Reviews of the Best Water Cooler Dispensers

Types of Water Cooler Dispensers

Finding the right type of water cooler makes the difference between the perfect addition to your office or kitchen and that albatross of an appliance you never use. Although water coolers vary in model, size, style, and features, there are three main types of water dispensers you will come across:

1) Top Loading Water Cooler Dispensers

Top load water dispensers are what people usually think of first. It’s where you have to flip the water bottle over and upside down. The water flows downward through the reservoir to heat or cool and then out the tap. It doesn’t require the same kind of hose or pump setup that a bottom loading dispenser needs, but you need to be able to lift and flip the jug.

A top loader may not be right for anyone who’s worried about lifting and flipping that jug for any reason whatsoever. Some also don’t like the way it looks. If you don’t want to have to see the jug out in the open, a bottom loader will be the better option for you.

2) Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispensers

Bottom loading water cooler dispensers have made the whole process of using a water cooler so much easier. If you’ve avoided getting one because you don’t want to have to lift the heavy jug and flip it over to install, a bottom loader solves all of those problems.

A bottom loader uses a hose that fits over the top of the bottle and pumps water up to fill the tank in your dispenser. This does mean that bottom loaders come with an extra mechanism that might lead to problems down the road, but that shouldn’t be an issue among the best water dispensers that bottom load.

They also tend to have concealed compartments for bottle storage, so if you find the top loaders unsightly, a bottom loader is likely the option you want.

3) Countertop Water Cooler Dispensers

Just because you have a smaller space doesn’t mean you can’t get a water cooler dispenser. Apartment and condo living can definitely put space at a premium, but countertop water dispensers fit those small spaces by going right on the countertop – you don’t need extra floor space to fit them into your life. They can also work in small studios, offices, and other small spaces.

The space savings come from the fact that they use smaller jugs or bottles. Often, they’ll only hold about a pitcher of water, but they also tend to use a filtration system so that you can refill the jug with tap water and get filtered, quality water out of the spout.

Factors To Consider Before Choosing Your Water Dispenser

What makes the right water cooler dispenser for your home or office depends on your habits, the people you’re getting it for, the space you have, and your budget. To make sure you get the right fit, these are some of the factors to keep in mind.

Temperature Features: What Water Temperatures Will I Get?

Not all water dispensers are made equally. Most models today will offer hot and cold, or they come with three-temperature controls, adding room temperature water. That’s a great feature for people who have sensitive teeth or just don’t like that ice-cold option.

But you want to do your research to find the best water dispenser for what you need. Different models operate at different temperatures and energy use. It’s worth looking at the temperatures specified by the manufacturers and checking out the best water dispenser reviews to find out what temperature you’re really getting, especially when it comes to the quality of the hot water.

Household Size: How Much Space Can I Accommodate?

Most water cooler dispenses use 3 or 5 gallon water jugs, although countertop water dispensers will inevitably be much smaller. But the size of the water bottle isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re trying to find the right model. There’s also the size of the reservoir to consider. The size of the water tanks where water is heated or chilled will determine how many cups you can get before you have to wait for another cycle to complete. The best water dispensers for home use can probably have smaller tanks or more frequent cycles, whereas you may want a larger capacity if you’re buying a water dispenser for the office.

Location: Where is This Water Cooler Going to Go?

Think about where you’re going to put your new water dispenser. It never hurts to measure twice. The ideal location is out of the way of traffic but also somewhere sensible. At home, it’s usually the kitchen, but many people also get water coolers for spaces where they spend a lot of time without immediate access to a faucet, such as the garage or the tool shed.

If you’re worried about kids or pets, many top load water dispensers come with a bracket that prevents tipping, and child safety locks on hot water taps are standard. There’s enough variety on the market these days that you should be able to find a water cooler that fits your space.

Budget: Matching price and performance

The selections on your list come in at a wide range of price points. More expensive water coolers may have a bigger capacity that’s suitable for offices or commercial locations, while durability and longevity are also important factors to consider. It may be worthwhile spending a bit extra for a water cooler you’re confident will last longer.

Maintenance: How Hard Is It to Maintain and Clean?

Cleaning and maintenance are a big part of keeping your water fresh and clean-tasting. In order to prevent bacteria from forming, you’ll have to clean out the system one way or another. Self-cleaning water cooler dispensers can save you a lot of work. Another feature that can make maintenance easier is a flushing system, which can allow you to clean the insides out by running a cleaning solution through the works that you can flush out completely.

Convenience: Who is Loading the Jug?

Changing the water jug on a top load water dispensers can be a bit of a challenge. One thing to look for: splash guards that help you avoid spilling water all over the floor when you flip the jug. However, if you don’t want to have to worry about lifting that jug, a bottom loading water dispenser is going to be a lot easier to refill.

BPA: Is it BPA-Free?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common industrial chemical found in plastics. BPA can leach out of the plastic into the water, which is why people look for BPA-free water bottles. The same should apply to your water dispenser. It’s important to buy a BPA-free water dispenser (a.k.a. water coolers that are free of this chemical) [3]. That said, the FDA has deemed BPA safe in low doses — but you may be better off safe than sorry [4].

Safety: Essential Features

Child safety locks should come standard if your water dispenser has a hot water function. This is a feature that’s non-negotiable, but the good news is that it can pretty much be found across the board, though it never hurts to double check.

Capacity: How Much Water Can It Hold

The majority of dispensers on this list fit water bottles that are 3 to 5 gallons in size, but the best countertop water dispensers may be smaller. Any larger and you can run into problems with a top loader water dispenser, but you also don’t want to have to constantly replace the jug.

Energy Star: Is it Certified?

One concern you may have is the impact a water dispenser will have on your electrical bill, especially at home. The best water coolers in 2024 are Energy Star certified. This means that they meet industry standards for energy conservation and can help protect the climate [5]. The impact of Energy Star appliances on your power bill should be mitigated.

Energy Star is a symbol of energy efficiency – in fact, these Energy Star certified products use roughly 30% less energy than others [6].

Taste: What is it Made Of?

What your water dispenser is made of can have an impact on the taste. If you’re getting a water dispenser because you dislike the taste of tap water, funky-tasting water can be a big disappointment.

The main culprit tends to be plastic. Often a plastic taste will go away after several gallons of water flow through, but it can be unpleasant or wasteful at first. You’re likely to have better luck with stainless steel reservoirs. Stainless steel will also reduce the growth of bacteria in your dispenser [7].

Water Dispenser Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning and maintenance keep your water dispenser running smoothly and protect the quality of the water you’re drinking. Even the best water dispensers can develop issues over time, such as slow-pouring water or tastes, but often the issue is related to maintenance.

If not cleaned, water dispensers build up bacteria, which can in turn impact your water quality if not dealt with accordingly [8].

If you notice off-tasting water, an unusual odor, build-up, or any material surfacing around the dispensers, don’t worry. A bit of cleaning and your water dispenser will be good as new.

Here is how you can clean your water cooler system:

1. Unplug your cooler before doing anything to avoid electrical risks.
2. Check and see if your water cooler has a water guard. This allows you to puncture the water bottle cap when you install it.
3. Remove the water guard if you have it. To do this, grasp both sides and pull it out of the cooler. You can use gentle dish soap and warm water to clean off any build-up there. Make sure to rinse all of the soap off and dry with a towel.
4. Use a solution of baking soda (2 tablespoons) and water (1 cup) and rinse out the reservoir. Drain it and rinse it out several times.
5. Replace the water guard kit.

Additional Cleaning Tips

Keeping your water dispenser clean is the key to keeping your water quality high and tasting great. Don’t worry, it’s not going to turn into a weekly chore. You should be able to get by sanitizing it thoroughly once every six weeks, or if you notice build-up or a funny taste.

Sanitizing your water dispenser: First, make a solution with ½ teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water, and then pour the water over the reservoir — but do not leave for longer than 5 minutes. Be sure to drain the water out thoroughly afterward, making sure you flush out all of the bleach.

If you have two different taps: Regularly drain them both and rinse them with water immediately. You will also need to remove dirt and other grime from the water dispenser periodically.

Cleaning around the water cooler: When you are cleaning around the water cooler, make sure to disconnect the power supply cord. Once unplugged, you can clean around the cooler with a small brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are instant hot water dispensers for home safe?

Families with kids might hesitate before bringing a water dispenser with a hot water tap into their homes. However, a child safety lock on the hot water tap is a standard safety feature, and you should be protected from any accidents. Many water dispensers also allow you to turn off the hot water feature if it’s not something you use very often. The best water dispensers for home are child safe.

Which water dispenser is the best for my office?

For office use, a bottom load water dispenser is a safe option because you don’t want even a small risk of someone injuring themselves. A 5-gallon jug weighs about 40-plus pounds, and the weight distribution can make changing a top load water dispenser cumbersome. You don’t want to put an employee at risk of injury refilling the water.

Hot water is a great feature for an office dispenser to have, too. It saves time when employees want to make a quick cup of tea or instant coffee, and they can use it for quick meals like oatmeal or noodles.

Other than that, the other feature to consider is reservoir capacity. The best water dispenser for the office is one that keeps up with demands without making people wait around for the heating or chilling cycle to finish.

How do you store bottled water?

When storing your full water jugs, it’s a good idea to store them at room temperature. If it’s stored somewhere too warm, you run the risk of algae and mold build-up [9]. 

What is the best water dispenser for home purposes?

The best water dispenser for home use will fit both the space and the décor. Black and silver stainless steel should blend in seamlessly with a modern kitchen. You’ll want one that you feel comfortable loading, and that will indicate when it’s time to refill if you can’t see the tank. Most importantly, it should meet your standards for taste and temperature.

Who makes the best water coolers?

There is a wide range of brands that make different types of dispensers with varying features. Our list of the best water dispensers includes brands like Avalon, Whirlpool, Primo, and Brio.

How do you clean a water cooler?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should be cleaning your cooler every six weeks or every time you change the bottle [10].

To clean the cooler, pour boiled water into the cooler and drain through. Scrub inside the crevices and around the taps with a brush with soft bristles. You can also clean a water cooler with vinegar or bleach, depending on the materials your dispenser is made of.

For brand-specific instructions, always check the manual.

Should you remove a full water bottle from a water cooler?

It’s best to wait until your bottle is empty to replace it. Replacing a full water bottle will result in a lot of splashing and a considerable amount of mess if it’s not bottom loading.

 If your water cooler dispenser is bottom loading, however, you can unhook the spout and just pull the jug right out without making a mess.

Conclusion: Water Cooler Dispensers

Hopefully, our guide to the best water dispensers of 2024 has shed some light on your next purchase. Whether you’re looking for a water cooler dispenser for home, the office, or a commercial setting, it’s important that you get all the features you’re hoping for.

A great water dispenser can lead to healthier habits and make it easier to stay hydrated. Enjoy cleaner water and better health while cutting down on waste created by single-use plastic bottles.

Don’t let water quality or lack of access to water impact your business or quality of life. The right water cooler dispenser can be life-changing!