Image: MomJunction Design Team
For clean and hygienic drinking water, you should invest in some best water coolers available. These are long-lasting and hassle-free water sources.
A water cooler, or a water dispenser, is a device that provides pure, hygienic drinking water. You need to connect it to a clean water bottle and use the spouts to fill your bottle or water jug. Some water dispensers can also heat or cool the water, offering you the convenience of not boiling water for your coffee. These hot and cold water dispensers are available in top-loading and bottom-loading models and countertop variants with varying features, sizes, and capacities.
In this post, we’ve created a list of some tried-and-tested and expert-recommended water coolers on the market and models from each of the three types of water coolers for your consideration.
Top Picks
13 Best Water Coolers
1. Best Self-Cleaning:Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Image: Avalon With a stylish and sleek design, this water cooler can be an ideal fit for your modern kitchen or office. It can dispense water with three different temperatures, and a single switch can control each of these. Have a look at this product testing video that offers a demonstration of this office water cooler’s functions.
Pros
- Bottom loading water dispenser with a hidden cabinet
- Child safety switch on the piping hot water tap
- One switch to run a self-clean function
- Built-in nightlights near water spouts
- Empty bottle indicator
Cons
- Switches may be hard to push
- The motor could be too loud.
"Thanks to its bottom-loading design, I don't have to do the heavy lifting anymore. It's slightly noisy, but features such as the separate taps for hot, cold, and room-temperature water have made it a family favorite."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 12,083 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Storage:Giantex Top Loading Water Cooler
Image: Giantex The Giantex top loading water dispenser could be a good choice of home or office use. The quality-tested water dispenser for home can support a five-gallon water bottle and dispenses both cold and warm water. It also contains a storage cabinet at the bottom. Check out this review video if you require more details.
Pros
- Security-lock for hot water dispensing tap
- Detachable and easy-to-assemble water barrel seat
- Hot and cold LED indicator lights
- Removable drip tray
Cons
- Short cup-to-shelf distance, may need to bend on knees to fill
- Small storage compartment
"I love that despite being compact, this water cooler has been able to hold two water cans simultaneously. The low-lying taps make it a bit tricky to fill larger containers; however, besides that minor design flaw, the cooler has been a breeze to navigate."
3. Best Convenient: Brio Self-Cleaning Water Cooler
Image: Brio With convenient bottom loading, this water dispenser for homes prevents straining of your back while lifting a heavy water jug. It is an Energy Star-certified product and uses less electricity. The back panel comes with four switches that regulate the hot, cold, night light, and internal cleaning features. You can also check this review video for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Can dispense water with three different temperatures
- Self-cleaning ozone technology
- Nightlight for visibility of the water spout
- Removable drip tray
- Child-safety lock for hot water sprout
Cons
- It is noisy
- No storage unit
"I am satisfied with my purchase. This water dispenser efficiently provides hot, cold, and room-temperature water and ensures a quiet and user-friendly operation with a simple setup."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,593 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Quick tip Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Best Self-Cleaning | Giantex Top Loading Water Cooler Best Storage | Brio Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Best Convenient | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 41 pounds | 20 pounds | 41.7 pounds |
| Wattage | 420 watts | 500 watts | - |
| Dimensions | 12"D x 13"W x 41"H | 11"D x 11.8"W x 31.5"H | 15.6"D x 12.2"W x 41.4"H |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Color | Stainless Steel & Black | White With Storage Cabinet | Stainless Steel |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 12,083 | 1,520 | 4,593 |
| Price | $199.99 | $139.99 | $269.99 |
4. Best Bottom-Loading:Avalon A6 Water Cooler Dispenser
Image: Avalon Drink water in a spill-free manner with the bottom-loading water cooler by Avalon. This slim water dispenser dispenses water at 47°F and 185°F, eliminating the hassle of getting ice cubes or heating water for your tea. The true-and-tested dispenser can accommodate standard-sized bottles and water jugs and has a built-in nightlight to make the water spout visible even when the dispenser is placed in low-light areas.
Pros
- Has a child-safety lock
- Built-in filter indicator
- Touch-less paddle spout
- Energy star-certified
Cons
- May not be compatible with large bottles
- Motor may be slightly noisy
5. Best High-Capacity:Honeywell Commercial Grade Water Dispenser
If you have a large family or are looking to set up a water cooler with a large capacity, this mini water dispenser with an attractive design could be a good choice. Expert-approved for its energy savings features, this high-capacity liquid cooler can heat four liters of water in an hour and can cool two liters per hour. Moreover, the portable water cooler can be placed on flat surfaces, removing the hassle of a complicated installation process.
Pros
- Energy Star-certified
- Mechanical push-in faucets
- Removable drip-tray
- Back handle for ease of movement
- Child-lock for the hot water faucet
- Storage cabinet at the bottom
Cons
- May not be durable
"Its functions are very user-friendly, and the different water temperatures cater to all my baking and cooking needs. Although there is a slight wait time to get the temperature right, the dispenser makes the water taste much better than my earlier cooler."
6. Best Digital Display:Kenmore Water Cooler
Image: Avalon This countertop water dispenser with a digital display can be a great alternative to your standard water dispenser. It is a bottle-free water cooler and needs to be connected directly to a water source. The Kenmore water dispenser for home contains an ultra+3 filter that can filter up to 6000 water bottles.
Pros
- No need to change water bottles
- Three temperature modes
- Can supply water to two additional appliances
- Has sensors and powers down automatically when the lights are turned off
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- Installation could be difficult.
"Convenience meets functionality with this bottom-loading water dispenser. I love how easy it is to refill, and the option to disable hot water is a thoughtful, energy-saving touch. I faced some minor hiccups with the setup, but it has served me well so far."
7. Best Space-Efficient:Brio Top Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
Image: Brio The Brio water cooler dispenser is engineered to dispense ideal temperature water–cold, hot, or normal–to suit your needs. Its child-lock feature prevents accidental access to hot water. Additionally, its reservoir with stainless steel finish ensures water purity and durability of the cooler. Moreover, the cooler features a BPA-free and anti-rust removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Compact design occupies less space
- Top-load style
- Features a large dispense point
- UL-certified and Energy Star-certified
Cons
- May be noisy
- May leak occasionally
"Its compact size was the first thing that appealed to me. While a bit noisy, its efficacy in heating and cooling the water is impressive. And its compatibility with different-sized bottles has made refilling it less of a chore."
Do remember8. Best With Built-In Ice-Maker:Antarctic Star 2-In-1 Water Cooler Dispenser
Image: Antarctic Star Be it normal, hot, or cold water, the Antarctic Star water cooler dispenser can dispense your preferred quality water at an ideal temperature. It has an in-built ice maker that produces nine medium-sized ice cubes within seven minutes. The true-and-tested dispenser features LED light indicators and has a user-friendly control mechanism. In addition, when the dispenser is short of water, the ice maker alerts by indicating the corresponding light and stops the ice-making process.
Pros
- Dual working powers for hot and cold water
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Low to zero noise feature
- Easily accessible push buttons panel
- Child-safety lock for accidental hot water access
Cons
- Formed ice can not be kept in the dispenser
9. Best Four-Stage Filtration: ISpring Water Dispenser
Image: Ispring The ISpring water dispenser comprises four different stages of carbon-activated filters. The filters provide chlorine-, lead- and odor-free healthy water with improved taste. Further, this safety-tested product features a control panel that allows you to choose whether you want hot, cold, or room-temperature water.
Pros
- Leak-proof construction with stainless steel finish
- Comes with a child safety lock
- Removable drip tray included
- Water level and LED indicator
- Quick installation process
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- May not accommodate bottles and water jugs
"We installed this bottle-less water dispenser at home, which has improved the taste of water and added convenience to our lives. The buttons could be better placed, but I love that it has three temperature settings and a child safety lock."
10. Best BPA-Free:Primo Top-Loading Water Dispenser
Image: Primo Enjoy ice cold and hot water simultaneously with the Primo water dispenser’s two-way water temperature control. The BPA-free dispenser has a top-loading style that supports a five-gallon water bottle. The dispenser also contains one large 2.7-liter tank for cold water and a one-liter tank for hot water to keep you hydrated all day long.
Pros
- Four-stage filtration system
- Child lock safety mechanism
- Two-spout design for separate temperature water
- Easy to clean
- Fast installation with no plumbing
Cons
- May not have a drip tray
"This is a reliable water dispenser for daily use. Cleaning it is a breeze and the push-button operation for hot and cold water is easy to use. The noise level is pretty low too. I also like that it fits into compact spaces, although filling larger flasks is tricky."
The distance between the switch and the spouts is more, so filling could be a hassle.
11. Best With Child-Lock:Costway Water Dispenser
Image: Costway The Costway water dispenser boasts a sturdy acrylonitrile butadiene styrene construction with a top-loading design and can hold up to three to five-gallon water bottles. With its advanced compressor technology, it can keep your water cold during scorching summer and provide you hot water in the winter days. It also features a child lock system to prevent accidental pouring and hot water dispensing.
Pros
- Comes with a convenient storage cabinet
- Anti-dust detachable water-barrel seat
- Control panel with indicator lights
- Functional push-in faucets and energy-saving switches
- Easy cleaning with removable drip tray
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May have a slightly slow water flow
"This compact water dispenser has hot and cold features and provides hot water ideal for coffee-making—the cold water is also reasonably cool. The water flow can be a bit slow initially, but apart from this minor hiccup, it's a good buy for the office."
12. Best Easy-To-Operate:Aoxun Oneinmil Countertop Water Cooler
This countertop water dispenser has an elegant and sleek look with a capacity to hold two to five-gallon water bottles. Its compact size makes it perfect for table counters in your modern kitchen or outdoor parties. It is one of the best water dispensers among countertop models.
Pros
- Dispenses hot, warm and cool water
- Removable water barrel seat for easy cleaning
- Detachable drip tray
- Easy to operate water spouts
- Side handles for easy movement.
Cons
- No child safety lock for the hot water spouts
13. Best Top-Loading:Farberware FW29919 Water Cooler
This top-loading water dispenser has a simple design and straightforward operation. It can hold a 3-5 gallon water bottle and provide hot and cold water, which can be dispensed using the two switches located at the back of this water cooler.
Pros
- Energy-saving thermo-electric cooling
- Low noise
- A storage cabinet at the bottom
- Top loading water dispenser does not require an additional motor.
Cons
- The bottom cabinet is not refrigerated.
- Dispenses only two hot or cold cups at a time
"This hot and cold water dispenser has a compact design that fits easily in smaller spaces. The setup is straightforward, and the additional storage is a plus. I'm yet to test its long-term reliability, as I've used it only for three months."
How To Choose The Right Water Cooler?
As a water cooler is used to store drinking water, care should be taken when choosing one. Here are a few points to keep in mind while purchasing a water cooler.
- Capacity: Based on your usage, determine the capacity of the water cooler you need. Look for information like the capacity or size of water bottles it can support, how much hot/cold water it can dispense simultaneously.
- Size: Look for the dimensions of these water coolers and buy one that fits exactly within the designated place at your home or office. For example, if you have a space constraint, choose a tabletop water cooler.
- Safety: Pick a water cooler with a safety lock for the hot water spout. The spouts should be at a height that children wouldn’t be able to reach easily.
- Easy to clean: A water dispenser must be cleaned frequently, so choose one that can be disassembled easily. Consider those with convenient features like removable drip tray or ozone self-cleaning technology.
- Filtration: You may also choose a water cooler that features a water filtration system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do water dispensers use a lot of electricity?
It depends on how long you leave the water dispenser on. Compared to bigger appliances, water dispensers consume less electricity, but it is advised to switch it off when not in use. Try to avoid making the mistake of leaving it on overnight.
2. How long can water sit in a water cooler?
It is not recommended to store water in a home water cooler or dispenser for more than a month as it can become a home for unwanted bacteria.
3. Do I have to clean my water cooler?
It is best to clean the dispenser every three to six months. Before beginning the cleaning process, switch off the hot and cold switches and unplug it from the power source. Remove the water bottle, bottle seat, and filter. Next, fill the reservoir with clean hot water. Let the water sit for five minutes and use a brush or a soft sponge to clean the insides of the reservoir.
4. How long does a water cooler last?
Some may last for years with proper maintenance, while others may last for a shorter period. It is best to clean your water cooler and maintain it with care.
5. What are the types of water coolers?
There are various kinds of water coolers ranging from thermo-electric cooling and self-cleaning ones to bottom and top loading ones.
7. How fast does water come out of the spouts of water coolers?
Each cooler or dispenser is different and will deliver a different water flow rate. A good water dispenser, however, should be able to maintain a consistent flow to avoid spillage and not be too slow.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a seasoned product writer and reviewer who writes extensively about household products. Here, he has compiled a list of the best water coolers available in top-loading and bottom-loading models after analyzing and comparing several products. He has also described the pros and cons of each product and included a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s your home or office, no space can function properly without the right water cooler.The options listed here include some of the best water dispensers that have convenient features.They are easy to assemble and disassemble, easy to operate, well-designed, easy to maintain, and offer multiple features. For example, the Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler has a self cleaning mechanism, the Giantex Top Loading Water Cooler offers water temperature control, and the Brio Self-Cleaning Water Cooler features a child-safety lock. When buying one, make sure you consider the capacity, size, and safety features.
Infographic: Advantages Of Using Water Coolers At Home And Office
Water coolers offer convenient access to refreshing and clean drinking water, making them popular for homes, offices, and public spaces. If you are contemplating investing in these durable water dispensing machines, refer to the following infographic, which highlights their numerous benefits.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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