1. Avalon A5
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Pros:
👍 Energy Star ratified due to its low power draw
👍 Features a residue filter and an activated carbon block media that eliminate bacteria, lead, rust, and chlorine from the water
👍 2 liters per minute cold water output and 1.8 liters per minute hot water output
👍 Self-cleaning ozone function for longer water purification
👍 Setting it up is a hassle-free task that doesn’t necessarily require assistance from a professional
The cold water tank boasts a 3.6-liter capacity and
can produce water at 47°F with an output of 2 liters per minute and a cooling capacity of 2.5 liters per hour. The hot water tank has a 1-liter capacity and
it can warm the water up to 185°F, delivering a 1.8-liter per minute output and boasting a heating capacity of 4 liters per hour.
It utilizes a residue filter and an activated carbon block media to eliminate impurities like chlorine, lead, rust, and bacteria, ensuring safe hydration means due to these extra parts. It even features the self-cleaning ozone function that grants longer water purification.
As opposed to the Avalon A4 and the Avalon A1 that we feature in the following comparison table, dispensers that are bottom-loading, respectively top-loading, the A5 is a bottleless unit. This means that you must directly link it to the waterline for it to be supplemented with water that it first filters, then brings to your selected temperature, all before dispensing it in your cup. This makes it considerably more convenient as opposed to top- and bottom-loading units that have you replacing or refilling their bottles routinely. Nevertheless, the previous versions released by the company, the A4 and A1, are worthy of installing in your home or office too. They produce cold or hot water on demand and come with the Avalon quality guarantee, so you should pick whatever product you like without worrying about performance differences because these aren’t notable.
Expect to change the filtering media every 6 months or after it purifies 1500 gallons of water, whichever comes first. What is important is that this costly upkeep task is not required all that often, which makes it quite advantageous seeing how it provides you the possibility to hydrate with clean water without spending much money. The nightlight makes it a breeze to pour water even at night, and for safety purposes, it is fitted with a child lock that impedes the kids from tampering with the hot water setting.
To avert contamination, the tank is manufactured with high-grade 304 stainless steel. The drip tray catches spillage to keep the surroundings clean and dry. When it fills, you detach it, empty it, and reinsert it. As it has received the Energy Star certification, you are guaranteed that it doesn’t draw much power to run either. Furthermore, a 1-year warranty is provided by the producing company, so you are covered if any defects or issues appear in this period.
Avalon A5 vs. Avalon A4 vs. Avalon A1
Avalon A5 |
Avalon A4 |
Avalon A1 |
- Type: Bottleless
- Rated power: 100W (cooling water), 420W (heating water)
- Water temperature: 47°F (cool), 185°F (hot)
- Capacity: 0.66 GPH (cool), 1.06 GPH (hot)
- Size: 41” x 12” x 13”
Avalon A5 Rating:10/10 |
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Rated power: 100W (cooling water), 420W (heating water)
- Water temperature: 47°F (cool), 185°F (hot)
- Capacity: 0.66 GPH (cool), 1.06 GPH (hot)
- Size: 41” x 12” x 13”
Avalon A4 Rating:9.2/10 |
- Type: Top-loading
- Rated power: 100W (cooling water), 420W (heating water)
- Water temperature: 47°F (cool), 185°F (hot)
- Capacity: 0.53 GPH (cool), 0.53 GPH (hot)
- Size: 42” x 10.75” x 11.25”
Avalon A1 Rating:9.1/10 |
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If you don’t have room for a dispenser yet you want clean water to drink whenever you’re thirsty, then a water filter pitcher might be a better option for you.
Avalon A5 Performance Ratings – Tester’s Feedback
- Installation: Rating – 10/10
- Flushing the filters: Rating – 10/10
- Cold water output: Rating – 10/10
- Hot water output: Rating – 10/10
There are two ways in which you can set up the Avalon A5, namely using the refrigerator water line or under the sink installation. Remember that this is a bottleless model, so there’s no replacing or refilling empty bottles since it gets the water directly from the source you pick from the aforementioned installation options. We chose the latter, and it was a straightforward process with which we had no trouble. We started by turning off the cold water supply, and then disconnected the cold water supply line under the sink. Then, we connected the metal adapter with valve between the supply line and the cold water valve. We removed the nut from the adapter and inserted the PE tubing through the nut, sliding it onto the protruding part of the adapter until it touched the threading. Then, we simply screwed the nut into place to make sure the PE tubing stays securely connected to the metal adapter.
Before using the dispenser per se, there was another step that we followed through with, namely flushing the filters. We twisted the filter into the flushing adapter, rotating it clockwise. Then, we took the open end of the PE tubing and inserted it into the left inlet hole of the flushing adapter as pointed by the arrow. We held the filter with the aforementioned adapter over a sink, turning the adapter at the water source to the On position to let the water flow through it for about 2 minutes, after which we turned the adapter to the Off position. Then, we simply removed the PE tubing end and pulled it out.
After following through with this complete setup procedure and flushing the filter before use, we were finally at the point where we could try out the hot and cold water output of the Avalon A5, the last step in the testing process. Needless to say since this is our top pick, we were quite impressed with the speed at which it outputs the water, how clean the water was, and the temperature it had. Easy to use, set up, and manufactured by the leading brand on this market, it is a product that truly impressed us from start to finish.
Marcus Mackay, Product Tester
Avalon A5 Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 47°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 185°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.66 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1.06 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: 100 watts |
Heating Power: 420 watts |
| Type: Bottleless
|
Body Material: Metal |
| Dimensions: 41” x 12” x 13” |
Warranty: 1 year |
2. Clover B9A Hot and Cold
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Pros:
👍 Per hour, provides up to 0.9 gallons of cold water and up to 2 gallons of hot water
👍 Energy Star certified for its low power draw
👍 The cold water setting can be set from 35.6°F to 53.6°F
👍 Backed by a 1-year assurance on parts and labor
Cons:
👎 Doesn’t comprise a filtration system
👎 Narrow space to insert the glass
A tabletop system that is effortless to relocate as it only weighs 27 pounds, the Clover B9A effectively provides hot and cold water on request. The
stainless steel water tanks impede water contamination. Woefully, it lacks a filtering system, so you should use only pre-filtered water. As it is Energy Star authorized, you are dealing with a unit that doesn’t consume much power to run.
It produces 185°F hot water that you can use to prepare hot brews in record time, while the cold water temperature is adjustable from 35.6°F to 53.6°F. The ABS drip tray comes in handy as it collects the water which drips or pours outside the glass, and it is simple to remove so that you won’t have a hard time cleaning up. Furthermore, the manufacturer has it covered against defects for 1 year after the moment of acquisition.
Clover B9A Hot and Cold Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 35.6°F – 53.6°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 185°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.9 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 2 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: N/A |
Heating Power: N/A |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Plastic, stainless steel |
| Dimensions: 15.9” x 11.4” x 18.1” |
Warranty: 1 year |
3. hOmeLabs HME030236N
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Pros:
👍 Dispenses cold, hot, or room temperature water
👍 Child safety lock keeps the kids from tampering with the hot water setting
👍 Empty bottle indicator lets you know at a glance when you must replace or refill the bottle
👍 Nightlight feature illuminates the area so that you won’t accidentally spill
Cons:
👎 The water can get a metallic taste at times, and when this happens, you need to flush the unit more than one quart to get rid of the problem
👎 The compressor and heating element are fairly noisy
There is a major advantage from the get-go with this hOmeLabs dispenser that is provided by the bottom-loading design which makes it easy for you to replace or refill the bottles without spilling water on the floor. Speaking of, instead of having to open the cabinet routinely to check and see how much water is left in the bottle, you can simply glance at the
bottle refill indicator –
if it’s on, then you must refill or replace the bottle.
You can connect 3 or 5-gallon water bottles to it, so the choice is yours depending on the water consumption rate. The removable drip tray keeps water from ending up on the floor or all over the unit when you’re filling up your glass, so even if you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing there’s no risk for spills.
The LED light comes in handy at night if you want to see what you’re doing when using the dispenser without having to turn the lights on in the room. Since there are independent switches to turn the heating and cooling functions on/off when you need them the unit is energy-effective, which in turn has led to it receiving the Energy Star certification.
It outputs either room temperature water or water that is cooled down to 49 degrees Fahrenheit or heated up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Best of all, you don’t have to worry that the kids might be able to access the hot water and potentially hurt themselves since this hOmeLabs product features the useful child lock that impedes this specific occurrence.
Another means to benefit from clean water without much hassle is by using a countertop water filter. Easy to set up and use, and generally not taking up much space, these systems install to a specific faucet and ensure that only clean water will come out from it.
hOmeLabs HME030236N Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 49°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 185°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: N/A |
Water Heating Capacity: N/A |
| Cooling Power: N/A |
Heating Power: N/A |
| Type: Bottom-loading |
Body Material: Stainless steel, plastic |
| Dimensions: 40.9” x 14.2” x 12.2” |
Warranty: 2 years |
4. Brio CLBL520SC Bottom-Loading Water Cooler
Pros:
👍 Since it’s a bottom-loading model, there’s no risk of spills when you are replacing the water bottle
👍 Features a nightlight that provides illumination to keep you from overfilling or spilling water when you’re using the dispenser and the light in the room is dim
👍 Uses ozone disinfection during the self-cleaning process to keep a sterile interior environment
👍 Energy Star certified for the low power draw
👍 Comes at a more reasonable price
Cons:
👎 The fill outlets are too close to the frame, which makes it quite inconvenient to fill flip-top water bottles
All of your expectations are guaranteed to be met by this Brio water dispenser that has a sleek look and delivers performance-wise. It gives you hot or cool water in an instant, all without drawing much power in the process. In fact, for its high energy efficiency, this product has been awarded the sought-after
Energy Star certification. Take into account that it costs less upfront compared to models like the
Avalon A5, and it’s easy to see why experts categorize it as one of the budget-friendly water dispensers available at the moment.
It features push-button faucets that make it easy to dispense water, but there is one design flaw that we stumbled upon during tests that we must mention. These fill outlets are a bit too close to the frame, so when we tried to fill flip-top bottles, we couldn’t properly position them. You have three options when it comes to the temperature of the water this unit dispenses, namely room-temperature water, cold water that is as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot water that goes up to 198 degrees Fahrenheit.
When we took a look inside the Brio dispenser, we were pleased to find that the cold and hot water reservoirs are made with stainless steel. This keeps the water from getting contaminated while increasing the life expectancy of the water dispenser. One of the features we most appreciate is the self-cleaning technology that removes upkeep from your chore list and keeps the environment in which the water sits sanitized. This technology uses ozone for disinfection, which is why it’s so efficient.
A handy feature is the nightlight that illuminates beneath the faucets to keep overfilling and spills from occurring when you are getting a glass of water at night and the light inside the room is dim. Of course, as expected from a product that can pose a threat when used by children without supervision, it features the useful child lock that keeps kids from using the hot water setting. Add to all of these perks the fact that a 1-year backing against defects is granted by the manufacturer, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most appreciated models available.
Brio CLBL520SC Bottom-Loading Water Cooler Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 39°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 198°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.4 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1.2 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: N/A |
Heating Power: N/A |
| Type: Bottom-loading |
Body Material: Metal |
| Dimensions: 41.4” x 12.2” x 15.6” |
Warranty: 1 year |
5. Honeywell HWB1083S
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Pros:
👍 Can produce up to 1.3 gallons of hot water per hour
👍 Child safety does not allow the small ones to tamper with hot water
👍 Indicator lights indicate the need to refill the bottle
👍 Energy Star approved due to its low power draw
👍 Free-standing top-loading unit
Cons:
👎 Lacks the LED nightlight feature
👎 It can get noisy
What customers universally praised was the unit’s energy efficiency, this aspect even winning the unit the sought-after
Energy Star certification. Its top-loading design is another worthwhile plus as it makes it easy for you to replace the bottles when needed. To get it to output water on request, just push the mechanical tap associated with the specific setting that interests you.
This is a top-loading model, but there is an option from the same manufacturer and series that is bottom-loading and that you can opt for if you prefer that setup, namely the Honeywell HWBL1033S. With the HWB1083S, the drip tray is separable and dishwasher safe. Additionally, it can be set in three different positions so that you can fit the glass or cup of your choice.
The quality materials this construction is made from are plastic, copper, steel, and aluminum, the materials being proof of its durability and reliability. The manufacturer also backs the product with a 1-year guarantee that ensures it will be fixed of any issues free of charge during this lengthy period.
Honeywell HWB1083S Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 50°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 179°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.52 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1.3 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: 100 watts |
Heating Power: 420 watts |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Plastic, copper, steel, aluminum |
| Dimensions: 12.2” x 14.2” x 39.3” |
Warranty: 1 year |
6. Primo 601090-SO
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Pros:
👍 Produces up to 0.8 gallons of hot or cold water per hour
👍 Utilizes ozone technology to sanitize the water
👍 The self-cleaning design ensures little maintenance work is due
👍 Bottom-loading design ensures a hassle and spill-free filling
👍 The manufacturer backs it with a 1-year guarantee
Cons:
👎 Without proper cleaning, the water can start to taste funky
The bottom-loading design this Primo dispenser boasts eliminates spilling, lifting, and filling to make use as convenient as possible. What adds to this aspect the most, however, is the
self-cleaning function that ensures the unit sanitizes itself periodically to reduce upkeep work and increase its lifespan in the process as well.
It produces 0.8 GPH of water, regardless if referring to hot or cold water, which makes it superior to its counterparts from the same manufacturer, namely the Primo 601088 and the Primo 601087 that we shortly review in the comparison matrix below so that you may pick one of these instead if they’re better suited for you. The cold water the 601090-SO outputs can range from 39°F to 59°F, while the hot water ranges from 149°F to 199°F, making it perfect for preparing tea, coffee, or even soups.
There is a protection means for children set in place, the child lock impeding the small ones from accessing the hot water function so that they won’t accidentally scald their hands. Of course, we cannot end without mentioning that the product is backed against defects during the first year as of acquiring it, repairs being covered free of charge during this period.
Primo 601090-SO vs. Primo 601088 vs. Primo Water 601087
Primo 601090-SO |
Primo 601088 |
Primo Water 601087 |
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Rated power: 125W (cooling water), 425W (heating water)
- Water temperature: 39°F – 59°F (cool), 149°F – 199°F (hot)
- Capacity: 0.8 GPH (cool), 0.8 GPH (hot)
- Size: 40.9” x 12.2” x 14.2”
Primo 601090-SO Rating:9.6/10 |
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Rated power: N/A
- Water temperature: N/A
- Capacity: 0.4 GPH (cool), 0.3 GPH (hot)
- Size: 40.9” x 12.2” x 14.2”
Primo 601088 Rating:9.0/10 |
- Type: Top-loading
- Rated power: 85W (cooling water), 500W (heating water)
- Water temperature: 39°F (cool), 179°F (hot)
- Capacity: 0.42 GPH (cool), 0.27 GPH (hot)
- Size: 10.8” x 35.9” x 11.3”
Primo Water 601087 Rating:9.0/10 |
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Primo 601090-SO Specifications Sheet
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| Cold Water Temperature: 39°F – 59°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 149°F - 199°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.8 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 0.8 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: 125 watts |
Heating Power: 425 watts |
| Type: Bottom-loading |
Body Material: ABS plastic, stainless steel |
| Dimensions: 40.9” x 12.2” x 14.2” |
Warranty: 1 year |
7. Whirlpool Dispenser
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Pros:
👍 Produces water as cold as 39°F
👍 Can heat the water to 194°F
👍 Features a powerful filtration system
👍 Detachable drip tray
Cons:
👎 Lacks indicator lights that show when refilling is requisite
👎 Can get noisy at times
Operating it won’t translate into a big difference in expenses when the electric bills come as this is an
Energy Star awarded unit. Just like all the other products in our top, it includes the child safety that guarantees scalding incidents won’t occur as the small ones won’t tamper with the hot water spout. The LED nightlight makes it convenient for you to pour yourself a cup of water even in poor lighting conditions.
The top-loading scheme makes it simple for you to keep an eye on the bottle too so that you can see when it runs out of water. The water it outputs can be as cold as 39 degrees Fahrenheit or as hot as 194 degrees Fahrenheit.
The drip tray can be inserted into the dishwashing machine for cleaning. Additionally, it is tailored with a water filtering system that eliminates impurities from the water. Thus, you can finally hydrate in a safe manner as the water you drink is pure.
Whirlpool Dispenser Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 39°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 194°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 1.32 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1.59 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: N/A |
Heating Power: N/A |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Plastic, stainless steel |
| Dimensions: 11.3” x 36” x 10.8” |
Warranty: 1 year |
8. Glacier Bay Hot and Cold
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Pros:
👍 Child lock impedes kids from scalding their hands with hot water
👍 Works with 3- and 5-gallon bottles
👍 Affordable acquisition
👍 Free repairs granted for 1 year as of acquiring it
Cons:
👎 The cold water can get a bit too cold
👎 Can get noisy at times
It uses a
high-efficiency compressor to ensure proper, rapid cooling every time you utilize it. The stainless steel basins not only ensure long-lasting reliability but provide a hygienic environment for the water as well. The kids are not able to tamper with the hot water spout and potentially get hurt as it is fitted with the child lock protection feature.
As it costs less than most entries in this niche, chances are that it is a good pick even for those who are on a budget. Moreover, the producing company covers it against defects during the first year after you make the purchase.
Glacier Bay Hot and Cold Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 39°F - 50°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 194°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: N/A |
Water Heating Capacity: N/A |
| Cooling Power: 80 watts |
Heating Power: 425 watts |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Stainless steel, plastic |
| Dimensions: 11.4” x 33.8” x 11.8” |
Warranty: 1 year |
9. Giantex EP22276
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Pros:
👍 Cools the water at a fast rate, saving you time as opposed to other models
👍 Doesn’t take up much space, so finding a spot for it in your home or office won’t be problematic
👍 The non-slip cap keeps the water from spilling when you invert the bottle onto the dispenser
👍 The safety lock on the hot water lever keeps kids from scalding incidents
Cons:
👎 The spouts are placed fairly close to the ground since the unit isn’t tall, which poses an inconvenience for tall users
👎 It dispenses the water very slowly
Although top-loading units are considered a bit problematic since replacing the water bottle is more challenging than it is with bottom-loading models, at least you won’t have to worry about spills with the Giantex as it features a
non-slip cap that specifically prevents this occurrence. You can use 2 to 5-gallon water bottles with it, which makes it quite a versatile option for offices and home use alike.
There is an issue with this unit, though – it stands only 31.5 inches tall, so the spouts are fairly close to the ground. For tall people this is an issue since they have to hunch a bit more than with taller models like the Avalon A1 to get their glasses filled whenever needed. On the bright side, even though it is short and the kids likely reach the spouts easily, it features the hot water child lock that keeps the small ones from tampering with this function and getting hurt.
It flaunts a refrigeration power of 80 watts and a 500-watt heating power, being able to heat 1 gallon of water per hour and cooling 0.85 gallons per hour. It cools the water down to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and can heat it enough to reach 203 degrees Fahrenheit.
To help save on running costs, it features hot and cold switches that you use to stop it from heating or cooling the water when it’s not necessary. Woefully, the warranty that covers the product against defects is valid for only 3 months, which is considerably less than the industry standard.
Giantex EP22276 Specifications Sheet
|
| Cold Water Temperature: 42°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 203°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.85 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1 gallon per hour |
| Cooling Power: 80 watts |
Heating Power: 500 watts |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Plastic |
| Dimensions: 31.5” x 11.8” x 11” |
Warranty: 3 months |
10. Farberware FW29919
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Pros:
👍 Can provide up to 0.7 liters of cold water per hour
👍 Convenient bottom cabinet for storage
👍 Compatible with 3- and 5-gallon tanks
👍 Does not cost much to acquire
Cons:
👎 Can get noisy
Aside from the cheap price up-front, it even helps save on utility bills as it uses thermoelectric cooling. It produces little noise when it runs, which makes it perfect for use in offices. It uses approximately
550W to heat the water and 75W to cool it.
It outputs water as hot as 194 degrees Fahrenheit or as cold as 59 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a top-loading unit, so you can see at a glance how much water is left in the attached bottle. Don’t forget that you can utilize 3- and 5-gallon bottles with it. Furthermore, you have an easy time checking out when the procedure is due as the bottle is in plain sight.
It measures 31 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches without the bottom to occupy little space. To enhance its usefulness, it features a bottom storage cabinet where you can keep water glasses.
Farberware FW29919 Specifications Sheet
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| Cold Water Temperature: 59°F |
Hot Water Temperature: 194°F |
| Water Cooling Capacity: 0.7 gallons per hour |
Water Heating Capacity: 1.32 gallons per hour |
| Cooling Power: 75 watts |
Heating Power: 550 watts |
| Type: Top-loading |
Body Material: Plastic, stainless steel |
| Dimensions: 11” x 31” x 11” |
Warranty: Lifetime |
Water Dispensers 101
You have likely used or at least seen a water dispenser at least once in your life since these are commonly found in offices and businesses, providing workers and customers with clean water on demand to fulfill their hydration needs. What you might not have been aware of is that there are multiple types of dispensing units. If you seek to learn more about this topic and how the acquisition benefits you, stick with us.
Types
Millions of people around the world have been confronted with serious health issues caused by the consumption of unhealthy drinking water. There are many solutions to ensure clean potable water, but, for those who want their appliance on display or for offices, the most convenient is to use a water dispensing appliance. Let’s see what options you have in regards to the available types:
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Top- and Bottom-Loading:
Insert the bottle in the appropriate position so that the unit can dispense fresh water from it anytime you need. Most convenient options for office use.
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Countertop:
Their compact design makes them ideal for a crowded counter or a small table. When it comes to their operation, contingent on the model that you go with, know that these appliances can either be connected to the existing water line, or you can insert a bottle in them.
-
Wall Mounted:
These connect to the pipeline. As the water enters them, the impurities in it are filtered out.
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Bottleless:
The operation is quite similar to the wall-mounted models, the appliance necessitating a connection to the pipeline and filtering the water it delivers. The difference is that bottleless models can serve more people at the same time, being a lot more convenient to work with from this point of view.
Why It’s Worth Buying
- Drink clean water
Most units are fitted with filtering systems that help eliminate the impurities lurking in the water. With top- and bottom-loading models, you can even insert water bottles that are filled with water that is already clean. Needless to say, the advantage of hydrating with clean water is the biggest perk of acquiring a dispenser as your health and well-being rely on quality hydration.
- Stay cool when summer comes
If you go with a model that delivers cold water on demand, you will enjoy an additional benefit – the chance to properly cool off when the torrid summer comes. As the heat takes over, nothing compares to drinking an ice-cold glass of water.
- Prepare coffee or tea in an instant
If it delivers hot water on demand, you can make coffee or tea in an instant. No more having to waste time heating the water separately, but rather only put the tea bag or the coffee in a mug that you afterward fill with piping hot water from the unit.
- Time saving solution
As aforementioned, if it can produce hot water on request, you can utilize it to prepare tea or coffee. This means that it helps you save a lot of time as you won’t have to wait around for water to be heated in a pot.
- Installation isn’t invasive
To install a top or bottom loading unit, you don’t have to do any modifications to the house or connect anything to existing pipelines. Thus, the installation isn’t invasive at all as you’re only required to place it in the location of your choice. However, there are advantages to invasive water providing systems too. For example, whole house water filters might necessitate a connection to the pipe system, but clean water will be granted from all taps.
Buying Guide
Cold and Hot Water Provision
Most high-end models can deliver hot or ice-cold water aside from room temperature water. It is important to look into this aspect as it expands the unit’s usability, helping you even make hot and cold beverages quicker and more convenient.
Drinking Water Temperature
There is no standard from this point of view, the water’s temperature varying depending on the specific model or brand. What does affect the outcome is the type of compressor and other technologies used in its manufacturing process. Just check the spec sheet to see the delivered water temperature range and choose according to your personal preference.
Detachable Drip Tray
It plays a much bigger role than you could ever imagine as it prevents messes from appearing when you forget to stop pressing the tap and water overflows from the cup. Additionally, it facilitates cleaning the unit when the upkeep is scheduled.
Child Lock
If you have kids, you know how important it is to assure their protection as the small ones are very curious by nature, getting in trouble easily. To keep the kids from scalding their hands by tampering with the hot water setting, most units are fitted with a child lock that impedes the occurrence.
Filtration System
It shows that the water is going to be free of small particles, lead, chlorine, deposits, and other types of contaminants. But with top- or bottom-loading models, this isn’t mandatory as the bottled water is already filtered of most contaminants.
Troubleshooting Tips
All household appliances encounter functional issues at one point. When these problems do appear, it is best to first check if you can fix them on your own rather than paying a professional to handle them. In the following, we will show you how to troubleshoot it when certain situations arise.
What do I do if the water flow is weak?
- Solution #1: Turn on the tap and squeeze the bottle as the water is running. This simple fix will force the water to go through.
- Solution #2: Remove the air filter and dry it. Put the filter back and test again to check the flow rate.
What do I do if the tap is leaking?
- Solution #1: First check if it is tightly screwed on as it might require a twist to be tightened back into place.
- Solution #2: In case the previous solution did not fix the problem, the spring or the water in the tap may be preventing a proper closing. In this situation, you must remove the bottle and drain the reservoir. Afterward, call a professional to replace the tap completely.
What do I do if it stops dispensing water?
- Solution #1: The first thing that you must check for in case it doesn’t output water at all is if the bottle is empty. Obviously, in case it is empty, you should replace or refill it.
- Solution #2: Sometimes, it stops dispensing water as a result of an airlock. What you must do is remove the bottle and place it back while simultaneously holding all the taps open. Small piece of advice – do not do this operation alone!
- Solution #3: If none of the previous solutions worked, it means that an ice ring has formed and is blocking the flow. What you have to do in this situation is substitute the cold control mechanism. You can either purchase the replacement part and do the procedure on your own, or call in a professional to handle it. Although it is not the most complicated maintenance task out there, we still recommend that you leave this one to the pros to make sure that no complications appear down the road.
What do I do if the water tastes bad?
- Solution #1: Regardless of how qualitative the dispenser you buy is, it needs occasional maintenance work. Otherwise, it will inevitably start to put out water that tastes or smells funky. Once every 13 to 26 weeks, make sure that you clean the unit as instructed in our maintenance guide.
- Solution #2: If you really want to be cautious about the purity of the water it outputs and you want to avoid it even having a funky smell or taste, then use filtered water from the get-go.
What do I do if it doesn’t output hot/cold water?
- Solution #1: You must first check if the unit is receiving electric power. Better said, check if it is properly plugged into the wall socket.
- Solution #2: In case that wasn’t the issue, check if the hot and cold water switches are turned on and illuminated.
- Solution #3: Reset the unit by removing water from the taps and switching it off altogether. Unplug it and leave it to rest for at least 24 hours before turning it on again. Let the water temperature adjust for a few hours, and if the issue persists, call in a technician who specializes in water dispensers.
- Solution #4: If all the switches are on yet hot water is not dispersed, it might mean that you are dealing with faulty wiring. To check if this is the problem for sure and fix it, call in a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a water dispenser worth it?
Since it provides you with clean water on demand at the temperature you select, it is easy to see why the dispenser is popular not only for home use but in offices too. With some models, you can even get hot water to use for preparing tea, coffee, soups, etc.
Do water dispensers require cleaning?
It is recommended to clean it with every change of the bottle. If that seems like too big of a hassle as replacement is required often in your case, make sure to at least clean it every 6 weeks.
Are water dispensers sanitary?
The answer depends on how you care for it. If you make sure to clean it each time the bottle is changed or once every 6 weeks, then there are no issues related to it harboring an unsanitary environment for the water you hydrate with.
Can mold accumulate in the water dispenser?
Yes, mold is a fairly common issue with units that aren’t properly cleaned and maintained, generally forming on the outside of the dispenser. It might also form in areas that are hard to reach, so make sure that perform proper upkeep to fend off the dangerous mold or you might end up ingesting the spores when you hydrate.
Can I use tap water for the dispenser?
As tap water is likely high in limescale causing minerals, it is advised against using it for the water cooler. Your best course of action is to utilize bottled water or pre-filtered water.
Can it purify the water?
If it is equipped with a filtering system, yes, it can indeed cleanse the water before it reaches your glass and you drink it. We suggest that you opt for a unit that is fitted with filtration to make sure that you hydrate in a healthy manner.
How often should I clean it?
The recommended frequency of cleaning is 3 to 6 months. If you use it often or there are multiple people in your household, we recommend that you opt for upkeep once every 3 months to impede bacteria growth inside the unit.
Do water dispensers save money?
As opposed to buying bottled water whenever you feel the need to hydrate, it is significantly cheaper to acquire a water dispenser. It might be a fairly costly acquisition upfront but it saves you money in the long run. Not to mention, it filters the water prior to outputting it, which is a plus on its own considering that it keeps you from hydrating with contaminated water.
Conclusion
Refreshing, clean water is something we all need, and with a dispenser that you fuel with clean bottled or filtered water, it is possible. A must-have at offices and just as smart of a solution for home use, a water cooler is an appliance that you ought to ponder acquiring to drink clean water at the perfect temperature whenever you want to. Before we end, let’s look over some of the best options available yet and what makes them worthwhile to ease your decision.
Best Water Dispenser for Sale:
Avalon A5
With a self-cleaning ozone function and filtration media to tackle impurities and guarantee you are provided with clean drinking water, the A5 is a worthy selection you should look into if the budget allows it. It is made by one of the leading manufacturers on the market, so build quality isn’t an issue. Moreover, it can provide up to 2.5 liters of cool water and 4 liters of hot water per hour.
Editor’s Choice:
hOmeLabs HME030236N
Whether you want hot, cold, or room temperature water on demand, this hOmeLabs entry is the product you need. It is simple to set up and maintain, and what we appreciate the most is that the switches to operate the heating and cooling functions make it energy efficient. It is safe even for households where kids live since it integrates the child safety lock, impeding the small ones from accessing the hot water function while unsupervised. Another highlight that drew our attention and convinced us to favor it stands in the bottle refill indicator that lets you know exactly when you have to refill or replace the water bottle so that you won’t have to open the cabinet and waste time checking.
Best Water Dispenser for Home:
Honeywell HWB1083S
What makes it suited for home use is the Energy Star certification that shows it consumes very little power to run, so even heavy-duty water consumption won’t lead to the electric bill skyrocketing. Moreover, it comes with the handy child lock feature that serves families as it does not allow children to tamper with the hot water setting to keep them safe from danger.
Best Water Dispenser for Office:
Avalon A4
For the office, you need a heavy-duty unit that lasts for years even though it is used intensively and daily, and the A4 is exactly what you need in this specific situation. It is compatible with 3- and 5-gallon bottles, and when they empty, an indicator light lets you all know a restock is needed. Another pleasing aspect is that it doesn’t take up much space, so it won’t stick out or draw attention, providing you all with enough room to hang around the cooler and discuss the latest episodes of your favorite TV shows.
Best Water Dispenser with Filter:
Primo 601088
Most units provide filtration to guarantee the water you drink is liberated of as many impurities as possible, but none come close to this Primo model when it comes to water purity, that’s for sure. What makes us convinced of this statement is that it passes the water through a total of 9 different filtration stages before it ends up in your glass, some of the technologies and media it uses in the process including reverse osmosis and UV sterilization.
