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.
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.
BOTTOM LOADING WITH BIOGUARD: 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). High contact areas are also treated with BioGuard anti-microbial coating to prevent bacteria growth.
CHILD SAFE: This product is UL Listed 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.
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.
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
CONVENIENT BOTTOM LOAD: Stop struggling to pick up heavy water bottles and simplify your life with the easy bottom load water cooler. Save your back from strains and invest in the cooler that allows for easy bottle replacements, as the bottom load cabinet conveniently keeps your bottle safely tucked away.
SELF-CLEANING: Maintain the cleanliness of the cooler with the Ozone Self-Cleaning feature. Enjoy the ease of maintaining a clean cooler with minimal effort, simply press the button and let the unit take care of the rest.
HOT, COLD & ROOM TEMPERATURE: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between crisp cold, room-temperature and piping hot output, making it ideal for cool refreshments or toasty beverages.
NIGHTLIGHT: Nightlight feature gives visibility in the dimmest settings. Never struggle to see what is being poured or accidentally dispense from the wrong spout. The nightlight also allows for full visual access to the removable drip tray, so you know when it is time to clean it.
CHILD-SAFETY LOCK: Never worry about accidental pouring of hot water again with the two-step dispensing on the hot-water spout. Simply release the lock located above the dispensing button and enjoy soothing hot water at your fingertips. Rest assured that the safety of you and your loved ones are in the hands of Brio Water Engineers.
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
INCLUDED COMPONENTS: Top Loading Bottle Water Cooler Dispenser, Manual, Care Guide
SAFETY FEATURES: Never worry about accidental pouring of hot water again with the two-step dispensing on the hot-water spout; Simply release the lock located above the dispense button and enjoy soothing hot water at your fingertips; Always have visibility due to the nightlight that illuminates the dispense point, so pour fro Rest assured that the safety of you and your loved ones are in the hands of Brio Water Engineers
INNOVATIVE & STYLISH: Brio Essential has a sleek stainless-steel cabinet that makes this water cooler fit right into your home, kitchen or office; Enjoy the modern cooler that provides you with all that you need and more
HOT, COLD & ROOM-TEMPERATURE WATER: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between crisp cold, room-temperature and piping hot output, making it ideal for cool refreshments or toasty beverage, satisfying all your hydration needs
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 Rating
Energy Consumption per Year (kWh)
A+++
75-100
A++
101-150
A+
151-200
A
201-300
B
301-400
C
401-500
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.
