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TOP 10 best water coolers: Comparison Chart
Avalon Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Avalon Dispenser for 3 or 5-gallon bottle
Primo Bottom Loading Water Cooler
HomeLabs Bottom Loading Water Dispenser for 3 or 5 Gallon Bottle
Avalon Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Avalon Dispenser for 3 or 5-gallon bottle
Primo Bottom Loading Water Cooler
HomeLabs Bottom Loading Water Dispenser for 3 or 5 Gallon Bottle
Elkay Wall Mount Non-Filtered ADA Cooler
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler
Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
Avalon Premium Hot/Cold Top Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
Elkay Wall Mount Non-Filtered ADA Cooler
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler
Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
Avalon Premium Hot/Cold Top Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
Sale
Best Overall: Avalon Self Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser Review
This bottleless water cooler from Avalon takes the spotlight in our best water cooler review list, and for multiple good reasons. One of them would be that it has a carbon block neatly installed and a multi-layer sediment system just so that you can be 100% sure that the water will be as clean as possible.
A good use also comes from the adapter with a shut-off valve and the filter flushing adapter that are inside this unit.
Did we mention the self-cleaning feature? Yes, it has one as well, so it's safe even as an office water cooler
Considering that it has a really decent price in comparison to the other candidates, this water cooler seals the deal with its dual filtration system and the self-cleaning feature.
Why We Like It
- Dual filtration
- Bottleless
- Self-cleaning feature
- Child-safe
Tri-Temp: Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Review
We move on with a nice example of a bottom load water cooler that's manufactured and owned by Brio. We chose this unit for the benefit of having included a triple temperature command. Not only does it deliver cold and hot water in your glass, but you also have the option of drinking room-temperature water for those of you out there with a seasonal sore throat.
Not only that, but this 5-gallon water cooler has a self-cleaning system that can be activated just by pressing a button. This will start an Ozone Self-Cleaning session in the unit.
The fact that you can have room-temperature water is an underrated comfort that most of us don’t appreciate. This water cooler is going to go great near your desk.
Why We Like It
- Tri-Temp Setting
- O-zone self-cleaning system included
- Has a nightlight
- Convenient bottom load
Bottom Loading: Avalon Dispenser for 3 or 5 Gallon Bottle Review
The one thing that separated this small water cooler from the rest, or at least according to the general feeling among the users, was its slick innovative design and a nice cabinet made out of stainless steel for longer durability.
As long as you keep it clean and properly maintained, it can even be used as a countertop water cooler without having to be worried.
There is no doubt that you will get the superior quality and the enhanced usability that you expect when you add this to your surroundings
Our favorite fact about it is that you can load it from the bottom and avoid that pull and raise motions that require some strength
Why We Like It
- Enhanced usability
- Bottom loading
- Consistent temperature
- Slick design
Stainless Steel: Primo Bottom Loading Water Cooler Review
Not being exactly a portable water cooler, this nice metal unit will provide your filtered water like a champion. It can dispense piping-hot water if you wish to make tea, or ice-cold water for those summer days that don’t seem to end and you’re always thirsty.
You can be sure that this stainless steel water cooler is UL certified and is also Energy Star rated for your own comfort and trust.
It requires absolutely no tools to install and easy to maneuver when putting it in its place.
The stainless steel door is a great extra in comparison with other models and it can last for long years of use. The fact that its portable does it a great favor in the race to the best water cooler.
Pros
- It comes with a drip tray
- No tools required
- Stainless steel door
- UL certified
Cons
- It comes with only a 1-year warranty
Compact Design: HomeLabs Bottom Loading Water Dispenser for 3 or 5 Gallon Bottle Review
It seems we just hit the middle of our reviews list and we continue with this electric water cooler from HomeLabs that comes with a child safety lock just in case you have small kids in the house and don’t want to risk your kid pouring hot water on his hands. That feature was one of our favorites along with the intuitive control panel that has a night light so you don’t have to open the house lights if you’re thirsty at night.
Just plug it in and enjoy that crystal clear water that has been filtered and cleaned out in a matter of seconds since the water cooler got plugged in.
Pros
- It can fit bottles between 3 and 5 gallons
- Child safety lock feature
- 2-year warranty period
- Comes with a LED night light
Cons
- It can take up a little bit more space than the rest of the water coolers
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Antimicrobial: Elkay Wall Mount Non-Filtered ADA Cooler Review
The next example would be more of what you would be likely to see in a school, right on the corridors. But truth be told, it can be used as an indoor cheap water cooler or even as an outside personal water cooler for your backyard.
You would be surprised, but it is a hot and cold water cooler that has a certain appeal just by standing out with the help of its antimicrobial protection and the durable vandal-resistant features.
Your kids will love it, being at the right height for them, and the energy-efficient system that is integrated will ensure a low energy consuming item.
Pros
- Antimicrobial protection in place
- Energy-efficient system
- ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) if you install it properly, of course
Cons
- Not so useful if used as an office water cooler
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Safety Switch: Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Review
What observed to be the most appealing feature of this freestanding water cooler was that loading the water bottle requires little to no effort, as you are not required to lift and flip jugs of water.
Just so you and your entire family feel safe, it is manufactured with a dedicated child safety lock feature so everyone is worry-free.
Like other similar products, it also possesses 3 different water spouts for exactly 3 water temperature, hot-cold, and room temperature, although it's not exactly a countertop bottleless water cooler
Users liked the fact that it has 3 water spouts, which bring a considerable amount of comfort. Top that with its smooth innovative design and you have a good candidate.
Pros
- Innovative design
- A triple faucet dispenser system
- Anti-bacterial shield on the splash plate
Cons
- Unfortunately, it comes only in black, but a small price to pay for healthy filtered water around you, we believe
Top Loading: Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Review
Besides the fact of being a self-cleaning water cooler, we liked this model especially for the fact that it can be used as a desktop water cooler and you wouldn’t feel a difference.Just imagine that you will not have to stay and wait for a pot or a kettle to boil, just so you can enjoy nice hot cocoa or tea, even instant ramen soup!
Because of the top-loading system, you can put it on absolutely any countertop or desktop because it doesn’t require available space on the bottom part.
If it happens that you have a wide desk where you work, you can use this water cooler perfectly as a desktop one, to take fewer trips for refills.
Pros
- Easily maintained
- Silent
- One of the most affordable tabletop water coolers
Cons
- It doesn’t have the option to release water at room temperature
Sale
Consistent Temperature: Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser Review
According to brio energy reviews, this is a solid example from Avalon that will serve you for at least 2 years, that being the warranty that is provided by its manufacturer.
Weighing only 38 pounds, it’s easily maneuverable when you need to clean the carpet underneath or just to put a plumbed in water cooler
You can be sure it will provide a constant temperature throughout the day, so you can combine the streams as you wish. Some prefer to pour ¾ of cold water and ¼ of hot water to bring to a balance
Being so easily maneuverable, we can understand why it made the top 10 best water coolers list, not to mention about the energy efficient setup.
Pros
- Consistent temperature
- Water dispenser with slick design
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Some users complained that it takes more than 10 seconds to start when plugged. But a small delay shouldn't be a big issue
Bottleless: Avalon Premium Hot/Cold Top Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser Review
Although it might not be just the best bottleless water cooler compared with some of the other candidates, a big feature the recommends this piece is that is it manufactured by one of the most successful water cooler brands, being Avalon.
Being a bottleless water cooler has its advantages, as easy handling and easy cleaning because of the small surface it has.
This mini water cooler will be our last product to evaluate for this reviews list
Just the fact that it has such a good price, you can consider it a good choice for a tight budget, when it has the key features of dual filtration and carbon block.
Pros
- Safe brand
- Dual filtration system
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Cons
- The tray is not easily removable and has to be firmly pulled out
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About The Best Water Cooler
Benefits of a Water Cooler
No matter you own a water cooler with a fridge or just water dispensing cooler, the general benefits are the same, such as:
- The water is much tastier when it’s filtered
- It’s like a constant reminder so you won’t forget to hydrate if you have it right there in the room.
- It’s a cool way to hydrate for the kids, who often forget to do so.
Remember them when looking to buy the best all in one water cooler
How Does a Water Cooler Work?
To explain as simply as possible, the water from the bottle you install is being cool by using a refrigerant system and, once it reaches a gas form, it will travel down the pipes.
Once in the pipe system, the heat will be absorbed from that mineral water and will leave refreshing and cool water for you to drink.
Do Water Coolers Have Filters?
At least the models that were manufactured in the recent years have a filter incorporated so that the dispensed water is as clean as possible and all the mineral residues are taken out from it
What is the Capacity of a Water Cooler?
Most of the water cooler models tend to have storage space for bottles that range from 3 to 5 gallons of water.
Ideally, you should choose what capacity you need based on the number of people it is supposed to serve. For example, in an office, it would be ideal to buy one that has a big storage space for water bottles.
How Long Can You Keep Water in a Water Cooler?
As long as you store the bottles tightly sealed and in a cool, dark location, the bottles are supposed to keep the water safe to drink for around 6 months.
Ideally, the water should be stored in clean plastic, enameled metal, fiberglass or glass containers.
How Do You Clean a Water Cooler?
To be on the safe side, when you decide it’s about time you cleaned the water cooler in your home, just follow a couple of basic instructions as follows:
You will have to mix one cup of white distilled vinegar with three cups of hot water.
After you carefully mixed the ingredients, just pour the solution down the cooler’s reservoir and wipe the insides of it with a microfiber cloth.Use another clean towel afterward just to make sure it’s safe to put drinkable water inside.
How to Choose the Best Water Cooler
When it’s about time you have to buy a water cooler, remember you have several features that should be in your interest, so pay attention when it comes to the following:
Size
The size of the water cooler should be present in your mind at all times, as you don’t want to risk getting home with your brand new water cooler only to find out it’s too big for the intended space.Or another factor would be to know how many people will its server, to get the appropriate size for your group of people.
Capacity
The most common capacities are the 3 gal water cooler and the 5 gal water cooler because according to multiple surveys, that is the amount of water consumed on average by office employees daily, in a small office that is.
Material
Even when it comes to the material from which the water coolers are fabricated, you have multiple options, ranging from general simple plastic covers to slick and innovative stainless steel design, with a more serious tone added to it.Usually, it’s just a matter of preference, with the mention that stainless steel is more durable in time comparing with the plastic material.
Ease of Use
There is a noticeable amount of water cooler that was manufactured in recent years, and they are getting easier and easier to use.
Some don’t even require physical strength, as they function without bottles, by being hooked up straight to your water pipes.
You can find bottom load designs and top load designs, covering all the options that you could think of.
Safety Options
If you know you have small kids around the house, or even clumsy adults, make sure your water cooler has a safety option incorporated in it. Usually, the system applies to the hot water stream, as it can easily burn a person’s skin.
Temperature Control
If you are willing to chip in with a little extra budget, you can get yourself even the best alkaline water pitcher or the tri-temp system versions, to get the exact temperature that you wish.
Need some good ol’ cup of tea? No problem, you have the hot stream. Need to quench that thirst but you have a sore throat? No problem, you have room-temperature water ready at your disposal.
Self-Cleaning Option
In case you think you will not have time to maintain and clean your water cooler, make sure you get yourself one that has a self-cleaning option, as you have several decent models on the market with this feature.
Price
Prices can range from $100+ to $300+ depending on what features do you think are necessary for your establishment. If you want some nice stylish design with stainless steel, then you should expect prices up to $400. If you just need a hydration source and you don’t exactly care for design, then you can find prices as low as $100
Best Water Cooler Types
Bottom Load
A good product that requires little to no effort for you to install a new jug of water, as the bottom load system allows you to simply place it underneath the faucets and connect the pipes, that’s it. Some people prefer to get the best soda maker instead of a water cooler in the kitchen, though these models are different.
Top Load
The top load is usually used in office establishments, as the bottom part of the furniture is often used to stack documents and other office supplies. And you can watch the air bubbles go up when you pour yourself a glass of water, that’s always mesmerizing to witness.
Countertop
You can go for a countertop water cooler if you want to install one in your kitchen. They manufactured with space-saving in mind, and they usually fit perfectly on a regular-sized kitchen countertop, near your best countertop ice maker, for you and your family to use every day
Verdict and our Recommendation for 2023
Avalon Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser is our reviewer’s top choice. Most of them agreed that it is the best water cooler on the market at the moment according to all the reviews and feedback from verified buyers. It has passed all our tests and we are satisfied with the product. So satisfied that we will not hesitate to recommend it to whoever needs assistance when it comes to purchasing their next best water cooler 2023. If you want to find out what other appliances can improve comfort in your home, check out MyKitchenAdvisor and get inspired.