Best 5 Hot and Cold Water Dispensers: Finding the Right One
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated May 06, 2024
Sarah makes tea five times a day. She waits three minutes each time for water to boil. That adds up to 91 hours
a year just waiting. Sound familiar?
The hot
and cold water dispenser changes everything. You get instant hot coffee or ice-cold water with one
touch. No more waiting or running the tap.
Our team tested the popular dispensers in real kitchens for six weeks. We checked temperature accuracy, energy
use, and daily convenience. Five models proved they're worth the investment for any busy household.
How We Test and Choose?
We simulated real kitchen use with 50 daily water requests. Our team measures if hot water reaches safe tea
temperature right away. Cold water must stay below 50°F even in summer.
At our Texas lab, we track the key features for each model. My kids help test child safety features. We monitor
plastic chemicals and filter schedules.
Night-shift workers on our team test quiet operation. Each dispenser runs three months without breaks. We only
recommend models that save you time, reduce bottle waste, and deliver clean water every time.
Top 5 Hot and Cold Water Dispensers
1. Waterdrop A1 Hot & Cold RO Water Dispenser
Best for Families and professionals who need instant access to hot and cold purified water at exact
temperatures.
Price : $509
Why choose it
- No installation need: just fill the feed water tank and plug it in to start using.
- Features complete 7-stage filtration, including a 0.0001μm RO membrane and dual UV cleaning
- Provides instant hot water up to 203℉ and quickly cools water down to 41℉ with a compressor
- The smart OLED Control Screen provides real-time TDS value tracking, filter life monitoring, and includes a child lock for safety.
- Boasts a good 2: 1 pure to drain ratio.
The Waterdrop A1 water filter feels like the ultimate kitchen appliance. It
delivers purification and convenience seamlessly.
Our team confirmed it dispenses 41℉ ice-cold water with compressor cooling. This achieves refrigerator-cold
water anytime.
The instant 3-second heating feature works great for making tea or coffee without waiting for a kettle.
The smart display panel includes Night Mode and Altitude Mode. This shows Waterdrop focused on user experience
across different situations.
The tank design separates clean and waste water. This promotes safety and eco-friendliness. Simple filter
changes make maintenance worry-free.
2. Waterdrop Y1CH Bottleless Water Cooler
Best for Users who want a bottleless water cooler experience with added healthy minerals.
Price: $469
Why choose it
- It features a bottleless design
- Uses Mineral-enhanced RO filtration (10-Stage) , while preserving beneficial minerals.
- Equipped with dual UV sterilization in both the chilled and ambient water lines, reducing 99.99% of bacteria
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 371 certified, ensuring eco-wise filtration and energy reduction.
The Waterdrop Y1CH combines the convenience of a floor-standing cooler with RO
technology purity. It eliminates the hassle of dealing with heavy five-gallon bottles.
We find the mineral-enhanced feature gives water a noticeably better, more natural taste compared to standard
RO. It aims for balanced pH around 7.5.
The dual UV sterilization feature provides peace of mind about water safety. This is
crucial for family use.
3. Brio Self-Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler
Best for Households or offices that want advanced features like self-cleaning and multiple temperature
options in a freestanding unit.
Price: $349.99.
Why choose it
- It is a Self-Cleaning Bottom Load Water Cooler,
- It utilizes Ultraviolet Light (UV Care Technology) for sanitization.
- Offers three temperature options for dispensing water: Cold, Hot, and Room Temp.
The Brio 500 Series provides a solid and convenient alternative to traditional bottled water coolers.
The main benefit we noticed is the self-cleaning ultraviolet light. This simplifies maintenance significantly.
It eliminates the need for regular manual cleaning to fight bacteria buildup.
For users still buying 5-gallon bottles, the bottom-loading feature is a huge benefit for your back.
4. Frigidaire EFWC519 Stainless Steel Water
Best for: Households or offices that regularly use 3 or 5-gallon water bottles and require both hot and
cold water on demand
Price: $199
The Frigidaire EFWC519 provides consistent performance with Frigidaire's proven appliance design. The
compressor-based cooling maintains 39°F cold water even after heavy use. Its heating reaches 198°F to ensure
proper hot beverage preparation.
Stainless steel construction is durable and looks professional. It includes a removable drip tray for easy
cleaning and a child safety lock for hot water to protect family members.
- Includes compressor cooling to ensure consistent cold water temperature
- Hot water safety lock to avoid accidents
- Provides stainless steel construction to last
- Compatible with 3- and 5-gallon bottles
- Offers Energy Star conformance to efficiency
5. Primo Bottom Loading Water Dispenser
Best for Households that prefer the convenience of bottom-loading bottled water without needing
built-in filtration systems.
Price: $174.99
Why choose it
- Bottom loading design offers major benefits for users who find lifting heavy 3-gallon or 5-gallon water bottles challenging.
- Primo specializes in water delivery and water quality, offering services including sparkling, spring, and alkaline water options.
- The brand has a long history, delivering fresh water across the US and Canada since 1920.
The Primo dispenser takes a traditional approach to convenient water access. It focuses on delivery and ease of
use rather than complex internal filtration.
For families already using Primo's bottled water service, this unit fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.
How to Select a Hot and Cold Water Dispenser That Fits Your Life?
There's a range of models to select, from countertop to freestanding. You have to consider how to choose the
right one to suit your family requirements and way of life.
1. Consider Your Kitchen Space and Placement Options
Start by assessing your available space accurately. The counter models are generally 12-19 inches wide. They
also need to have good clearance underneath cabinets in order to allow bottle changes.
The freestanding models take 2 feet of space on the ground. They, nevertheless, have high capacity. Think of
traffic in your kitchen. You'll be running this appliance multiple times in one day. Choose an area that's
within reach but not in the way.
2. Align Capacity to Your Household Size
Compact families can typically get by with compact models holding 3-gallon jugs. Larger families have 5-gallon
capacity or bottleless systems in their homes.
Consider peak usage times. When people want hot drinks simultaneously during the morning, choose a unit holding
an increased hot water capacity. You can also choose higher recovery rates to reduce delays.
3. Evaluate Temperature Performance and Speed
Good dispensers also need to provide hot water in an instant at 185-200°F to brew perfect coffee and tea. They
also need to provide icy-cold water at 40-50°F in any season.
Recovery times after heavy duty should be checked. Some models take minutes to reheat or recool after they have
dispensed hot water in voluminous amounts.
Choose models having compressor cooling rather than thermoelectric cooling. This provides better temperature
stability.
4. Place Safety Priority on Family Use
Hot water child safety locks are strictly necessary if there are children who live in the home. This avoids
life-threatening burns.
Nightlights enable family members to access water safely in obscurity. Select models having stable,
tipping-resistance base supports.
Get models having quiet models to not wake the rest of family at nights during consumption.
5. Think About Energy Costs and Filter Upkeep
Energy Star versions reduce $30-60 annually in electric bills compared to standard models. The in-built
filtration system adds an additional $60-100 annually in filter replacement value.
It, nevertheless, boosts water taste and protection significantly. The self-cleaning versions have an added cost
to purchase at first. They save time and offer periodic sanitizing. This makes them ideal for busy homes.
6. Decide Between Bottled and Bottleless Systems
Bottled dispensers are also versatile. They can be used anywhere there is an
electric outlet. This makes them ideal for renters or for those who desire mobility. But it requires storage
space for bottles. You will also require recurring water delivery.
Bottleless installations connect to your water line directly. They offer an unlimited supply of water, but some
of them can only be installed professionally. Or you can choose the easy-to-install countertop hot and cold
water dispenser like Waterdrop A2 .
FAQs About Best Hot and Cold Water Dispenser
How much electricity does hot and cold water dispensers use monthly?
Energy-efficient water dispensers use 300-600 kWh per year. This costs $30-70 monthly depending on local
electricity rates. Energy Star units use less energy. Heating elements for hot water use more energy than
cooling units.
Are hot and cold water dispensers difficult to install or require professional installation?
Most countertop units only need outlet connection and water bottle placement. Point-of-use units that connect to
water lines may need professional plumbing installation. Bottom-loading units reduce heavy lifting of water
bottles.
What maintenance do hot and cold water dispensers need?
Clean dispensers monthly with manufacturer-approved cleaner or vinegar to remove mineral buildup. Replace water
bottles regularly. Clean bottle storage areas and wipe the outside. Some units offer self-clean cycles.
Do hot and cold water dispensers use filtered water or special bottles?
Most units use standard 3-5 gallon water bottles from any water supplier. Point-of-use units connect directly to
filtered water lines. Using filtered or purified water improves taste and reduces mineral buildup in
heating/cooling systems. Avoid distilled water because it may damage internal parts.
Why is my water dispenser having problems with hot or cold water dispensing?
Common problems include electrical issues, faulty temperature controls, or blocked internal lines. Check power
connections, reset temperature controls, and ensure correct water bottle installation. Contact customer support
if problems continue. Internal parts may need professional repair or replacement.
Conclusion
The perfect dispenser saves time without taking over your kitchen. Think about your morning coffee routine, your
kids' water habits, and your available counter space. Energy costs add up, so efficiency matters. Safety
features aren't optional when little hands are around.
In our testing labs, Waterdrop consistently delivers what they promise – no surprises, just solid
performance. Life's too short to wait for water to boil. Find a dispenser that works as hard as you do.
Contaminants Detected in
Fruitland Water
Special
Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
30 Total Contaminants in Your Water
Water Provider
Fruitland Water Special Service DistrictPopulation Affected
120,000Water Source
Ground waterExceeds Guidelines
Others Detected
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