Drinking water is essential to our health and wellness as human beings. It helps to regulate our body temperature, flush out toxins, lubricate joints, carry nutrients to cells, and these are just a few of its benefits. However having clean drinkable water accessible at all times often means purchasing large amounts of bottled water, installing a water filtration system in your home, or having to constantly fill up your water filter pitcher.
While all of these may work, they are not the most convenient answer for everyone. A countertop water cooler on the other hand makes staying hydrated easy. Unlike full-size water coolers, the countertop variety is much smaller making them ideal for home and small office use. They take up much less space, and as their name suggests fit is made to fit perfectly on a kitchen countertop.
Despite their small size they can provide you, your family, co-workers, or customers with all the water they need and at the temperature they prefer. With convenient features, sizes, and types to choose from countertop water coolers let everyone get the water they need without the hassle.
Countertop Water Coolers With Bottles
There are two general types of coolers ones that use water cooler bottles and ones that don’t. The ones which use bottles look just like full-size water coolers that you would see in an office only smaller. They have a water bottle on top that is installed with the neck of the bottle facing down which holds a reservoir of water that you can quickly access from a self-closing faucet.
They plug into an electrical outlet and use an internal compressor to cool your water. Most but not all will also heat your water too. Obviously, whether you choose one that only cools, or cools and heats your water, is up to what you will be using your countertop water cooler for on a regular basis. Having instant hot water can really be a time saver for making coffee, tea, instant noodles, or soup.
You won’t have to wait for the water in a kettle to boil or use a microwave. You will also find what are called water dispensers on the market as well. These are basically the same setup and design but don’t plug in to cool or heat your water. For this reason, they are less expensive.
If you like your water at room temperature and don’t have any need for hot water, one of these could be perfect. You could also just unplug your portable water cooler if you want room temperature water as well or add a little hot water to your cold water for that matter. Many consumers are attracted to the fact that they are basic, with no fancy gadgets or electricity needed.
Since portable water coolers are also technically water dispensers as they dispense water, you will often see them advertised as “countertop water cooler dispensers.”
Countertop Water Cooler Sizes
Both coolers and dispensers typically come in the same sizes. And sizes go by how many gallons their water cooler bottles can hold. This usually means 2, 3, 4, and 5-gallon standard bottles. Which size you choose depends on how many people will be drinking from it and where you will be keeping it.
Five-gallon options are the most popular since they can be used by more people or more times before having to be filled up and are normally the choice for small offices or families while smaller sizes are better for smaller spaces like desks and for individuals or couples.
Water Options
When it comes to the actual water for your countertop water cooler you can have a few options as well. You can purchase water bottles at just about any supermarket. Home stores too will normally sell them so if you are looking for bottles for your countertop water cooler Walmart and Target would be easy places to shop for them for example.
Or you could have them delivered to your house or office instead. Many people simply use tap water to fill up their water cooler bottle when it is empty, although depending on the size of your sink you may have to use a pitcher to help do this.
Storing Water Cooler Bottles
If you are going to be purchasing water cooler bottles it is a smart idea to think about storage. Many people keep them in an attached garage or storage room. But, due to their round shape and narrow top, they can tend to take up some floor space since they can’t be stacked on top of each other.
Purchasing a bottle rack or shelf set will help protect your floors and manage your space much more efficiently. Since they allow bottles to be stored vertically you can save multiple bottles in a space that would normally only be able to fit one or two. Just be sure to purchase one that is made for the size bottle you are using.
A Countertop Water Filter Cooler
An increasingly popular option is to purchase a model that has its own filtration system. This is because owning one eliminates having to buy water bottles which can save you a lot of cash. And while you’ll still have to fill up your own bottles you’ll do so from your tap so you won’t have to leave your house yet end up with all the benefits and none of the hassles of bottled water.
A countertop water filter cooler is also ideal for someone who may not trust their tap water completely or does not like the taste or smell which is a common problem. Choosing one with a filter will solve all of these problems providing you with clean, fresh, and tasty water.
If you already own a cooler and want to switch from buying bottles to a filter without having to purchase a new one you can simply purchase a separate filtration system, it’s an easy thing to do. Filtration systems are made to fit all standard-size countertop water coolers and are used in place of a normal water bottle.
This allows you to use a filter that is made by a company other than the one which manufactured your cooler with no problems. Each filter can be used to clean a certain number of gallons before needing to be replaced, and how many that is depends on the manufacturer and model. Using one is cheaper than buying your own water bottles.
Bottleless Countertop Water Coolers
These are also called point-of-service water coolers since they do not use water bottles but are attached to the water line of your home. They are more expensive than options with bottles but that’s because they offer more advantages and convenience.
A filter is used to clean the water however they normally have to be changed less frequently than the type used in coolers with bottles. Some filters can be used for thousands of gallons before needing to be replaced. Not having to purchase any water can really save money and quickly make up for the price of the machine. Countertop bottleless coolers have other advantages too.
They are built to be more compact and because they don’t have the added height of a bottle on top, can fit into spots that other types can’t, such as under low-hanging cabinets. Of course, since they do not use bottles you won’t have to worry about purchasing them, filling them up, or bottle storage which can be very appealing since it will save you time, money, and storage space.
Another benefit of bottleless options is that they typically are much more sleek and attractive looking. They often will enhance the look of your room with materials such as stainless steel and won’t make your space feel like an office, which is actually a common fear when people buy a countertop water cooler for home use.
Like with other water coolers, these can both cool and heat your water. Some models like the one shown below will even make ice cubes. Countertop bottleless coolers are excellent for offices, businesses, small restaurants, or families and individuals who drink a lot of water or want the least amount of hassle. They are also especially handy for people who live in apartments, condos, and small spaces.
The Best Countertop Water Cooler Features
Whether you choose a model which has a bottle or not, there are some features that set the top options apart from the rest. If you have children, a child safety lever is a must when purchasing a cooler that heats the water. Little kids are always curious and it always pays to have an extra safety measure so they don’t get hurt. Luckily, these are typically a standard feature.
Choosing one that is known to be quiet is also important, as a noisy countertop water cooler can be annoying. Also, make sure you pick one that is known to have a good flow volume. This will save you from having to wait an extra couple of seconds every time you get a glass of water which can really add up.
While not necessary, some people like to purchase models that allow them to adjust both the hot and cold temperatures to their own preference, and there a quite a few that let you do so.
To live a healthy lifestyle you need to stay hydrated. And the key to doing so is having a supply of water that is always easily accessible. A countertop water cooler will make sure to provide the water you, your family, co-workers, or customers need on a daily basis.
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