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Our list includes picks with touchless dispensers, built-in filtration systems, and even attachments for pet bowls.
Maddie Sweitzer-Lamme is a passionate and insatiable home cook and foodie. She has been writing about food in all its forms since 2014 and firmly believes that everyone can and should enjoy cooking.
If you think water dispensers are only for offices, think again. Water dispensers can provide fresh drinking water, and some options can filter tap water to fill an insulated water bottle. The best water dispensers can heat and cool water, saving you the time of brewing coffee in your coffee machine.
If you don’t have room in your home for a bulky, stand-alone water dispenser, don’t worry. We’ve found several compact tabletop models and portable kettles that are perfect for camping or lounging by the pool. We’ve even found a genius water dispenser that will keep your pet’s water bowl fresh and full. Read on to learn about the best water dispensers to stay hydrated at home.
With three temperature settings and a convenient bottom-loading design, this water dispenser is very convenient to use.
The Avalon Bottom Load Water Dispenser is a well-designed water dispenser with many features for smooth loading and dispensing of water, suitable for office or home use. Three temperature settings allow for cold, hot and room temperature water, and the hot water tap has a child safety lock to protect children from spills and accidental burns.
The bottom-loading design makes refilling the cooler easy, eliminating the need to lift and turn over heavy water bottles. A switch on the back of the cooler allows you to turn on hot and cold water as needed, and the self-cleaning cycle prevents build-up of bacteria and bacteria from entering the water.
For homes and offices with pets, the Primo Top Hot and Cold Water Cooler with Built-in Pet Bowl is the best choice. A button on the top of the unit directs fresh filtered water to the pet bowl below, which can be mounted on the front or sides of the cooler.
The cooling system of this dispenser can reach temperatures of up to 35°F and the heating block can reach temperatures of up to 188°F. A child safety lock, LED night light and drip tray make this device easy to use and suitable for any environment.
This bottleless water dispenser connects directly to your water source for trouble-free use. It’s also contactless.
If you no longer want to use bulky plastic water bottles, the Brio Moderna water dispenser could be your solution. The unit connects directly to the pipes under the sink to create an uninterrupted flow of water. This water dispenser features a three-piece filter that cleans and filters sediment to provide great-tasting water. The hot and cold water settings on the water dispenser can be adjusted to suit your temperature preferences, and the LED buttons on the front are easy to use and responsive.
The device also has a self-cleaning function that prevents the formation of deposits. This installation kit is a little more complicated than a regular water bottle dispenser, but is easy to use.
Dimensions: 15.6 x 12.2 x 41.4 inches | Container: Connects directly to water source | Number of temperature settings: 3
This water dispenser has a small footprint and is affordable, making it a great choice for a variety of settings.
The Igloo top-mount hot and cold water cooler costs $150, making it a more affordable option for smaller spaces and budgets. The top-loading design takes up less space, allowing this refrigerator to easily fit into tight kitchen or office spaces. The water dispenser has two temperature settings: hot and cold, and the hot water tap is equipped with a child-safe button.
As an added safety and energy-saving feature, there are switches on the back of the refrigerator that turn temperature control settings on and off. Plus, the convenient, removable drip tray prevents messes and puddles.
The faucet of this water dispenser is designed with a paddle design, allowing users to fill bottles and cups with one hand.
The Avalon A1 Top Load Water Cooler is another top load option that has a small footprint and simple heating and cooling functions. The device does not have a filtration system, but the dispensing system uses a paddle instead of a tap, allowing users to simply press and fill glasses and water bottles. This convenient feature is great for families, especially those with young children.
A power indicator lets you know when the water is heating or cooling, and users say the device is quiet and unobtrusive. A switch on the back of the unit allows you to control the hot and cold settings.
This highly insulated drinking water cooler is ideal for outdoor installations away from power sources.
For camping, poolside areas that don’t have floating coolers, and other outdoor areas where plug-in water dispensers don’t work, the Yeti Silo keeps water cold and easily dispenses it from the faucet at the base of the cooler. This cooler weighs 16 pounds before filling with water, so it’s heavy, which makes it more suitable for road trips since it won’t have to be moved very often.
The spigot on the unit is durable and fills quickly, but can also be locked during transport or if you want to use the silo as a regular cooler.
If your home or office doesn’t have enough space for a freestanding water dispenser, this tabletop unit can be installed in small corners and on desks. It holds a 3-gallon water jug, making it a good choice for individuals and couples who use less water. It offers hot, cold and room temperature water for a variety of drinks, plus a child safety lock.
While it lacks the heating and cooling features of some of our larger models, the stainless steel body looks stylish on your countertop and the drip tray keeps things organized.
The ideal capacity of a water dispenser depends on how much people drink from it and how often it is used. For a family of one or two people, a 3-gallon jug of water will last a week or two. For offices, larger homes, or other spaces that require more water from a cooler, a cooler that is compatible with a 5-gallon pitcher or even one that connects to a direct water source may be a better option.
Top-loading water coolers are usually the most common choice because they rely on gravity to force water into the dispensing mechanism. However, they are difficult to fill as large kettles are heavy and difficult to move. Bottom-loading refrigerators are easier to load, but they usually cost more.
Some people use water dispensers to get filtered water, while others need chilled or hot water for drinking and making tea and coffee. If you plan to use your hot water dispenser regularly and for a specific purpose, pay attention to the maximum temperature of the device you choose, as the maximum temperature can vary significantly from dispenser to dispenser. Generally speaking, the optimal temperature for drinking tea is at least 160°F. Be sure to check the available temperatures on your water dispenser.
Like water filter pitchers, some water dispensers have a water filter cartridge inside the machine to remove unwanted contaminants, odors and tastes, while others do not. If this is important to you, our Best Splurge option has a three-piece filter, or you can choose a filtered water pitcher or filtered water bottle to get the job done.
While all water dispensers have the same general features, some have special features such as safety locks to prevent children from getting hot water on themselves, LED lights for convenient nighttime use, built-in pet stations, and customizable heating. units and cooling settings. If you’re simply looking to increase your water usage, consider what additional features you’d like to spend more on.
Some water coolers have pre-programmed self-cleaning settings that should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Water coolers without a self-cleaning mechanism should be flushed regularly with a mixture of hot water and vinegar to prevent deposits from forming.
Generally speaking, it is best to drink your water cooler within 30 days of installing your new bottle. If you don’t need to consume as much water, you might want to consider using a smaller kettle.
Water dispensers that dispense water from a kettle usually do not filter the water because the kettle is already pre-filtered. Coolers connected to an external water supply typically filter the water.
Maddie Sweitzer-Lamme is an experienced professional home cook. She has worked in restaurant kitchens, professional test kitchens, farms and farmers’ markets. She is an expert in translating information on techniques, recipes, equipment and ingredients for all skill levels. She strives to make home cooking more enjoyable and is always looking for new helpful tips or tricks to share with her readers.