The 8 Best Water Coolers of 2023
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Delivering fresh water in just seconds
The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Fact checked by Emily EstepReviewed by Richard Epstein
Often seen in offices as a meeting place for work friends, water coolers have found their way into homes and the great outdoors as people actively try to reduce plastic use and stay hydrated. The appliance provides large amounts of cold or hot water on demand, and is a great addition if you're concerned about contaminants, flavor, or convenience. They typically house a jug, or connections that connect to your home's water system and filter the water you already have access to for easy sips throughout the day.
To soak up as much information as we could about water coolers and dispensers, we reached out to Brian Campbell, a self-proclaimed water geek and founder of WaterFilterGuru.com, for his advice on selecting one for your space. “Water coolers are big and bulky and require a lot of space. Make sure you have sufficient room to accommodate a system before purchasing one,” he says. Campbell also adds that it’s super important to be aware of the maintenance tasks associated with coolers. “You'll need to frequently replace the jug or filters, as well as clean the internal components, including the water lines, reservoir, and spigots to prevent the growth of bacteria.” This could drive up the cost of your appliance and add to your cleaning to-do list.
Ultimately, water coolers are not meant for those who already have access to a high-quality water dispenser via their fridge, don't have the space for the appliance, or don't have the time for any and all maintenance. However, if you don't fall into those categories, one of these picks could be for you. With Campbell’s expertise in mind, we researched the best water coolers out there, evaluating their capacity, temperature options, load type, and design.
Best Overall, Bottom-Loading: Glacier Bay Matte Black & Stainless Steel Bottom Load Water Dispenser
What We Like
Simple design
No heavy jug to flip
Child safety latch
UV sterilization system
What We Don’t Like
Metallic taste when first used
Glacier Bay’s Bottom Load Water Dispenser is a streamlined unit that eliminates the need to lift and flip—and, yes, possibly spill—a heavy water jug. Thanks to its stylish matte black and stainless steel accents, in addition to its practical features, it stands out at the top of our list. This appliance instantly dispenses piping hot, room temperature, and ice-cold water into a large fill area that fits most glasses and pitchers. With the quick press of a button, you can make instant soup or a mug of cocoa. The water may have a slightly metallic taste on its first use, but you can expect that to disappear after a few runs.
The dispenser is certified by Energy Star and also has a UV sterilization system that keeps your machine clean. A built-in night light makes it convenient to grab a drink when you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, or during those super early mornings when you want your tea ready as quickly as possible. All in all, this appliance is something for everyone: a water cooler with versatile options, paired with a child safety lock, a simple design, and helpful indicators.
Price at time of publish: $199
Dimensions: 41.3 x 12.2 x 13.8 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: 3 | Loading Type: Bottom | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Self-Cleaning: Yes
Best Overall, Top-Loading: Avalon A1 Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
What We Like
Touchless dispenser
Built-in puncture rod
Paddles are easy to identify
What We Don’t Like
May not accommodate taller bottles
For a top-loading water cooler, we love the Avalon A1 Top Loading Bottled Water Cooler. This straightforward machine dispenses ice-cold and piping-hot water with just a tap of your desired paddle; they're red and blue for easy identification. We like that the design is touchless. You can use your glass or bottle to press a paddle, limiting hands-on activity—which is ideal if you plan to use this unit in a shared space. We also appreciate the convenience of the built-in puncture rod, which makes it possible to use spill-proof caps. Other key features, like the child safety lock on the hot water spout and its UL and Energy Star approval, make this pick the total package.
There's not a lot we would change about this machine, but it's worth noting that we were unable to determine the height parameters for the filling station. Those who like to use taller bottles and travel mugs will want to have a back-up plan in case it doesn't accommodate their favorites.
Price at time of publish: $143
Dimensions: 14.3 x 14.5 x 46.5 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: 2 | Loading Type: Top | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Self-Cleaning: No
Best Budget: Igloo Hot & Cold Top-Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
What We Like
Removable drip tray
Child safety lock
Slim design is good for small spaces
What We Don’t Like
May get loud when hot water function is in use
The Igloo Hot & Cold Top Load Water Dispenser is a budget-friendly, no-frills alternative to more expensive picks. The top-loading water cooler holds 3 or 5-gallon water jugs and features two push buttons that will dispense water from two separate spigots: one for cold and one for hot. For the curious kiddos, the cooler notably has a child safety lock for the hot water dispenser to prevent any accidental pouring. Plus, a handy removable drip tray catches spills.
This cooler can get a little loud when the hot water function is in use, but overall it's a quiet machine. It can certainly work in any room, but the cooler’s slim, freestanding design lends itself well to smaller kitchens or tight corners. You could set it up in an apartment, home office, or basement bar.
Price at time of publish: $141
Dimensions: 38.75 x 12.5 x 13 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: 2 | Loading Type: Top | Energy Star Certified: No | Self-Cleaning: No
Best Splurge: Brio Moderna Reverse Osmosis Bottleless Water Cooler
What We Like
Adjustable water temperature
Advanced filtration system
Self-cleaning
Night light and digital display
What We Don’t Like
Must be installed near water line
Not very portable
The Brio Moderna stainless steel water dispenser has a number of features to warrant its higher-than-average price tag. To start, the dispenser allows you to adjust the temperature of the water—cold water between 39 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit and hot water between 174 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit—to suit your exact preferences. It's also self-cleaning, has a bright night light, and features a clear digital display, all of which add to its overall convenience and ease of use.
The main appeal of the cooler, however, is that it sources water from your home or office waterline—not heavy, plastic jugs. Though this feature makes it hard to move the cooler once installed, it ultimately reduces waste. In addition to being eco-friendly, the Brio Moderna water cooler uses reverse osmosis filtration. This Energy Star-certified machine filters major contaminants to make sure your water looks and tastes good.
Price at time of publish: $399
Dimensions: 44 x 14 x 17.5 inches | Capacity: Not applicable | Number of Temperatures: 40 (39-59 degrees; 174-194 degrees Fahrenheit) | Loading Type: Bottleless | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Self-Cleaning: Yes
Best Countertop: Avalon Top-Loading Countertop Bottled Water Cooler
What We Like
Temperature adjusts in seconds
Child safety lock
Tiny footprint is good for small spaces
What We Don’t Like
Tall with the addition of the water jug
Good news—you don't need to allocate precious floor space to your water cooler. Avalon’s sturdy, countertop, top-loading model dispenses hot or cold water on demand, thanks to its 420-watt heating power and 100-watt cooling power. This means your water will be delivered at the right temperature in just seconds. That's right: no more waiting for the faucet to reach your ideal temperature or for a kettle to finish boiling. And, since the water gets so hot so quickly, there is a child safety lock to prevent any accidental dispensing.
This countertop water cooler has a compact base, so it's perfect for a kitchen counter or office table. Just keep in mind that adding a water jug will add another 19 inches to the cooler’s height. You will want to make sure you have at least 38 inches of height clearance when you set it up.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 14.75 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: 2 | Loading Type: Top | Energy Star Certified: Yes | Self-Cleaning: No
Best for Camping: YETI Silo 6 Gallon Water Cooler
What We Like
Keeps water at desired temperature for hours
Non-slip feet and handles make for easy transport
Five-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Heavy design
Yeti products are known for their durability, and the Silo water cooler is no exception. Made of polyethylene, the cooler can withstand strong sunlight, frost, and drops on rough terrain. Its permafrost insulation and ColdLock gasket ensure that all six gallons of water stay icy cold for hours, and it can also keep warm liquids at their ideal temperature, too.
Transporting the cooler to your campground is mess-free. Yeti’s trademark Bearfoot non-slip feet prevent the cooler from slipping and sliding as you drive down rough roads in the car, while tie-down slots allow for extra security. When it’s time to carry the cooler, the Lipgrip handles are built right into the frame, so you don’t have to worry about mastering an awkward grip. The cooler is heavy, weighing 17 pounds without water. So, before purchasing, make sure you can transport it.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 17.9 x 15.8 x 15.6 inches | Capacity: 6 gallons | Number of Temperatures: Not applicable | Loading Type: Not applicable | Energy Star Certified: Not applicable | Self-Cleaning: Not applicable
Best for Pet Owners: Primo 601243-C Water Dispenser + Pet Station
What We Like
Water won’t dispense unless bowl is in place
Child safety lock
Easy-to-clean drip tray
LED night light and indicators
What We Don’t Like
Cold water may not be comparable to other machines
With Primo’s Deluxe Top Loading Dispenser with Pet Station, keeping your furry friends hydrated has never been easier. Simply place the removable, dishwasher-safe pet bowl in front or on either side of the dispenser for instant, fresh water delivery. No need to worry about accidental water dispensing either, as the water does not release unless the bowl is in place. To be clear, it also has hot and cold spouts for humans, too.
Designed with everyday practicality and convenience in mind, this dispenser features an easy-to-clean drip tray, a LED night light and indicators, and a quiet heating and cooling system. Though you might find that the cold water may be more room temperature than cold, it's still an overall efficient machine for people and pets alike.
Price at time of publish: $179
Dimensions: 41.1 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: Two | Loading Type: Top | Energy Star Certified: No | Self-Cleaning: No
Best for Home Office: Primo Htrio Multipurpose Beverage Dispenser
What We Like
Built-in coffee pod storage
Cabinet conceals water jug
Reusable filter
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
The Primo Htrio Multipurpose Beverage Dispenser could be the space-saving appliance you never knew you needed for your home office, and beyond. The powerful but quiet heating and cooling systems deliver piping-hot and ice-cold water in seconds, and can brew 6, 8 or 10-ounce cups of coffee from pods or grounds. Yes, you read that correctly—it also makes coffee. You can use the included reusable filter with your grounds of choice, or there's even storage for up to 20 K-cups.
Another appealing feature: a bottom cabinet that conceals the unsightly water jug. This gives the dispenser a sleek look that is often only seen in expensive models. Overall, we think it's a great choice for water and coffee enthusiasts alike, and those who are looking to set up a fully-functioning home office.
Price at time of publish: $275
Dimensions: 43.5 x 12.2 14.2 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Number of Temperatures: Two | Loading Type: Bottom | Energy Star Certified: No | Self-Cleaning: No
Final Verdict
Our two favorite picks for a water cooler are the Glacier Bay Bottom Load Water Dispenser and Avalon A1 Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser which are both durable, well-designed water coolers that fit into any room. These two dispensers have a 5-gallon capacity, are perfect for multi-person households, and can deliver ice-cold or piping-hot water with just the push of a button. Although both are Energy Star-certified, only Glacier Bay’s dispenser has a self-cleaning function. For a less-expensive, no-frills option, consider the Igloo Hot & Cold Top-Loading Water Cooler, which also has a 5-gallon capacity and features a child safety lock.
What to Look for in a Water Cooler
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of your desired water cooler is the first thing to consider if you're in the market for one. That way, you can rest assured that your cup will always be full and your machine will fit into your space. Rachel Kourey, The Home Depot’s Merchant of Pumps and Water, says to determine your hydration needs before looking into water coolers. Ask yourself a couple of key questions: how many people will be using the machine, and how often? Will a family be filling their water bottles every day before leaving the house? Will a remote worker be drinking from it all day, every day? Will pets rely on it?
From there, Kourey says you will likely choose from three models.
Traditional freestanding bottled water dispensers: These units typically hold up to 5-gallon water jugs, making them ideal for large families.
Countertop bottled water dispensers: These units usually hold 1 to 2-gallon water jugs, making them perfect for single or two-person homes.
Bottleless water dispensers: These models connect to a water line in your home, and provide unlimited, filtered water on demand. This style uses water filters that require replacing, and this unit is most often found in offices, but can be installed in homes, too.
You'll also want to measure the allotted space, which Kourey notes needs to be near an electrical outlet. Keep in mind that a cooler with a larger capacity will likely require more room. Compare the measurements of the space to those of the cooler, and decide whether you need a smaller unit or need to rearrange the area to make room for a larger dispenser.
Tip
For convenience, you may want to have 5-gallon bottles of water delivered to your home by a contracted water bottle distributor. That way you can choose the brand and water source of your preference. Most water bottle distributors also rent or sell their own water dispensing machines. Always check for a warranty for any dispensing machine you purchase, whether it's from a retailer or delivery service.
Top-Loading vs. Bottom-Loading
If your water cooler doesn't have a bottleless design—meaning it connects to a water line in your home—then it has to either be a top-loading or bottom-loading unit. This design element refers to where the water jug is placed.
With top-loading bottled water coolers, the water jug goes on top of the unit, and gravity sends water toward the dispensers. With bottom-loading coolers, a water pump draws water up from the jug at the bottom of the unit. There's only a slight functional difference, so deciding between the two loading types will come down to personal preference. Though, it's worth noting that, in general, top-loading coolers are more budget-friendly.
"With a top-loading cooler, you can see when water is running low, and make sure you’re prepared with a new bottle,” adds Brian Campbell, founder of WaterFilterGuru.com. “You don’t have this perk with bottom-loading coolers, but these coolers tend to have a more attractive design, because the water bottle isn’t on display.” Notably, Kourey adds that bottom-loading dispensers are often more expensive than top-loading ones because of the additional parts required to pump water.
In addition to a more appealing appearance, Campbell says tat bottom-loading coolers are easier to load, since they do not require the lifting and flipping of a heavy jug. In addition, they're often shorter than top-loading machines, which may work better with your space, too. Our Best Overall, Bottom-Loading pick, the Glacier Bay Matte Black and Stainless Steel Bottom Load Water Dispenser, is a prime example of how these machines can be both form and function.
Temperature and Fill Settings
Most water dispensers have hot water and cold water spouts with pre-programmed temperatures. Though the temperatures may vary slightly among coolers, Campbell says that hot water is typically between 170 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold water is around 39 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Your water cooler may also have a third spout for room-temperature water, which is roughly 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
More expensive water dispensers allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking, which may be ideal for households with multiple people with different preferences. For example, our Best Splurge recommendation, the Brio Moderna, offers 40 different temperatures. Notably, our Best for Home Office pick, the Primo Htrio Multipurpose Beverage Dispenser, also has settings to make cups of coffee, making this appliance particularly versatile.
Standout Features
Safety Lock
If you have young children at home or want an extra security measure for yourself, consider a water cooler that has a safety lock. When you consider how easy water coolers are to operate and how much younger children like to touch things, this feature could become crucial. Most water coolers have a latch attached to the hot water spout that prevents water from dispensing when twisted, pushed, or pulled. Digital water coolers may have a button that activates a lock function when pressed. All of our recommendations, with the exception of the Yeti Silo 6G Water Cooler, our Best for Camping pick, offer child-proof or child-resistant locks. However, Yeti does offer a unique safety feature that's sold separately: bear locks.
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights help in the use and care of your water cooler, though they will vary among units. Common indicator lights include:
Heating indicator light: Tells you when the water is heated.
Cooling indicator light: Tells you when the water is cooling from the heat function.
Empty bottle indicator light: Informs you when the water jug needs replacing. This light is usually found on bottom-loading machines, as the jug is not visible.
Filter change indicator light: Lets you know when it’s time to switch out filters. This indicator is most common on bottleless water dispensers.
Night light: Helps make the water cooler more visible at night.
Pet Station
A pet station delivers water directly to your pet’s bowl, eliminating the bending, carrying, and potential spilling that often comes with filling it yourself. With pet stations, the water bowl is often installed in the front, left, or right side of the water cooler’s base, making for a little less clutter in your home. For extra safety, look for a pet station that won’t dispense water unless the bowl is in place. For our Best for Pet Owners pick, we chose Primo’s Deluxe Top Loading Dispenser with Pet Station, which allows you to place a removable, dishwasher-safe pet bowl in front or on either side of Primo’s dispenser for instant, fresh water delivery.
Self-Cleaning Feature
Although cleaning a water cooler is relatively simple, it can be a time-consuming process. Self-cleaning coolers give you that time back and maintain the dispenser, which increases its longevity. The self-clean feature most often utilizes a powerful UV light to disinfect and sanitize the cooler. Among our recommendations, you can find this option within the Best Overall, Bottom-Loading, Glacier Bay Matte Black and Stainless Steel Bottom Load Water Dispenser, the Best Large-Capacity, ISPRING filtered water dispenser, and the Best Splurge, the Brio Moderna, coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a water cooler?
To clean a water cooler, home improvement specialist Stefan Bucur suggests combining five cups of vinegar with one gallon of water. Once you’ve prepared your desired mixture, unplug the dispenser and remove the water jug to drain the leftover water from the spigots, remove the drip tray and filters, and then soak them in a warm, soapy water mixture. You can then add your solution to the water reservoir and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
When cleaning, try using a long-handled cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the water reservoir, and then drain the solution from the hot and cold spigots into a bucket. Fill the reservoir with clean, cold tap water and drain the water from the spigots into a bucket. Repeat again but with warm tap water. Repeat this one more time. Then, replace any removed drip trays and filters, and put a new bottle on the cooler. You’ll want to press the spigots until water flows out.
The timeline for when to clean your appliance varies. Campbell says it's best to err on the side of caution, and clean your cooler every six weeks while Bucur— on the other hand—says it’s okay to do it every three months. Both say it may be easiest to clean the cooler whenever you change your water jug, since that is part of the process.
How do water coolers work?
Water coolers work by dispensing water from another source, usually a jug or water line. They often release hot and cold water, and control the temperature via heating and cooling systems built into the base of the machine. Some water coolers have filtration systems that eliminate contaminants and undesirable tastes, odors, and colors. These models are often more expensive than standard water dispensers.
How long should water sit in a water cooler?
Though most water coolers keep the water airtight to maintain freshness, both Campbell and Bucur recommend replacing your water jug every 30 days. If left unused or sitting out for too long, it can begin to grow algae, which would seep into the dispenser. Campbell adds that if you won’t be using your water cooler for a while, it’s best to remove the jug and load a fresh one once you’re back.
Are water coolers worth it?
Whether a water cooler is worth it or not ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. Campbell says that water coolers are worth it for people who drink a lot of bottled water and want to cut down on waste and costs, as well as people who regularly drink hot and cold water and want to access both with the push of a button. They may not be worth it for people who won’t use the cooler more than twice a day, or don’t want to deal with the maintenance required to keep a water dispenser clean and full. In addition, if your fridge has a water dispenser, then you likely won't need this appliance, as it essentially is the same thing.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a freelance writer for The Spruce. To select the best water coolers, she sorted through dozens of customer and third-party reviews. She also spoke with Rachel Kourey, Brian Campbell, and Stefan Bucur to gain a better sense of the features within a must-have water cooler. Kourey is The Home Depot’s Merchant of Pumps and Water and responsible for staying up-to-date on all devices in these categories. As the founder of WaterFilterGuru.com, Campbell is a water treatment expert who has provided water quality analysis tools, instrumentation, and services to companies around the world. Bucur is a home improvement specialist, with a focus on all kitchen appliances.
Dena Ogden, a commerce writer for The Spruce, also updated and contributed to this piece. She's been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022, and specializes in technology, appliances, cleaning, and organization topics.
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