Choosing the Right Water Cooler: A Guide to Tank Sizes and Filtration
Water cooler tank sizes are an important consideration when purchasing a water dispenser or refrigerator. A large tank can help reduce energy costs and prevent mineral buildup.
Water dispensers can either be bottled variants that accept 2- to 5-gallon bottles or plumbed versions that use an internal water reservoir. If you opt for a bottleless model, choose one with a UV LED sanitization light to keep the storage tank clean.
Hot and cold water dispenser capacity
Water dispensers dispense room-temperature or chilled water through a tap. They are available in a variety of styles, from freestanding floor models to countertop units that sit on a counter or other surface. Some also feature a hot tap for making tea and other hot drinks. They are usually less expensive than coolers and use less energy. They can be found at home improvement stores, department stores, and wholesale clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club.
Some models have a water tank that holds 2-, 4-, or 5-gallon bottles. They are generally easy to move and have a small footprint. Most are simple to operate and require only plugging them into a power outlet. They can be cleaned with a solution of water and a bit of bleach, and they are safe to place in the refrigerator.
Bottle-less water coolers are a great alternative to traditional office kettles. They connect directly to your water line and use a special filtration system to ensure that you get fresh, clean drinking water. They can be more expensive upfront, but they have a lower operational cost than bottled water coolers and will save you money in the long run by eliminating delivery fees and storage issues with empty bottles. Many high-end versions use a reverse osmosis water machine to ensure the best possible water quality.
Filtration technology in water dispenser
Water dispensers can be either freestanding or mounted on a wall. The latter type hooks into a building’s plumbing system for the water source, while the former relies on gravity and vacuum pressure to funnel water from a bottle into the spout. Most water dispensers hold 5-US-gallon bottles (labeled as 18.9 liters elsewhere). Some models feature a basin on the front to catch spills, and others offer a bottom-load option.
Regardless of their style, most May loc nuoc nong lanh water dispensers use a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water. These filters are typically made of activated carbon, a material that develops pores when partly burned or crushed and is often used for water purification. Other types of filtration technologies are available, including reverse osmosis.
The best water dispensers also feature a stainless-steel reservoir, as opposed to the plastic alternative, which is less hygienic and can leave an unpleasant plastic taste in the water. They are designed with a sanitary, easy-to-clean surface and are often coated in antimicrobial BioCote to reduce the spread of bacteria. This is particularly important for frequently touched areas such as the buttons and levers on water dispensers. These features also help protect the environment. Water dispensers that don’t require a bottle eliminate the need for disposable plastic jugs, saving energy and resources while reducing waste.
Reverse osmosis water machine
Using reverse osmosis to filter water provides the highest quality drinking water. The process pushes water up against a tightly woven membrane that looks impermeable. The membrane allows only certain substances to pass through, leaving a higher concentration of solute on one side and pure solvent on the other. It’s a powerful filtration method that reduces many contaminants, including lead and toxins, and some systems use additional filters to tackle specific types of impurities.
Some RO systems store the treated water in a tank until it’s needed, and others offer tankless configurations that treat on demand and eliminate wasted water. Both of these options are less obstructive and more convenient than traditional under-sink models, and they feature sleek, attractive faucets that complement any kitchen décor. Some of our top picks even include LED indicators to show you when the system’s filters need changing and how much water is being filtered.
Most of the systems we reviewed can also be used to produce crystal clear ice cubes that are brighter and more visually appealing than regular ice. They can also be used to make eye-catching cocktails that are sure to impress. The biggest advantage of these systems, however, is that they save money, time and energy by reducing the need to buy bottled water.