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A water cooler offers easy access to a plentiful supply of cold, refreshing water. This convenient appliance is useful in the workplace, in private homes, in businesses—anywhere there are people who appreciate liquid refreshment on demand.
Water coolers come in a range of styles and designs. There are countertop, wall-mounted, plumbed-in (point-of-use), and freestanding units to fit any space. These coolers don’t just dispense freezing cold water, either. They can dispense cold, cool, room temperature, or hot water in an instant. Stay refreshed with the best water cooler options featured below, and see our shopping tips to help choose the right one.
- BEST OVERALL: Brio Self-Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler
- RUNNER-UP: Avalon Bottom-Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Primo Hot Cold Temp Top-Loading Water Dispenser
- UPGRADE PICK: Brio Moderna Bottom-Load Water Cooler Dispenser
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICE: Primo Deluxe Hot/Cold/Room Temp Water Dispenser
- BEST TOP-LOADING: Primo Deluxe Top-Loading Water Dispenser
- BEST BOTTOM-LOADING: Primo hTRIO Bottom-Loading Water Dispenser
- BEST TOUCHLESS: Avalon A6 Touchless Bottom-Loading Water Cooler
- BEST COUNTERTOP: Brio Top-Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
- BEST PORTABLE: Avalon Countertop Bottleless Electric Water Cooler
- BEST PORTABLE PUMP: Myvision Water Bottle Pump
How We Chose the Best Water Coolers
Whether at home or at the office, a water cooler will likely attract a lot of use, so it’s important to choose one that is well suited for the space. We researched product specifications and considered consumer reviews to narrow down our top picks, selecting water coolers with good specifications and great real-world performance.
The best water coolers are pleasant to use and easy to maintain. We chose water coolers with user-friendly buttons or spigots, multiple temperature modes, and hot water safety-lock features to ensure both convenience and safety. Extra features like night lights, adjustable temperatures, and an attractive design earned coolers extra points.
In terms of easy maintenance, we searched for features like removable and dishwasher-safe drip trays or even entire self-cleaning systems. Lastly, to cover most shoppers, we included water coolers at a range of price points to make it easier to stay hydrated within budget.
Our Top Picks
A water cooler is a convenient appliance to have at home or in the office—perfect for on-demand glasses of ice-cold water or hot mugs of tea. Our top picks are easy to use and provide instant access to cold or hot water:
Best Overall
Brio Self-Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler
With a bottom-loading design and a self-cleaning function, this Brio water cooler is as appropriate for home as it is for the workplace. It dispenses cold, room temperature, and hot water and has a modern stainless-steel housing that complements stainless kitchen appliances.
The hot-water dispenser is outfitted with a child-safety lock to protect kids from accidental hot-water burns. Another point in this cooler’s favor is its convenient ozone self-cleaning feature, which runs a disinfectant cleaning cycle at the press of a button. Though the bottle is hidden in the cooler’s lower cabinet, a digital display will signal when the water bottle is almost empty and needs to be replaced.
This cooler accommodates 3- or 5-gallon water bottles and is Energy Star certified. For even more energy savings, the back panel has individual switches to control the hot water, cold water, and night-light feature. To save energy, just switch off the features that aren’t being used.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold, hot, and room temperature
Pros
- Sleek design with stainless steel finish and digital empty-bottle alert display
- Self-cleaning ozone feature simplifies interior cleaning
- Option to switch off night light and cold and hot water to conserve energy
Cons
- Cold and hot water temperatures are not adjustable
Get the Brio self-cleaning water cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair (black).
Runner-up
Avalon Bottom-Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
Avalon’s tri-temperature water cooler features on/off switches on each temperature toggle to conserve energy if the machine is not heating or cooling water. Even at full capacity, though, this unit is Energy Star certified.
The water cooler dispenses cold, cool, and hot water and has a child-safety lock on the hot-water button. Its removable drip tray makes this cooler easy to keep clean. The convenient bottom-loading design makes it easy to load standard 3- or 5-gallon jugs.
When the container is running low, the empty-bottle indicator light will illuminate. It also has a built-in night light, which comes in handy when dispensing middle-of-the-night glasses of water.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold, hot, and cool
Pros
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and Energy Star certified, designed with safety and energy conservation in mind
- High-contact surfaces are treated with an antimicrobial coating
- Good flow rate and reliable water temperature
Cons
- Some reviewers note that this unit can be loud
Get the Avalon bottom-loading water cooler at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
Best Budget
Primo Hot Cold Temp Top-Loading Water Dispenser
If you are looking for a no-frills water cooler that gets the job done, this top-loading water cooler dispenser from Primo is a worthy contender. This budget-friendly pick provides quick access to hot or cold water at the touch of a button. It has a classic top-loading design (as well as a traditional office water cooler look) that fits any compatible 3- or 5-gallon jug. A child-safety lock makes this cost-friendly water cooler a safe option to have in the home or the office.
One benefit of a basic water cooler is the easy maintenance process. This water cooler features a spill-proof bottle holder with a leak guard, a movable dishwasher-safe drip tray, and a filterless design (which means no filters to clean or swap out). Setup and maintenance is as easy as loading a bottle and making sure the drip tray is clean.
Product Specs
- Type: Top-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold or hot
Pro
- Affordable and no-frills, with a classic water-cooler look
- Hot-water button includes child safety latch
- Stainless steel drip tray is removable and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Lacks a room-temperature water option
Get the Primo hot cold temp top-loading water cooler at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Target, or Primo.
Upgrade Pick
Brio Moderna Bottom-Load Water Cooler Dispenser
Adjustable temperature settings set the Brio Moderna bottom-load water cooler dispenser apart from other options on this list. With this upgraded bottom-loading water cooler, you can choose your temperature for the cold- and hot-water spouts. The temperature ranges from a chilly 39 degrees Fahrenheit to a piping hot 194 degrees Fahrenheit to dispense water as cold or as hot as needed.
With water this hot, the dispenser has a child-safety lock on the hot-water spout. Like most standard water coolers, it fits a 3- or 5-gallon bottle. A low-bottle notification feature lets you know when it’s running low so you won’t be stuck without fresh water.
To ensure the unit stays clean, this water cooler has a self-cleaning ozone feature that sanitizes the water tank and lines. On top of all its convenient features, this Energy Star-certified unit is made of stainless steel for extra durability and a sleek look.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Adjustable temperature from 39 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Adjustable cold and hot water temperatures with a wide temperature range
- Self-cleaning ozone feature helps clear bacteria and biofilms
- Upscale look and feel with a digital display and softly lit touch-sensitive buttons
Cons
- These features come at a cost, and this dispenser is pricier than most
Get the Brio Moderna water cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Brio.
Best for Home Office
Primo Deluxe Hot/Cold/Room Temp Water Dispenser
This midrange water cooler from Primo strikes an excellent balance between a reasonable price and premium features, making it well suited for a home office. This deluxe cooler is relatively affordable while also boasting some functions that aren’t common in cheap water coolers.
It has a convenient bottom-loading design (so almost anyone can load it) and dispenses ice-cold, hot, and room-temperature water. An internal stainless steel reservoir helps prevent bacteria growth and unpleasant tastes.
Quiet operation and a sleek stainless steel front make this dispenser a good choice for an at-home workspace. A child-safety feature, LED night light, and dishwasher-safe drip tray enhances safety and convenience.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold, hot, and room temperature
Pros
- Relatively quiet operation makes it an unobtrusive choice for a home office
- Bottom-loading design is easier to load
- Stainless steel finish and single-spout design looks nice and neat
Cons
- Some customers have reported that their units may have an unstable low-bottle indicator
Get the Primo Deluxe hot/cold/room temp water cooler at Lowe’s.
Best Top-Loading
Primo Deluxe Top-Loading Water Dispenser
Cat and dog parents will love the Primo top-loading water dispenser with a pet station. It comes with a built-in pet bowl (which can be installed on the front or either side of the dispenser) that fills at the press of a button. For those who don’t have pets at home (but might have the occasional furry guest), the dishwasher-safe pet bowl is removable.
Besides its pet-bowl feature, this water dispenser is just as practical for people. It provides cold or hot water at the press of a button (with a child-resistant safety latch for the hot water). A removable dishwasher-safe drip tray makes cleaning spills easy, but spills will hopefully be few and far between since this dispenser has a spill-proof bottle-holder feature and an LED night light.
Product Specs
- Type: Top-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold or hot (room-temperature water for pet dispenser only)
Pros
- Removable, dishwasher-safe pet bowl helps provide clean water for cats and dogs
- Pet bowl can be mounted in front or on either side of the unit
- Features a bottle holder with a leak guard to simplify filling water bottles
Cons
- Lacks a room-temperature water setting for people (pet water bowl fills with room-temperature water)
Get the Primo Deluxe top-loading water cooler at Wayfair, Target, or Primo.
Best Bottom-Loading
Primo hTRIO Bottom-Loading Water Dispenser
Cold water, hot water, and piping-hot coffee is just a press of a button away with this water dispenser from Primo. Its standout feature is its single-serve coffee machine, which is built right into the cooler.
This dispenser can brew K-Cup and other single-use coffee pods as well as coffee grounds using the included reusable coffee filter. You can choose from 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce beverage sizes. Nestled between the cold and hot water spouts, the coffee maker looks unassuming, but is an excellent choice for coffee lovers at home or in the office. As a bonus, this unit has a storage section that fits 20 single-serve coffee pods.
Like many other Primo water dispensers, the hTRIO can take 3- or 5-gallon water bottles. It has a fast dispensing rate to fill jugs and pitchers quickly, an LED night light, and, of course, a child-resistant hot-water feature.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold or hot
Pros
- Includes a built-in single-serve coffee maker
- Users can brew single-serve coffee pods or their own coffee grounds
- Features built-in storage section for up to 20 single-serve coffee pods
Cons
- Lacks a room-temperature water option
Get the Primo hTRIO water cooler at Targetor Primo.
Best Touchless
Avalon A6 Touchless Bottom-Loading Water Cooler
This bottom-loading water cooler from Avalon is a hygienic, no-touch option for those who will be sharing the cooler with other users. It features paddle-style spouts for easy pouring. With light pressure on the paddles, this cooler will dispense water without turning spigots or pressing buttons. The hot-water spout has a child-safety lock, which does need to be pressed to access hot water.
This cooler has two temperature options—ice cold or piping hot. When they’re not in use, either spout can be switched off on the back panel to conserve energy. The back panel also has a night light switch to turn the night light on or off. With these energy-saving features, it’s no surprise that this cooler is Energy Star certified.
The bottom-loading design fits 3- or 5-gallon bottles and has an empty-bottle indicator to notify when the bottle needs a refill.
Product Specs
- Type: Bottom-loading
- Capacity: 3 or 5 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold or hot
Pros
- Touchless design with convenient press paddles
- Hot-water spout has a child-safety lock
- Energy Star certified, with the option to turn the night light and cold and hot water off
Cons
- Lacks room-temperature water option
Get the Avalon A6 water cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Avalon.
Best Countertop
Brio Top-Loading Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
For rooms with limited floor space, consider a compact countertop water cooler. The Brio top-loading countertop water cooler is an excellent choice for small break rooms, dorm rooms, and offices. Measuring only 20.5 tall by 12 inches wide by 15.5 inches deep, it has a small enough footprint to fit most spaces.
Even though it’s small, this water cooler doesn’t lack in features. It dispenses cold, hot, and room-temperature water on demand. To fit most cups, mugs, and water bottles, this countertop dispenser features a large dispensing area, similar to that of most full-size coolers. A removable tray makes this unit easier to clean, and a child-safety lock prevents kids from playing with the hot-water spout.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Water temperatures: Cold, hot, and room temperature
Pros
- Compact size and small footprint will suit most countertops
- Large dispensing area is similar in size to full-size water coolers
- Fits 3-gallon water bottles for user convenience
Cons
- May not be suitable for kitchens with limited countertop space
Get the Brio top-loading water cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Brio.
Best Portable
Avalon Countertop Bottleless Electric Water Cooler
To install this Avalon water cooler, all that’s needed is a compatible existing sink water line and a wrench to disconnect the water supply line. This design makes this countertop water cooler ideal for events like conferences and festivals where you may need water on demand but don’t want to set up a permanent or full-size water cooler. Since it supplies unlimited filtered water, it’s also an excellent choice for the home or office for those who want a bottleless water cooler with easy installation steps.
This water cooler dispenses cold, hot, and room-temperature water, all filtered through a dual-filtration system. The filters include a sediment filter and a carbon-block filter to remove contaminants like lead, particulates, chlorine, and unpleasant smells or tastes.
Product Specs
- Type: Point of use
- Capacity: Unlimited
- Water temperatures: Cold, hot, and room temperature
Pros
- Easy to install to any compatible sink waterline
- Bottleless and provides instant water once installed
- Dual-filtration system filters tap water for better taste and purity
Cons
- Once installed, you won’t be able to use the attached cold-water tap
Get the Avalon countertop water cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, Wayfair, or Avalon.
Best Portable Pump
Myvision Water Bottle Pump
It doesn’t make sense to take a whole water cooler on the go, so for camping and other situations away from home, consider a portable water bottle pump. The Myvision water bottle pump attaches right to the top of a gallon water barrel. As long as the bottle has a 2.16-inch neck (a standard size), it can suit bottles ranging from 1 to 5 gallons.
Using this bottle pump is straightforward. Just put it in the top of the gallon bottle, press the top button, and the pump sucks up water and disperses it through its spout. The pump is rechargeable, with a battery life long enough to pump through up to six 5-gallon water jugs. In between camping trips, just recharge the pump with the included USB cable.
Product Specs
- Type:Water pump
- Capacity: N/A
- Water temperatures: N/A
Pros
- Very easy to assemble and use; pours water at the push of a button
- Compact and easily portable; perfect for packing in the car
- Long battery life, lasting long enough to empty up to six 5-gallon bottles
Cons
- Some users note that flow rate is rather slow
Get the Myvision water cooler at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Water Cooler
There are several other features to consider when choosing a water cooler. The best water coolers share a few traits: they’re easy to use, easy to clean, and dispense water at the preferred temperature, whether cold or hot. The best coolers should also look nice and be the right size for the intended space. Here are some features to consider when choosing a water cooler.
Types of Water Coolers
There are two main types of water coolers: point-of-use and bottled coolers. Point-of-use water cooler dispensers connect directly to a building’s water supply and dispense tap water, which is often filtered by the cooler. Bottled water coolers dispense from a large water bottle, which is either top loading or bottom loading.
Point of Use
Point-of-use water coolers connect directly to the municipal water supply. They dispense tap water and thus do not require a water bottle, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “bottleless” water coolers.
Many point-of-use water coolers have a filtration mechanism to remove substances or improve the taste of water. The main advantage of this type of water cooler is that it has access to a continuous supply of water (barring any issues with the main water line, of course). These coolers can be wall-mounted or freestanding, upright units.
A point-of-use water cooler needs access to the building’s main water line. Some also require professional installation, which is an extra cost to consider. Although they may be pricier to buy and install, bottleless water coolers can save money in the long run because they don’t require regular deliveries of bottled water refills. They also tend to be much cheaper than a whole-home water filtration system. A point-of-use water cooler’s convenience is its major selling point: Users get a constant supply of water without lugging and replacing heavy water jugs.
Bottom Loading
Bottom-loading water coolers get their water supply from a water bottle. The water bottle mounts in the bottom half of the cooler in a covered compartment. The bottom-loading design makes unloading and loading bottles much easier. Rather than having to pick up and flip over a heavy bottle (as is the case with top-loading coolers), simply shimmy the water jug into the compartment and connect it to the pump.
Since bottom-loading coolers use bottled water, they can dispense other types of water—like mineral, distilled, and spring waters—in addition to tap water. The other nice thing about bottom-loading water coolers is they’re more aesthetically pleasing than top-loading coolers because the plastic refill jug is hidden from view in the lower compartment. For the same reason, consider a bottom-loading water dispenser that has a water-level notifier, which will make it easier to check for when it’s time for a new bottle.
Top Loading
Top-loading water coolers are a popular option because they’re so affordable. As their name suggests, water bottles are inserted spout down into the top of the water cooler. Because the cooler’s water comes from a jug, it can also dispense distilled, mineral, and spring water.
A top-loading water cooler’s biggest drawback is unloading and loading the water bottle, which can be a cumbersome process for some. Though some people may not like looking at a top-loading water cooler’s exposed jug, the jug’s water level is at least easy to monitor.
Countertop
A countertop water dispenser is a miniature version of a standard water cooler that’s small enough to fit on a countertop. Like standard water coolers, countertop units can be point-of-use models or source their water from bottles.
Countertop water coolers are portable and ideal for kitchen counters, break rooms, office waiting rooms, and other locations with limited floor space. However, they can take up a good deal of counter space, which may be an issue in rooms where tabletop real estate is limited.
Capacity
Point-of-use water coolers do not have a capacity limit—as long as water is flowing, these coolers will dispense it. Capacity is a factor to consider with bottled water coolers. Most of these coolers accommodate jugs that hold 2 to 5 gallons of water (3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles are the most common sizes).
Consider how often the water cooler will be used when choosing the right capacity. If the cooler will get a lot of use, get one with a larger capacity so it doesn’t run low too quickly. If the cooler will be used less frequently, choose one that accommodates smaller bottles. It’s best to avoid letting water sit for long because stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Energy Efficiency
The amount of energy a water dispenser uses depends on the model. Water coolers with on-demand cooling or heating tend to use less energy than those with hot and cold water storage tanks. Coolers with storage usually use more standby energy to maintain the tank’s water temperature.
Energy Star-certified water tanks are the most energy-efficient options. On average, an Energy Star-certified water cooler uses 30 percent less energy than one without that designation, which will save energy—and lower the electric bill—over the long term.
Water Filtration
Some water coolers are equipped with filtering systems, which can remove contaminants and improve the taste of the water. Depending on the filter, they can remove particles and contaminants like dirt, heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, and more. Coolers can filter water via ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or activated-carbon filters. Don’t forget that these systems’ filters will need to be replaced every so often, which is another expense to factor in when choosing a water cooler.
Water filtration is a common feature on point-of-use filters because these coolers dispense municipal tap water. Filtration is less of a concern with bottled water coolers because most water bottles contain filtered water.
Water Temperature Settings
Most coolers, whether bottled or point-of-use coolers, can dispense cold water. Other units can also provide cool, room-temperature, and/or piping-hot water at the push of a button. Most cooler manufacturers will specify their products’ peak temperatures, and others may have adjustable temperature settings.
A water cooler that dispenses both cold and hot water is a wise purchase. Having hot water on demand is handy for those who regularly consume tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and instant foods, or entertain guests or clients who do. When shopping for a cooler with a hot-water spigot, look for a unit equipped with a safety lock that prevents accidental use of the hot-water tap.
Noise Level
The amount of noise a water cooler makes is another factor to consider. Water coolers have a water pump to move water around and electrical elements to cool or heat the water, so they will all generate some level of noise.
How important noise level is depends on where the cooler will be situated in the home or office. Noise level might be low on the list of concerns if the cooler will be in an office break room or in a home’s garage. In high-traffic living areas or near desks in the workplace, a quieter water cooler is ideal. Water coolers don’t often share a noise level rating, so check shopper reviews to get an idea of its noise level.
Ease of Use
A good water cooler should be easy to use. Some units have buttons or spigots to activate pouring, while others are touchless. A cooler with enough area below the spout to fill water pitchers and reusable water bottles is especially useful in public spaces like gyms and restaurants.
Whether a cooler is easy to install is another important consideration, and one that might involve an extra expense on the owner’s part. Bottled water coolers are typically easier to install than point-of-use units, which usually require professional plumbing. Those shopping for bottled water coolers should bear in mind that bottom-loading units are much easier to load.
Water coolers need occasional cleaning to prevent buildup of mineral deposits and to keep germs from thriving. Proper cleaning maintains the quality and taste of the water. Though it takes just a little time, elbow grease and some vinegar or bleach will clean most coolers; however, not everyone will want the bother. In that case, self-cleaning water coolers may be a worthy investment.
Additional Features
Water coolers can be simple and straightforward but more often than not, they boast at least a few bells and whistles. One important feature to look for is safety locks. Child-safety locks can prevent little ones from playing with water spouts and wasting water. This is especially important for coolers that dispense hot water: A hot-water safety lock that prevents accidental burns is a good safety feature for both children and adults.
Other useful features found on some water-cooler models are night lights, empty-bottle alerts, and leak-detection alarms. For busy homes or offices, water coolers that are self-cleaning may be worth the extra cost. Refrigerated compartments, coffee dispensers, and carbonation options are other convenient features to consider.
FAQs
Whether it’s for daily use or a temporary measure (like providing drinking water when your tap water is cloudy), water coolers are just plain convenient. Once installed, a water cooler is easy to use and requires some simple maintenance like refilling and cleaning. Proper maintenance will keep a water cooler dispensing for years to come. Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing and maintaining a water cooler.
Q. How do I choose a water dispenser?
Water dispensers come in a range of types and sizes. Choose a water dispenser that is the right size and type (point-of-use or bottled) and has the water-temperature options that suit your needs.
Q. Do water dispensers use a lot of electricity?
Electricity usage will depend on the model. Water dispensers that are Energy Star certified will help cut back on the electric bill.
Q. How long can water sit in a water cooler?
For fresh and clean water, it’s best to replace the water bottle every month or so.
Q. Do I have to clean my water cooler?
Yes, it is important to clean a water cooler according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent bacteria, dirt, and mineral buildup.
Q. How long does a water cooler last?
With proper maintenance and cleaning, a water cooler can last upwards of a decade.
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