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Access to fresh drinking water is essential, but not all households can provide healthy water directly from the tap.Most cities do their best to ensure a water supply fit for human consumption.But cracked pipes, old pipes, or agrochemicals that seep into the water table can add harmful heavy metals and toxins to tap water.Relying on pure bottled water alone is expensive, so a more economical and convenient solution might be to equip your kitchen with a water dispenser.
Some water dispensers use purified water from a water distribution center.This water is purchased separately, in canister-style containers that can often be refilled, or at many grocery stores.Others take water directly from the faucet and filter it to remove impurities.
The best water dispenser will meet individual consumer needs, purification preferences and personal style, and address the specific issues of the water itself.Look ahead, learn what to look for when buying a countertop water dispenser, and find out why the following are solid options for providing clean, healthy drinking water.
A countertop water dispenser can replace the need to buy bottled water or store a water filter can in the refrigerator.The first consideration when buying a water source is: does it come from the tap and go through a series of filters, or does it need to be purchased in a can of purified water?The cost of a water dispenser depends on the technology, the type of filtration and the level of purification required by the user.
Countertop water dispensers vary in size and amount of water they contain.The small unit—less than 10 inches tall and just a few inches wide—can hold about a liter of water, which is smaller than a standard pitcher.
Models that take up more space on a counter or table can hold up to 25 gallons or more of potable water, but most consumers are happy with models that hold 5 gallons.The unit that mounts under the sink doesn’t take up counter space at all.
There are two basic designs of water dispensers.With the gravity-fed model, the reservoir is located above the nozzle, and when the nozzle is open, water flows out.This type is usually found on countertops, although some users place it on different surfaces.
A sink top dispenser, perhaps more accurately called a “countertop access dispenser,” has a water reservoir under the sink.It dispenses water from a faucet mounted on top of the sink (similar to where a pull-out sprayer would be).
The sink top model doesn’t sit on the counter, which may appeal to those who prefer a neat surface.These dispensers often use a variety of filtration methods to purify tap water.
Filtered water dispensers most often use one or more of the following purification methods:
Not long ago, water dispensers could only deliver room temperature H2O.While these units still exist, modern models can cool and heat water.Delivers refreshingly cool or piping hot water at the touch of a button, no need to refrigerate drinking water or heat it on the stove or microwave.
The dispenser that provides hot water will contain an internal heater that will bring the water temperature to between approximately 185 and 203 degrees Fahrenheit.This works for brewed teas and instant soups.To prevent accidental scalding accidents, water dispensers that heat water almost always have child safety locks.
The dispenser for the cooling water will contain an internal compressor, like the type found in refrigerators, to reduce the temperature of the water to a cool temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gravity dispensers simply sit on a countertop or other surface.The top tank is filled with water or comes with a pre-filled water tank.Some countertop models have attachments that attach to the sink faucet.
For example, the hose that feeds the water from the dispenser can be screwed on the end of the faucet or attached to the bottom of the faucet.To fill the water dispenser’s tank, simply turn the lever to transfer tap water into the unit.These models are relatively DIY friendly for those with a little plumbing knowledge.
Most under-sink installations require the connection of the inlet pipe to the existing water supply, which usually requires professional installation.For appliances that require electricity to operate, it may be necessary to install an electrical outlet under the sink – this is always the job of a professional electrician.
Maintenance is minimal for most water dispensers, including countertops and sinks.The exterior of the device can be wiped with a clean cloth, and the tank can be removed and washed with hot soapy water.
The main aspect of maintenance includes changing the purification filter.Depending on the amount of contaminants removed and regular water usage, this could mean changing the filter every 2 months or so.
To qualify for Preferred, the water dispenser should be able to accommodate and easily provide enough drinking water to meet the needs of the user.If it’s a purifying model, it should clean water as advertised, with easy-to-understand instructions.Models that dispense hot water should also be equipped with a child safety lock.The following water dispensers are suitable for a variety of lifestyle and drinking needs, all providing healthy water.
The Brio countertop dispenser provides hot, cold and room temperature water on demand.It features stainless steel hot and cold reservoirs and includes a child safety lock to prevent accidental discharge of steam water.It also comes with a removable drip tray.
This Brio doesn’t have a purification filter; it’s designed to hold a 5-gallon tank-style water bottle.It is 20.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches long and 15 inches wide.Adding a standard 5 gallon water bottle to the top will add about 19 inches of height.This size makes the dispenser ideal for placing on a work surface or sturdy table.This unit has earned the Energy Star label, which means it’s more energy efficient than some other hot/cold dispensers.
Choose between hot or cold water with the Avalon Premium Countertop Dispenser, available in both temperatures on demand.This Avalon does not use purification or treatment filters and is intended for use with purified or distilled water.It measures 19 inches high, 13 inches deep, and 12 inches wide.After adding a 5 gallon, 19″ tall water bottle on top, it needs about 38″ of height clearance.
The sturdy, easy-to-use water dispenser can be placed on a work surface, island, or sturdy table near an electrical outlet for convenient access to drinking water.Child safety locks help prevent hot water accidents.
Tasty, healthy water won’t blow anyone’s pockets.The affordable Myvision Water Bottle Pump Dispenser mounts on top of 1 to 5 gallon water bottles and dispenses fresh water from its convenient pump.The built-in battery powers the pump, and once charged (including the USB charger), it can last up to 40 days before needing a charge.
The tube is made of BPA-free flexible silicone and the nozzle is stainless steel.While this Myvision model has no heating, cooling or filtration, the pump makes it easy and convenient to get water from a large kettle without the need for an additional gravity dispenser.The unit is also compact and portable, so it can easily be taken to picnics, barbecues, and other places that require fresh water.
There’s no need to buy a large kettle with the Avalon Self-Cleaning Water Dispenser.It draws water from the water supply pipe below the sink and treats it through two separate filters: a multi-layer sediment filter and an activated carbon filter to remove dirt, chlorine, lead, rust and bacteria.This filter combination provides clear, delicious water on demand.In addition, the unit has a handy self-cleaning feature that injects a stream of ozone into the tank to flush it out.
At 19″ high, 15″ wide, and 12″ deep, this dispenser is ideal for placement on top of counters, even in upper cabinets above.It requires access to an electrical outlet, dispenses steaming hot and cold water, and has a child safety lock on the heat outlet to help prevent accidents.
The compact cylindrical APEX dispenser is a solid choice for countertops where space is limited because it is only 10 inches tall and 4.5 inches in diameter.APEX water dispensers draw tap water on demand, so healthy drinking water is always available.
It comes with a five-stage filter (five filters in one).The first filter removes bacteria and heavy metals, the second removes debris, and the third removes bulk organic chemicals and odors.A fourth filter removes smaller debris particles.
The final filter adds beneficial alkaline minerals to the now purified water.Alkaline minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium, reduce acidity, raise pH, and improve taste.Includes all the accessories you need to connect the inlet hose to the faucet faucet, and in most cases, no plumbing is required, making the APEX dispenser a DIY-friendly option.
With the KUPPET water dispenser, users can add a 3 or 5 gallon water bottle on top to provide ample water for large families or busy offices.This countertop water dispenser features a dust-mite bucket seat for extra water hygiene and a hot water outlet with an anti-scalding child lock.
The unit has a drip tray on the bottom to catch spills, and its small size (14.1 inches high, 10.6 inches wide, and 10.2 inches deep) makes it ideal for placing on a countertop or sturdy table.Adding a 5 gallon water bottle will add about 19 inches of height.
Adding fluoride to municipal water systems has been controversial, with some communities in favor of using the chemical to reduce tooth decay and others arguing that it is bad for overall health.Those looking to remove fluoride from water may want to check out this model from AquaTru.
Not only does it completely remove fluoride and other contaminants from tap water, but reverse osmosis water is also considered the purest, best-tasting filtered water.Unlike many RO units for under-sink installations, the AquaTru sits on the counter.
The water passes through four filtration stages to remove contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, lead, arsenic, pesticides, etc.The unit will be installed under the upper cabinet and will be 14 inches high, 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
It requires an electrical outlet to operate the reverse osmosis process, but it only dispenses room temperature water.The easiest way to fill this AquaTru unit is to position it so that the sink’s pull-out spray reaches the top of the tank.
For healthy drinking water with a higher pH, consider this APEX device.It filters out impurities from tap water, then adds beneficial alkaline minerals to raise its pH.While there is no medical consensus, some people believe that drinking water with an alkaline pH is healthier and reduces stomach acid.
The APEX dispenser connects directly to the faucet or faucet and features two countertop filter tanks to remove chlorine, radon, heavy metals and other contaminants.At 15.1 inches tall, 12.3 inches wide, and 6.6 inches deep, the unit fits next to most sinks.
To produce pure distilled water on your countertop, check out the DC House 1 Gallon Distiller.The distillation process removes dangerous heavy metals such as mercury and lead by boiling water and then collecting condensed vapors.DC stills can process up to 1 liter of water per hour, or about 6 gallons of water per day, usually enough for drinking, cooking, and even humidifier use.
The internal water tank is made of 100% stainless steel, and the machine parts are made of food grade materials.The unit has an automatic shut-off feature that will close the tank when it is depleted.After the distillation process is complete, the water in the dispenser will be hot, but not hot.It can be chilled in a jug in the refrigerator, used in a coffee maker, or reheated in the microwave if desired.
No more heating water on the stove or in the microwave.With the Ready Hot Instant Hot Water Dispenser, users can get steaming hot water (200 degrees Fahrenheit) from the faucet at the top of the sink.The unit connects to the water supply line under the sink, and while it doesn’t include a filter, it can be connected to a water purification system under the sink if desired.
The tank below the sink measures 12 inches high, 11 inches deep, and 8 inches wide.A connected sink top faucet dispenses hot and cold water (but not cold water); the cold side connects directly to the water supply line.The faucet itself features an attractive brushed nickel finish and an arched faucet that accommodates tall glasses and glasses.
Staying hydrated is vital to good health.If your tap water contains impurities, adding a filtered water or countertop water dispenser that holds large bottles of purified water is an investment in your home’s health.For more information on water dispensers, consider the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Water coolers are specifically designed to cool drinking water and have an internal compressor, just like the compressors used in refrigerators to chill food.The water dispenser may provide room temperature water only or cooled and/or heated water.
Some people do, depending on the type.Water dispensers connected to sink faucets often contain filters that help purify tap water.Self-contained dispensers designed to hold 5 gallon water bottles typically do not include filters, as the water is usually already purified.
It depends on the type of filter, but in general, countertop water filters will remove heavy metals, odors, and sediment.Advanced filters, such as reverse osmosis systems, will remove additional impurities including pesticides, nitrates, arsenic and lead, among others.
maybe not.The water filter’s inlet hose is usually connected to a single faucet or water supply line.However, separate water filters can be installed in sinks throughout the house to provide healthy drinking water in bathrooms and kitchens.
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