Best Water Coolers (10 Impressive Choices) Review of 2024 – WaterFiltersAdvisor

Looking to update your hydration station at the office? Maybe you just like to drink bottled water but want to cut back on plastic. Whatever the reason, water coolers are sure to provide you with fresh, crisp, clean water whenever you need it. Some offer hot water right away in case you need to perk up with some tea or instant coffee.

No matter why you are here, keeping yourself hydrated is essential. These machines make it easy to get fresh, cold water while saving money.

We compared 100’s of coolers to try and satisfy all those pain points consumers are trying to figure out: price, hot and cold systems, installation, refilling, mobility, etc. We went in-depth and came up with a stellar list of water cooler magic just for you.

Product Comparison Chart

Avalon A8CTBOTTLELESSBLK Hot & Cold Water, NSF...
LECIEL Water Pump Dispenser, Automatic Drinking...
Primo - Easy Top Loading Water Dispenser - Black -...
Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Water Dispenser - NSF Certified Filter
LECIEL Water Pump Dispenser
Primo Stainless Steel 3 Spout Top Load Hot, Cold and Cool Water Cooler Dispenser
Capacity
3.6 liters
Up to 25 gallons
5 gallons
Highlight
Best countertop water cooler
Best portable water cooler options for traveling
Best top-loading water cooler
Star rating
Prime?
-
-
Avalon A8CTBOTTLELESSBLK Hot & Cold Water, NSF...
Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Water Dispenser - NSF Certified Filter
Capacity
3.6 liters
Highlight
Best countertop water cooler
Star rating
Prime?
-
LECIEL Water Pump Dispenser, Automatic Drinking...
LECIEL Water Pump Dispenser
Capacity
Up to 25 gallons
Highlight
Best portable water cooler options for traveling
Star rating
Prime?
Primo - Easy Top Loading Water Dispenser - Black -...
Primo Stainless Steel 3 Spout Top Load Hot, Cold and Cool Water Cooler Dispenser
Capacity
5 gallons
Highlight
Best top-loading water cooler
Star rating
Prime?
-

Water Coolers – 10 Hand Picked Reviews

1. Primo Bottom Loading

eas to clean water cooler
Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 40.8 lbs
Dimensions: 12.2 W x 14.2 D x 40.9 H
Water Temperature Settings: 3
Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty

The Primo Bottom Loader has a sleek aesthetic and features a water bottle-concealing cabinet at the bottom. Are you looking for different temps? It also offers a convenient 3-push-button control for dispensing room temperature, ice-cold, and hot water.

It is a bottom-loaded design with three temp settings that range from below or equal to 50°F up to 194°F. There is no plumbing required as it takes 3- to 5-gallon bottles with no lifting. 

Additionally, cleanup is a breeze. All the parts are stainless steel to prevent corrosion and add durability. This includes the door panels, reservoirs, and the dishwasher safe, removable drip tray. 

Pros
3 water temperatures: boiling hot, ice-cold, and cool (room temp.)
No lifting necessary (easy replacement of water jug)
Compatible with other regular jugs that fit dispensers
The durable stainless steel reservoir
Durable stainless steel door panel
Stainless steel removable drip tray (clean with ease, safe for home dishwasher)
Child-safety hot water lock feature
LED night light (safe visibility when lights are off)
Energy efficient
Cons
Some complaints about the cool water (room temp) water spout dispensing cold (ice-cold)
Makes a little noise (but not troublesome though)

2. LeMuna Water Dispenser

bottom load water dispenser
Weight: 40.6 pounds
Dimensions: 12.1 x 14.1 x 42.8 inches
Water temperature settings: 3
Capacity: 4 liters per hour

The LeMuna is great for a daycare or home with children. The child lock protects the buttons from being played with and spraying everywhere. This is also important for the hot water button to protect those little people from being burnt and, it is easy to use.

It is a bottom-loaded design – so no tipping – with three temp settings that range from below or equal to 50 ° F up to 194° F. There is no plumbing required as it takes 3- to 5-gallon water bottles with no lifting. Additionally, LeMuna offers a 1-year money-back guarantee and stellar customer service. 

Pros
When actively pumping, the unit is relatively quiet.
Three different temperatures.
Child safety lock for the hot water button.
Compatible with every 3 to 5 gallon bottle.
Cons
You can’t connect it to your pipeline, you must use water jugs.
It isn’t as sturdy as other models from the same category.

3. Clover D1 Hot and Cold Countertop Bottleless Water Dispenser

countertop hot and cold water dispenser
Weight: 31 pounds
Dimensions: 10.7 x 16.8 x 17.2 inches
Water temperature settings: 2
Cold water rate: 0.6GAL of 50 degrees F

If you are looking for a countertop unit, you may have just found your match. The Clover D1 removes the bulkiness of a typical bottle feeding units and attaches to your existing plumbing. There are two easy push faucets that let cold and hot water come through. The hot water also has a hot water flow guard to prevent accidents. 

It sits 17.5” tall and 10” wide. Therefore, it doesn’t take up too much space on top or under the counter for storage when you need that little bit of extra counter space. The outer material is metal and helps protect the internal components making this an extra durable option. 

Pros
Easy to set up on any plumbing system.
A fast-fill rate, with 16 oz in under 8 seconds.
Features a deep fill area for large sport bottles and containers.
Equipped with patented child safety hot water protection.
Cons
It does not come with a filter in the package.
The hose on the back is too short.

4. YETI Silo 6 Gallon Water Cooler

yeti water cooler
Weight: 16.5 pounds
Dimensions: 15 5/8″ — 18″ — 15 1/2″
Water temperature settings: 1 – only cooling
Capacity: Up to 6 gallons

YETI has a coveted line of some of the best on the planet. The Silo is the perfect goto for those on-the-go, making it a great option for those that like to travel, fish, camp, or do anything outdoors for days.

It holds six gallons with a fast, ergonomic-use SurePour spout and is proven to keep water ice-cold for up to four days. The Cold-lock gasket on the lid keeps and water from splashing out when you carry it while aiding in the Permafrost insulation process. 

It has a Steady steel handle over the spout for rollover protection and easy carry. The outer material is alloy steel, giving the Yeti the most durable on the list. It is called Roto Moulding and it can withstand extreme weather and heat. 

Pros
It works for many liquids, not just simple water. E.g. lemonade.
Just add ice and secure the gasket tightly.
The design makes it easy to carry even when full.
Water stays cold for up to four days.
Cons
The price is a high for a non-electric cooler.
Ice melts completely after two days.

5. Primo Stainless Steel 3 Spout Cooler

3 spout water cooler
Weight: 35 pounds
Dimensions: 36.6″ x 10.8″ x 12.5″
Water temperature settings: 3
Capacity: Up to 5 gallon bottle

Primo’s stainless steel water dispenser offers three different temperature settings: ice-cold, cold, and hot. Like most in this guide, the hot water setting is also protected by a child safety lock to prevent children from burning themselves.

The spill-proof bottle holder is compatible with all 5-gallon bottles and has a no-leak feature for the loading process. Additionally, it uses stainless steel throughout the cooler to provide a corrosion-free environment and add durability. With great features, high durability, and relatively low maintenance, the Primo Stainless Steel 3 Spout Top Load is an excellent choice.

Pros
Three different temperature settings.
Spill-proof bottle holder with Leak Guard prevents spills while loading bottles.
The stainless steel water reservoir prevents rust.
UL-Certified and Energy Star-compliant.
Cons
Some units’ leak-preventing piece might pop off when you change bottles.
The spigots are placed low, so you might need to bend to get water.

6. Avalon Self Cleaning Bottleless Dispenser

water dispenser with night light
Weight: 30 pounds
Dimensions: 14.7 x 12 x 19 inches
Water temperature settings: 2
Capacity: 3.6 liters

The Avalon Self Cleaning Dispenser is the most impressive. That ozone auto cleaning mode takes it to another level of convenience and freshness. Not having to worry about gross things growing in your water cooler is priceless. 

It comes with a user-friendly manual that even beginners can comprehend. Additionally, it offers a night light and child safety lock. Many users have praised it for its low maintenance, quietness, and filtration capabilities.

It uses A4 activated carbon and A5 sediment NSF certified filters, which removes lead, chlorine, rust, and bacteria. It also offers a leak detector that monitors flow.  There is also a built-in leak detector to monitor the water flow automatically.

Pros
The self cleaning ozone feature sanitizes & purifies the dispenser.
1500-gallon sediment filter and carbon block filter.
Has an indicator that lights up when the filters need replacement.
Easy to install even for beginners.
Cons
Not great for building with many people, because it takes a while to cool water once the tank is empty.
Might not fit beneath cabinets, as it is slightly taller than other countertop units.

7. Elkay LZS8WSLK EZH2O Bottle Filling Station Water Cooler

bottle filling water station
Weight: 50 pounds
Dimensions: 18.4 x 19 x 39.1 inches
Fill rate: 1.1 GPM/8 GPH
Capacity: 3,000-gallon filter

The Elkay is the type of water cooler that helps you stay on top of your sustainability accountability. It offers a fill rate of 1.1 gallons per minute (GPM, too. Add touchless sensor water bottle fillers, you get a rapid, germ-free refill that lets you know how many bottles you kept from landfills, rivers, or wherever all this single-use plastic accumulates.

It also keeps filters out of the landfills with a 3,000-gallon filtration. These filters are certified NSF 42 and 53, which cleans lead and chlorine and enhances the taste. The silver ion lining also serves as an antimicrobial protector, which also helps the life of those filters.

Elkay also claims a vandal-free stainless steel cover that adds to durability for busy areas. While this may be a great option for large family homes, it is more geared for high traffic areas such as colleges and hospitals where people can refill and grab a drink when they need it.

Pros
ADA-compliant and easy to use for absolutely anyone.
The filter is NSF 42 and 53 certified.
Features a sanitary no-touch sensor activation with automatic 20-second shut-off timer.
The stainless steel build is resistant to rust.
Cons
It takes a while for it to start cooling water properly.
You need gloves to change the filter so you don’t cut your hands.

8. Primo – Easy Top Loading Dispenser

top loading water dispenser
Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 30.2 lbs
Dimensions: 10.8 W x 11.3 D x 35.9 H
Water Temperature Settings: 3
Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty
water dispenser for your home

Primo offers quality and provides features that people prefer. This dispenser also uses a 2.0 compression cooling system, enabling it to rapidly and efficiently produce ice-cold water. However, if you don’t want the current ice-cold temperature, you can rework the setting by accessing the back of your cooling unit.

This Primo requires very little to set up and fits most any dispenser water bottle. You can also stick to using Primo bottles. Additionally, this cooler unit has a spill-proof holder that delivers a leak guard preventing irritating water spills during replacement.

Pros
The durable 3-liter stainless steel water reservoir
Durable stainless steel door panel
Stainless steel removable drip tray (easy to clean and dishwasher safe)
3 temperatures: boiling hot, ice-cold, and cool (room temp.)
Not noisy
3 power mode energy-saving switch (allows you to regulate power consumption)
Child-safety 2-step hot water lock feature (with an added on/off switch at the back)
LED night light (safe visibility when lights are off)
Wall bracket for stability
Energy Star Rated
Cons
Lifting required when replacing bottles (3 or 5 gallons)
Doesn’t come with a manual (But the company can email you one)
Several complaints about slow dispensing
Some complaints about after-warranty service

9. KUPPET Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser

countertop water dispenser
Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 7.7 lbs
Dimensions: 11.03 W x 10 D x 16.5 H
Water Temperature Settings: 2
Warranty: check with company support

Kuppet countertop water dispenser doesn’t need much space and it is lightweight. It is perfect for small offices or kitchen counters. It fits 3- and 5- gallon bottles and cools to temperatures of 50° F to 59° F (10° C to 15° C).

It also heats water from 185° F to 203° F (85° C to 95° C). However, it will take a moment for the cooler to reach those temperatures after you turn it on — approximately 2-minutes. This little table buddy runs on 110 volts and offers an anti-dust mite water barrel seat and anti-leakage system. 

Pros
Easy to set up and use
Space saver, lightweight, and very portable
5-liter hot water reserve capacity
LED indicators for both cold and hot water
Separate On and Off switches for cold and hot water
Hassle-free detachable anti-dust water bottle seat that’s easy to clean
Cons
No child-safety features
Cold water reserve capacity is only 0.65 liter
Heating takes 10 minutes while cooling takes 40 minutes
Some complaints about make and durability

10. Brio Moderna Self Cleaning Bottom Load

self-cleaning water dispenser
Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 45.8 lbs
Dimensions: 17.5 W x 14 D x 44.75 H
Water Temperature Settings: 3
Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty

Bria Maderna is an elegantly designed water dispenser. It has a stainless steel finish that adds aesthetic and durability to keep away corrosion. The modern digital features are in the touch dispenser and touch temperature control. This easily cools the water down to 39 ° F (3.89° C) or heats it to 174° F (78.89° C).

The Moderna is a UL certified, and Energy Star approved water dispenser, assuring quality and efficiency. Another push button feature is the self-cleaning feature, which we love, offering regular maintenance and cleanliness. This is an ozone-sanitizing feature that takes about 1.5 hours to complete

This bottom loader offers top-of-the-line features at a price most can afford.

Pros
3 temperatures (hot, cold, and room temperature)
Adjustable hot and cold temperatures
3 separate touch buttons (convenient tri-temp)
Bottom loading (convenient bottle replacement)
Self-cleaning feature for sanitation (It also kills bacteria in tank and water tubes)
Low-level indicator
Conveniently fits 3 and 5-gallon bottles
Has a LED digital clock in front
Has LED night light (for visibility in the dark)
Two-step touch for hot water dispensing (child safety feature to prevent accidents)
Lead content compliant with NSF/ANSI 372
Energy efficient
Cons
Its ozone self-cleaning feature might alarm some as ozone poses danger to humans
Some complaints about the compressor making noise
Quite an investment as it is pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Water Cooler Work?

Water coolers come in both electric and non-electric designs. Electric versions work similar to a fridge, consuming electricity cool and heat the unit. The non-electric ones are usually thermo-insulated barrels or bottles that prevent heat from getting in or the cold from escaping.

Are Water Coolers Sanitary?

They are as long as you clean them properly. Like you would do with other appliances, you need to wash and wipe their interior from time to time to prevent bacteria formation. Otherwise, you can get a self-cleaning coolers from our list that will do the job for you.

How Long Can You Keep Water in a Cooler?

Refrigerated water can stay in a container for a week or even more, depending on the model you have. You should always check the reference manual to see how much the manufacturer guarantees that their cooler will keep your water fresh.

Final Thoughts

Water coolers are for those that are looking to get past the use of single-use plastics. They are often used in offices and larger public areas where hydration stations should be put in place. Some of the features you should look for when choosing are capacity, dimensions, and where it will be used.

Also, if you are using it for a public space, self-cleaning options are probably the best options since they need less attention and care. However you plan on using your new water cooler, the ones above are proven to fit most any need.