Best Water Coolers for Home: Top Picks of 2023

Water coolers have become an essential appliance for any home, providing easy access to clean and fresh drinking water. These appliances not only promote healthy hydration habits but also minimize plastic waste produced by single-use bottles. A water cooler is a practical and eco-friendly solution for meeting your family’s daily water needs.

There are several types of water coolers, with the most common being top-loading and bottom-loading dispensers. Both types have their advantages and cater to different user preferences. Top-loading water coolers allow you to monitor the water level in the jug but may require more effort to replace the bottle. Bottom-loading units provide a more streamlined look, hiding the bottle from view, and are typically easier to load.

When selecting the best water cooler for your home, consider factors such as the dispenser’s capacity, energy efficiency, temperature options, and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, the availability of replacement water bottles or filtration systems should be considered to ensure continuous operation without hiccups.

We have dedicated our time to researching and evaluating various water coolers to present you with the best options for your household. Our comprehensive guide will assist you in finding the ideal water cooler to keep your family happily hydrated.

Best Water Coolers for Home

We have compiled a list of the top water coolers for home use, ensuring that you have access to refreshing and clean water whenever you need it.

Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser with BioGuard- 3 Temperature Settings- UL/Energy Star Approved- Bottled
  • Three temperatures: three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. This dispenser features a crisp Cold, cool, or piping hot Output
  • Innovative design: our sleek stylish stainless steel cabinet will make this water cooler fit right into your home kitchen or office.
  • Light the way: Our Built-In nightlight makes the water spouts clearly visible at night & has an empty-bottle indicator that lights up when the bottle needs to be replaced.Cooling Capacity: 2.5 L/H
  • Bottom loading: our water cooler is bottom loading to eliminate the strain of lifting, reduce spills and is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles (Bottle not included)
  • Child safe: this product is UL/Energy Star approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free

The Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser is a versatile and convenient choice for anyone looking to improve their home hydration experience.

Pros

  • Three temperature settings for customizable drinking options
  • Sleek and stylish stainless steel design
  • Built-in nightlight and child safety lock for worry-free use

Cons

  • Some users reported a noisy pump
  • Room temperature tap may be slightly colder than expected
  • Occasional leakage issues mentioned by some customers

We have been enjoying the Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser for some time now and find its three temperature settings (cold, cool, and piping hot) incredibly useful for various beverage preferences. Its sleek stainless steel design easily fits into our kitchen or office space and enhances the overall aesthetic.

One feature that’s made our lives easier, especially during those late-night trips to the kitchen, is the built-in nightlight. Not only does it illuminate the water spouts for better visibility, but it also has an empty-bottle indicator that lights up when it’s time for a replacement. The child safety lock on the hot water spout gives us peace of mind, knowing that the whole family can use the dispenser safely.

However, we did notice that the room temperature setting is a bit colder than expected, which might be an issue for some users. Furthermore, some customers have mentioned experiencing a noisy pump or occasional leakage. Despite these drawbacks, we still find the Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser to be a reliable and convenient investment for keeping everyone hydrated at home or in the office.

Igloo Top Loading Hot and Cold Water Dispenser

Igloo Top Loading Hot and Cold Water Dispenser - Water Cooler for 5 Gallon Bottles and 3 Gallon Bottles - Includes Child Safety Lock - Water Machine Perfect for Home, Office, & More - White
  • TOP-LOADING DISPENSER: Features an easy-to-use top-loading water system, which allows you to see if the water is running low. Suitable for 3 and 5-gallon water bottles (not included).
  • HOT & COLD WATER: When you use our water dispenser, choose between ice-cold and steaming hot water – perfect for cool, refreshing drinks and tea, coffee, hot cocoa, instant soup & more.
  • SAFE & EASY DISPENSING: Two dispensing paddles and two separate spigots for both cold and hot water make dispensing easy and allow you to refill almost any sized cup. The hot water dispenser has a child safety lock, preventing any accidental pouring.
  • REMOVABLE DRIP TRAY: The water cooler is equipped with a removable drip tray, allowing for a quick and easy clean-up. It features a convenient and stable freestanding design for versatile use.
  • IGLOO: Throughout our long, fun-filled, 75-year history, we’ve never taken a break from delivering coolness to the world. Today we continue to exceed the expectations of consumers and deliver innovative designs that go all-in on fun and performance.

The Igloo Water Dispenser is an excellent choice for those looking for a convenient and easy-to-use top-loading water cooler for their home or office.

Pros

  • Hot and cold water dispensing
  • Child safety lock for hot button
  • Easy to clean removable drip tray

Cons

  • No adjustable water temperature
  • Some users reported noise when cooling or heating
  • Inconsistent quality in manufacturing

Our experience with the Igloo Top Loading Hot and Cold Water Dispenser has been nothing short of satisfying. The top-loading design allows us to easily see when the water is running low, and its compatibility with both 3 and 5-gallon water bottles makes it perfect for home or office use.

The hot and cold water dispensing function works well, providing us with ice-cold water for refreshing drinks, and steaming hot water for tea, coffee, and instant soups. The child safety lock on the hot button gives us peace of mind, knowing that young ones won’t accidentally burn themselves while using the water cooler.

However, some users have reported that the machine can be noisy when the cooling or heating functions are active, which may be distracting in a home office setting. Additionally, it would have been great to have adjustable water temperature controls for those who prefer their water at specific temperatures.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Igloo Top Loading Hot and Cold Water Dispenser remains a great investment for anyone in need of a reliable and easy-to-maintain water cooler. The removable drip tray makes cleaning a breeze, and the freestanding design offers versatility in placement. If you’re in the market for a water dispenser that offers convenience and functionality, the Igloo Water Dispenser is a solid choice.

Frigidaire EFWC498 Top Loading Cooler Dispenser

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Frigidaire EFWC498 - Top Loading Cooler Dispenser -Hot & Cold Water - Child Safety Lock - Innovative Slim & Sleek Design, Holds 3 or 5 Gallon Bottles - Black
  • TOP-LOADING DISPENSER: The top-loading water system is simple to use and allows you to detect whether the water level is low. 3 and 5-gallon water bottles are compatible (Bottles not included)
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Freestanding, sleek, slim, and space-saving design is ideal for all kinds of spaces, making it perfect for homes, kitchens, offices, dorm rooms, and more. Because of the design, it will blend easily with your decor and leave space for you to utilize it for anything else you have in mind.
  • TWO TEMPERATURE SETTINGS: You may tailor your drinking experience by selecting one of two temperature settings, by choosing between ice-cold and steaming hot water – perfect for cool, refreshing drinks and tea, coffee, hot cocoa, instant soup & more!
  • SAFE & EASY: Dispensing is simple with two push buttons and two separate cold and hot water spigots. A child safety lock is included on the hot water dispenser to prevent any unintentional spilling.
  • PREMIUM & EFFICIENT: The stainless steel weld tank prevents overheating and water drainage, with the removable drip tray allowing for a quick and easy clean-up!

The Frigidaire EFWC498 is a reliable and versatile top-loading water cooler for your home, office, or dorm room.

Pros

  • Compatible with 3 and 5-gallon water bottles
  • Sleek, space-saving design
  • Two temperature settings: ice-cold and hot water

Cons

  • Top-loading may be inconvenient for some
  • Buttons may feel a bit flimsy
  • Water temperature may not be cold enough for some users

Last week, we tested the Frigidaire EFWC498 in our office and appreciated the convenience it brought to the space. With various temperature settings, we were able to enjoy both ice-cold drinks and hot beverages like coffee and tea. While the water temperature wasn’t as ice-cold as we would have liked, this cooler still provided a refreshing break.

The stylish and slim design of the Frigidaire EFWC498 easily fit into the office without taking up too much space. Its compatibility with 3 and 5-gallon water bottles also made it a versatile choice. However, we discovered that the top-loading design might be inconvenient for some users, especially when lifting and fitting a heavy water bottle. Additionally, we noticed that the buttons on this water cooler feel slightly flimsy, which might be a concern for some users in terms of durability.

Despite these cons, we believe the Frigidaire EFWC498 is a solid choice for anyone looking to purchase a water cooler for their home, office, or dorm room. Just be mindful of your preferences when it comes to loading the water bottle and water temperature.

Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

Brio CLBL520SC Self-Cleaning Bottom Load Water Cooler Dispenser for 3 & 5 Gallon Bottles – Hot, Room & Cold Spouts, Child-Safety Lock, LED Display & Night Light, Silver Stainless Steel
  • MODERN DESIGN: With a premium-grade stainless steel cabinet, the Brio water dispenser for 5-gallon bottles is a space-saving freestanding water station that adds sophistication to both homes and offices. Features high-quality internal components, including food-grade 304 stainless reservoirs that consistently deliver great-tasting water. Hassle-free installation takes just a few minutes with no tools, plumbing hookup, or landlord approval required, making this bottom-load water cooler dispenser ideal for renters and anyone who wants easy access to hydration in non-plumbed spaces like home offices, guest suites, and waiting rooms. UL Listed and certifed NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free material
  • BOTTOM LOAD: This bottom-loading water dispenser for 3- or 5-gallon bottles makes changing bottles easy and safe with no heavy lifting, awkward flipping, or accidental spills, and is especially great for people with physical limitations (like bad backs) that make lifting a 3- or 5-gallon bottle full of water painful, if not impossible. Also, the bottle stays concealed behind the stainless steel door so your bottom-load cooler always maintains its sleek, elegant look. Uses standard 3- or 5-gallon bottle (bottle not included)
  • HOT, ROOM & COLD: Your choice of 3 dispensing temperatures: piping hot, comfortably room temp, and crisply cold, so you can enjoy everything from nourishing soups to bracingly chill refreshments. Plus, unlike many water coolers, the Brio water dispenser features 3 different temperature spigots, each with a 9.61" dispense height, meaning no holding cups and bottles at awkward angles when filling up. And hot and cold buttons can be turned off if not desired, saving you energy costs too
  • LED DISPLAY & SAFETY LOCK: Bright LED lights illuminate when the self-cleaning water cooler's bottle is empty and needs to be refilled or replaced, when the self-cleaning ozone process is underway, and when hot and cold water are heating and chilling. Late night refills are no problem with the night light that illuminates the drip tray even in the darkest environments for no-spill pours. And keep the whole family safe from accidental hot water dispensing with the child safety lock that requires 2 steps to dispense hot water
  • SELF-CLEANING OZONE: With just a quick press of a button, you can initiate a 90-minute internal self-cleaning process that uses ozone to reduce biofilm buildup and other impurities in this self-cleaning water dispenser’s reservoirs and tubing, resulting in reliably clean and delicious water. Ozone dissipates as soon as cleaning is done and leaves no chemical taste or residue behind. And produced by electricity alone, ozone system never needs replacement and lasts for the life of the Brio water cooler

The Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser is an excellent choice for those looking for convenience, safety, and diverse temperature options.

Pros

  • Convenient bottom load feature
  • Self-cleaning with ozone technology
  • Hot, cold, and room temperature options

Cons

  • Thin and flimsy material
  • Noisy operation
  • Inconsistent temperature control

The Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser has made our life easier thanks to its convenient bottom load feature. We no longer struggle to lift heavy water bottles, as this cooler allows for simple bottle replacements. The bottom load cabinet keeps the water bottle securely in place, reducing the risk of spills and strains on our backs.

One impressive feature of this water cooler is its self-cleaning capability. We simply press a button, and the ozone technology takes care of the rest, ensuring that the cooler remains clean with minimal effort. With hot, cold, and room temperature options, we can enjoy a range of refreshments or warm beverages from this dispenser.

A built-in nightlight offers visibility even in dim settings, preventing accidental spills and making it easier to see the removable drip tray, which indicates when it’s time for cleaning. The child-safety lock on the hot water spout provides peace of mind, as it requires a two-step process to dispense hot water.

However, we have experienced some downsides with this water cooler. The material covering the top front seems flimsy and thin, resulting in dents for some users. The cooler can also be quite noisy during operation, which may not be suitable for all households, and the temperature control can occasionally be inconsistent, with water not being as cold as expected.

Overall, the Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser offers many advantages in terms of convenience, safety, and temperature options. However, potential buyers should consider the drawbacks related to its build quality, noise, and inconsistent temperature control before making a purchase decision.

Brio-CLTL520 Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

Brio-CLTL520 Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser - Hot & Cold Water, Child Safety Lock, Holds 3 or 5 Gallon Bottles - UL/Energy Star Approved
  • THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. Brio Essential dispenser features cold, room temperature or hot water
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Brio Essential has a sleek stylish stainless steel cabinet makes this water cooler seamlessly fit right into your home, kitchen or office
  • TOP LOADING FEATURE: Lago water cooler features a top loading water system and allows you to see if the dispenser is running low. This is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles
  • SAFETY: This Brio cooler is a UL/Energy Star Approved device and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so you can be worry free

We recommend the Brio-CLTL520 water cooler for its versatile temperature settings, sleek design, and child safety lock features.

Pros

  • Three customizable temperature settings
  • Stylish stainless steel design
  • Top-loading with a large water capacity

Cons

  • Some units may arrive with minor cosmetic imperfections
  • Water temperature may not be cold enough for some users
  • Noise level may be an issue

We recently tried the Brio-CLTL520 Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser and were impressed by its sleek stainless steel cabinet, making it fit perfectly in our home and office. The top-loading feature allows us to easily see if the dispenser is running low on water and accommodates 3-5 gallon water bottles.

One of the standout features is the three temperature settings – cold, room temperature, and hot water. We found this to be ideal for all our drinking preferences, especially for our morning coffee and cold refreshments throughout the day. The easy-to-use push-button controls made it user-friendly, and the child safety lock on the hot water spout was a great addition, ensuring worry-free use.

Although the Brio-CLTL520 is UL/Energy Star approved, we noticed that the water temperature might not be cold enough for some users, and the noise level may be an issue for those who prefer a quieter dispenser. Moreover, we observed some minor cosmetic imperfections on the unit, which might be disappointing for those who expect scratch-free products.

Overall, the Brio-CLTL520 Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser offers an excellent and stylish solution for those seeking versatile temperature options, a sleek design, and child safety features. If you can overlook the minor cosmetic issues and noise level, this could be the perfect water cooler for your home or office.

Buying Guide

Capacity

When choosing a water cooler for your home, it’s essential to consider its capacity. A smaller unit may be more appropriate if you have a limited space or only a few people who need access to it. On the other hand, larger families or a more crowded home might require a higher capacity model. Here are some general capacity guidelines:

  • Small: 1-2 people
  • Medium: 3-5 people
  • Large: 6 or more people

Cooling And Heating Feature

For convenience, many water coolers come with both heating and cooling capabilities. This allows users to access both hot and cold water easily. When comparing models, look for ones with simple controls for temperature settings to ensure easy use.

Energy Efficiency

As with any appliance, energy efficiency should be a top priority when choosing a water cooler. Look for a unit with an Energy Star certification, indicating it meets or exceeds efficiency standards. This not only helps reduce your energy consumption but also helps lower your electricity bills.

Energy Efficiency RatingEnergy Consumption per Year (kWh)
A+++75-100
A++101-150
A+151-200
A201-300
B301-400
C401-500

Filtration System

Having a filtration system integrated into your water cooler helps ensure clean, high-quality water is always available. As there are different types of filters, it’s crucial to understand which one suits your needs. The most common filters are:

  • Activated Carbon: Removes chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Reverse Osmosis: Eliminates a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria
  • UV Filtration: Kills bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light

Cleaning And Maintenance

A water cooler requires regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance and hygiene. Look for models with easy-to-clean components, such as removable drip trays and faucets. Having a self-cleaning feature is a bonus, as it will keep your water cooler free from bacterial buildup.

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