The Consumer’s Guide to Water Coolers
A Refreshing Look at Water Coolers
A water cooler is a device that cools and dispenses water. There are two distinct types: bottle-less and bottled water dispensers. Bottleless water coolers are hooked up to a water supply, while bottled water coolers require bottle delivery from vendors. Water coolers come in a diversity of models to suit every taste and need. You will find bottled and bottleless water coolers, floor models and countertop units. Available in a range of sizes, different versions offer special features.
To decide which water cooler is for you, you must ask yourself whether the taste and quality of spring or mineral water is your top priority. Or would any filtered water be sufficient? Are you prepared to be involved in an ongoing process with a water delivery service, or do you prefer a one-time purchase with unlimited supply at the touch of a spigot? What capacity do you require, which space considerations do you have?
Water Cooler Sizes and Styles
Water Coolers come in freestanding, countertop and mini versions. The freestanding bottled cooler floor model uses 3- or 5-gallon bottles (12L or 19L). The tabletop/countertop version uses 2-or 3-gallon (8L or 12L) bottles. The mini water cooler, which sits on the countertop, uses a ½ gallon (2L) bottle.
Water Coolers come in models that offer hot, cold and room temperature water. They
come in a variety of designs, colors and shapes to appeal to any taste. Rounded, square-like, or tall and sleek, you will find versions in black, white, stainless steel, charcoal-gray, and silver. Some are made of stainless steel, while others are of high-impact plastic with a stainless finish. Designer models with real wooden cabinets will add a distinguished touch of mahogany, brown or unfinished wood to your home or office.
If you value versatility, you can even treat yourself to a convertible design for easy transformation from freestanding to countertop and back again.
Water Coolers are operated by either thermo-electric or compressor units. Thermo-electric units are silent and the most cost-efficient to operate but should not be used in very hot environments. Powerful compressor units produce colder water and work well even in the highest temperatures.
Water Cooler Features
Numerous features will enhance your consumer satisfaction, ensuring that you enjoy your water cooler with greater ease and added convenience.
A cup storage compartment is an additional boon. No need to hunt for a cup at the last minute!
A removable drip tray makes for easy clean-up of any spillage.
Indicator lights let you know when your hot or cold water is ready for dispensing.
A night light is simply a pleasure for that middle-of-the-night thirst quencher!
The childproof safety lock on the hot water dispenser dispels parental concerns as to age-inappropriate usage.
An adjustable cold water thermostat allows for personal preference and is an energy-saver, as well.
The hot-water kettle feature employs another important energy-saving technique. Water is heated only as needed - and in a matter of minutes!
The insta-hot feature provides hot water without reboiling and is thus energy- and cost-efficient.
Electronic digital displays and convenient push buttons are featured in many new designs.
Some of the up-to-date bottled water coolers boast a spill saver system to prevent waste of water at bottle-changing time. They may also feature an optional bottle cover which fully encases the water bottle and is a precise match in color, material and design to the rest of the machine. A water level indicator displays the quantity of remaining water by means of a viewing window made in the bottle cover.
Bottleless water coolers may come with a water leak detector.
How to Care for Your Water Cooler
To clean the drip tray, pull up on the tray and it should detach from the water dispenser. Be careful to pull smoothly or whatever is in the tray will slosh. Clean the tray with warm soapy water and place back on the dispenser.
Many water coolers feature a sanitizable tank and components (particularly those coming into direct contact with the water you will be drinking) for easy removal and cleaning. Read the label to identify those which are dishwasher safe.
For a quick review of the differences between bottled and bottleless coolers see our article, Water Cooler Options: Bottled vs. Bottleless Water Coolers.
