Wondering which is the best water cooler to buy? You have come to the right place. We spent more than 42 hours researching the best water cooler brands and pulled out a list of the top 5 water cooler dispensers for home and office use.
In this detailed water cooler review article, you will learn the factors to consider when buying a water cooler, and the pros and cons of each model to guide you to make an informed decision.
Remember, we do not own the products neither do we sell them, we are only committed to providing you with meaningful, informative and honest information to make your selection process simple.
What is a Water Cooler Dispenser?
A water cooler dispenser, as the name suggests, is a machine that can cool and heat water at various temperatures and dispense it. You can then drink the cold water or make a cup of tea or coffee in the office or at home. A water cooler can be used in numerous places, including homes, offices, hotels, boardrooms and more. The best thing about owning a water cooler is that you can drink water at your preferred temperature.
The Different Types of Water Coolers
Usually, there are 4 different types of water coolers on the market. They fall under two groups- countertop and freestanding. Countertop water coolers are the most affordable while freestanding ones are slightly pricey.
Let’s get into the details of each type
- Bottom Load Water Coolers
Bottom load water coolers are the most common types on the market today. They are similar to Top load coolers, but the loading of the unit is what makes them different. Bottom load water coolers are mostly used in homes and offices. They are comfortable to use and you do not need to apply more force to refill.
- Top Load Water Coolers
Top load water coolers are cheaper than Bottom load. However, you will require some effort to lift the water bottle and turn it upside down on top of the water cooler. These types of water coolers are commonly used in offices. They are maintenance-friendly and easy to operate.
- The Countertop Water Coolers
Countertop water coolers as the name suggests are machines you can place either on a table or a kitchen counter. They are the best portable water coolers out there and are ideal for use in areas with limited space. These water coolers are also affordable.
- The Bottleless Water Coolers
These types of water coolers do not need a water bottle. They are also known as Point Of Use Water coolers. This implies that you can place them anywhere as long as there are electricity and water source. The drawback with these types of water coolers is that they are pricey compared to all the above water cooler types.
How We Picked the Best Water Coolers?
As mentioned earlier, to pull out this list of the best water coolers, we spent more than 42 hours of research. We extensively researched the best brands; we scrutinized different related forums and tested several machines. We compared the features, the make, as well as customer recommendations and came up with the best of the best.
We hope up to this far you are convinced that you are in the right place.
Let’s get into the reviews of each water cooler.
5 Best Water Cooler Ultimate Reviews
1. Whirlpool Stainless Bottom Load Water Cooler – Hot & Cold
Looking for a self-cleaning water cooler? Grab the Whirlpool Stainless.
Unlike the dishwasher-safe water coolers out there, this machine features the 6Th Sense Self-Cleaning technology that utilizes Oxygen to kill bacteria and other harmful bacteria found in water.
This water cooler can dispense hot and cold water so you can quench your thirst and also make a cup of coffee and tea. This water cooler comes with all the great features you could get in a quality machine of its caliber. It can also hold up to 5 gallons of water, so it’s quite an excellent pick for home and office use.
Whirlpool is a brand that is trusted for the production of high-quality consumer electronics and this one is no exception. It is equipped with the best cooling options, plus it accommodates a large piece of ice to keep water cold at any given time. The stainless steel front makes it a durable machine you would not want to miss in your kitchen.
The greatest thing about this water cooler dispenser is that it does not eat your kitchen or office space and it is stylish in design to beautify your décor even more. The LED indicator will help you monitor the Self-cleaning process and also enable you to keep the cold and hot at the ideal temperature.
Another great thing about this water cooler is that it uses the bottom loading technology so you add water under the machine. In this case, you do not require to use more effort to lift the water jag as it is with top load water coolers.
Overall, although there are some few drawbacks with the water cooler, it’s not really a big put off bearing in mind that it packs the great features found in the latest water coolers, plus the fact that it is a self-cleaning, hot and cold machine.
Pros
- It features the latest technology- 6th Sense Self-Cleaning technology
- Has an attractive stainless front
- It is durable
- The LED light helps you to monitor the hot or cold temperatures as well as the self-cleaning process
- It can hold enough water capacity for home and office use- Up to 5 gallons of water
- It is a bottom load water cooler so loading water is easy
Cons
- The stainless steel front attracts fingerprints so you need to have a rag with you
- Its price is slightly higher
2. Primo Water Cooler Dispenser + Pet Station
– Best for Pet-friendly Homes & Offices.
If you like pets of which we know you do then Primo surprises you with it water cooler dispenser that will keep your pets hydrated throughout the day. You spend most of the day out of your home and it can be challenging to ensure your furry companion gets water throughout whenever you are not around. Why not grab this water cooler now?
Coming from a company that boasts the best water warmers, coolers and dispensers, this versatile machine is what you want to have in your home. It comes with an innovative detachable dishwasher-safe pet bowl you can place it in front of the water cooler. The greatest thing about this innovative design is that the machine doesn’t release water if the pet bowl is not placed correctly.
The placement of the pet bowl is not limited to the front only since you can place it according to the layout of your room- whether in the right or left. The premium stainless steel construction makes it a long lasting machine. Moreover, it is also equipped with kid-friendly features so your kids will remain safe from burns when drinking water from this unit.
The greatest thing about this machine is that it packs all the excellent features all at a budget-friendly price. In addition, it features an LED nightlight on the front so you can grab a glass of water at any time whether in the day or night. If you need hot water to make a cup of coffee or tea, you can press a separate button that releases steaming water.
Overall, this water cooler is an excellent pick for every pet owner and people with kids alike. You can rest assured of hot water to make a cup of tea or coffee and quench your thirst with a glass of cold water at the same time. Nevertheless, we observed a drawback that was also noted by most of the customers who reviewed it in that you will have to load the water jar and turn it upside down on the top which requires some effort.
Pros
- Removable dishwasher-safe pet bowl
- Hot and cold water dispenser
- Pet-friendly water cooler
- It is stylistic and professional in design
Cons
- The pet bowl does not refill automatically
- Top load water cooler so not ideal for older people
3. Primo 2 Spout Bottom Load White
– Best Hot & Cold Water Cooler for Home Use
Another best water cooler dispenser, yet from Primo is the Primo 2 Spout Bottom Load White that comes in a stunning white color that will complement any type of kitchen décor. It is a sturdy machine that can dispense cold or hot water with a single press of the buttons placed conveniently in front of the water cooler in a panel.
The fact that it’s a bottom load water cooler makes it ideal for home and office use. In fact, it looks great when placed in the office since the water bottle is stored at the bottom of the unit. The greatest thing about the machine is that it is constructed with a stainless steel material to provide durable and quality performance.
The bottom load water cooler can hold up to 5 gallons of water so you rest assured of enough water for your family at any time. It’s a user-friendly and energy-star rated. The removable dishwasher-safe drip will relieve you from the hassle of cleaning it. It also features a child-resistant technology for your kids ‘safety purposes.
Did we mention that it’s a bottom load water cooler? Well, you do not need to use muscles when loading water in this unit. No plumbing is required during the installation of this unit and if you want to also save money on energy bills, this is your best pick.
Summarizing, this unit delivers exactly what it promises. The capacity of water it can accommodate is enough to serve your entire family plus the kid safety feature helps to keep your kids from burns. It’s not a hassle to load water on this unit since all is done from the bottom of the unit and not like the top load water coolers where you will have to lift the water jar and turn it upside down on top of the unit.
Pros
- Durable and removable drip tray
- Energy-star rated so you will save money on energy bills
- It comes with a kid-resistant feature to keep your kids safe from burns
- Top load water cooler for the convenience of loading water on the unit
- Fast water heating
- It features a stylistic design
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Not easy to see the water bottles
4. Primo 3 Spout Top Load
– Stainless Steel Water Cooler
Worried about how you can drink water at night? The Primo 3 Spout top load water cooler as you covered. It comes with LED night light so it can dispense water even in dim rooms. With this water cooler, you can get cold and hot water with the push of a button conveniently placed on the front of the unit for ease of use.
We should let you know that Primo keeps you and your kids’ safe since the water you drink is free from bacteria and your kids are also protected from burns by the kid-resistant features that come with the products from this company, this one included.
It also comes with a spill-proof bottle holder with a leak guard; there are no water spills while loading water bottles on this unit. The unit is also energy-star rated so you are relieved from huge electricity bills when you buy it. The capacity of water it accepts at any given time is enough to serve you and your family throughout the day and night.
What’s more?
It features a stainless steel front panel and water reservoir, plus a detachable stainless steel drip tray which is dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning. It also keeps the water safe from bacteria.
To sum up everything, this is the best pick for everyone and the fact that it’s a versatile unit makes it suitable for use in homes and offices. Nevertheless, with all the great features and functionality it offers, it would not make the best pick for older people since it is a top load water cooler where you will need to lift the water jar while loading it. But this is not really a put off if you want a high-quality water cooler for your water consumption needs.
Pros
- High-quality and durable stainless steel construction
- Energy-star rated to save energy
- Kids’ safety features and spill proof to keep your kids safe from burns
- Easy to use
- LED night light enables you to use it even in low light conditions
Cons
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Requires some effort to load water so not ideal for older people
5. Whirlpool Bottom Loading- Self Cleaning Commercial Water Cooler
You want a water cooler to use in your busy office or you want a household unit? This self-cleaning bottom load water cooler is for you. The Whirlpool water dispenser is a premium unit from Whirlpool that features digital temperature control so you can drink water that is heated or frozen to the temperature you want.
Moreover, this full stainless steel water cooler comes with extra innovative technology meant to make it easy to use for everyone. This is perhaps one of the most popular water dispensers you will find in most offices, homes and other busy places.
The included 6Th Sense Self-Cleaning feature will tell you when it’s time to clean the unit and it uses diluted oxygen to kill bacteria and other bacteria that could contaminate water to ensure you drink safe and healthier water.
During the self-cleaning process, you can watch the progress using the digital display screen. On the front of the unit is a stylish and clean stainless steel construction that can withstand wear and tear and compliments any type of décor.
What’s more?
It is designed with the 5Th Generation Bottom Loading feature so loading the unit with water is hassle-free. The bottom load technology uses an efficient water pump that sucks every drop in the unit. This water cooler is also durable and will deliver cold and hot water instantly.
Overall, this is the best water cooler for busy places. It’s built to last and is a reliable partner to keep you hydrated throughout. It will offer you cold and hot water instantly. Nevertheless, it’s slightly pricey, so if you are looking for a budget-friendly water cooler, then this would not be the best option for you. But if you want a high-quality unit, why not grab this unit?
Pros
- It is a durable, efficient and reliable water cooler dispenser for home, office and busy places
- It is designed with vibrant stainless steel material to complement any type of décor
- It dispenses very hot or cold water instantly
- It features the 5Th Generation bottom load technology for easy and faster water refilling
- The self-cleaning technology makes it easy to clean- Automatic cleaning
Cons
- It tends to produce some sound when operating
- It is slightly expensive, but worth the money
Best Water Cooler Buyer’s Guide – What You Need to Consider When Buying a Water Cooler Dispenser
Ready to purchase a water cooler dispenser? Hold your horse. Read this guide carefully to help you get the best for your money.
There are numerous factors to consider when buying the best water cooler for home or office use.
Here is what you need to keep in mind:
- The type of water cooler
As mentioned earlier in this article, there are four different types of water coolers you can buy on the market today. Before you buy one, it is good to know what type of water cooler you need. Remember, some are pricey than others and some will require you to lift the water bottle while refilling the unit. So, understand the type of water cooler you need then choose wisely.
- Capacity
Do you need a water cooler to use in homes, workplace or in a commercial place? Understanding where you will use the water cooler is crucial because it will help you choose a unit that holds enough water. For instance, some units hold 2 gallons, 3 gallons or even 5 gallons of water of a filled bottle. To avoid the hassle of refilling the unit every now and then, it’s advisable to choose one that holds more water capacity.
- Ease of use
Do you have to spend time trying to find out how a water cooler works? It’s not the best pick for you.
The best water cooler dispenser is one that you can use it easily. One with simple controls which are not fancy but user-friendly. Remember, the unit will be used by you and your kids, especially if you buy a water cooler for home use so ensure it’s easy for your kids to use it. Also, it should be smooth and effortless to refill. For older people, we would recommend buying a bottom load water cooler since you will not need to lift the water bottle when refilling the unit. Cleaning the unit should also be easy.
- Space
The space you have in your office or kitchen will determine the size of the unit to buy. Some water coolers are large and require more space while others are small to occupy a small space. In this case, you need to determine the space available for the unit. The last thing you want to see is a unit that eats your kitchen space and you are left with nowhere to store your other items. Therefore, if you have a small office space or kitchen, it will be good to buy countertop water coolers. But if you have sufficient space, then a bottom loading or top loading model would be the best option for you.
- Kids’ safety features
This is an obvious factor that you must not overlook. The water cooler you buy should have a kids’ safety feature, especially for those units that dispense cold and hot water. The safety feature will help to keep the hot water locked so that it does not release water when your kids press the hot water button. Also, the unit should contain safety features to keep water clean and free from bacteria and other harmful organisms.
- Energy efficiency
Unless you are buying a water cooler to multiply your energy bills which is not the case, it would be good to buy an energy-star rated water cooler, so to keep the bills low. If not energy-star rated, choose one that has an on/off switch for the hot tank.
- Cleaning and maintenance
You need to keep the water you drink safe and clean always. Therefore, cleaning the unit should not be a tough task. It should also be easy to maintain the unit. Most of the latest water coolers come with a self-cleaning technology that automatically detects when it’s time to clean the unit. The technology also uses diluted oxygen to kill bacteria and harmful viruses that could contaminate water. Ideally, a unit with a self-cleaning feature should be the best option to pick.
- Durability
Different water coolers are constructed of different materials such as plastic and stainless steel. The material used to construct the water cooler is an essential factor to consider.
You do not want to return back to the shop to buy a new unit after a few months of buying the old one. Remember, most water coolers accommodate cold and hot water. It is therefore viable to choose one that is sturdy to endure varying temperatures. In this case, a stainless steel water cooler would make the best option for you. But stainless steel water coolers are expensive since they are high quality.
- Price
Oftentimes, we do not regard this as a factor to consider when buying products, but it’s worth mentioning it. Different types of water coolers come at a different price range. It is important to pick a unit with a reasonable price that comes with the features you want.
However, most water coolers with great features are relatively pricey, but you can get a unit with excellent features at a reasonable price. What we recommend is to avoid going for neither cheaply-priced models nor too expensive ones. Not all expensive models are good and not all the cheaply priced are money-saving. So, choose wisely.
Final Verdict
We hope until to this far, you know the benefits of having a water cooler, either in the office or kitchen. From our 5 best water cooler reviews, we are convinced that you can now make an independent and informed decision when buying your next water cooler dispenser.
All the above water coolers are an excellent investment for your home and in the office, but the Whirlpool Stainless Bottom Load Water Cooler takes the top position as the best. The unit is durable and comes with excellent features including the self-cleaning technology, LED night light and can accommodate up to 5 gallons of water capacity which is sufficient for office and household use.