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BOTTLED COOLERS

A bottled water cooler is a device that dispenses water from a large plastic bottle placed on top of the cooler, which needs to be replaced periodically when empty. It provides a convenient and readily available source of drinking water for homes, offices, and gyms, especially in areas where tap water may be a concern. Bottled water coolers can dispense hot and cold water. They often have a built-in refrigeration and heating unit to keep the water chilled or dispense hot water.

Bottled water coolers have two main designs — top-load and bottom load. Top load models require you to lift the water bottle and place it upside down onto the unit. They utilize gravity to feed the water into the dispensing system. Bottom load models offer a more convenient alternative by eliminating the need for heavy lifting. These models house the bottle in a lower compartment. Some bottled water coolers also have an ice-making feature.

The primary difference between bottled and tap water is that you purchase bottled water from a distributor, while tap water is readily available at a home or office. Tap water is treated with infiltration and disinfection (often as chlorine) to meet safety standards. On the other hand, bottled water undergoes filtration, reverse osmosis, or other treatments, depending on the brand.

Most water coolers are compatible with 2-, 3-, and 5-gallon water bottles. However, it’s always best to confirm the recommended bottle size based on your user manual.

The first and most important step is to choose an effective cleaning solution. This can be bleach, white vinegar, or food-grade citric acid crystals. If you choose vinegar, mix a half gallon of it with another half a gallon of water. For bleach, mix two tablespoons with one gallon of water. For food-grade citric acid crystals, mix approximately 1.5 cups or 200g with two gallons of water. Next, find an appropriate time and frequency to clean your bottled water cooler. It’s best to clean your cooler every three to four months. Additionally, pick an ideal time to replace the water bottle so you don’t interrupt regular use.

Yes. You can leave your Brio bottled water cooler plugged in continuously. The cooler depends on energy from a power source to keep your water at preferred temperatures — either hot or cold. So, if you use the water regularly, especially in commercial places, the water cooler may need a continuous power supply. This is because the water will need some time after plugging into an outlet to become hot or chilled.

However, you must ensure that you’ve installed a bottle with water in it to prevent dry heating, which could damage the cooler. If you plan on traveling or being away for a long time, such as during vacations, it’s best to leave the cooler unplugged to save energy. Choosing the proper outlet voltage is also important. If unsure, always refer to the cooler’s user manual to keep yourself safe and the cooler functioning well. Lastly, avoid connecting your water cooler to extension cords, which can overheat and damage it.

If water from your cooler doesn’t taste fresh, it might be because the cooler is contaminated. Mold, bacteria, or water scale may have built up inside the cooler. If that is the case, you should clean the cooler. Generally, you will need to clean your Brio bottled cooler manually — usually every three to six months, depending on how frequently you use it. This is important, even if it’s a self-cleaning unit. You can use a cleaning agent like white vinegar or bleach to clean your reservoirs. Another reason why the taste may be off is that you didn’t thoroughly rinse your cooler’s reservoirs after cleaning it with a cleaning agent.

Yes. If a component on your water cooler gets lost or broken, you can easily buy a new one. We understand that accidents can happen, so we provide a full range of replacement parts for purchase on our Dispenser Components Page.

You can replace several parts, including drip trays, drain plugs, inlets, top lids, and filter flushing heads. It’s best to buy replacement parts from Brio’s website or verified sellers because third-party parts may not work well with our bottled coolers and may even cause malfunctions or damage. If you fail to replace these parts, you risk getting leaks, odd tastes, and even total cooler breakdowns.

Once you purchase the replacement components, it’s best to refer to the cooler’s user manual so that you don’t cause further damage. You should also disconnect the cooler from the outlet before replacing components to prevent shocks and short circuits. If you need help getting the right replacement item for your water cooler model, you can always reach out to our support team.

If your tap water doesn’t taste right or smells odd, a bottled cooler can help. Some models use bottles of purified water, while others use filters to remove sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants. They provide better-tasting water at home, in the office, or wherever you need it.

Both types of water coolers use 3- or 5-gallon bottles of water, so they don’t need a plumbing connection. In top loading models, the bottle is placed upside-down, and gravity moves water down to the spigot. They need electricity only for heating or cooling water, so you’ll still have water during power outages. They’re affordable and easy to use, although positioning the heavy bottles can be challenging.

In bottom loading water coolers, the bottle is stored in a lower cabinet and uses a pump to move the water up. They’re easier to reload and have a less cluttered look since the bottle is hidden. Many models include tri-temperature water (hot, cold, and room temp) and are self-cleaning, and some feature built-in filtration.

If you’re looking for simplicity and value, a top loading water cooler might be the right choice for you. If you want more features, a bottom loading cooler might be better.