water coolers

Joseph Alvarado
15 min readSep 14, 2024
water-coolers-1

Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging around heavy water bottles and hello to the convenience of a water cooler in your home or office. In this article, we'll be rounding up some of the best water coolers on the market, so you can stay hydrated in style. Whether you're looking for a compact option for your desk or a larger one for your workplace, we've got you covered.

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Reviews

Frigidaire Black Hot and Cold Water Dispenser

Frigidaire Black Hot and Cold Water Dispenser | Image

I was hesitant to try out the Frigidaire EFWC498-BLACK Enclosed Hot and Cold Water Cooler/Dispenser after reading some negative reviews, but I wanted to give it a shot since it matched the style of my kitchen appliances. The set-up was super easy, and within a few minutes, I had it up and running.

One of the things that stood out to me was the compressor cooled feature. It truly kept the water cold for a long time, which was perfect for hot summer days. The hot water function was just as impressive, and it was nice to have the option to switch between the two.

The dispenser was also user-friendly and easy to clean, which meant less time spent maintaining it. The indicator lights were a useful addition, making it simple to know when the water was cooling, heating, and powered on.

However, I did notice a slight noise coming from the dispenser when it was heating or cooling the water. It's not too loud, but it might bother some people. Additionally, the unit seems somewhat delicate, and I'm concerned about its durability in the long run.

Overall, I'm glad I decided to try out this water cooler dispenser. While it has its flaws, the positives outweigh the negatives in my opinion. Whether it will last for a long time remains to be seen, but it's a solid addition to my kitchen that I'm currently satisfied with.

Great Value Top-Loading Water Dispenser for Hot and Cold Temperatures

Great Value Top-Loading Water Dispenser for Hot and Cold Temperatures | Image

Recently, I've been using the Great Value Top Load Water Dispenser in my daily life, and it's been a game-changer for me. This top load cooler is incredibly easy to set up and use, with a smooth and sleek appearance that would fit well in any kitchen. The LED indicator lights are a handy feature, letting me know when the water is ready to dispense in my desired temperature, hot or cold.

One of the coolest things about this water dispenser is its compatibility with both the reusable water filtration tank and standard water bottles. It's perfect for those who want to save money on bottled water and care for the environment. The child safety lock on the hot water push button is a great bonus for parents and pet owners, ensuring safety while still allowing for an instant hot water option.

However, it's worth mentioning that the support collar had to be removed for the water filtration tank to sit correctly. Although it's not a deal-breaker, it might impact its durability and sturdiness. Additionally, there was a slight noise level when the water was dispensing. In conclusion, this Great Value top load water dispenser is a fantastic buy, offering convenience and flexibility for all your water needs.

VEVOR 1Gallon Water Dispenser for Customized Water Cooling

VEVOR 1Gallon Water Dispenser for Customized Water Cooling | Image

Every day, I find myself using my 1-gallon water dispenser more and more. Whether it's filling up my coffee maker or freshening up my refrigerator, this little guy is always there to help me out. The design is simple and sleek, with a white exterior that effortlessly blends into any setting. It's incredibly easy to set up, and once it's in place, it operates quietly without causing any distractions.

I've used it for quite some time now, and I've noticed it's very efficient at dispensing both cold and hot water. It's been a lifesaver during those hot summer days when all I want is an icy cold drink. Plus, it's energy-saving, which means I can enjoy water without worrying about my electricity bill.

However, there are a few downsides to this product. First, I noticed that it's not ENERGY STAR certified and also does not have a night light. But, it's not a deal-breaker for me. The only issue I've encountered is that sometimes, I need to prime the dispenser by sucking on the discharge tubing to get it going. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with my VEVOR 1-gallon water dispenser. It's a convenient, portable solution that saves me time and hassle. It's been a great addition to my daily routine, and I'm excited to see what other uses I can find for it in the future.

Bottom Loading Hot/Cold Water Dispenser with LED Indicators

Bottom Loading Hot/Cold Water Dispenser with LED Indicators | Image

This Great Value hot and cold water dispenser is a fantastic investment for anyone who wants easy access to their favorite beverage temperature. With its bottom load design, you won't need to worry about accidental spills from heavy water bottles. It's lightweight and easy to use, thanks to a user-friendly interface and LED indicators that show when the water has reached the desired temperature.

One of the highlights of this dispenser is its ability to provide three different water temperatures - hot, cold, and room temperature. The energy-efficient compressor helps ensure the water stays at the desired temperature, while the stainless steel reservoirs ensure the water tastes great. The water cooler also features a hidden water jug, giving it a sleek finish and helping it blend in with any decor.

Another aspect that makes this dispenser convenient is its child safety lock on the hot water button, and the removable drip tray for easy cleanup. You'll also appreciate the fact that it can accommodate a 3, 4, or 5-gallon water bottle (sold separately).

However, some users have reported issues with the dispenser, such as a lack of clear instructions in the manual and a compressor that can be quite loud during the cooling process. Despite these minor concerns, most users seem to be satisfied with their purchase and appreciate the dispenser's user-friendly design and performance.

Stainless Steel Top-Load Water Cooler with Heating Function

Stainless Steel Top-Load Water Cooler with Heating Function | Image

Satisfy your thirst with the Frigidaire Top-Load Stainless Steel Water Cooler. Designed to provide you with quick water cooling and heating, this cooler has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning and is compatible with both 3 and 5-gallon water bottles. The compressor-cooled system ensures you'll always have icy-cold water, while the heating function offers safety with a hot water latch. The sleek stainless steel finish adds an attractive touch to any home or office setting.

Brio 2-Stage Filtration Water Cooler Dispenser with Free Replacement Filters

The Brio countertop water cooler dispenser is a practical and attractive addition to any home, office, or workshop. Its compact design ensures that it doesn't take up too much space while still providing a reliable source of chilled, hot, or room temperature water for your everyday hydration needs. One of its key features is its direct waterline connection, which eliminates the need to constantly refill heavy gallons of water. The Brio also comes equipped with free replacement filters, ensuring you always have access to clean water.

This two-stage filtration system offers a top-tier water-filtration experience, making the water taste much better than regular tap water. The Brio is designed for ease of use, with convenient digital controls that display essential information like the child-lock, digital clock, and nightlight. The unit's sleek design is another highlight, making it an attractive addition to any area it's placed in. Reviews from the product's users demonstrate its ease of set up, sturdiness, durability, and ease of dispensing and cleaning.

The Brio water cooler dispenser is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 27 reviews, with customers appreciating its ease of use, attractive appearance, and superior water quality. The unit's UV light feature further adds an extra layer of assurance, ensuring the dispenser is always sanitized and ready for use.

Drinkpod Ultra Membrane Bottleless Water Cooler - 3+ Filtration, Hot & Cold Temps, Connectable Appliances

Drinkpod Ultra Membrane Bottleless Water Cooler — 3+ Filtration, Hot & Cold Temps, Connectable Appliances | Image

The Drinkpod 6 Series water cooler dispenser is a sleek and attractive addition to any home or office setting. With its unique blue LED accent light, it adds a lovely touch to the surroundings. The device offers two independent temperature modes, ensuring that every drop of ultra-pure water filtered through the Ultra Fine filtration pod meets your drinking needs. It connects to an existing water line using Ultra +3 filtration technology, contained within a magnetic door in the water cooler dispenser.

One of the product's special features is its Ice/Caf Connect, allowing it to provide purified filtered water for up to 2 additional appliances, such as an ice-maker or a coffee maker. However, one downside some users have faced is a broken valve, which made the cooler unusable right out of the box. This issue has been reported by multiple users, and it seems the manufacturer has yet to address the matter.

Despite these cons, the product's space-saving design and easy installation make it a popular choice for many. Installing the cooler takes less than 30 minutes, thanks to the detailed manual and illustrations provided with the purchase. Overall, the Drinkpod 6 Series water cooler dispenser offers a convenient and economical alternative to commercial water fountains or bottle fillers for a small office.

3 & 5 Gallon Hot and Cold Water Dispenser by Frigidaire

3 & 5 Gallon Hot and Cold Water Dispenser by Frigidaire | Image

Enjoy a constant supply of fresh, hot or cold water with this Frigidaire Water Dispenser. It boasts an impressive cooling power of 100W and heating power of 420W, ensuring a consistent water temperature for your household. The sleek black design complements any kitchen, while the indicator lights make operation a breeze.

Suitable for homes with 5-6 people, it's conveniently top-loading with no additional items included.

Culligan BAEMUV1SHSK-DU100 Scratch and Dent Stainless Water Dispenser

Culligan BAEMUV1SHSK-DU100 Scratch and Dent Stainless Water Dispenser | Image

The Culligan Stainless Steel Water Cooler is a sleek and modern addition to any workspace or home. This cooler offers the convenience of a bottleless design and a push-button handle, making it easy to access cold, refreshing water whenever you need it. The cooler also comes with a freestanding installation and bottom loading style, ensuring a functional and efficient setup.

However, it does have a maximum temperature of 181°F-212°F and a minimum temperature of 36°F-50°F, which might be limiting for some users. Despite minor drawbacks, this Culligan Water Dispenser is a scratch and dent product that still delivers great quality and performance for your water cooling needs.

Igloo Iwcbl353crhbks Multi-Temperature Bottom-Load Countertop Water Dispenser

Igloo Iwcbl353crhbks Multi-Temperature Bottom-Load Countertop Water Dispenser | Image

I recently came across this sleek water dispenser, perfect for keeping hydrated and enjoying hot or cold drinks in one convenient device. I was initially intrigued by the bottom load feature, which eliminates the need for awkwardly lifting heavy water bottles. It's a smooth and effortless process to load a new 3 or 5-gallon bottle, which makes this a great choice for busy households.

One of the highlights of this water dispenser is the adjustable legs, making it easy to ensure a stable and upright position for flawless functionality. Plus, the LED indicator lights are smart and user-friendly, providing clear information on power usage, heating and cooling temperature, and low water alerts.

However, I noticed a few drawbacks as well. The drip tray could be more substantial, as it tends to spill water when pouring into a glass or bottle. Additionally, the unit is a bit noisy when the pump engages, which can be jarring in a quieter environment.

Overall, the Igloo Bottom-Load Water Dispenser has been a convenient addition to my daily routine. The attractive stainless steel design and ease of use make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a versatile and efficient water cooler. While it has some minor drawbacks, the benefits it provides make it well worth considering for your household use.

Avalon Countertop Bottleless Water Cooler for Hot & Cold Filtered Water

Avalon Countertop Bottleless Water Cooler for Hot & Cold Filtered Water | Image

Experience the ultimate convenience with the Avalon Countertop Hot/Cold Water Cooler. Its innovative design and easy-to-use paddle spouts make it a breeze to dispense both hot and cold water right at your fingertips. The machine's highly efficient compressor ensures your water is always refreshingly crisp and ice-cold, while the hot faucet delivers piping hot water perfect for brewing tea or coffee. The built-in child safety lock on the hot water faucet adds an extra layer of security for families, and the nightlight illuminates the spouts for easy use in the dark. This water cooler is not only stylish but durable, making it a top pick if you're looking to upgrade your countertop appliances.

Avalon Stainless Steel Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser

Avalon Stainless Steel Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser | Image

This stainless steel Avalon Water Cooler and Dispenser boasts a self-cleaning feature to purify and sanitize the water. With a child safety lock on the hot water spout, the entire family can enjoy it worry-free. Featuring 3 water temperatures and easy-to-use push-button spouts, this sleek water cooler has an efficient compressor for crisp, ice-cold water and hot water for beverages. The built-in nightlight ensures visibility, while the bottle-less design and Nsf certified filters provide purified tap water. With a self-clean ozone function, the machine remains well-maintained, and the UL listed unit adheres to Energy Star standards for energy efficiency. Setup is quick and straightforward, with all necessary installation parts included.

Buyer's Guide

Welcome to our buyer's guide on water coolers! In this section, we will explore the essential features and considerations to help you make an informed purchase. We also provide general advice on selecting the best water cooler for your needs.

Types of Water Coolers

Before diving into the features, let's briefly discuss the different types of water coolers available in the market. There are three main categories: countertop, freestanding, and under-counter coolers. Countertop coolers are compact and easy to install on any flat surface, while freestanding coolers offer more capacity and can be placed anywhere in your home or office. Under-counter coolers are hidden from sight, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a sleek and discreet water cooling solution. Consider your space and preference when deciding which type of water cooler suits your needs best.

Capacity

The capacity of a water cooler determines how much water it can hold before requiring a refill. This aspect is crucial, especially for offices or large households. Under-counter and countertop coolers usually have smaller capacities, ranging from 1 to 5 gallons. Freestanding coolers can hold considerably more water, ranging from 5 to 20 gallons or higher. Think about your daily water consumption and the number of people who will be using the cooler to determine the appropriate capacity for your needs.

Water Filtration

Water coolers often come with various filtration systems that help improve the quality of the water. Some common filtration systems include activated carbon filters, UV light systems, and sediment filters. Activated carbon filters help remove impurities, while UV light systems target bacteria and viruses. Sediment filters catch larger particles, such as dust and debris. Look for coolers with high-quality filtration systems to ensure the water you drink is clean and safe.

Energy Efficiency

Water coolers can consume a significant amount of electricity, especially if they are used frequently. Look for energy-efficient models that consume less power while still maintaining optimal performance. Energy Star-certified coolers are a good option, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy.

FAQ

Why should I consider buying a water cooler?

A water cooler can be a convenient addition to any home or workplace, providing fresh, chilled water on demand. It can save you money compared to buying bottled water, and is more environmentally friendly. Additionally, many models offer features like temperature control and hot water dispensing, making it a versatile appliance.

In terms of health benefits, drinking water is essential for maintaining proper hydration, which can improve your overall well-being. Having a cooler provides easy access to cold, refreshing water, making it more appealing to drink regularly, leading to better health outcomes. Furthermore, a water cooler can be used to keep other beverages chilled as well, such as teas, soups, and sports drinks.

What types of water coolers are available?

There are different types of water coolers to choose from, including bottleless, bottled, and freestanding models. Bottled coolers require you to purchase and replace water bottles, whereas bottleless coolers connect directly to your home's water supply. Freestanding coolers can be placed on a countertop or table, while mounted coolers are designed for wall installation.

Additionally, water coolers can come with various features like touch screens, temperature control, and hot water dispensing. To make the best decision, consider your specific needs and preferences, such as the size of your family, the amount of water you consume daily, and the available space in your home or office.

What is the difference between a 3-gallon water cooler and a 5-gallon water cooler?

The main difference between a 3-gallon and a 5-gallon water cooler is the capacity of the water reservoir. A 3-gallon cooler can hold 3 gallons of water, while a 5-gallon cooler can hold 5 gallons of water. This determines how often you will need to refill the cooler before running out of water. If you consume a lot of water, a 5-gallon cooler might be more suitable as it will need refilling less frequently.

Another factor to consider is the footprint of the cooler. A 3-gallon cooler will likely be smaller than a 5-gallon cooler, making it more suitable for smaller spaces. However, if you require a larger capacity to accommodate your household or workplace needs, a 5-gallon cooler may be more appropriate.

How do I clean and maintain my water cooler?

Cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the water in your cooler remains safe and hygienic. Regularly clean the exterior and interior of the cooler, using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the cooler and contaminate the water. Additionally, change the water filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically every 3 to 6 months.

To maintain the cooling efficiency of your water cooler, ensure proper air circulation around the unit. Do not block air vents with paper or other materials, and avoid placing the cooler in an enclosed area. Regularly check for leaks, and promptly address any issues to prevent water damage or mold growth.

Are there any energy-efficient features in water coolers?

Yes, many water coolers come with energy-saving features to help reduce your electricity consumption. These features include energy-efficient compressors, sleep mode, and automatic shut-off when the water reservoir is empty. Look for these features when selecting a water cooler to ensure it conserves energy and saves you money on your utility bills in the long run.

Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance guidelines to optimize the cooler's performance and minimize energy consumption. Proper maintenance, such as filter replacements and regular cleanings, can help your water cooler operate more efficiently, ultimately saving energy and money.

What should I consider when choosing a hot and cold water dispenser?

When selecting a hot and cold water dispenser, consider the following factors: your daily water consumption, the number of users, available space, and desired features such as temperature controls, spill-proof design, or touch-screen interface. You should also look for a dispenser with a durable, easy-to-clean exterior and a reliable water delivery system.

Additionally, consider the dispenser's energy efficiency, as this can help lower your utility bills over time. In terms of hot water dispensing, ensure the unit has a safety feature to prevent burns, such as a waiter or safety lock. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a hot and cold water dispenser that meets your needs and provides safe, clean, and comfortable water for you and your family or coworkers.

As an Amazon Associate, we receive compensation through qualified purchases at no cost to you!

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