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       Water dispensers make it easy to get enough cool, refreshing water. This convenient device is ideal for offices, kitchens, public works – anywhere where liquid drinks are available on demand.
       We count ourselves among those who love a clean glass of cold water, so we recently tested some of the best-selling water dispensers to see if it’s worth it. After dozens of glasses of water and weeks of testing, we like the Brio CLBL520SC best because it’s quiet, self-cleaning, and comfortable. However, we researched more than a dozen quality water coolers before compiling a list of our top picks, from which we selected four that we tested and five others that we thought were great choices. Check out the best water dispenser options below and use our shopping tips to help you choose the right one.
       A water dispenser is a convenient device to use at home or in the office, ideal for dispensing a glass of ice water or a cup of hot tea on demand. Our top pick is easy to use and provides instant access to cold or hot water.
       The Brio water dispenser features a bottom-loading design with a self-cleaning feature, making it suitable for both home and work use. It provides cold, room temperature and hot water. When we received this device, we immediately fell in love with its sleek look. Its modern stainless steel design pairs easily with stainless steel kitchen appliances, but it’s not just about the looks. Brio has many features.
       The water heater is equipped with a child lock to prevent children from being accidentally scalded by hot water. This model does not require much maintenance other than replacing the water bottle when it is empty. All we had to do was enjoy Brio’s immediate supply of cold water – at least until it ran out.
       Although the water bottle is hidden in the bottom cabinet of the cooler, the digital display signals that it is almost empty and needs to be replaced. Despite their large size (the refrigerator holds 3- or 5-gallon bottles), we found them easy to replace.
       Adding appliances to the kitchen increases energy costs, which is why we like that the Brio is Energy Star certified. To further save energy, there are separate switches on the rear panel to control the hot water, cold water and night light functions. To save energy, simply turn off features you don’t use. It’s also fairly quiet, so it won’t interfere with home or commercial activities.
       What our testers say: “I think this water dispenser is fantastic. The hot water is perfect for making tea, and the cold water is incredibly refreshing – something I really appreciate here in Florida.” – Paul Rankin, Food Review Writer. tester
       The Avalon Tri Temperature Water Cooler features an on/off switch on each temperature switch to save energy when the machine is not heating or cooling water. However, even at full power, the unit is Energy Star certified. The water dispenser provides cold, cold and hot water, and the hot water button is equipped with a child lock. When the container is almost empty, the empty bottle indicator lights up. It also has a built-in night light, which comes in handy when you’re drinking water in the middle of the night.
       The removable drip tray makes this refrigerator easy to keep clean, although we did notice that it does tend to spill. But this is the only drawback that we found with this cooler. The convenient bottom-loading design makes it easy to load standard 3 or 5 gallon water jugs, which is pretty much the only setup you’ll need for this water dispenser. Once connected, Avalon can heat water to tea temperature in just 5 minutes. Overall, this is a great water dispenser at an affordable price.
       What our testers say: “I have three kids, so I appreciate the added safety provided by the hot water safety valve, and the night light is bright enough for drinking in the dark,” Kara Illig, product reviewer and tester.
       This water cooler from Primo strikes a good balance between reasonable price and premium features. We especially love the single spout design, so you’ll never accidentally put a cup or water bottle under the dispenser. This luxury cooler also has some features that are not found in water coolers in this price range.
       It has a convenient bottom-loading design (so almost anyone can load it) and delivers ice-cold, room-temperature hot water. The stainless steel inner reservoir helps prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. There are also child safety features, an LED night light, and a dishwasher-safe drip mechanism. Customers will receive a free 5-gallon water bottle and a free refill coupon, which you can get at most grocery stores that sell Primo water bottles.
       Despite its excellent functionality, we noticed that it made a lot of noise whenever it needed to heat or cool more water. We do not recommend placing this model near rooms where silence is required. However, this Primo is reasonably priced and well designed.
       To install this Avalon water cooler, all you need is a compatible existing water line to the sink and a wrench to disconnect the water line. Since it provides unlimited filtered water, it is also a great home or office option for those who want a bottleless water dispenser with easy installation steps.
       This water dispenser dispenses cold, hot and room temperature water, filtering it through a dual filtration system. Filters include sediment filters and carbon block filters that remove contaminants such as lead, particulate matter, chlorine, and unpleasant odors and tastes.
       Because this water dispenser is installed under the sink, installation is much more difficult than other options on our list. It’s not too difficult, but took about 30 minutes. Once installed, we loved not having to replace large (and heavy) water bottles and the fact that we had virtually a constant supply of hot, cold, or room temperature water. It’s also filtered, so it can even help improve the quality of your home’s water supply; if it’s poor, you’ll just have to buy a replacement every now and then;
       Adjustable temperature settings set the Brio Moderna Bottom Load Water Dispenser apart from other options on this list. With this upgraded bottom load water dispenser, you can choose between cold and hot water temperatures. Temperatures range from a chilly 39 degrees Fahrenheit to a sizzling 194 degrees Fahrenheit, with cold or hot water available if needed.
       For such hot water, the water dispenser is equipped with a child lock on the hot water nozzle. Like most standard water dispensers, it fits 3 or 5 gallon bottles. The low water bottle notification feature lets you know when you’re low on water so you don’t run out of fresh water.
       To keep the unit clean, this water cooler comes with an ozone self-cleaning feature that sanitizes the tank and piping. In addition to all the convenient features, this Energy Star-certified device is made of stainless steel for added durability and a stylish look.
       For spaces with limited space, consider a compact tabletop water dispenser. The Brio Tabletop Water Dispenser is a great choice for small break rooms, dorms, and offices. Measuring just 20.5 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 15.5 inches deep, its footprint is small enough to fit in most spaces.
       Despite its small size, this water dispenser is not short on features. It can provide cold, hot and room temperature water on demand. Designed to fit most cups, mugs, and water bottles, this countertop dispenser has a large dispensing area like most full-size refrigerators. The removable tray makes the device easy to clean, and the child lock prevents children from playing with the hot water nozzle.
       Cat and dog parents will love the Primo Top Loading Water Dispenser with Pet Station. It comes with a built-in pet bowl (which can be mounted on the front or sides of the dispenser) that can be refilled with the touch of a button. For those who don’t have pets in the house (but may occasionally have furry guests), dishwasher-safe pet bowls can be removed.
       Besides serving as a pet bowl, this water dispenser is also convenient for people to use. Provides cold or hot water at the touch of a button (with child safety lock for hot water). A removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray makes it easy to clean up spills, but spills are expected to be few and far between thanks to the anti-spill bottle holder feature and LED night light.
       With this water dispenser from Primo, you can get cold water, hot water and hot coffee at the touch of a button. Its standout feature is the single-serve coffee maker built directly into the refrigerator.
       This hot and cold water dispenser allows you to brew K-Cups and other single-serve coffee pods as well as coffee grounds using the included reusable coffee filter. You can choose between 6, 8 and 10 ounce drink sizes. Located between the hot and cold water spouts, this coffee maker may look unassuming, but it’s a great choice for coffee lovers at home or in the office. As a bonus, the device has a storage compartment that can hold 20 single-serve coffee capsules.
       Like many other Primo water dispensers, the hTRIO holds 3 or 5 gallon water bottles. It features a high flow rate for quick filling of kettles and jugs, an LED night light and, of course, a child-safe hot water function.
       There’s no point in carrying around an entire water fountain, so for camping and other situations away from home, consider a portable kettle pump. The Myvision water bottle pump attaches directly to the top of a one gallon bucket. It can accommodate 1 to 5 gallon bottles as long as the bottle neck is 2.16 inches (standard size).
       This bottle pump is very easy to use. Simply place it in the top of a gallon bottle, press the top button, and the pump will draw water and distribute it through the nozzle. The pump is rechargeable and has a battery life long enough to pump up to six 5-gallon jugs. During your hike, simply charge the pump using the included USB cable.
       We’ve focused our search for the best water dispensers on products that have already received rave reviews from users. We further narrowed our search to products that offer the desired combination of features such as varying water temperatures, easy pouring, clean look and design, safe hot water and more. Generally speaking, we prefer bottom-loading water dispensers because they are easier to load and more aesthetically pleasing.
       After shortlisting nine water coolers, we selected four to test based on their broad appeal in terms of power, features, and price. We then set up each water dispenser and used all available features for several days. At the end of the testing period, we rated each water dispenser for ease of use, water temperature quality, noise level, and overall cost.
       There are a few other features to consider when choosing a water dispenser. The best water dispensers have some common characteristics: they are easy to use, easy to clean, and provide water at the right temperature, both hot and cold. The best water coolers should also look great and be sized to fit the intended space – whether it’s a home water dispenser or an office water dispenser. Here are some features to consider when choosing a product that suits your needs.
       There are two main types of water coolers: point-of-use coolers and bottle coolers. Point-of-use water dispensers connect directly to a building’s water supply and supply tap water, which is typically filtered through a chiller. Bottled water coolers are dispensed from a large water bottle, which can be top or bottom loaded.
       Water coolers at points of consumption are connected directly to the city water supply. They dispense tap water and therefore do not require a water bottle, which is why they are sometimes called “bottleless” water dispensers.
       Many point-of-use water dispensers have filtration mechanisms that can remove substances or improve the taste of the water. The main advantage of this type of water cooler is that it provides a continuous supply of water (barring problems with the main water pipe, of course). These coolers can be wall-mounted or free-standing in a vertical position.
       Point-of-use water dispensers must be connected to the building’s main water supply. Some also require professional installation, which incurs additional costs. Although they may be more expensive to purchase and install, bottleless water dispensers save money in the long run since they do not require regular supplies of bottled water. They also tend to be much less expensive than whole-house water filtration systems. The convenience of a water dispenser is its main advantage: users get a constant supply of water without having to carry and change heavy water bottles.
       Bottom loading water dispensers receive water from water bottles. The water bottle is installed in a covered compartment in the lower half of the refrigerator. Bottom loading design makes pouring easy. Instead of picking up and turning a heavy bottle (as is the case with a top-loading refrigerator), simply shake the bottle into the compartment and connect it to the pump.
       Because bottom load coolers use bottled water, they can supply other types of water, such as mineral water, distilled water, and spring water, in addition to tap water. Another advantage of bottom-load water dispensers is that they are more aesthetically pleasing than top-load coolers because the plastic refill tank is hidden from view in the bottom compartment. For the same reason, consider using a bottom-loading water dispenser with a water level indicator, which will make it easier to check when it’s time to replace your water bottle with a new one.
       Top loading water coolers are a popular choice because they are very affordable. As the name suggests, the water bottle fits into the top of the water cooler. Since the water in the cooler comes from a kettle, it can also supply distilled, mineral and spring water.
       The biggest disadvantage of top-load water dispensers is the unloading and loading of water bottles, which can be a cumbersome process for some people. While some may not like looking at the open water tank of a top-loading cooler, the water level in the tank is at least easy to control.
       Tabletop water dispensers are miniature versions of standard water dispensers that are small enough to fit on your countertop. Like standard water dispensers, tabletop units can be point-of-use models or draw water from a bottle.
       Tabletop water dispensers are portable and ideal for kitchen counters, break rooms, office waiting rooms and other areas where space is limited. However, they take up a lot of counter space, which can be a problem in rooms with limited desk space.
       There are no power limits for point-of-use water coolers—these coolers will supply water as long as it flows. Capacity is a factor to consider when choosing a bottled water cooler. Most refrigerators accept jugs that hold between 2 and 5 gallons of water (the most common sizes are 3 and 5 gallon bottles).
       When choosing a suitable container, consider how often the water cooler will be used. If your cooler will be used frequently, purchase a larger capacity cooler to prevent it from draining quickly. If your cooler will be used less frequently, choose a smaller water dispenser. It is better not to leave water for a long time, as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. (If you don’t consume enough water to fill your water dispenser, a distilled water machine may be a better choice.)
       The energy consumed by the water dispenser varies depending on the model. Water coolers with on-demand cooling or heating capabilities typically use less energy than water coolers with hot and cold water storage tanks. Chillers with water storage typically use more reserve energy to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank.
       Energy Star certified water tanks are the most energy efficient option. On average, Energy Star certified water coolers use 30% less energy than water coolers that are not certified, saving energy and lowering your energy bills in the long run.
       A water dispenser with filter removes contaminants and improves the taste of water. Depending on the filter, they can remove particles and contaminants such as dirt, heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria and more. Coolers can filter water through ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or activated carbon filters. Don’t forget that these types of water filters need to be replaced frequently, which is another expense to consider when choosing a water cooler.
       Water filtration is a common function of spot filters as these chillers distribute city tap water. For bottled water coolers, filtration is less important since most water bottles contain filtered water. (If you’re unsure about the quality of your home’s tap water, a water testing kit can help you determine the answer.)
       Most coolers, whether bottle coolers or point-of-use coolers, can supply cold water. Other devices can also deliver cool, room-temperature water and/or piping hot water at the touch of a button. Most refrigerator manufacturers specify a peak temperature for their products, while others may have adjustable temperature settings.