A water cooler/dispenser provides quick and simple access to cold, refreshing water. This handy device is great in the workplace, private residences, and businesses—anywhere there are individuals who appreciate on-demand beverage refreshment.
Water coolers are available in various types and designs. To fit any location, there are countertop, wall-mounted, plumbed-in (point-of-use), and freestanding units. These coolers do more than just dispense ice cold water. They can instantly deliver cold, cool, room temperature, or hot water.
When selecting a water cooler, there are various more factors to consider. The finest water cooler for you should be simple to use, clean, and distribute water at the temperature you desire, whether cold or hot. The greatest coolers should also be attractive and the appropriate size for your requirements. When selecting a water cooler, keep the following features in mind.
1. Capacity
The capacity of point-of-use water coolers is unlimited—as long as water is flowing, they will distribute it. With bottled water coolers, capacity is an important consideration. The majority of these coolers can carry jugs that hold 2 to 5 gallons of water; the most frequent sizes are 3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles.
Consider how often you'll use a water cooler while deciding on the suitable capacity for your needs. If the cooler will be used frequently, get one with a bigger capacity so it does not run out. Choose a cooler that can hold smaller bottles if it will be used less regularly. It's preferable to avoid letting water linger for long periods of time since bacteria thrive in stagnant water.
2. Energy Efficiency
The quantity of energy consumed by a water cooler is determined by the model. On-demand cooling or heating water coolers utilize less energy than water coolers with hot and cold water storage tanks. Coolers with storage typically consume more standby energy to keep the water temperature in the tank constant.
The most energy-efficient water tanks are those that are Energy Star certified. On average, an Electricity Star-certified water cooler consumes 30% less energy than one that does not, saving you money in the long run.
3. Water Filtration
Filtering systems are available in some water coolers, which can remove impurities and improve the flavor of the water. Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and activated carbon filters are used in these coolers to filter water. Remember that the filters in these systems will need to be updated on a regular basis, which is another cost to consider when purchasing a water cooler.
Because these coolers dispense municipal tap water, water filtering is a typical feature on point-of-use filters. Because most water bottles include filtered water, filtration is less of an issue with bottled water coolers.
4. Water Temperature Controls
Most refrigerators can distribute cold water, whether bottled or point-of-use. Other systems can provide chilled, room temperature, or piping hot water at the push of a button. Most coolers will have preset peak temperatures, and others may have adjustable temperature settings.
A water cooler that can deliver both cold and hot water is a great buy. Those who use tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and instant foods on a regular basis, as well as those who entertain friends or clients who do, would benefit from having hot water on demand. If you want a cooler with a hot water spigot, opt for one with a safety lock to prevent the hot water faucet from accidently turning on.
5. Usefulness.
A decent water cooler must be simple to use. Some devices have pouring buttons or spigots, while others are touchless. In public places like restaurants and gyms, a cooler with enough room below the spout to fill water pitchers and reusable water bottles is extremely beneficial.
Another key aspect is if a cooler is simple to install, which may incur additional costs for the owner. Bottled water coolers are typically less difficult to install than point-of-use systems, which typically necessitate skilled plumbing.