The Best Water Dispenser

No matter if you need hot or cold water, the best water dispenser for 2018 is one that will perfectly suit your needs. Find out what to look for before you buy and the top units on the market today.

Water dispensers are essential around the office or home. They provide access to both hot and cold water, perhaps even offering room-temperature water as well as the two main temperatures. The challenge, it seems, is finding the right dispenser for your needs.

To help you find the best water dispenser options on the market today, we’ve compiled a list of what you should look for before you make your purchase and the best water dispensers for 2018. Some work well in different settings, but each dispenser is chosen with real users in mind.

Water Dispenser Buyer’s Guide

Before you make a large purchase like a water dispenser, there are a few helpful things you should know. There are various types of water dispensers out there with numerous features. Let’s take a look at the different types so that you know which design will meet your desires and needs.

Types of Water Dispensers

The first and most important thing to consider before purchasing a water dispenser is the type. Some models require you to load the water in different ways, some take up more space than others, and some dispensers may require some physical strength to reload water jugs. Here are some things to consider:

Bottom Load Water Dispenser

A bottom loading water dispenser appears more modern and sleeker, with the water jug hidden out of sight. The real advantage for these dispensers is that the jug is located underneath the machine, so the elderly or people with no upper body strength don’t need to lift the full jug overhead and turn it upside down to load it.Although this type of dispenser is probably the least popular, not having to lift the water jug to refill water is a huge bonus.

Top Load Water Dispenser

Perhaps the most common type of water dispenser, the top loading dispensers do require you to lift a full water bottle and turn it upside down each time you run out of the water. Unlike the bottom load dispensers, you can visibly see the jug on top of the dispenser. However, it is the cheapest and most affordable option. It’s also extremely easy to maintain and anyone, even children, can operate it.

Countertop Water Dispenser

If you have limited space at home yet you need a good water dispenser, this type may be the solution. It’s compact and able to sit on your countertop, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. People who live in small apartments head straight for these water dispensers. Most come with 5-liter water bottles you can purchase from a supermarket.

Wall Mounted Water DispenserBasically, a fountain, wall-mounted water dispensers are fixed on the wall to allow a continuous flow of water from your main water source. They have refrigeration units to cool water and a small tank to store the cold water, so it can be easily accessed at a moment’s notice.

​Things to Consider About Water Dispensers

If you’re not sure which water dispenser is right for you, go through the following factors and weigh each idea. Think of your needs as you go through the following list of considerations:

Space

How much space do you have for a water dispenser? You don’t want to add clutter, so if space is limited you may consider a smaller machine. If space isn’t an issue, opt for the top or bottom loading models.

Capacity

The best water dispenser will offer a large capacity of water at once, meaning you don’t need to refill it often. Think about how many people are in your home or office and select a dispenser with a reasonable capacity for your needs so you don’t deplete the water quickly.

Child Locks

If you have kids around the home, a child safety lock will come in handy. It will keep kids from playing in the water or burning their little hands under the steaming hot water.

Ease of Use

 You need a dispenser that is easy to use, so you don’t spend tons of time cleaning or performing maintenance tasks. Look for a dispenser with a drip tray and removable parts, as this is hugely beneficial in making cleaning easier. Some dispensers will also have filters to change once in a while.

Storage

 Some dispensers even come with a storage cabinet some you don’t need to fill water bottles or stand looking at empty jugs.

Price

If you have budget constraints to meet, compare the prices of each type of dispenser. The countertop models are smaller and cost less than freestanding units whereas non-electric dispensers are cheaper than electric models. The least expensive models will cost around $100, and full-size units are often priced between $100 and $500.

Top 9 Best Water Dispensers

Without further ado, here are the best water dispenser of 2018. Displaying only the best models to consider first, the following list contains our top picks for water dispensers on the market right now.

Comparison Table

Amazon product

Whirlpool Stainless Steel, Self-Cleaning Water Cooler

This smart, self-cleaning water dispenser not only has both hot and cold water, but it also comes with 6th sense self-cleaning technology to break down viruses or bacteria in your drinking water. With an LED indicator light and convenient bottom load setup, this model is easy to use (even at night) and efficient. You don’t need to lift heavy water jugs to load it, and the self-cleaning mechanism helps maintenance.

Primo White Two-Spout Dispenser

With the press of a bottom, you can have ice cold or steaming hot water instantly. This bottom loading water dispenser offers push-button controls and a sleek design that adds a stylish element to your home kitchen. It’s also safe and easy to use, with a removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray for easy cleanup and child-resistant safety locks on the hot water control. In fact, it’s UL certified for safety.Plus, with a bottom loading unit like this, you don’t need to flip a large water jug up overhead and the bottles come concealed inside a cabinet for easy storage. It doesn’t require plumbing, so it’s easy to install just about anywhere, and the best part is that this unit is Energy Star rated as a great choice to save money on energy costs.

New Wave Enviro Water Dispenser

For as little as $34 on Amazon, this New Wave water dispenser is a steal! This is a portable water dispenser that can hold a 5-gallon bottle or used alone if you purchase the lid as well, which is sometimes sold separately depending on the seller. This model is great for camping trips, holiday get-togethers, backyard parties, or even small apartments.

The stainless-steel design is resistant to staining, rust, or corrosion and fits any type of home décor. It may not offer both hot and cold water at once, but for a little extra, you can get a stand. It only takes up around 11” x 11” of countertop space as well, making it perfect for tiny homes or on-the-go needs.

Brio Essential Series Hot and Cold Water Dispenser

The Brio Essential offers both hot and cold-water dispensers at just the right temperatures, and it comes complete with a room-temperature water option. If you’re looking for a bottom loading dispenser that offers it all, this is the model for you. It holds either 3- or 5-gallon jugs underneath the machine and has an indicator light that comes on when it needs to be refilled, it’s quiet, and it’s Energy Star approved.

Not only is it energy-efficient, but it also comes with a child safety lock feature parents can lock to keep kids of pushing the hot water button. Whether you need a dispenser in the kitchen or office, this modern design looks sleek. And the convenient indicator lights only further the great appeal.

However, the downside with this model is that you can’t accommodate tall water bottles. Reviewers have also said the LED indicator light isn’t bright enough for night use and unless you turn on the overhead light, you really can’t see what button you’re pushing.

Nutrichef Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser

If you have limited floor space or live in a small apartment, this countertop water dispenser may be perfect for you. It functions as a full-sized floor model while coming in a small enough package to fit on top of your counter. Both hot and cold water are readily available, and there’s a child-safety lock for the hot spout to keep youngsters safe.

At a great price, this model is cheaper than most floor models without sacrificing everything that makes them great. The unit makes very little noise and is more affordable than many floor units with the same features. Plus, a built-in cup holder allows you to store paper cups directly on the unit.

InSinkErator H-Wave Instant Hot Water Dispenser

If you drink a lot of hot tea or really only need a hot water dispenser for your needs, this model is a 2-3 gallon hot water tank that can provide nearly boiling water in no time. You can control the temperature, reaching from 160 to 210 degrees, to customize your needs. And the metal construction of the unit ensures durability for years to come.

To stay safe, this unit also comes with an automatic shutoff. It offers low energy consumption and is a great choice if you’re looking to save a few bucks. You can easily mount it on the edge of a kitchen sick yourself to allow the dispenser to blend into your kitchen décor.

Flojet 500 Series Bottled Water System

For people who really only use their water dispenser to refill water bottles, especially on-the-go, this pump system will allow you to easily refill commercial water bottles from any location. With a convenient on/off switch that illuminates in the dark, you can use it at any time of day or night.This model is very unlike any of the others on this list, but it is quiet and easy to install. It even comes with a long power cord for your convenience and the unit automatically shuts off when the water is depleted or when you replace the bottle.

Clover B14A Hot and Cold Water Dispenser

With both hot and cold water, this dispenser features a stainless-steel tank and adjustable thermostat, so you can set the water temperature to suit your needs. This unit is easy to operate and has a convenient on/off switch to control the electric power of the heater. It’s easy to clean as well and comes with a one-piece ABS drip tray and an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency.

The high-density polyethylene material used on the body makes it durable, and you can expect this unit to last you for a long period. With over three certified safety and quality guarantees, what more could you need?

Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser

This unit will allow you to never need to make another run to the store for bottles of water again. It can filter, store, and protect your water whether it’s hooked up to the electricity or not. This model can serve up to 35 people with hot or cold water on a regular basis, making it perfect for offices as well. The water is clean and safe to drink because it heads through a three-stage purification and filtration system.

Even better, the unit comes with a universal kit for easy setup, an on/off switch for safety and a stainless-steel frame that’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

How We Chose Our Ratings

To select only the best products for our lists, we research hundreds of products and their uses. We scour the internet to bring you an unbiased list of the best water dispenser out there today. Our reviews are honest and accurate, which is why we score each product in terms of value and consider what real users have said about the product. The brand’s reputation and quality of the unit are also considered.