We like cold water to drink and hot water to make tea or coffee. But, in this day and age, who wants to wait for water to cool in the fridge or heat up in the kettle? Water cooler dispensers provide a quick and easy way to acquire hot or cold water at the touch of a button. However, some of these devices aren’t as useful as you may think.
Table Of Contents
−- The Top Water Cooler Dispensers
- Avalon Limited Edition Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
- Water Cooler Dispenser Avalon A1 Top Loading
- Avalon Premium Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
- Brio Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
- Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Touchless Bottleless Cooler Dispenser
- Giantex Primo Home Water Cooler Dispenser – The Best Buy
- Farberware Freestanding Water Cooler Dispenser
- Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser Nutrichef
- Primo 900127 Top Loading Water Cooler
- Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
- hOmeLabs 3 or 5 Gallon
- Whirlpool Stainless Steel Water Cooler
- Conclusion
- Buyer’s Manual – How to pick the right cooler dispenser
- What is the difference between a water dispenser and a water cooler?
- Water Cooler Dispenser Types
Some people do not get hot or cold enough. Others are extremely difficult to disassemble and clean, or they are simply unreliable. With so many alternatives available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are worthwhile. So, how do you know which water cooler dispenser to get?
Here’s where we come in. We worked hard to identify and test as many of these gadgets as we could. Then we prepared reviews comparing our ten favorites, with three standouts receiving our recommendations. Let’s have a look at what we discovered.
The Top Water Cooler Dispensers
Avalon Limited Edition Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. This dispenser...
- Country of origin : China
- LIGHT THE WAY: Our built-in nightlight makes the water spouts clearly visible at night & has an empty-bottle...
This Avalon Limited Edition Water Cooler Dispenser was our favorite of the bunch, because to its sleek and attractive design and robust stainless steel construction. It has a plethora of handy functions that make it a welcome addition to any home.
For example, you can select from three temperatures: cold, cool, or scorching hot. Even better, this dispenser cleans itself. It sanitizes and purifies itself, preventing the accumulation of hazardous bacteria or germs.
Despite having somewhat more reports of damaged devices, Avalon has the finest customer service and their machines are pretty quiet. Ozone injection and BPA-free plastic parts are among the sanitary characteristics. Brio also features a bacteria-resistant backsplash, and Whirlpool is the only machine with automated ozone injection and disguised faucets.
The bottom-loading style of this dispenser is one of its best features. No more carrying that hefty bottle to the machine’s top and risking a massive spill when you flip the bottle upside-down to get it into the hole. Instead, simply place the bottle right-side-up in the dispenser’s bottom. This useful feature was a personal favorite of ours.
The compressor motor on this dispenser, on the other hand, is extremely loud. It quickly became the most audible equipment in the kitchen, even louder than the refrigerator. But we’re ready to overlook the noise because of all the added features, such as the built-in nightlight, which makes it easier to grab water in the dark, and the empty bottle indication, which tells you when it’s time to replenish the water.
Pros
- There are three temperatures to choose from.
- Integrated nightlight
- Light that indicates when a bottle is empty
- Bottom-loading design is simple to operate.
- Design that cleans itself
Cons
- The compressor motor is really loud.
Water Cooler Dispenser Avalon A1 Top Loading
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot...
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL/Energy Star Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water...
- INNOVATIVE & STYLISH DESIGN: Avalon’s Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser features a slim design that won’t look...
Features:
- Top-loading water cooler holds three to five gallon jugs.
- Serves both hot and cold
- The temperature of the cold water is 47° F.
- Temperature of the hot water in the instant water boiler: 180° F
- The hot water tap has a child safety lock (UL-certified)
- Elegant style
- 1 year restricted warrant
The Avalon top loading water dispenser offers both hot and cold water. Because of its attractive white appearance, simple design, and effective features, it is one of the top 5 gallon water dispenser options on the market.
Built for tiny spaces: The Avalon is a home water cooler best suited for households with young children, as it is designed for small spaces such as family kitchens – making it the ideal water cooler for home. This model is 45 inches tall, fits comfortably on your kitchen counter, and dispenses both hot and cold water. Its water tank is made of stainless steel, making it both sturdy and healthful for water filtration.
Hot and cold water: The dispenser’s cold water may become as cold as 47° F thanks to Avalon’s premium hot and cold capabilities (you won’t need ice cubes for your drink!) as well as hot water up to 167° F. This colder water is good for hot days and hot drinks – it’s ideal for preparing teas and creating quick soups.
Parents will be relieved to learn that the Avalon is UL-certified for quality and safety, and that the hot water dispenser tap incorporates a hot water kid safety lock.
Energy Efficiency: It’s also worth noting that this model is Energy Star approved, and retailers will replenish any old water bottle!
Pros
- Child safety lock for hot water
- Energy-Star certified means it is highly efficient.
- UL certified
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Because it is a top loading style, it is a touch big, but thin and fits into little areas.
Avalon Premium Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot...
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL/Energy Star Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water...
- INNOVATIVE & STYLISH DESIGN: Avalon’s Countertop Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser features a slim design that...
Among the features are:
- The temperature of the cold water is 47° F.
- Temperature of hot water: 180° F
- Lock for children’s safety
- Spouts for hot and cold water
Check out the Avalon Premium Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser if you’re short on space but still want the convenience of a chilled water dispenser. It has a tiny design that makes it easy to place on your tabletop. Because of its small size, it must be top-loaded; this is inconvenient, but at least you can see when you’re running low on water!
We initially assumed that the cool water was barely cold and that the hot water would never get past warm. Then we discovered the temperature selector knobs concealed in the rear and were able to alter the water temperature to our liking. Because the hot water was readily hot enough to burn, the child-safety lock became suddenly necessary.
The most serious issue we discovered is that this dispenser is inefficient in terms of energy use. The first month we utilized this dispenser, we noticed an increase in our electricity consumption. It wasn’t a huge rise, but it was obvious. Is the convenience of quick hot and cold water dispensing, however, worth the additional energy cost? You must make a decision.
Pros
- The small size fits on your counter.
- The hot water dispenser has a child-safety lock.
- Temperature selector knobs allow you to adjust the temperature of the water.
Cons
- The top-loading dispenser is inconvenient.
- Inefficient in terms of energy use
Brio Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
- BOTTOM-LOAD WATER COOLER: Don’t struggle to lift heavy bottles and simplify your life with a bottom-load cooler....
- HOT, COLD & ROOM-TEMPERATURE WATER: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience....
- CHILD-SAFETY LOCK: Never worry about accidental pouring of hot water again with the two-step dispensing on the...
Among the features are:
- Temperature adjustment in three modes: hot/cold/room
- Controls and a push-button
- Maintenance and replenishing indicator lights
- Accommodates 3–5 gallon container of water
- Child-protection Lock
- Technology for self-cleaning
- One-year limited warranty
The Brio Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser is our premium choice pick, since it is packed with top-notch features for the ultimate in convenience. It not only provides amazing performance and functionality, but it is also a stylish appliance that will not detract from the appearance of your home.
The ozone self-cleaning feature is one of our favorite aspects of this dispenser. No need to disassemble and sanitize your water dispenser; simply press a button and the Brio dispenser will clean itself, saving you time and effort!
Another useful feature is the bottom-loading water jug. Simply place the water jug in the bottom of the dispenser, and it’s ready to use. If you have children, you’ll appreciate the child-safety lock on the hot water, which prevents them from being burned inadvertently.
Other tiny amenities, such as three different temperatures to pick from or a nightlight that makes it easy to see what you’re doing when you walk out for a drink in the middle of the night, make your life a little easier. Just keep in mind that all of these amenities will come at a cost. However, if you have the money to spare, the convenience is difficult to top.
Pros
- Self-cleaning
- Bottom-loading
- There are three temperature options.
- The hot water dispenser has a child-safety lock.
Cons
- Much more expensive than alternative options
Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Touchless Bottleless Cooler Dispenser
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot...
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL/Energy Star Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water...
- SELF CLEANING FEATURE: The self cleaning ozone feature sanitizes & purifies the dispenser, which prevents the...
Going to the shop to buy water and then dragging it home, or waiting for the water delivery guy, is no longer necessary. This smart-looking, smart-being, and small dispenser provides hot and cold water promptly, eliminates the need for water bottles, and saves you room.
Assemble it, connect it to the pipeline, and then spend an hour doing your duties because it needs that time to start working properly. After the initial start-up phase, you will have rapid access to hot and cold, clean water.
Make sure you have all of the relevant information on the fittings because they may differ from what you have at home. Nowadays, you can readily locate adapting parts and fittings for everything, and if you’re handy, you won’t have any trouble. If not, here’s your chance to get to know your attractive neighbor.
The dispenser includes filters, a 30-day warranty, and a heating capacity of 4 liters per hour.
Pros
- There is no need for a bottle.
- Small and convenient size
- Installation is simple.
- Water that has been filtered
Cons
- Hot water recovery time
Giantex Primo Home Water Cooler Dispenser – The Best Buy
- 【Easy and Safe to Use】- You don’t have to be frightened about any safety risk from the water dispenser to...
- 【Easy to Maintain Clean】- The water barrel seat is detachable, easy to disassemble and clean.
- 【Considerate Stop Heating and Cooling Switches】- At the back of the water dispenser, there are two hot and cold...
This Giantex Primo Home Water Cooler Dispenser is an excellent value for money for those on a tight budget. It still has all of the functionality you require. Nothing was overlooked in order to keep the price low. For example, the hot water dispenser has an easy-to-use security lock to keep your children from getting burned.
The water barrel seat on this dispenser is detachable. This allows for simple disassembly for cleaning and disinfection. It also has an anti-dust mite design, which ensures that no impurities enter your water, keeping it safe for you and your family.
The slow pace of water dispensing was the only downside we discovered. It takes a long time to fill your cup, but for the price, we can live with the somewhat slower fill rate. Overall, we believe it is the best water cooler dispenser for the money and would strongly suggest it to anyone searching for the best value.
Pros
- A security lock keeps youngsters from being burned.
- Disassembly is simple for cleaning.
- Seat for a water barrel that is detachable
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- In California, this item is not for sale.
- Slowly dispenses water
Farberware Freestanding Water Cooler Dispenser
- Hot and Cool water dispenser holds a 3 or 5 gallon water tank (not included) and provides cool water and hot water...
- Energy saving thermo-electric cooling and high heat efficiency engineering; low noise
- Bottom storage cabinet; Dimensions: 31 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches (w/o bottle)
This Farberware Freestanding Water Cooler Dispenser is on the lower end of the price range. Unfortunately, it appears to be the case! It’s not a particularly appealing appliance, but it does the job. Nonetheless, you get what you pay for.
This dispenser appears to have a mini-fridge built into the bottom. That would be fantastic! Unfortunately, it is only a storage cabinet, however it can still be handy.
This dispenser accepts three or five-gallon water jugs, offering you some versatility. It’s also covered by a two-year warranty, which gives you some peace of mind.
The heating and cooling elements are the source of our complaints regarding this dispenser. Before you run out of either hot or cold water, you can only get around two glasses.
Expect lukewarm water after two cups of cold water until the holding tank cools down again. The same goes for the hot water. This terrible flaw, in our opinion, significantly holds this dispenser down. But, in the end, it reliably dispenses chilly water at a reasonable price, so we can’t really complain.
Pros
- Works with 3-gallon or 5-gallon tanks.
- Warranty period of two years
- Miniature storage built into the cabinet
Cons
- The first two cups of water are the only ones that are chilly.
- Small hot water supply
Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser Nutrichef
- HOT & COLD WATER NOZZLE: with this water cooler you can choose between a Cold & Hot water, making it ideal for cool...
- WATER COOLER ACCOMMODATES: This countertop water cooler has the ability to accommodate 3 or 5-Gallon bottles/Jugs,...
- WATER COOLER FEATURES: This tabletop water cooler is operating with an automatic electric plug-in water dispenser...
We had high hopes for the Nutrichef Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser, however it fell short of our expectations. It appears to be good, which is why we expected more from it. It has a countertop design that saves room and is compatible with three or five-gallon water jugs. So far, so good. It fit neatly on the counter and looked lovely in our kitchen.
This dispenser, according to the documentation, heats water to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and cools it to 40 degrees. We have no doubt that it adequately heats the water because it has never caused us any trouble with hot water. However, the frigid water was never truly chilly. It never became as cool as we would have liked.
This dispenser was challenging to load for us. Jugs simply refused to sit properly in this contraption, and we spilled water every time. The plastic taste in our water was the worst thing we observed. The plastic flavor lingered even after numerous jugs of water had been consumed. As a result, we’d propose a similarly priced option, such as the Giantex dispenser in the second position on this list.
Pros
- Water temperatures range from 40 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons
- Water jug is difficult to fill.
- The water now has a plastic flavor to it.
- The cold water side does not get particularly frigid.
Primo 900127 Top Loading Water Cooler
- COUPONS for Primo water included: $5 OFF a bottle of pre-filled exchange water + a FREE self-service water refill....
- No plumbing required.
- 3 WATER TEMPERATURES: On-demand ICE-COLD, COOL, and PIPING-HOT water so you can prepare your favorite beverages and...
You can have quick ice-cold, cool, or piping-hot water whenever you want with the Primo 900127 Top Loading Water Cooler. It has three different water taps so you may have all three temps at the same time. Given the low price of this cooler, we were pleasantly surprised that it contained this capability.
This device’s appearance was very appealing to us. It has a stainless steel and black design that will complement practically any kitchen. However, it is quite fragile and does not have a strong feel to it. Worse, once the jug is on top, the whole contraption feels top-heavy and like it’s going to tip over.
When we first started using this dispenser, the water tasted strongly like plastic. It did go gone, but it took a full five-gallon jug to do it. And no matter what we tried, the ice-cold tap refused to provide us with truly cold water.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- It appears to be attractive.
- Three different temperatures
Cons
- It takes an entire jug to remove the plastic taste.
- Top-heavy and flimsy
- The water does not become cold enough.
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
- BOTTOM-LOAD WATER COOLER: Don’t struggle to lift heavy bottles and simplify your life with a bottom-load cooler....
- HOT, COLD & ROOM-TEMPERATURE WATER: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience....
- CHILD-SAFETY LOCK: Never worry about accidental pouring of hot water again with the two-step dispensing on the...
The Brio CLBL420V2 Water Cooler Dispenser is one of the priciest dispensers we’ve tried. We had high hopes for it, but were greatly disappointed. It has various flaws, including being pricey for what you get. However, there were some aspects of it that we enjoyed.
This dispenser has a practical bottom-loading design that we liked. It also has three different water temps, each with its own nozzle. When you start to pour water, though, you’ll quickly notice that the lights for the hot and cold dispensers are in the wrong spot! This might easily result in an accident, causing someone to burn themself accidently.
We were particularly dissatisfied with the low-quality materials used to build this dispenser. It’s readily dented, and ours was dented twice right out of the box. We certainly expected more from such a pricey product.
Pros
- Bottom-loading design is convenient.
- Three different temperatures
Cons
- Expensive
- The material is easily dented because it is flimsy.
- The hot and cold lamps are positioned inappropriately.
hOmeLabs 3 or 5 Gallon
- EASY BOTTOM LOADING DESIGN - Now it’s easy to keep yourself hydrated with our bottom load water dispenser. Gone...
- FOR 3 TO 5 GALLON JUGS & FITS ANY SPACE - Stylish water cooler dispenser with stainless steel door adds a modern...
- INTUITIVE CONTROL PANEL WITH NIGHT LIGHT- Features an LED night light that helps you get water during the night...
We choose hOmelabs because they offer the highest production quality, the greatest guarantee, and essential performance that is reasonable for the price. However, because this machine is a little smaller than others, the bottle is a tight fit—which means that depending on the bottle design, some water brands may not be compatible.
Hot, cold, and ambient water, 3 or 5 gallon bottle replacements, a hot water safety lock, an on/off switch for cold and hot water, a night light, Energy Star and UL ratings are all standard features and functions for this class of machine.
A refill warning for when your water bottle is low, as well as a two-year warranty, provide some added value for your money.
The fact that this hOmelabs only has one water nozzle means that you can’t pour more than one sort of water at a time. You won’t receive any self-sanitizing function—either ozone or a UV light—for this price, but it’s reasonable and not a terrible offer at all.
Pros
- Well-designed
- Water is available in three temperatures: hot, cold, and room temperature.
- Locking mechanism for hot water
- Water refill alert Energy Star and UL listing
- 2 year warranty
- Fits a 3 or 5 gallon jug
Cons
- There is only one dispenser nozzle.
- Occasionally a little noisy
- A snug fit for the bottle
Whirlpool Stainless Steel Water Cooler
- 6th Sense Self Cleaning automatically technology uses unstable Oxygen to get rid of the stuff you don't want in...
- Outlasts other brands as the compressor turns on less frequently because of the proprietary cooling system...
If you’re searching for a high-quality water dispenser, this is the one to get. Whirlpool is a market leader, and this model lives up to that reputation. This self-cleaning water dispenser is perfect for your office or business. Without a doubt, this clever device is the greatest self-cleaning water cooler on the market – and it’s easily one of the most aesthetically beautiful water coolers available.
Whirlpool’s self-cleaning bottom load water dispenser has been a trusted water cooler for over a decade. While most home water dispensers are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, this model distinguishes itself with its 6th sense technology, which employs unstable oxygen to kill bacteria and other water-contaminating viruses.
The Whirlpool Stainless is also extremely durable, with a stylish stainless steel appearance, making it an excellent investment for your workplace or home. Its stylish, edgy style is built to outlive rival brands, with nickel-plated front and sides and a stainless steel 1 spout.
This model has three temperature controls, allowing you to enjoy hot, cold, or room temperature water. Having said that, the Whirlpool Stainless water dispenser is somewhat more expensive than less robust alternatives.
If you intend to use this water dispenser at home, bear in mind that it lacks a hot water kid safety lock.
Pros
- Long-lasting stainless steel construction with nickel coating
- It can withstand up to 300 pounds of pressure.
- Technology for self-cleaning
- It dispenses both hot and cold water.
- The LED display alerts you when the unit is self-cleaning and the water temperature is reached.
Cons
- pricier than the usual water cooler
- There is no safety-lock option for hot water.
Conclusion
After testing and reviewing numerous water cooler dispensers, we narrowed it down to the three that impressed us the most. The Avalon B3BLOZONEWTRCLRBLK Water Cooler Dispenser was our overall favorite. It has three water temperature settings and a simple bottom-loading design. The best feature is that it cleans itself, saving you the time and frustration of disassembling the dispenser to disinfect it.
If you’re seeking for the best value, we recommend the Giantex EP 22276 Water Cooler Dispenser. It is reasonably priced while still providing outstanding performance and features such as the detachable water barrel seat that allows for easy cleaning and the security lock that prevents youngsters from being burned by hot water.
Finally, we propose the Brio CLBL520SC as our top pick. This incredible bottom-loading dispenser is self-cleaning and has three temperature settings to select from, as well as a child-safety lock on the hot water to keep your children safe.
Buyer’s Manual – How to pick the right cooler dispenser
As you can see, there are significant differences amongst dispensers. So, how can you know which one is best for you? It’s a personal preference, but after using so many of these dispensers, we’ve learned the most crucial elements to consider while making your decision.
Energy Star
Energy Star certification is available on some of the greatest water coolers and dispensers on our list. This implies they have been approved as energy and money-saving devices that help to safeguard the environment.
Indeed, Energy Star is a symbol of energy efficiency; in fact, Energy Star certified items consume around 30% less energy than others.
Bottom-Loading vs. Top-Loading
Top-loading dispensers are the most common type that we are all familiar with. They are placed on the floor or counter, and the water jug is inserted upside-down into a hole on the top of the dispenser.
There are two issues with top-loading dispensers. To begin, you must first raise the hefty jug high enough to place it on the dispenser. Second, you must turn that hefty jug upside down and risk spilling water all over the place as you slip it into the hole.
Bottom-loading dispensers operate in a different manner. These dispensers allow you to lay the jug upright at the bottom of the dispenser, eliminating the need to lift it to the machine’s maximum height or turn it over. This is a lot more convenient method, but it may be more expensive to obtain a dispenser with this capability.
Disinfecting and cleaning
Because you are drinking from this dispenser, it must remain clean and sterile. This entails disassembling and carefully cleaning the dispenser on a regular basis.
When it comes to cleaning, certain dispensers are quite difficult to disassemble and reinstall. Others are meant to be easily disassembled for fast cleaning.
Self-cleaning dispensers are among our favorites. Simply press a button, and the dispenser will clean and disinfect itself, saving you time and effort.
Leaks
Nobody wants a leaking water cooler, so constantly verify the frequency of leak reports from verified purchases at your online purchasing destination.
Buttons and levers
These should work smoothly and be of reasonable quality. Buttons are preferable for small children.
Locking mechanism for hot water
Quality models usually have these, and even if there aren’t any small children around, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Most dispensers on the market include this feature. What is the significance of this? It is undeniable that children are drawn to lights and any other device with buttons. As a result, if you have children or regular kid visits, such as grandchildren or nephews, this function is essential since it prevents them from being injured by turning on the hot water feature.
Noise
When cooling or heating between uses, all coolers make some noise. Particular machines offer lower noise levels, which is useful for some persons or a workplace.
Temperature settings
These water dispensers are equipped with coolers and heaters, allowing you to access both cold and hot water. But how chilly or hot is it? Not all dispensers heat and cool in the same way. Some perform poorly in this area, never getting your water cold or hot enough.
Temperatures for hot and cold water are typically fixed within a narrow range of variation—around 47°F cold / 180°F hot—but some can go higher or lower. Switches on the back to turn on and off the hot and cold functions are typical.
We prefer dispensers with temperature adjustment knobs, which allow you to change the temperature directly. This gives you the most flexibility.
Dispensers with three temperatures, on the other hand, are fantastic. Because you get three independent water taps, one for each temperature, you have more possibilities with less labor.
Material
Your unit’s material will have a significant impact on the flavor of the water it discharges. This is why stainless steel models are preferable, since they do not impart a strange plastic taste to your water.
In addition, stainless steel reduces the amount of bacteria and biofilm growth in your dispenser.
Is it BPA-Free?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial compound that is commonly found in plastics. It is critical to get a BPA-free water dispenser (also known as BPA-free water coolers). Having said that, the FDA has determined that BPA is safe in low amounts — but it’s best to be safe than sorry.
Size
The size and type of drinking water dispenser you should buy will be determined by the amount and frequency of servings necessary. Having said that, most water cooler dispensers use 3 or 5 gallon water jugs — just double-check the product specs before buying.
Capacity
When water coolers need to be refilled on a regular basis, they can be inconvenient. When selecting the ideal water dispenser for your home or workplace, keep in mind the size of the water jug required to meet the demands of the individuals who will be using the system.
Location
Consider where you want to install your new water dispenser – measure the area, and then compare the measurements of the cooler you want. The finest water dispenser for the home is one that is functional, simple to use, and secure.
Is your kitchen large enough for an industrial-sized water dispenser, or would a smaller top-load water dispenser suffice? A countertop water dispenser may be great if you have a tiny space and little room to accommodate a cumbersome system!
Bottom load water cooler dispensers are more compact because the water jug is not on top, making them easier to maneuver and fit in tiny locations.
Maintenance
Choose between a water cooler that must be cleaned on a regular basis and a self-cleaning water dispenser that requires little care.
Convenience
If you’re worried about how to change a water cooler bottle without spilling, chances are you’ll want a bottom loading method. If you have someone who is strong enough to lift the jug, you can use a top loading mechanism.
Front loaders, on the other hand, are much easier to replace because they don’t involve this lifting, making them the ideal alternative for a family with children who won’t be able to readily replace the bottle.
Price
In an ideal world, you could just choose the dispenser with the characteristics you require and be done with it. In actuality, though, we are always hampered by another issue – cost.
Some of the devices we reviewed cost more than twice as much as others. They all do the same thing, so it’s up to you to decide how much you value each dispenser’s feature set.
What is the difference between a water dispenser and a water cooler?
- A water dispenser is basically any device that provides you with water. A kitchen faucet, like a water filter pitcher, is officially a water dispenser. A simple dispenser offers room temperature water without the need for a power source.
- A water cooler, on the other hand, necessitates the use of a power source. This will limit the location of your water cooler. A water cooler dispenser contains at least one internal tank for cooling and one for heating water. These items are commonly advertised as water cooler dispensers.
Water Cooler Dispenser Types
- POU stands for point of usage.
- Top loading
- bottom loading
- Countertop
Water cooler dispensers at the Point of Use (POU)
These water dispensers necessitate a direct connection to a water source as well as a nearby power source. They are slightly more expensive since they have high-end features such as ozone injection or a UV lamp. The filters should be changed every six months, and the cost per gallon is often less than that of bottled water.
Best For: A kitchen or household without a filtration system, such as a whole-house water treatment system or a refrigerator water filter. If ordering and replenishing bottled water is cumbersome for you, these are also a viable option.
Water cooler dispensers with bottom loading
Bottom loading dispensers are convenient since no heavy lifting is necessary, and the water bottle is easily shifted into the compartment. Because they include an additional pumping mechanism, they are more expensive than top loading coolers. More expensive models additionally have high-end features like self-sanitizing ozone injection.
Best For: These are ideal for a family household or for folks who are unable to perform heavy lifting. When compared to countertop dispensers, they are a better solution for youngsters because they dispense water at waist height. They improve the appearance of both a home and an office.
Water cooler dispensers with top loading
These are the most efficient and cost-effective dispensers since they rely just on gravity’s power and force, with no additional pump mechanism. The bottom of the dispenser often features a storage box, and more expensive ones may even have an ice maker built in. They do not typically have self-sanitizing functions.
These are equally as functional as bottom loading dispensers, but they are less expensive. They may also contain a storage box, which is handy for holding cups or beverage supplies if put in a public area.
Dispensers for countertop water coolers
These are just scaled-down versions of top-loading water coolers or point-of-use (POU) water cooler dispensers. POU bottleless models include inline water filters and must be placed near a point of use water source.
These are good choices for a small office, a small apartment, or a two-person home. They are easily transportable and can accommodate a mobile home.
The advantages of purchasing a water cooler dispenser
There are numerous reasons why having a drinking water dispenser in your house or business is a good idea.
Water with a Better Taste
We frequently neglect to hydrate ourselves because we dislike the taste of water. Even if the water has no taste, it may include residues of components that affect its flavor. When it comes to water coolers, it is best to use filtered water to avoid ingesting undesired metals and other possibly dangerous components.
Environment-Friendly
Consider how many water bottles you consume in a day – that’s a lot of water! When you invest in a water cooler, your water jugs may be reused and refilled, resulting in material savings while still providing a supply of immediately accessible pure water.
Water dispensers are small
Many water coolers, particularly bottom load water cooler dispensers, are small and compact. Because of their compact size, they may easily fit into any kitchen, whether at home or in the office.
Bottom loading water coolers, for example, have no protruding water jug since the water jug is contained in a bottom sealed compartment, making it considerably easier to fit into any space. Our water cooler review guide is jam-packed with reviews of the top water coolers in all shapes and sizes to assist you in finding the appropriate one for your area.
Convenient on-demand filtered water access
Depending on where you live, getting access to safe drinking water might be difficult or inconsistent — some locations have hard water, while others can’t take the flavor of their tap water.
A water dispenser provides filtered water on demand. Whether it’s a hot bowl of instant soup or a drink of cold water between ping pong matches, a dispenser provides an alternative to potentially unsafe tap water. While some simply dispense water, others operate as water filters to purify your water.
Temperature changes
Water dispensers deliver hot water while simultaneously keeping it chilled. Many electric water dispensers employ small yet strong, energy-efficient compressors to keep water as cold as your refrigerator. Many common models include sensors that alert you when your water has reached peak temperature. The finest hot and cold water dispenser will be one that has three settings and can provide both hot and cold water.
Filtration options
Because water filtration features filter out any minerals or pollutants in your water, some water coolers function as a water filter.
Refilling is simple
The greatest water dispensers, especially bottom loading dispensers, are extremely simple to refill. In fact, they can be refilled by anyone! Simply roll your water jug over and place it in the bottom container. This is far less difficult than reloading a top-loading dispenser, which requires more heavy lifting.
Reasonably priced
Every year, billions of dollars are spent on water bottles in the United States [2]. Needless to say, these dispensers are more affordable. No more spending $5 on little plastic water bottles that are bad for the environment and your wallet!
Water dispenser cleaning and maintenance tips
Even if you choose a self-cleaning water dispenser, you must still clean and maintain your system.
After all, bottled water coolers, if not cleaned, can accumulate bacteria and biofilm, affecting the quality of your water if not handled properly.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice an unusual odor, buildup, or any other undesirable substance emerging around your water dispenser. These items are simple to clean.
How frequent should you clean a water cooler?
The US Department of Energy recommends cleaning your cooler every six weeks or whenever you change the bottle
To clean a water cooler, all you need is some boiled water. This boiled water is poured into the cooler and drained. Scrub inside the crevices and around the taps with a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush. Depending on the materials used, you can also clean a water cooler with vinegar and bleach.
If you have a brand-specific cleaning query, such as “How to clean a primo water cooler,” keep in mind that most brands will have various cleaning recommendations, so examine your product’s handbook.
Here are some cleaning tips for your water cooler system:
- To avoid being electrocuted, unplug your cooler before doing anything.
- Check to determine if your water cooler has a water guard, which permits your water bottle lids to be pierced, which is required for use.
- If you have a water guard, remove it. Pull it out of the cooler by grasping it on all sides. To remove any buildup, use mild dish soap and warm water. Before continuing, make sure to rinse off all of the soap and pat dry with a towel.
- Rinse the reservoir with your baking soda (2 teaspoons) and water (1 cup) solution. It should be drained and rinsed multiple times.
- The water guard kit must be replaced.
Additional cleaning suggestions:
Regular cleaning aids in the upkeep and operation of your water cooler:
- Sanitizing Your Water Dispenser: It is also crucial to know that you will need to sanitize your water dispenser on a regular basis.
- All you have to do is prepare a solution of 12 teaspoon bleach to a gallon of water, and then pour the solution over the reservoir – but only for 5 minutes. Make sure to drain the water afterward.
- If you have two separate faucets, drain them both through the cold water faucet and quickly rinse them with water. You will also need to clean the water dispenser on a regular basis to remove dirt and grime.
- Cleaning Around the Water Cooler: Disconnect the power supply cord before cleaning around the water cooler.
- Once unplugged, use a little brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner to clean around the cooler.
FAQs
Are home instant hot water dispensers safe?
Is the water filtered by a water dispenser?
Nonetheless, they do not have the ability to filter water. In this case, you’ll need to buy filtered water or consider investing in a filter, which is unquestionably a wise investment.
Depending on the model, you may be able to connect your water dispenser straight to a water line. Ideally, you should consider purchasing a high-quality water filter to ensure that the water you consume is free of pollutants and other comparable components.
Meanwhile, if you choose bottled water, you can be certain that the water within has been filtered and purified.
If you click on the Amazon link or Add to Cart and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Last Update: 2023-03-24
Jay
Self assessed Germaphobe, specializing in everything water, water filters, health and nutrition. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I've acquired immense amount of knowledge when it comes to natural, biology, and everything about human anatomy.
