Water equipment
Best Water Coolers
Water coolers cover a wider range than dispensers — from compact countertop units to freestanding office models built to cycle through several 5-gallon jugs a week. Here's how to pick the right size and format.
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Quick picks
We are still verifying product picks for water dispensers and coolers, and we only list products after an editor has checked them. Until then, here is how to build a shortlist that fits your home.
- Bottled or bottleless. Bottle-fed models need 5-gallon jugs. Bottleless (point-of-use) models connect to a water line and often include filtration.
- Temperatures. Check for hot, cold and room-temperature outputs, and whether hot water has a child safety lock.
- Filtration. If filtered, confirm the stages, the change interval and the cost of replacements.
- Sanitizing. Self-cleaning or UV features help, but still follow the maker's cleaning schedule.
Full comparison
Our product comparison for water dispensers and coolers fills in as products are reviewed. These are the criteria we compare on, so you can check any model against them yourself.
| What to compare | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Bottled or bottleless | Bottle-fed models need 5-gallon jugs. Bottleless (point-of-use) models connect to a water line and often include filtration. |
| Temperatures | Check for hot, cold and room-temperature outputs, and whether hot water has a child safety lock. |
| Filtration | If filtered, confirm the stages, the change interval and the cost of replacements. |
| Sanitizing | Self-cleaning or UV features help, but still follow the maker's cleaning schedule. |
| Space and loading | Bottom-loading models avoid lifting a full jug overhead; check footprint and outlet access. |
Freestanding vs. countertop
Freestanding coolers suit higher-traffic spots — offices, waiting rooms, gyms — where bottle changes happen often and floor space isn't a concern. Countertop coolers work well for smaller households or break rooms where floor space is tight; they still take standard 3- or 5-gallon jugs, just on a smaller footprint.
What to check before buying
- Bottle size compatibility: most take both 3- and 5-gallon jugs, but confirm before buying if you already have a delivery service.
- Child safety lock: a real consideration on the hot-water tap if kids will be around it.
- Self-cleaning/UV features: some models include a UV sanitizing cycle or self-clean function — useful if you don't want to manually descale often.
- Energy use: hot/cold coolers that stay plugged in continuously do draw standby power; look for an Energy Star rating if that matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a water cooler be cleaned?
Manufacturers commonly recommend cleaning the reservoir and tap every 3-6 months, more often in humid climates or high-use settings, to prevent mineral buildup and biofilm.
Is bottled cooler water safer than tap water?
It depends entirely on your municipal water quality and the bottled water's own source — bottled isn't inherently 'safer,' just a different sourcing and delivery model. See our bottled water vs. filtration comparisons for the fuller picture.
Can I use a water cooler without buying bottled water?
Only if it's a bottleless/point-of-use model connected to your plumbing — traditional bottom- or top-load coolers require the swappable jug format.
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