine is a smart, time-saving tool for modern parenting. It excels in safety, speed, and convenience, especially for those juggling multiple little ones or navigating sleepless nights. While not the most compact unit and perhaps not a must-have for every budget, its clever design, accurate temperature control, and dual-use functionality make it a standout option. Would I recommend it? 100%. It’s not essential, but it’s incredibly helpful, and if your budget allows (factoring the RapidCool), it’ll quickly become one of your favourite bits of baby kit.