How To Choose The Best Water Dispenser (And 5 Great Options In 2019)

Water is an important part of life. We all need water to live, and we all prefer it to be easy to get. While many refrigerators have water filter functions, some people prefer to have a water dispenser in their home or office for easier accessibility.

When choosing the best water dispenser, there are many important factors to consider...and many options to choose!

Let’s narrow down the most important parts of a water dispenser, what to look for in a water dispenser, and the top choices available on the market today.

**Below, you'll find more detailed reriews, but you can click links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon

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How To Choose The Best Water Dispenser

A water dispenser has one simple task: to dispense water. But you don’t want to just buy any water dispenser.

When you are making an investment in any larger item like a water dispenser, you want to be confident that you are making the right choice. For a water dispense, you want to ensure that it gives you clean water and a clean look that fits your need.

There are only a few basic things that water dispensers must have, but consider ensuring that your water dispenser features the best of all of the following to get the best experience.

Keep The Design In Mind

There are a few different types of water dispensers and which one you like best will be up to your design preferences. Whether you want something more modern or more traditional, there is a water dispenser for you.

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Via Amazon.com	The first type of water dispenser sits on top of a counter. While this can seem convenient because it won’t be in the way, it will constantly be taking up counter space and can be more difficult to position in your kitchen or office. Because of this, I don’t recommend getting a countertop water dispenser.

Via Amazon.com	The second type of water dispenser is a freestanding water dispenser. These water dispensers have their own stand or are a freestanding unit. This means that you can position them in any room - kitchen or otherwise - without having to worry about counter space. Freestanding water dispensers have a more common, more functional design.

You will also want to consider the design aesthetic of a water dispenser fits your home. Are you okay with seeing a water jug, or would you prefer a more sleek profile? This should also be considered when choosing a water dispenser.

Refilling Should Be Convenient

The convenience of having a water dispenser is being able to get water easily, and that goes for refilling it as well.

Some water dispensers are very difficult to refill. Using water jugs is common, but sometimes the water dispenser itself is difficult to maneuver and balance when replacing these jugs. Additionally, water jugs are very heavy, so some people are not able to lift them at all.

Before purchasing a water dispenser, trying looking up a video on how to replace the water jug, like this one:

This kind of video will give you an idea if you will be able to change the water jug easily or not. Factor this information into your decision.

Not all water dispensers use jugs, but those that do not must be hooked to a water line which can be costly, so these options don’t make the top five list. If you want a water dispenser like this, you will have to look at the more expensive options.

The Point Is To Dispense!

After you’ve considered the design and how reasonable it is to refill your dispenser with what, you’ll want to look at how the dispensing function works.

Is it a push function? Do you have to hold down a button to dispense? Or is it confusing? Is the spigot always leaking, or does it have a tight seal that keeps the water inside? All of these questions are important to consider.

You will want the design to be clear and easy-to-use. After all, you’re purchasing a water dispenser to dispense water. If it can’t do that well without leaking, you don’t want to buy it.

Safe Materials, Safe Water

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Another important factor to consider is whether or not the water dispenser is made entirely of BPA-free, food safe materials. If your water dispenser has any contaminated parts, this could get into your water and lead to an unsafe situation for you and your family or office.

Additionally, you’ll want to see if it has any extra water filters in it. If you’re using jugs of filtered water, this won’t be a concern, but you should make sure that water you refill the dispenser with is filtered or if that the device will filter your water for you. Drinking filtered water is the way to go.

Consider if the water dispenser can use both plastic and glass water jugs. Many people are moving towards using reusable glass jugs to prevent any potential contamination from plastics, but not every water dispenser can be fitted with glass jugs.

Additional Features Are Available

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It’s important to note that there are two devices that have some overlap: water dispensers and water coolers. A water dispenser is anything that dispenses water. A subset of this category is the water cooler - which can also change the temperature of the water that is served. Consider if you want a simple water dispenser or if you need to have a water cooler to make the water cooler. This will affect which dispenser you choose, as not every water dispenser can change the temperature of the water like a water cooler can. Additionally, some dispensers can warm and cool water. This is a popular option for offices and doctor’s offices, but might not be what you need in your home. Before purchasing, make sure you decide which style of features you want to have on your water dispenser.

Top 5 Water Dispensers

1. Whirlpool 8LIECH-SC-SSF-P5W Water Cooler

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The sleek design of this bottom-loading water dispenser by Whirlpool can add a modern touch to any office, kitchen, or reception area. Capable of serving water in multiple temperatures, this water dispenser is a high-end investment that you will never regret investing in as it serves you for years and years to come.

PROS	CONS
Very easy to refill without lifting anything heavy Creates both cold and hot water LED lights indicate water level Sleek, modern design Self-cleaning Water temperatures are very good Hot water button must be pushed for hot water, preventing accidental scalding Adjustable feet	Somewhat loud Release buttons begin to stick over time Bottom-loaded jugs will still have some water left in them that it cannot use LED light will not turn off - pro is that it can function as a night light

2. Porcelain Water Dispenser Blue Stripe with Wooden Stand

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This porcelain water dispenser can hold a 5-gallon water jug on top without any problems. The solid, handmade wooden stand for the dispenser ads a homey, traditional feel to the overall design of the dispenser that I love. The dispenser itself can be washed easily and will keep temperature slightly cooler than room temperature at all times!

PROS	CONS
Can hold 2.5-gallon or 5-gallon jugs Includes wood base stand Easy to assembleLooks very traditional No leadCan be used with glass or plastic water jugs Can be used as a countertop dispenser without the stand Inexpensive Dispenses water quickly	Only one gasket in the plastic spigot can leak over time or if damaged Can be difficult to safely replace the water jug Wood base can hold up jug and dispenser but does not feel sturdy enough Building instructions are vague

3. NewAir WAT40B  Water Dispenser

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Another water dispenser that features a super sleek, modern design is this option from NewAir. With color-coded dispensing mechanisms, you’ll be served water at any temperature you would like. This bottom-loading dispenser is easy-to-use and BPA-free. Add it to any home for a touch of elegant functionality.

PROS	CONS
Front-loading, bottom dispenser Easy to replace the water jug without any heavy lifting Serves hot and cold water Water temperature is reliable Sleek design Easy to set up and start using Can be used with replaceable water jugs easily	Noisier than non-electric water dispensers Lights may burn out and need to be replaced over time User guide is very basic & could include more useful information If you don’t turn on the cold water function, the hot water function will cause your “cold” water to be slightly warm

4. Porcelain Water Dispenser

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The next water dispenser is another porcelain water dispenser, but this one comes with a solid wood black base and simple black and white design that will appeal to many people. The water dispenser has a 2.5-gallon capacity that can be easily refilled and replaced whenever you need more water. The dispenser is certified as lead-free, which is great to see.

PROS	CONS
Crock is 100% lead-free porcelain The main dispenser holds 2.5-gallons Fits 2.5-gallon or 5-gallon water jugs Comes with stand made of hard wood Can be used as countertop or freestanding water dispenser Spouts can be replaced easily Cute, short design Serves water at just below room temperature	Stand does not feel sturdy enough for heavy crock Water touches the outside of the bottle when in the crock Materials are not very durable Spout is made of plastic so it may leak over time Could be knocked over easily

5. New Wave Enviro Porcelain Water Dispenser

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The last water dispenser is a simple, white porcelain water dispenser from New Wave that I love the look of. No matter what your decor, this water dispenser will blend right in. This porcelain dispenser does not come with a stand so you can buy one, or you can use it as a countertop dispenser instead. However you choose to incorporate it, you’ll be happy you did.

PROS	CONS
Simple, white design fits any kitchen Easy to use spigot Can be used to make Kombucha Crock holds about 1.5 gallons of water Can hold a 2.5-gallon water jug on top Easy to assemble Can replace the plastic spigots easily Can be used as a countertop dispenser or as a freestanding dispenser (stand required)	Spigot may become leaky over time Feels unstable with a 5-gallon water jug Does not come with a stand May leak when the water level is low - doesn’t seal properly

Get Water From The Best Water Dispenser

Though there are quite a few good water dispensers on the market, the 8LIECH-SC-SSF-P5W Whirlpool Water Cooler simply stands above the rest regarding quality, value, and functionality.

Not only does it sport a great design, but it also is convenient to refill and gives you better functionality than the other dispensers covered today. It is an expensive water cooler, but it is very durable and can stand up to years of use without any noticeable difference in performance.

No matter what water dispenser you believe is right for you, remember to consider its design, its functionality, and whether or not it will last for a long time. You don’t want to put a lot of money into something that will break too quickly.