Wouldn't it be great if you could refill your water dispenser without having to lift a heavy 5 gallon water bottle into the dispenser each time? You'd also save money on water refills, avoid the danger of water spills, and create a more sanitary setting because there are no bottles that may get contaminated and transmit bacteria.
A bottleless water dispenser, instead, draws its supply of water from the main plumbing line in your office or home. That means you always have a clean, fresh supply of filtered drinking without having to worry about changing bottles or dealing with spills. If you're looking for a more convenient and economical way to keep yourself hydrated at work or at home, a bottleless water dispenser may be the answer. You'll be healthier and happier, plus you won't have empty bottles to worry about.
We consider the needs of various types of users when compiling our lists of recommendations, so we'll discuss not only the best countertop bottleless water dispensers but also freestanding and built-in direct-piping coolers. If you're considering investing in a bottleless water dispenser or cooler for your office space or kitchen, check out our top picks below.
8 Bottleless Water Dispenser Reviews
1. Best Overall - Avalon A9 Touch Countertop Bottleless Water Dispenser
The first remarkable pick on our list is the A9 by the Avalon company. Avalon is a well-known and respected manufacturer of water coolers, and the A9 is one of their most popular models specially with its size, design, and features. First in first, 17" height make it fits perfectly on any kitchen countertop and office spaces. Size does matter when it comes to countertop water dispensers. A bulky one can be annoying and a small one might not have all the features you need, but the Avalon A9 is just the right size in addition to its technological features.
Top Countertop
Brings quality, durability, and functionality all in one package.
Now, let's move on to design. With its three temperature settings, hot, cold and ambient, this dispenser can be used by anyone who wants to enjoy delicious water taste. The dispenser has 2 water filters that last 6 months or 1500 gallons each. Besides, this smart dispenser has electronic touch buttons that can be used instead of spouts when dispensing water into cups or mugs. Moreover, UV self-cleaning function protects the inside of the unit from bacteria and other microorganisms. So, you don't have to worry about frequent cleanings.
One of the best things about Avalon A9 is that it can dispense up to 10-15 people at once. In other words, the capacity is not an issue for home or medium-sized offices. If you have a larger family or office, you might want to consider the A12 model keeping it's 19" height in mind.
We don't want to miss to mention that the filter may leak at times if not installed correctly. This can be fixed by contacting customer service or replacing the filter entirely. Filters can also be somewhat pricey when compared with other brands' filters; however, 2-stage filtration still do a great job at removing impurities from your water supply without sacrificing taste quality.
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2. Runner-Up - Brio Moderna Bottleless Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
Brio Moderna is the most advanced bottleless water cooler we've seen yet—and we've seen them all. This sleek and contemporary water dispenser comes with all the bells and whistles you need to stay hydrated in style. But first again keep an eye on the dimensions! It is 19.3 inches tall, if you have limited space on your counters, it may not be the best choice for you—you might want to go with something smaller. Other than that we can break down into more details.
We love the temperature adjustment feature for both hot and cold water unlike most of its competitors missing it. So say you can have piping hot coffee ready to go first thing in the morning or enjoy an ice cold glass of lemonade on a sweltering summer day without having to wait for your cooler to heat up or cool down. It also dispenses room temperature water if you just want something plain old refreshingly cool instead of hot or cold.
Great Fine-Tune
For professionals who demand a lot of customizable features in a water dispenser.
It comes with three stages of water filtration: sediment, pre-carbon, and post-carbon filters. This means that you'll get the purest possible H2O from Brio Moderna—no more worrying about whether your tap water is clean enough to drink.
This Brio also comes with self-cleaning ozone technology, as well as a digital panel with child lock (so no one accidentally changes your settings), a digital clock (so no need to take a look at your cell phone), and a nightlight (so you don't have to fumble around in the dark). The digital panel has very responsive touch sensitive controls that are easy for anyone in your family to use—even when they’re half asleep!
Before we forget, the filters are located at the rear of the unit, which some find inconvenient from visual aspects. Installation can also be tricky if you're unfamiliar with plumbing, but there are plenty of videos online that will walk you through it step by step. Of course, you may have it done by a plumber or call customer service for further assistance.
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3. Best Freestanding - Avalon A5 Freestanding Water Cooler Dispenser
Again from Avalon, but this time we have a freestanding water dispenser. This is one of the stand-alone bottleless water dispensers on our list that you may invest in for every 20-25 people, such as an office or break room.
Avalon A5 water dispenser comes with all the adapters and tubing you need to install it right out of the box, which means no waiting on shipping or dealing with missing parts. It has dual filtration with Sediment filter and a Carbon Block filter, ensuring that your water is clean and fresh. It also has self-cleaning ozone function for longer water purification, so you don't have to worry about changing filters as often.
Great Appliance
Avalon A5 stands for crowds that need plenty of water at a time.
This particular model has hot, cold, and room temperature output options so that you can enjoy refreshingly cool water on a hot day or piping hot tea in the winter months. It also features a self-cleaning ozone function for longer water purification. The flow rate is 0.5 gallons per minute—not super high but still enough for most purposes.
The downsides? Well, this unit has no automatic fill feature—you have to manually fill it up yourself every time you want some fresh water! Customer service may also be slower or less thorough if you need a replacement for the entire unit, but spare component assistance is generally very helpful.
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4. Best Compact - Clover D1 Hot and Cold Countertop Bottleless Water Dispenser
Clover D1 is great for small commercial spaces and offices, use with hot and cold foods, juices and other beverages. It can be easily installed on the counter in your workplace or home because it stands 17" tall and takes up very reasonable space. The powerful circulation pump delivers a continuous flow of water at nearly 1 GPM, so you won't have to wait since it'll fill up your glass in about 5 seconds.
If there ever comes a time when something goes wrong with your hot water thermostat, all you have to do is press the reset safety limiter button and click—it ensures that you'll still be able to enjoy hot water hassle free. You can also get an RO filter if you have hard water, which makes for better tasting water in both modes (hot and cold).
Speedy
Fill in hot and cold beverages in a matter of seconds with Clover's fast speed output.
One thing that might make new owners hesitant about the Clover D1 is its short hose coming in the box. While it works well enough when you're standing directly in front of it, if you move too far away from the plumbing, you'll end up with a stream of water going everywhere but where you want it to go. This could be easily remedied by purchasing a longer hose attachment. So, it is not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.
Another thing that may seem odd at first is that there's no room temperature dispensing option on this unit. If you've used other types of dispensers before then you may be used to having that option available on them; however, with this one all you have access to are hot or cold options—no middle ground here!
We wish it would come with a filter, too. Sometimes it's nice to have a whole system in one place, but the fact that you need to buy the filter separately means we have to do more work. We strongly encourage you to purchase a separate water filter in addition to the unit. After the set up, the filter will be easy to replace, just turn off power, remove old filter and install new one (and make sure you put on the cap).
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5. Best for Office - Brio Commercial Grade Bottleless Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter & Dispenser
The Brio Bottleless Water Dispenser is an ideal option if you suffer from hard water. The reverse osmosis filtration will help you get rid of all the bad stuff in your water and will provide you with a great-tasting soft water. RO filtration is what distinguishes this model from the rest of our top picks.
4 stage filtration is not something every model offers. Most of them have 3-stage filtration systems that include sediment, pre carbon and post carbon filters. However, Brio goes 1 step further to give you the best possible drinking experience. They add a RO membrane filter to their filtration process which is great at removing small contaminants such as fluoride, lead, and chromium.
Sturdy
Soft delicious water is just a button away with 4-stage water filter.
Ozone performs a powerful sterilization even better than UV light, and it doesn't require any extra maintenance. Brio RO's self-cleaning ozone feature will automatically clean itself in between uses so that you don't have to worry about doing it yourself! The wide dispense point is also great for larger bottles or mugs.
We were disappointed by the filter replacement period because it varies on each filter but they are sold as a pack — so if you need to replace one filter every six months and another every year and a half… well, that adds up quickly! We'd love to see an option where customers can purchase individual filters instead of buying them as a pack.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can't customize the temperature of your water. The cold water takes about 1 hour to get cold after being plugged in, and the hot water takes about 20 minutes to reach its hottest temperature.If you're looking for more customization options with regard to temperature, we recommend Moderna series again from Brio.
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6. Best Built-in - Elkay ezH2O Liv Built-in Filtered Water Dispenser with Remote Chiller
If you're thinking of renovating your home and planning some building where you want to make sure the appliance fits seamlessly into your space, we think this is a great product to consider. The glass front of this dispenser adds a touch of elegance that will make your space look more modern and clean. It's an in-wall model that can be installed into any standard 2 x 4 wall.
The NSF-certified filter helps ensure that you're getting clean, fresh water every time you use it. You also don't have to worry about changing it as often as you do with other models—the filter status lights will tell you when it's time. Plus, with its self-serve design, this dispenser is great for parties and other gatherings where guests can serve themselves without having to ask someone else for help all night long!
High-end
New construction is a great chance to consider this Elkay.
The ~1.5 GPM flow rate at 60 PSI means that this dispenser has some serious power behind it, so you can get your fill quickly and easily. Plus, its hands free design means that once a cup is moved away from the sensor, it will automatically shut off until another cup is brought close enough for refilling.
This model does not offer hot water capabilities—the water will always remain chilled—but we think that's a good thing if you already don't need it! This way there are no worries about accidentally burning yourself or scalding someone else in your house.
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7. Best Classic - Avalon A8 Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Cooler Dispenser
The Avalon A8 has similar features to the Avalon A9, but it does not have room temperature output and touch panel. However, it still includes two spouts, and provides hot and cold water at stable temperatures without any fluctuations in quality. You can rest assured that your water will remain at the ideal temperature at all times.
Peace of mind
Gives you the feeling of a spout if you enjoy manual control of your gadgets.
A8 features push paddle dispense so that only your cup touches the dispenser itself, which eliminates the possibility of spreading germs. This model comes with a first set of filters and installation kit so that you can set up your dispenser quickly without having to worry about not having everything you need on hand before using it for the first time in its new home!
We would have liked more information about how deep cleaning the system is and how often it should be done. There is a cleaning indicator light that illuminates when the filter needs to be changed, but not detailed guidance on what kind of maintenance it requires. We'd better remind you to change the filter every six months or at least every 1500 gallons.
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8. Budget Friendly - Avalon B8 Hot & Cold Water Dispenser
Very the same with Avalon A8 — which we just covered — only lacking self cleaning function, if you are not concerned about the cleaning function, this is an alternative option for you, as it could save you some money. It boasts the same filtration system as A8 and offers many of the same benefits.
Old-school
As long as you do the maintanance by yourself, B8 is the same Avalon as you know it.
Both Avalon A8 and B8 are compatible with standard 19" counters, but if your counter is smaller than 19", then this isn't going to work out for you. Since you can't change the size of your counter, we recommend measuring your counter to ensure that the dispenser you buy is appropriately sized.
What We Look For In a Bottleless Water Dispenser
Filtration Stages
One of the key features to look for in a bottleless water dispenser is a good filtration system. This is important not only for taste and odor removal but also for reducing the amount of contaminants and impurities in your drinking water. A good filtration system will typically remove 99% of all particles larger than 0.5 microns from your water.
If you live in an area with hard water, you'll want to make sure that the dispenser you choose has a multi-stage filtration system that includes a sediment filter, carbon block filter, and reverse osmosis membrane. This type of filtration system will not only remove impurities from your water but will also help to improve its taste.
Countertop vs Freestanding vs Built-In
Countertop water dispensers are the most popular type for home use. They're easy to install and can be placed on any countertop or table. Plus, they're usually the most affordable option. If you don't want to make any permanent modifications to your kitchen or if you wish it to be more accessible on the counter, they're great. Just make sure there is an appropriate distance between the unit and the water supply.
Freestanding water dispensers are bigger and heavier than countertop models, so they're not as easy to move around. Since they provide a higher cooling and heating capacity, they're a better choice if you have a large office or entertain often. They also tend to be more expensive than countertop models. You'd possibly need an extension hose to the nearest water source or have a professional plumber install a dedicated line.
Built-in water coolers are permanently installed into a wall opening which offer a slick and attractive look. They mostly don't include hot water heating and are only meant to dispense cold water. Installation is more complex than the other two types, so we think it's best to hire a professional to install them, but they're the most convenient option since you don't have to worry about moving them around. Plus, built-in models typically have a higher flow rate than other types of dispensers, so you'll get your water faster.
Flow Rate
The flow rate is another important consideration, as it will determine how quickly you can fill up your glass or bottle. A higher flow rate is always better, as it means you won't have to wait as long to get your water.
Temperature Options
Some bottleless water dispensers come with multiple temperature settings, while others only dispense water at room temperature. If you prefer to have cold or hot water available, make sure to choose a model with temperature settings that meet your needs.
Some high-end models allows you to customize the degree of coldness or heat for your water, while others offer a pre-set temperature setting.
Water Storage Capacity
Some bottleless water dispensers come with an internal water storage tank, while others do not. If you choose a model with a water storage tank, make sure that it is large enough to meet your needs. A good rule of thumb is to choose a dispenser with a water tank that can hold at least 3 days' worth of water, just to be on the safe side.
Ease of Maintenance
Another important consideration is how easy the dispenser is to clean and maintain. Choose a model with removable parts that can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. You should also look for a dispenser with a self-cleaning feature, as this will make it even easier to keep your dispenser clean and sanitary.
Size and Type
Another aspect to consider is the unit's size, as you'll need to ensure that it will fit in the desired location. Bottleless water dispensers come in a variety of sizes, from compact countertop models to large floor-standing units. Even the number of filtration stages and the water storage capacity can vary greatly from one model to the next.
So, if you are looking for a countertop model, please first measure the space where you want to put it. Models taller than 17 inches may not fit under some kitchen cabinets.
Filter Capacity
This is not directly related to the size of the unit. The capacity of a bottleless water dispenser refers to how much water it can filter. So, it's all about the filters' lifespan of quailty.
Most water dispenser filters last between 750 and 1500 gallons of water before the filters need to be replaced. Though they must be replaced once the volume limit is reached or six months, whichever comes first.
Child-Safe Features
If you have young children in your home, it's important to choose a bottleless water dispenser that has child-safe features. These features will help to prevent accidental spills and will also make it more difficult for curious little hands to access the water spigot.
Some of the child-safe features to look for include a push-button dispensing mechanism, a spill-proof bottle tray, and a locking water spigot.
Price
Finally, you'll need to consider your budget when choosing a bottleless water dispenser. Prices can range from around $100 to $500 or more particularly for built-in ones.
It is important to have an idea of how much water you and your family or office people drink in a day. This will give you a good starting point for choosing the right size unit.
Conclusion
Now that we've gone over 8 of the best bottleless water dispensers on the market, it's time for you to make a decision! We hope that our reviews have helped you to get one step closer to finding the perfect dispenser for your needs.
We think that the Avalon A9 is the best countertop option because it has a space-saving design with smart digital panel, comes out of a reliable brand, and has a self-cleaning feature that will help to prolong the life of your dispenser. Brio Series 400 RO is our favourite for a floor standing dispenser as it boasts 4 filtration stages, offers 3 temperature settings, and is energy-efficient.
If you're looking for a elegant wall-mounted option, we recommend Elkay ezH2O because it is durable, powerful, and hands-free.
Finally, if you're on a budget, we recommend the Avalon B8 because it is a more affordable option that still offers many of the same features as the A8.
No matter which dispenser you choose, we think you'll be happy with any of the options on our list! If you need any more assistance, please feel free to contact us and we'll be delighted to help you out.
