Best Countertop Reverse Osmosis System Reviews
Wanna know how to save hundreds of dollars a year on bottled water and stay hydrated with refreshing clean water straight from your tap? Well guess what, a bottleless water dispenser is a really great way to improve your health and save the environment.
With a quality bottleless water dispenser installed at the most used point of use in your home, you can finally enjoy the convenience of safe, healthy drinking water straight from your own tap! No more bottle replacements or recycling needed, no more delivery service required, and one less chore in your home!
Our water appliance experts at iWaterPurification did some digging to uncover the top performers from the lemons. Read the features, pros and cons of each selection in the detailed bottleless water dispenser reviews below, or check out our top 7 picks at a glance right now!
What’s The Best Bottleless Water Dispenser To Buy?
Avalon A5 Bottleless Water Cooler - Top Pick of 2024
- Sleek Modern Design
- 3 Temperature Settings
- Self Cleaning Technology
- Installation Kit Included
(Read the full review below for details)
Best Bottleless Water Dispenser - Top 7 Picks of 2024
| Image | Product | View Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Avalon A5 Countertop Bottleless Water Cooler – BEST OVERALL
| VIEW PRICE |
 | Kenmore Water Dispenser Optimizer (White)
| VIEW PRICE |
 | G3 Reverse Osmosis Hot/Cold Bottleless Water Dispenser
| VIEW PRICE |
 | Bottleless Clover B7B Water Dispenser
| VIEW PRICE |
 | Atlantis Hot N’ Cold Bottleless Water Cooler By Oasis | VIEW PRICE |
 | Bottleless Water Cooler Hot & Cold Filter And Install Kit | VIEW PRICE |
 | Avalon Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser | VIEW PRICE |
Found what you need?
7 Best Bottleless Water Dispenser Reviews (Full)
Features:
- Dimensions: 41x12x13 inches
- Weight: 44 Pounds
- Installation Kit
- Dual Filtration System (Sediment and Carbon Block)
- 3-way Temperature Push Button Dispenser
- Leak Detector
- Filter Replacement Indicator Light
- Child Safety Lock (Hot water dispenser)
Best Suited For: Home or office use
REVIEW
At the top of our list, the freestanding Avalon A5 Countertop Bottleless Water Cooler stands out as a favorite among consumers for good reason. High grade stainless steel tanks, 3-way temperature selection for use all year, and a convenient night light are all integrated into the sleek, modern design. Ideal for home or business, the Avalon A5 is the best deal out there right now overall.
The installation kit includes everything you need to safely and securely connect the water cooler to the point of use in your home. Parts include:
- 20′ ft. of 1/4″ tubing
- 3 way plastic
- 1/4″ Push Connect Adapter
- Under Sink 3/8″ Adapter (with shut off valve)
- Filter Flushing Adapter
An instruction booklet with detailed illustrations is included to help make the installation as painless as possible.
Once connected, the dual filtration system works to immediately begin filtering harmful chemicals from your cold water tap. A sediment filter removes granular particles, dirt, and sediment, while the carbon block filter absorbs a wide range of pollutants such as chlorine, lead, rust, and bacteria, to restore the color, taste and quality of your water.
One of the best features of the Avalon A5 is the self cleaning technology. By flushing ozone (one of nature’s most powerful disinfectants) into the housing and hose, bacteria, viruses and odors left behind are sanitized and utterly neutralized. This added protection ensures that even after months of use the Avalon A5 will continue to produce the same quality of water as the first cup you poured.
Each of the dual filters included with the A5 have a six month shelf life, under normal conditions. With daily use, you can filter up to 1500 gallons of water. When you’re ready to change filters, you simply remove them, dispose, and snap the new filters into place.
PROS
- Sleek, modern design
- Durable stainless steel construction
- 3-way temperature options
- Self Cleaning Ozone Technology
- Dual Filtration System
- 6 month Filter Life
- Competitively Priced
CONS
- No thermostat for adjusting temperature
- Installation may require some technical expertise
- Filter replacement is a bit pricey
Features:
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 10.2 x 16.7 inches
- Weight: 39.8 Pounds
- 3-Way Temperature Modes
- Ice And Coffee Connect Port
- External Easy Twist 3-in-1 Filter Pod
- Filter Change Indicator Light
- Touchpad Dispenser Interface
Best Suited For: Residential Use, Small Households, Countertop Spaces
REVIEW
Since 1913, Kenmore has been manufacturing quality household appliances for everyday use. Durability, quality, and innovation are the hallmarks of their products, and this bottleless water dispenser is another great example of Kenmore engineering.
A complete installation kit is included so you can connect the cooler directly to the point of use in your home. Parts include:
- 25 ft of 1/4 inch White Tubing
- 2 x 1/4 inch Quick Connect Shutoff Valves
- 3-Way Sink Adapter Valve
- Filter Flushing Attachment
- Expansion Filter Mounting Bracket
- Expansion Filter EZ-Twist Mount
- Expansion Filter to Appliance Line
Installation is the most difficult part, but there is an instruction booklet.
The Kenmore Water Dispenser Optimizer is a compact countertop water cooler with a unique design feature – an external filter pod. The reservoir-free design makes this cooler ideally suited for household use, particularly if space is scarce in your home. You can comfortably install one of these in a studio apartment, galley kitchen, or even a small office
That’s right! While most bottleless water coolers have a built-in filtration system that is concealed from view, the sediment filter pod on the Kenmore is attached to the back for easy removal and replacement.
On the side of the unit, you’ll find the second filter, the Ultra+ 3 Filter, which has a shelf life of 3000 liters, or approximately 800 gallons before a replacement is needed. This is a smaller filter capacity than the top pick Avalan A5, which is also significantly larger.
One feature you’re sure to appreciate is the additional connectors that are included for connecting to other appliances. The Kenmore Water Cooler Dispenser is equipped with Ice/Café Connect that can provide filtered water for up to 2 additional appliances such as your ice-maker and coffee machine.
Clean drinking water is filtered and pumped directly from the tap to your ice maker or coffee machine for delicious beverages, hot or cold, whenever you need them. It’s a handy feature that makes the Kenmore perfectly suited for a small office kitchen or home with limited countertop space.
Overall, the Kenmore Water Dispenser Optimizer lives up to its namesake by optimizing space and your tap water to eliminate bottle waste in your home while supplying clean drinking tap water hot or cold, all year round!
PROS
- Compact design with touch screen interface fits easily on most counters
- Installation kit included
- External filter pods for fast and easy replacements
- 3-way temperature options
- Dual appliance connections for Ice and Coffee Maker
CONS
- Requires installation and moderate level of expertise
- More costly than larger, freestanding models
- 800-gallon capacity filters are best suited for smaller households or small business with limited staff
Features:
- Dimensions:15 x 13 x 42 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- 4 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
- RO Membrane, Pre Filter, Carbon, and UV Filter
- Energy Efficient Toggle Switches
- Hot And Cold Dispenser
Best Suited For: Home or Small Office
REVIEW
Reasonably priced for its size and capacity, the G3 Bottleless Water Dispenser is a freestanding water cooler with hot and cold dispensing. It has an attractive black casing, suitable for almost any kitchen or office break room. The rounded edges make it perfect for keeping around children or pets.
Manufactured by Global Water, the G3 has an impressive 4 stage reverse osmosis filtration system for handling a wide range of contaminants. Whether your tap water is foul smelling, discolored, or has high levels of harmful chemicals like chloramine, pesticides, and heavy metals, the G3’s filtration system is the ultimate in POU water treatment.
Since the G3 is equipped with reverse osmosis, you’ll need to connect two lines, a supply line and a wastewater line. To reduce energy waste, there are two rear toggle switches to control hot and cold functions. You can manually select which one you want instead of keeping the hot water on all day or overnight.
Designed with mechanical rather than electronic components, the G3 is less likely to fail due to a power shortage, which is very useful if you live in an area impacted by rolling blackouts.
The one critical drawback of the G3 is the lack of metal components and construction. Compared to the stainless steel construction of the Avalon A5, the G3 feels flimsy and lower-grade.
PROS
- 4-stage Reverse Osmosis filtration
- Hot and Cold Push Button operation with scald guard on hot dispenser
- Energy saver toggles turn hot or cold functions on/off for improved energy efficiency
- Mechanical design purifies water even during power outage
CONS
- Cheap manufacturing quality
- Components feel like cheap plastic and are easy to break.
- Installation requires moderate level of plumbing expertise to avoid damaging fragile parts
- May experience leaks
Features:
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.4 x 40 inches
- Weight: 30 Pounds
- Dual Temperature Selection (Cold/Room Temperature
- Bottleless Conversion Kit (POU)
Best Suited For: Small Office, Home Use
REVIEW
The Clover B7B Water Dispenser is a low maintenance water cooler that can be converted into a bottleless unit. A Point of Use (POU) conversion kit is included that allows you to easily change it to the bottleless model.
No installation kit is included however with the B7B. There’s no inline filter or built-in filtration system either but you can connect it to a separate filtration system of your own. If you already have a POU reverse osmosis filtration system installed, for example, the conversion kit allows you to convert the unit into a bottleless dispenser, with options for cold or room temperature.
The cold water tank is constructed of hygienic stainless steel, specifically engineered to resist contamination, even after repeated use. With its competitive price point, the Clover B7B gives you the option of either bottled or bottleless for less money than a bottleless water dispenser.
So if you already have a water filtration system in place, this unit will certainly save you some money.
PROS
- Low maintenance design requires occasional cleaning only
- Ultra efficient cooling condenser reduces energy consumption
- Stainless Steel Reservoirs resist contamination
- POU Bottleless Conversion Kit Included
- Affordable Price
CONS
- Does not include an inline filter, a built-in filtration system or an installation kit
Features:
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 12 x 38.7 inches
- Weight: 32 Pounds
- Polyethylene Construction
- Hot and Cold Water Dispenser
- Child Proof Hot Water Valve
- 2-Piece Hot Water Tank
Best Suited For: Home or Small Office, Small Business (5 – 20 employees)
REVIEW
Established since 1910, Oasis is a trusted brand name in stylish, state-of-the-art water dispensing and filtering solutions. With its 3 year warranty, this next water dispenser offers you a less costly alternative to the Avalon A5, without the built-in water filtration.
Made of durable polyethylene, the Atlantis Hot N Cold Bottleless Water Cooler is a freestanding water dispenser with dual temperature spouts for hot and cold water. Connected to your main water line, the installation is pretty straightforward, and very little maintenance is required once you set it up.
Available in elegant white, the simple clean design suits almost any office or kitchen decor. You can serve up to 45 6oz cups per hour. A removable drip tray allows for occasional maintenance as needed, but the bottleless design eliminates the need for heavy bottles of filtered water replacements.
The Atlantis Hot N Cold doesn’t have built in water filtration, so you’ll need your own prior to the installation. The hot water isn’t as hot as other models in our review, but there are no built in filters to replace, which reduces the cost of operation significantly.
PROS
- Dual Float System with built-in safety float prevents overflowing
- Child Proof Hot Water Valve
- 3-year Warranty
CONS
- Does not include built-in water filtration system
Features:
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 12.5 x 39.3 inches
- Weight: 32 Pounds
- Installation Kit Included
- Tomlinson Hot And Cold Water Faucets
- Polyethylene Cabinet with UV Filtration
- Lead-free Steel Components
- 2 Stainless Steel Reservoirs (1-gallon sealed reservoir, food-grade cold/2-liter sealed reservoir, 185˚F)
- Adjustable Thermostat
- Child-proof Hot Faucet
Best Suited For: Business or Office use (Boardroom, staff room, kitchenette, breakroom, Warehouse, etc)
REVIEW
Brio and Magic Mountain have come together to issue this freestanding bottleless water cooler with hot and cold capabilities. Available in all black, the polyethylene cabinet resists stains and looks good, but seems more suited for the office than home.
A simple, clean design, the Bottleless Water Cooler could easily be mistaken for a conventional water cooler. The installation kit comes with lead-free, steel components that will last for years, even with daily use. Two stainless steel reservoirs inside store hot and cold water separately, and built in UV filtration eliminates bacterial growth to keep your water clean and drinkable.
Whether you need a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of water to rehydrate, this water dispenser allows you to adjust the temperature up to 185 degrees fahrenheit, a feature not included on any other brand in this review.
You should note, however, that the Bottleless Water Cooler by Brio and Magic Mountain doesn’t include a built-in filtration system for removing such contaminants as lead, chlorine, sulfides, and hard water, for example. A reverse osmosis system, either POU or whole house, is a much better option, which you can purchase and install separately before investing in a bottleless water cooler.
PROS
- Polyethylene cabinet with UltraViolet resistance to eliminate rust and corrosion
- Adjustable thermostat allows you more control
- 2 Stainless Steel Reservoirs
CONS
- Does not include built-in water filtration system
Features:
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 41 inches
- Weight: 42 Pounds
- Hot And Cold Dispenser
- Leak Indicator
- Self Cleaning Switch (Ozone System)
- Child Safety Lock
- Installation Kit
Best Suited For: Home, Small Office Or Business
REVIEW
Another great option from Avalon, the Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser is very similar in design and appearance to the Avalon A5, the top rated bottleless water cooler in this review.
If your tap water has high levels of chlorine, lead, rust, and bacteria, the Avalon Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser is the right solution and the right price. With the press of a switch on the back of the unit, the Self cleaning feature injects ozone into the system, effectively sterilizing and cleaning the dispenser to keep your water healthy and hygienic.
Fitted with an NSF certified activated carbon filter and a sediment filter in the cabinet, the dispenser connects to your water line fairly easily, if you have some moderate skills and experience. The water is directed through the filtration system and dispensed at a chilling 47 degrees fahrenheit for ice-cold beverages, or hot drinks and instant soups at 185 degrees.
A leak detector notifies you if there is a decrease in water pressure, and the Energy Star rating ensures the highest efficiency from the compressor that keeps water cold. Perhaps the only real drawback is the lack of a drain pipe. You’ll need to empty the catch pan manually.
PROS
- Built in water filtration removes chlorine, lead, rust, and bacteria
- Self Cleaning System removes keeps internal components bacteria free
- Leak detector monitors water flow from source
- Installation Kit included
CONS
- Plastic construction is not as durable as stainless steel
- No temperature adjustment
Bottleless Water Cooler Buying Guide
4 Key Buying Considerations:
- Ease of Installation
- Durability
- Filtration
- Temperature Options
1) Ease of Installation
Installing a bottleless water cooler isn’t the most difficult thing in the world, but it does require some moderate level of expertise. You need to be comfortable with tools and familiar with basic plumbing.
During the installation, you’ll typically find that all the necessary components are sealed, along with instructions for assembly and connecting to your inlet pipe. Hoses, screws, connectors, nuts, washers, threading – there should be no flaws such as warping, holes, dents, or unfinished work in any components.
Adjustments to your plumbing may be needed to get the most out of your dispenser. The water pressure may need to be increased or decreased, for instance. You may need to replace the intake because it doesn’t fit the standard size connection. For these reasons, it’s worth hiring a professional plumber to install the unit safely and securely if you’re not confident in your skill level.
2) Durability
Another important buying consideration when you’re searching for a bottleless water cooler is durability. Pricing should always reflect the quality of the materials used, as well as the engineering.
Stainless steel, aluminum steel, and food-grade silicone parts offer the highest durability [1]. They are highly resistant to bacteria contamination, easy to clean, and hold up well under high temperatures, which is why they are also used widely in quality cooking ware.
3) Choose The Right Type of Filtration
You, your employees and loved ones deserve only the best, healthiest water to stay hydrated, alert, healthy, and productive. With the right built-in filtration, foul smelling, discolored, or hard water from your tap can be turned into safe, clean drinking water for everyone.
Different types of filtration are designed to remove different contaminants. That’s why it’s important to test your tap water first. Once you know which contaminants are in your water, you can research to find the appropriate type of water cooler for your needs.
If you already have a whole house filtration system installed, you can opt for a water cooler without filters. Otherwise, a built-in filter is essential. Harmful contaminants in your tap water may include [2]:
- Arsenic, fluorides and sulfides
- Chlorine
- Lead, mercury, chromium-6 and other harmful elements
- Rust or other kinds of pipe scale
- Foul and unpleasant odors such as rotten egg or fish
- E-Coli staphylococcus and other bacteria
- Pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
- Miscellaneous particles and sediment
4) Temperature Options – Hot, Cold, or Both?
Some bottleless water coolers dispense cold water exclusively, while dual temperature units can dispense both hot and cold water. Your level of usage will determine which you feel is more appropriate, but it will also impact the cost of your cooler.
The advantage of a dual dispensing water cooler, whether it’s bottleless or bottle loading, is that you can enjoy filtered water for hot or cold drinks. Tea, coffee, instant soup, ice tea, or a cold glass of iced H20, you’ll always have options.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to encourage more healthy hydration, a single dispenser is the way to go. If your employees tend to be physically active, they’ll be more likely to stay hydrated with a cold glass of filtered water instead of a hot cup of coffee.
Units that dispense hot water require more energy consumption, which could impact your electricity bill. The good news is that many of the top brands include automated safety features that shut off the water cooler when it’s not in use to conserve energy and prevent overheating.
What to Consider When Buying a Bottleless Water Cooler
Ease Of Use
Self cleaning bottomless water coolers are available for dispensing both hot and cold water. Push button dispenser models release water at a steady rate, regardless of the water pressure in your tap.
Many new models include a digital interface for monitoring the status of the filters.
High capacity carbon filters are designed for months of use without the need for replacement. Some last as long as 24 months.
Eco Friendly
Each year thousands of tons of plastic bottles end up in landfills, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and water [3]. With more households and offices converting to a bottleless water cooler, we can drastically reduce the annual levels of plastic waste, which is largely from bottled water.
Bottleless Water Coolers also eliminate the need for heavy, cumbersome plastic bottle replacements.
Affordability
Bottled water can cost 1000 times more than tap water annually [4]. By contrast, a bottleless water cooler can be significantly less costly than a bottled water cooler as a long term investment.
The initial investment will be your biggest expense. The money you save by eliminating the need for water bottle replacements after only one year will easily cover the return on your investment.
Compact Design
Since they do not require a storage cabinet or reservoir for holding unused water, they are much more compact than a conventional water dispenser.
Unlimited Clean Drinking Water
Clean, healthy drinking water is right at your fingertips. A bottomless water cooler installs directly at the point of use in your office or kitchen, converting your tap water into filtered clean drinking water.
Built in Filtration
Even if your tap water is contaminated with high levels of chloramines, chlorine, sulfides, or hard water, you can find a bottleless water cooler with built-in filtration. High-grade resin filters or active carbon filters are the most common types of filtration methods you’ll find, but there are also bottleless water coolers with reverse osmosis and UV filtration as well.
Installing A Bottleless Water Cooler
A bottleless water cooler dispenser connects directly to your cold water line at the point of use in your home or office. Although many of the top brands are designed for DIY installation, a licensed plumber can also ensure it’s done right the first time with less hassle.
User Manuals Aren’t Always Reliable
For one thing, the directions included with your cooler may not always be easy to follow. Critical components for installation may be missing, in which case you’ll need to make a trip to the hardware store.
Generally, there’s very little adjustment needed to your existing setup for the installation. Installation near an existing sink or another plumbing source may make sense, but ask your plumber if you have space constraints or unique installation needs.
Water Pressure
If you’re confident in your own plumbing skills, you can, like many other reviewers, install the cooler yourself within an hour. You may need to adjust the water pressure, however, for the appropriate level of filtration. At lower levels of psi, filtration isn’t as effective.
Once your water cooler is properly installed, it should dispense fresh, potable water from your local water source within minutes. Don’t drink the first gallon or so, though, when you first activate the dispenser, as it takes some time for the system to flush the contaminants from your tap water thoroughly enough.
Countertop or Freestanding
Free standing floor models are typically available in several styles, filter options and colors with water that dispenses at two or three temperatures. They take up more space and are similar in size to a conventional water cooler.
A freestanding water cooler is best suited for the following:
- Administrative Office
- Boardroom Office
- Staff Kitchen or Lounge
- Factory/Warehouse
- Large Homes with multiple floors and baths
- Medical center
- Customer reception areas
- Beauty salons
- Gym or fitness studios
- Indoor Recreational Facility
- Community Center or Library
If you’re working with limited space, there are many options available for a countertop water cooler.
A countertop model could be right in the following environments:
- Home office
- Kitchenette
- Galley Kitchen
- Studio Apartment
- Office Breakroom
- Lobby
Conclusion
We hope you find these detailed reviews of the best bottleless water cooler useful in your search. Remember to test your water first if you need built in water filtration. Read and compare brands carefully and always put health first!
References
[1] Commercial Food Equipment Standards (NSF.org)[2] 11 Terrifying Things That Could Be Lurking In Your Tap Water (Business Insider)
[3] We’re Now At A Million Plastic Bottles A Minute Per MInute – 90% Of Which ARe Not Recycled (Forbes)
[4] Bottled Water Vs Tap Water Facts & 4 Reasons To Drink Tap (MoneyCrashers.com)
