11 Best Water Dispensers (Review) In 2022
- The Best Water Dispenser
- 1. Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Water Dispenser
- 2. Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser
- 3. Avalon A11-CTTL Top Loading Countertop Water Dispenser
- 4. Avalon A1WATERCOOLER A1 Top Loading Water Dispenser
- 5. Brio Bottom Loading Water Dispenser
- 6. Avalon A5 Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Dispenser
- 7. Brio Moderna Self Cleaning Bottom Load Water Dispenser
- 8. Avalon Limited Edition Self Cleaning Water Dispenser
- 9. COSTWAY Top Loading Water Dispenser
- 10. Farberware FW29919 Freestanding Water Dispenser
- 11. Brio Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Dispenser
Water dispensers are no longer the bulky machines found in offices, known affectionately as the fountain of workplace gossip. Water cooler dispensers are becoming more and more popular for home, and office, use, with sleek new designs, instant hot water functions, and environmentally friendly options.
If you live in an area where it is not recommended to drink tap water, or you don’t like the taste of it, then getting a water dispenser is one of the best investments you can make. In the long run, it will save you money and has less environmental impact than bottled water. Plus studies show that people tend to hydrate more when they have a water dispenser, in comparison to bottled or tap water, so its good for your health.
With several variations in the style of machines available, we look at the best water dispensers to meet your work or home needs and provide an overview of the features to consider before purchasing a water cooler dispenser.
The Best Water Dispenser
1. Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Water Dispenser




Key Features
Three temperatures: Cold, cool, or hot
Sleek, stylish stainless steel cabinet
Built-in nightlight
Empty-bottle indicator
Cooling Capacity: 2.5 L/H
Bottom loading
Child safety lock
UL/Energy Star approved
13 x 12 x 41 inches
Our best water cooler choice is a bottom loading model, so there is no strain on your back when you need to replace a bottle.
The Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Water Dispenser has been designed primarily with safety in mind as it comes with a child safety lock on the hot water nozzle, is UL certified, and even has a nifty nightlight. This means you can quickly get hot and cold water in the dark without causing spillages or pressing the wrong buttons.
Pros
Energy star approved
Hot water option
UL listed so meets all the safety requirements
Empty bottle indicator
Night light built in to see spouts in the dark
Cons
Buttons can be hard to press
The water dispenser has also been fitted with an empty bottle indicator, so no need to keep opening the door to check how much water is left. Plus you won’t make a mess by accidentally trying to remove a bottle that isn’t quite empty.
The stainless steel cabinet design also means this looks quite elegant, for display in either your home or office.
2. Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser




Key Features
Bottom loading water cooler
Ozone self-cleaning feature
Hot, cold and room temperature water
Night light
Child safety lock
13.5 x 12 x 40.5 inches
UL approved
This Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser comes with many of the same features as our best choice Avalon model, but it is noticeably more expensive. Again, safety features highly with this product as it comes with a child safety lock, an empty bottle indicator, a nightlight, and is UL/Energy Star approved.
The additional feature on this machine is the self-cleaning function that uses ozone technology to kill any bacteria that accumulate around the water lines and dispenser. You can activate this function any time you feel like your machine needs sanitizing.
Pros
Self-cleaning
Night light
Child lock
Quiet operation
Empty bottle indicator
Bottom loading
Cons
Cost
Design not as attractive as some other brands
The Brio dispenser has three separate nozzles for the different temperatures of water. Some reviewers do prefer to have just one nozzle, but this is a personal choice. While it might not be ugly, the aesthetic design of this water cooler doesn’t quite match the high price tag.
3. Avalon A11-CTTL Top Loading Countertop Water Dispenser




Key Features
Three temperature choices
Countertop water cooler
Child safe
UL/Energy Star Approved
Slim design to fit on any tabletop
Top loading dispenser
12 x 14 x 19 inches (without water bottle)
Our best countertop water dispenser also comes from Avalon. If you are tight on space, then this is a great compact model for you, especially as it can hold the smaller 3-gallon water drum if you don’t want to use the bulkier 5-gallon option.
As with the other Avalon model, A11-CTTL Top Loading Countertop Water Dispenser has an attractive stainless steel casing, but the water bottle is not enclosed in a cabinet, so it doesn’t look as smart as the bottom loading water cooler. The visible bottle does, however, mean you can easily see when it is nearly time to replace it.
Pros
Energy Star approved
Child safety lock
Slim design
Smart stainless steel body
Holds 3 or 5-gallon drums
Cons
The drip tray is tricky to remove
It comes with a child lock, three different temperature options, and is again UL/Energy Star listed for reassurance of its energy efficiency and safety features.
4. Avalon A1WATERCOOLER A1 Top Loading Water Dispenser




Key Features
Hot and cold water nozzles
Child safe hot water function
UL/Energy Star Approved
Top loading water dispenser
Touchless dispenser nozzles
Slim build
11 x 10.75 x 42 inches
Our best value choice is an Avalon A1WATERCOOLER A1 Top Loading Water Dispenser. Unlike some of the more expensive products, there is no beautiful chrome or stainless steel casing, so it doesn’t look amazing, but it is still a well-made dispenser.
This water cooler is an excellent choice for offices or homes that are short on space thanks to its slim design, and the touchless paddles are an appealing feature. These paddles mean that you, and everyone else, can operate the cold dispenser without having to touch it, thus improving sanitation. For hot water, you will still need to touch the child safety lock.
Pros
No need to touch any buttons or spouts, so you get germ free dispensing
Silent
Affordable
Compact for a top-loading machine
Cons
No room temperature option
Not aesthetically pleasing
As mentioned, it isn’t the prettiest machine, and you can only choose between very cold or very hot water; there is no in-between, but it is good quality, affordable water cooler dispenser. The UL/Energy Star rating gives you the reassurance that, despite it being a value choice, it still achieves the necessary safety and energy-efficiency levels.
5. Brio Bottom Loading Water Dispenser




Key Features
Bottom-loading water cooler
Fits either a 3 or 5-gallon jug
Hot, cold or room temperature water
Child safety lock
Indicator when water jug needs replacing
Removable drip tray
Stainless-steel accent
UL/Energy Star approved
Another model from one of the leading brands of water dispensers, the Brio Bottom Loading Water Dispenser is one of the most attractively designed, and the thumbprint resistant plates help to keep it that way. It is a few inches taller than other bottom loading dispensers, but it does have a completely flat top, so if you want to place a small plant or piece of décor on the top to make it look more appealing, you can do.
It has much the same features as the Brio bottom load CLBL520C except it does not come with a self-cleaning ozone function. The drip tray is however removable and rust-resistant, making that part of the cooler very easy to clean with soap and warm water.
Pros
Three temperatures – Hot (185°F), cold (49°F) and room temperature
Attractive design
Child lock
Refill bottle alert
Cons
More space-consuming than competitors (several inches taller)
The safety lock on the hot water function, the refill bottle alert light, and the bottom loading design help to make this a very user-friendly dispenser.
6. Avalon A5 Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Dispenser




Key Features
Full installation kit included (20 feet of tubing, 3-way plastic 1/4″ adapter, under sink 3/8″ adapter, filter flushing adapter)
Dual filtration – Sediment and carbon block filters
Bottleless
3 temperatures
Self-cleaning
Nightlight
Replace filter indicator that lights up
Child safety lock
13 x 12 x 41 inches
Holds 1litre hot water and 3.6 liters of cold water
The filters remove over 99% of lead, particulates, and cysts and 97.4% of chlorine
Avalon A5 Self Cleaning Water Cooler is a bottleless dispenser, meaning it connects directly to your water pipes and contains two stainless steel water tanks. One for hot water (1litre) and one for cold water (3.6litres). These tanks refill continuously, so you don’t have to worry about running out of filtered water. As there is also no need to replace any bottles, it’s super friendly for the environment.
To make your life even easier, this dispenser also has a self-cleaning function. With the touch of a button, you can activate the ozone cleaning, which removes bacteria and cleans the water tank in as little as 90 minutes.
Pros
Child lock
NSF and UL listed
Self-cleaning ozone function
Built-in leak detector
One filter set included
Filters last for six months or 1500 gallons
Cons
A little tricky to install if you are not familiar with a direct pipe model
This bottleless cooler is very easy to use but the installation process is not that clear. You may need some help with fitting it correctly, but once in place, it will give you dual filtered water continuously.
As with other Avalon products it comes a child lock on the hot water feature is UL and NSF listed and has a nightlight fitted. It also has a self-cleaning function, an alert if the filter needs changing, and a built-in leak detector. All this makes it incredibly easy to maintain after installation.
7. Brio Moderna Self Cleaning Bottom Load Water Dispenser




Key Features
Adjustable hot and cold water settings between 39 and 174 degrees Fahrenheit
Child safety lock for hot water
LED nightlight
Bottom loading water dispenser
Fits either a 3- or 5-gallon jug
The electronic display tells you when the bottle is running low
Self-cleaning ozone function
Long-lasting stainless steel construction
UL and Energy Star Approved
12 x 13.5 x 40.5 inches
Our premium pick for the best water dispenser is awash with features. As an example, the Brio Moderna Self Cleaning Bottom Load Water Dispenser has a digital display to show you the temperature of your water, when it is time to change the bottle and other alerts. It even doubles up as a clock. None are essential to the operation of the machine, but they are very nice to have!
The unique feature of this premium unit is that you can determine the exact temperature of your hot and cold water. So if you like your tea at an incredibly hot 190 degrees Fahrenheit, you can preset your hot water function to deliver just that. And if you want your cold water to be 50 degrees, instead of the standard 47 degrees, you can preset that too.
Pros
Personalized temperature control
Digital clock
Self-cleaning
Bottom loading
Smart, complete stainless-steel model
Refill indicator
Temperature display
Nightlight
Light-touch dispensing from the digital panel
Cons
Cost
Other additional features include a self-cleaning mode plus light-touch dispensing, controlled by the digital panel. There is no need to push plastic buttons or paddles to get water. It is definitely one of the best choices for a water cooler dispenser.
8. Avalon Limited Edition Self Cleaning Water Dispenser




Key Features
Three temperatures: cold, cool or hot water
Self-cleaning ozone feature
BPA Free
Built-in nightlight
Empty-bottle indicator
Bottom loading
Suitable for 3-5 gallon water drums
UL/Energy Star approved
Child safety lock
12 x 13 x 41 inches
Avalon Limited Edition Self Cleaning Water Dispenser is similar to the bottom loading model, except it also now includes a self-cleaning feature to stop the build-up of any bacteria. This should also help to maintain the dispenser and extend its lifetime. As usual with Avalon products, they are neatly designed with a stainless steel finish, making it a popular choice for those that want a modern, elegant design.
Other standard features are included, such as the nightlight, child safety lock, three different temperatures, and an empty bottle indicator light. It is also UL/Energy Star approved so is a relatively energy-efficient option.
Pros
Bottom loading
Self-cleaning
Night light
UL/Energy Star approved
Child safety lock
Cons
Cost
The room temperature water and cold water are almost identical
It is quite difficult to find fault with the machine, except for the hefty price tag. Some reviews have stated that the room temperature water is far too cold, but this does come down to personal preference.
9. COSTWAY Top Loading Water Dispenser




Key Features
Hot and cold water dispenser
Switches to turn off hot or cold functions to save energy
Top Loading dispenser
3 or 5-gallon jars
Mechanical push-in faucets
Hot water security lock
Storage Cabinet for space-saving
Detachable anti-dust mite water barrel seat
Removable drip tray
Our budget choice has all the necessary features to make it an effective water cooler dispenser. COSTWAY Top Loading Water Dispenser has only two water temperatures, but you can keep the cold water setting turned off at the back of the machine to produce a room temperature drink if you prefer. This also saves energy.
It has a child lock for hot water and an extra storage cupboard under the drip tray, ideal for disposable cups if you are using this as a dispenser for water in a public setting. It is also easy to remove the drip tray and anti-mite barrel seat so they can be cleaned with soap and water whenever you want.
Pros
Easy to clean
Easy to set up
Compact
Safety lock
Cons
A little noisy
Only two temperature settings
The Costway machine is a top loading water cooler, so the bottles are not as easy to change as the bottom-loading dispensers, but it is incredibly easy to operate, energy-saving and comes in a slim design.
10. Farberware FW29919 Freestanding Water Dispenser




Key Features
Hot and cold water dispenser
Holds a 3 or 5-gallon water drum
Energy efficiency engineering
Bottom storage cabinet
31 x 11 x 11 inches (without bottle)
Heating power to provide hot water at 194F (90C) 5L/h
Cooling power to provide cold water at 59F (15C) 0.7L/h
Farberware FW29919 Freestanding Water Dispenser is compatible with 3 and 5-gallon drums, and while it is relatively compact, by the time you put the large water bottle on the top, it will still take up considerable space.
It produces hot water or cold water, with no room temperature option, but it is incredibly easy to use, and there is virtually no installation required. The hot water tank is quite small, so only provides 2 cups of water before you have to wait for it to be reheated. It heats at a speed of 5 liters per hour.
Pros
Affordable
Compact
Lightweight
Built-in storage for cups or additional drinks
Cons
Top loading, so refilling isn’t as easy
Only two temperatures
Noisy
Have to wait for hot water to reheat every 2 cups
The storage cupboard underneath is useful for storing other drinks or cups, but it is not refrigerated. This is a nice little feature, but if you don’t have a use for it, you will find this a substantial waste of space.
This freestanding dispenser isn’t the most beautiful design, with a white, plastic finish but if you want an affordable, practical water dispenser without any frills, then this meets your needs.
11. Brio Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Dispenser




Key Features
Full installation kit (20 feet of tubing, 3-way plastic 1/4″ adapter, under sink 3/8″ adapter, filter flushing adapter)
4 stage ultra-filtered water
POU bottless filtration
24/7 self-cleaning UV system
Hot, cold and room temperature water
44.8 x 16.9 x 14.2 inches
Child safety lock
Stainless steel construction
Brio Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Dispenser is a POU model, cutting out bottles and therefore plastic, making it a smart choice for the environment. In comparison to other POU, it is easy to set up and has four different stages of filtration.
This dispenser uses UV light to kill bacteria. This process is an alternative to ozone cleaning, which uses gas to remove the bacteria. The UV care cleaning system is also running continuously, so you don’t need to set aside time to run the sanitation.
Pros
UV care self-cleaning
Bottleless
4 stage filtering
Quiet compared to other POU
Easy to set up
High-grade stainless steel
Cons
Large build
Different filters need replacing at different times
The downside of this particular water machine is with the filtration system. While it is highly effective at dispensing filtered water, the four different filters do not all need changing at the same time, so replacing a different filter at various times during the year can be frustrating.
It is a little larger than some other water coolers, but the design is inoffensive, so if you have space for it, you won’t find it intrusive.
Like the other Brio models, it has the nightlight feature, child lock feature, and is approved as an energy-efficient model, saving you money and causing less damage to the environment in the long run.
Features To Consider With Water Dispensers
Size
Size is probably one of the first things to consider when selecting the best water dispenser. Water dispensers all have different dimensions and come in different styles. Once you have decided if you want direct pipe connections, countertop, bottom loading, or top-loading water coolers, you need to measure the space you have available. Remember that if you measure a top-loading or countertop machine, the stated dimensions won't include the water bottle.
Leaks
A leak is the last thing you need with a water cooler dispenser! Some of the more advanced machines have a water leak indicator, warning you if there are any issues in areas that you can't see. With countertop or top-loading water dispensers, this feature isn't necessary.
Jug Size
The water for dispensers is housed in a large bottle, known as either a drum or a jar. These jars come in either 3 or 5-gallon sizes so you should check the compatibility of the water with the dispenser before you make a purchase.
If you are purchasing a POU unit, these are referred to as bottleless, because they distribute water straight from the pipes. You don't need to purchase any bottles. These machines are instead fitted with a water tank that stores water to chill it or heat it. For this option, you should consider the size of the water tank. The larger the tank, the more hot or cold water you can draw instantly, without having to wait for it to refill.
Spouts
Spouts are also referred to as nozzles, and this is where the water is dispensed from. Some machines have only one nozzle, whereas others have multiple spouts for different water temperatures. There is no real advantage to one or the other; it is a personal choice.
Noise Level
If you are planning to use the machine in a home environment, then chances are the best water cooler for you will be as quiet as possible. A water dispenser will generally create a small noise due to the chilling process, but there are differences in the noise levels. If you plan to put the dispenser in a busy office, then the noise is less likely to be an issue.
Temperature Settings
Most water dispensers come with at least two temperatures – cold and hot. Some of the more advanced machines will also allow you to get room temperature water. These are preset temperatures that you cannot change. The cold water setting is usually between 4-10° C and hot water at around 88 - 92° C).
The unique feature of our premium pick Brio machine will enable you to adjust the temperature and set it according to your preferences. This is the only water dispenser we review that gives you this option.
Purification
Water dispensers do not need to purify water - see our details below. They either have filters, or they dispense water from drums that are already filtered. Purification unnecessarily removes minerals from your drinking water.
Filters
Filters are part of the Purpose of Use (POU) dispensers, designed to remove any unwanted minerals from your tap water. You will find that some of the best bottleless water dispensers are equipped with up to five different filtration stages. The more filters, the more minerals or nasties can be removed. For other styles of water dispensers, the bottled water that is attached is already filtered and safe to drink.
Water Refill Alert
A water refill alert is a very useful feature on bottom loading machines, meaning that you don't have to open the cupboard to check on water levels. It will also mean you should never run out of filtered water on demand. It is quite unnecessary for countertop or top loading dispensers as you have visibility on the bottle and water level at all times.
Types Of Water Cooler Dispensers
There are several different types of water dispensing machines available, all capable of producing hot and cold water for the home or office.
POU
POU (Purpose of Use) is the term for direct-piping water dispenser. You connect this straight to your pipes, so the water that comes out is filtered and ready to drink. It is a bottleless solution, so the best for the environment, but the units can often be quite large, so they may not great for home use.
Top Loading
Top loading water dispensers sit directly on the floor, and the water bottle is placed on top of the machine. These dispensers usually hold 20litre water drums and often provide both hot and cold water.
The drawback with even the best top loading water coolers comes when you need to change the bottle. To lift a heavy water drum up to shoulder level and place it on top of the dispenser takes a good amount of strength.
Bottom Loading
Bottom loading dispensers, as you may expect, are the opposite to top loaded water dispensers. The large water drum sits at the base of the machine, usually in an enclosed compartment and then the dispenser functions are on the top. While gravity would suggest the water doesn't flow upwards, these work just as effectively as countertops or top-loading machines thanks to a fitted pump. With this style, it is much easier to change the water drum as you don't need to strain your back by lifting it high.
Countertop
Countertop or tabletop water dispensers tend to be the smallest option available, usually holding a 5litre water bottle. They easily sit on top of a work surface or table.
A popular option if you don't have much floor space but still want a large quantity water supply.
Water DIspenser FAQ
Q: Are water dispensers sanitary?
A water dispenser machine, and the bottled water that it is fitted with, are sanitary. However, you will still need to clean it a dispenser regularly to remove bacteria. This is especially important around the spouts as people will touch this area with their hands, cups, or glasses that may have come into contact with their mouths.
Q: Does a water dispenser purify water?
Water filters attract chemicals or other unwanted nasties from the water supply, to stop them from being dispensed in your drinking water.
Water purifiers perform the same option as the filters, but they also remove minerals. You want your water to be healthy, and don't want all minerals to be removed - a healthy level of calcium and magnesium is needed.
Water dispensers do not purify water. They either have filters (in the case of POUs), or they dispense water from water jars that are already filtered.
Q: Is a water cooler cheaper than bottled water?
Water cooler dispensers vary in price, according to the model so an exact comparison is difficult. However, in the long-run, water dispensers are cheaper than bottled water. And not only are they more affordable, but they are also much better for the environment, so they benefit both you and the planet.
Sources
How to use a water dispenser? - Eco Friendly Food