Water coolers give you access to fresh, cool water either in the home or workplace. They’re essential for staying hydrated all day without having to rely on water straight from the faucet. However, it can be tricky to know which type of water cooler to invest in. That’s why we’ve pulled together this water coolers comparison guide, highlighting different Brio water dispenser features.
Top-quality, filtered water coolers for home or office can help you manage your water intake and reduce your environmental impact. Let’s take a look.
Types of Brio Water Coolers
Whether you’re looking for energy-efficient water coolers for office use or something small and portable for the home, you need to consider two main types: bottled and bottleless water coolers. Bottled water coolers are then split into two further categories, bottom or top loading machines.
Bottom Load Coolers
A bottom load water cooler uses a bottle or container inserted into the bottom of the machine. The bottle slides into the machine, attaches directly to a pump and the water is dispensed at the push of a button.
Top Load Coolers
As the name suggests, a top load water dispenser has a container at the top of the device. These have to be lifted on but provide maximum visibility of water levels and can save energy by utilizing gravity as the main dispensing force.
Homeowners might consider the Brio 500 Series Countertop Water Cooler which uses a 3-gallon bottle for easier loading. For the office, the Brio 500 Series (Hot/Cold) Top Load Water Cooler allows employees to enjoy chilled water or make their tea or other hot drinks as they like.
Bottleless Coolers
A bottleless water cooler dispenses with plastic containers all together and connects directly to a water supply. These can be a cost-effective water cooler for office use as there’s no need for repeat purchases of plastic bottles.
Offices may invest in the Brio 500 Series 2-Stage Bottleless Water Cooler with self-cleaning features, while homeowners could opt for a compact and convenient Brio 800 Series 2-Stage Bottleless Countertop Water Cooler.
Key Features to Consider
While the main consideration is often bottled versus bottleless filtered water coolers, you also want to think about these other features.
- Dispensing options: Some coolers work at the press of a button while others have a manual lever. Consider how accessible you need your system to be and if everyone will be able to use it. Some models even offer touchless technology for ease and hygiene.
- Filtration systems: There are two main types of filtration in Brio water coolers: Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis. Both result in clean, healthy drinking water but reverse osmosis also removes any beneficial minerals.
- Energy efficiency: If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, this is a major consideration. Ask a water cooler supplier about their energy efficiency, but also remember that by cutting out single-use plastic bottles, you’re already contributing to a healthier planet.
- Maintenance requirements: Always check how often filters need to be changed and how to clean your water cooler.
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Choosing your water cooler means understanding the benefits and limitations of each type.
Bottom Load Coolers
Pros:
- Easy to install new bottles
- Place anywhere as no plumbing required
- Ideal for renters who can’t make major changes to their homes
- Prices start from as little as $199.99
Cons:
- Not always as energy-efficient as top load coolers
- Requires manual refilling: although you can refill bottles from the tap, most people will opt to install a brand-new bottle which can be both inconvenient and expensive.
Top Load Coolers
Pros:
- Uses less electricity as dispensing is usually powered by gravity and a manually pressed lever
- Highly visible water level — instantly see when your water is running out
- Less expensive models are usually available in this category
Cons:
- Water bottles have to be lifted up high which can be challenging for some people
- Manually pressed levers aren’t accessible to everyone
Bottleless Coolers
Pros:
- Connects directly to the water supply for instant hydration
- No need for refills or bottle changes
- Ideal for large office spaces or homes where a constant supply of filtered water is desired
Cons:
- Filters must be changed every so often, so maintenance can be more complex
- Some models may not be as energy-efficient as a top load cooler
Consumer Testimonials
There are many great water cooler reviews for Brio that are a good starting place for buyers wanting to know others’ experiences. Here’s what one buyer had to say about a Brio top-loading water dispenser:
“I think this is a great investment, especially if you and your family want to drink more water but don’t want to spend the money buying filtration systems or water bottles. The water dispenser works excellently. The cold water is cold and the hot water is always hot, which is great. No need to put the kettle on for tea. This is a one-stop shop for clean water.”
And here’s another comment about a bottleless countertop solution:
“Finally, no more disposable water bottles: We've had this water purifier now for about 3 months - and it is still working flawlessly. I've become so accustomed to the taste/consistency of this water that I prefer it over water bottles. We've had zero issues with functionality, all buttons/lights work well, the filter(s) are still working, as well as the UV. Very impressed with this product.”
Choose Healthy, Fresh Water from a Brio Water Cooler
Homeowners and businesses can’t rely on tap water as a thirst quencher, especially as contaminants like microplastics are starting to be found in most tap water samples in the United States. Water coolers are the obvious answer, especially those with built-in filtration systems that ensure water is as pure and contaminant-free as possible.
Bottled water coolers use pre-packed or refillable bottles and are convenient and easy to install. Countertop versions make an ideal water cooler for home use while standalone models help keep a whole office floor hydrated.
Bottleless coolers never need refilling as they connect directly to the water supply. They replace the need to buy bottled water completely but do require plumbing and maintenance. Weigh up which Brio water coolers meet your needs before making your purchase.
For more information on the best water coolers 2024 has to offer, take a look at the following guide: Which Solution is Right for You?
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