How to choose a water cooler: tips for choosing floor-standing models with cooling and heating + instructions

Type of allocation

The first thing you should think about when choosing a cooler is choosing a place to install it. Having decided where the cooler will be placed, you can instantly cut off a considerable part of the models. Based on this criterion, all coolers can be divided into two types: floor-standing and desktop modifications.

Floor-standing models are better suited for large families:

They are designed for volumetric water consumption.
You shouldn’t give up on floor-standing models solely because of the emerging associations with bulky, noisy coolers that were popular before.
Thanks to the efforts of designers, modern models are more reminiscent of neat cabinets that can fit into any interior.

Tabletop models have much more modest dimensions and are easy to install on any kitchen surface or even window sill. If necessary, the desktop cooler can be moved to another location without any difficulty.

This variation of equipment easily copes with low water consumption, so it is more suitable for small families.

Cooling type

A good model can quickly cool water, so the installed cooling device is a serious factor. Two types are available, which differ radically in their operating method, minimum temperature and performance: compressor and electronic.

The first one is reliable, does not depend on the ambient temperature, and can work autonomously. The cooling principle is reminiscent of the operation of a refrigerator, which is charged with freon or other gas. Compressor refrigeration systems are sensitive and should not be inverted, stored or transported horizontally. This type requires careful handling, but it cools the water well and makes it possible to set a comfortable temperature yourself.

Electronic models operate using fans. To prevent the system from overheating and to function properly, the drinking apparatus must be installed in well-ventilated areas. This type of equipment is not recommended for installation in tight corners where there is a high risk of dust or dirt getting onto the surface.

Top feed

The most familiar and budget group of models are coolers with top water supply. The container in them is placed above the main mechanism, and the neck of the bottle itself is directed downward.

The main advantage of such models is their low price compared to other variations.
The main disadvantage is that considerable physical strength is required to lift and install a bottle of water into such a structure.

However, this disadvantage can be mitigated: if you take care in advance of finding a company that delivers drinking water, you can find out whether the cost of delivery includes cooler maintenance.

Water cooler - what is it?

This is the name of the device that supplies drinking water (cold or heated). It is installed in offices and factories, shopping centers and residential buildings.

The cooler most often looks like a cabinet with a bottle of water. In fact, the design also includes a check valve, a dispenser, and a pipe for connecting the elements. The average volume of a water container is 20-30 liters.

The most common coolers in office premises

Principle of operation

The cooler operates based on gravity and hydraulic principles. Water from the bottle flows into the cold water container. From there, it flows through the connecting pipe into a container equipped with a heating element.

A check valve in this system is needed to prevent heated water from returning to the first container. In addition, this element balances the pressure in the containers.

Then, through dispensers, water is supplied directly to the mug.

Technical characteristics of coolers

To select a suitable device, use the following characteristics:

cooling method;
power of heating and cooling elements;
performance;
location of the water container.

An example of comparing different models by characteristics is presented in the table.

Model	Cooling/heating power, W	Capacity, cooling/heating, l/h	Installing a water bottle	Cooling method
SMixx 178 L	90/500	3/5	above	compressor
HotFrost V802CE	80/420	1/5	above	electronic
Aqua work 16LD/EN	68/700	1/5	above	electronic

Analysis of equipment characteristics of different models

Bottom feed

In coolers with this type of water supply, the container is placed either under the mechanisms or even inside the structure.

Thanks to this design solution, coolers of this type not only look much neater than top-feed models, but are also much easier to maintain when changing the water container. The only downside is the price of such models - they are significantly more expensive than representatives of the first type.

Coolers differ in installation method

A home cooler can be of two types: tabletop or floor-standing. The first ones are distinguished by their compact sizes, which allow them to be used when arranging small spaces. They are mounted on special stands, tabletops, window sills or any other flat surface. Thanks to their light weight, they can be freely moved or rearranged to a new location.

Countertop coolers only allow top water supply, which is cooled using electronic systems. Since the devices do not have complex mechanisms, are sold without built-in cabinets and refrigerators, they do not make noise and are well suited for installation in an apartment. Coolers should also be selected based on their performance. Compact models are suitable for a family of several people.

If there are many people living in a house, you need to choose floor-standing units with better performance. They take up more space, but look neat and harmonious thanks to their design. Such models can be with top or bottom water intake, and are also equipped with a refrigerator, as well as a cabinet for storing cutlery or food.

Purifiers

Purifier will be an excellent choice for those who do not want to bother with regularly changing containers, purchasing and delivering water.

Coolers of this type are equipped with multi-stage filtration systems; without passing through all stages of purification, ordinary tap water supplied to the purifier becomes perfectly purified drinking water.

The advantage of this device is obvious: a minimum of maintenance worries. But there are also disadvantages: firstly, the cost of purifiers significantly exceeds the cost of alternative options; secondly, 1-2 times a year it will be necessary to replace the filters inside the device, because over time they will become clogged in a way that is natural for their operation.

Pay attention to functionality

Since almost every model can cool and heat water, the main differences should be found in the available functions. Modern types of devices can perform filtration, carbonation or ozonation. Thanks to special membranes with cells that act as a filter, cleaning systems collect pathogens. Such functions have a good effect on the quality of drinking water. They are worth choosing if an old water supply system is installed at home and contaminated liquid with particles of sand and rust flows.

It is also worth considering that coolers require high-quality maintenance and regular replacement of filter elements. In case of severe contamination, the system cannot cope with the load and purifies the water worse.

The ozonation function works using a special device - an ozonator, which is filled with ozone gas. Thanks to a chemical reaction, the liquid is purified from unpleasant odors, pathogenic microflora and impurities that are in the composition.

Cooling system type

To cool the water in the cooler, manufacturers install a special system.

It can be either compressor or electronic type.
Even such a seemingly insignificant technical detail can influence the decision-making process in the process of choosing a cooler model.
Compressor cooling is familiar to users from refrigeration equipment.
The gaseous refrigerant circulates through a closed system, changing its state of aggregation depending on the current need.
The compressor system cools the water faster and is more sensitive to changes in temperature range settings than the electronic version.

But they also have a feature that can turn some buyers away from them - coolers with a compressor system inside must be moved strictly in a vertical position, and in general, you must interact with them extremely carefully. Damage to the cooling system may result in a refrigerant leak.

Models with an electronic cooling system are much more environmentally friendly and less demanding during transportation. If there are children in the house, it is recommended to give preference to this option, but it is worth remembering that the process of adjusting the water temperature in them proceeds more slowly than in coolers with a compressor system.

How to choose one or another type of water cooler

Now that we have figured out what types of water coolers there are, let’s dwell on how to choose the appropriate model of the device.

The choice of a compressor or electronic cooling system for a water cooler is influenced by:

the number of people who will use the dispenser;
installation location.

If the cooler is used at a high intensity (over 20 bottles per month), it is worth purchasing a compressor unit. For low work intensity (less than 20 bottles per month), you can choose an electronic type of water cooler.

The disadvantage of the electronic type of cooler is the slower process of cooling water in comparison with compressor analogues, and therefore such models are recommended to be purchased if the number of users per device does not exceed 10 people (approximately 1.5 liters of chilled water per person per day). water).

Electronic types of water coolers cannot be placed in dusty and poorly ventilated areas (for example, in production workshops), since the fans located inside the device will become clogged, which will lead to a slowdown and then a complete stop of their operation, and accordingly the performance of the device will decrease, and cooling modules may fail. Therefore, models with a compressor cooling system are more suitable for this type of premises.

If you have children, you should pay attention to the additional functions of the devices that provide protection against unauthorized use. In such models, a hot water tap blocking system is installed to protect the child from burns.

You can also pay attention to the types of water coolers equipped with three taps. In this case, the third is designed to supply water at room temperature. It is useful, for example, for drawing water into a pan while preparing dinner, or if you do not want to drink cold liquid.

Some cooler models are equipped with displays that allow you to control the operating time of the device (setting the period of operation, for example, during office hours, only on weekdays, etc.), and set the temperature of heating and cooling water. Setting the operating time of the device is very useful in order to save energy. And the ability to see the current temperature of hot and cold water will help you understand whether the device has reached its maximum operating temperature (hot/water +90...+94 °C, cold/water +5...+10°C).

When you place a container of water on the cooler, the liquid in it is held due to the discharged pressure. In this regard, durable polycarbonate is used to produce bottles, which holds its shape well. However, keep in mind that during transportation the container may be subject to various types of mechanical impact (including throws, impacts on asphalt, etc.) Therefore, if even the slightest microcrack appears, water will begin to flow out. You will find out about this when you find a puddle under the cooler.

For devices that provide protection against leaks, the receiving socket has a more complex design, and in almost 90% of cases it effectively prevents the leakage of water due to microcracks. In most cases, expensive types of water coolers with a compressor cooling system are equipped with such protection.

Control method

Control method – method of interaction with the cooler. Mechanical control is essentially the same as working with a conventional pump. The advantages of “mechanics”: low price and high strength, but the disadvantages include the need to apply effort to draw water and limited functionality.

An alternative to mechanical control is to purchase a cooler with an electronic control system.

Smart appliances are increasingly found in our homes, and coolers are no exception:

You can set a specific value for the desired water temperature,
Set a timer for heating or cooling at a specific time and even remotely start bactericidal treatment.

Technological progress does not stand still, so why not use the benefits it provides? The only downside is the difference in price - naturally, electronically controlled coolers will cost significantly more than their mechanical counterparts.

Differences in control method

The available types of floor-standing devices have different control methods. You can choose a cooler with a mechanical or electronic system. In the first case, drinking water is supplied using a conventional pump, which must be pumped manually. This method will not work if there is a large family living in the house. The mechanism is difficult for children to handle because they have to put in a lot of effort. The advantage of the system is its low cost and reliability. The device can withstand long-term use and has a durable casing.

The electronic control system gives users additional options. Coolers of this type can operate according to preset parameters. Here you can set the desired temperature, which will be maintained regularly, set a timer for cooling or heating water at a certain time. Depending on the class, devices can be additionally equipped with informative LCD displays, LED indicators, automated bactericidal treatment and other systems. Among the available functions that simplify the operation process:

automatic cooling or heating;
built-in refrigerator;
child protection that blocks taps.

Selecting additional functionality

If practically basic options, such as heating or cooling, are no longer worth thinking about due to their almost absolute distribution, then it’s still worth thinking about pleasant bonuses that have not yet become widespread.

Examples include models capable of filtering water, ozonizing or aerating it.

Top 10 best models of floor-standing water coolers for the office

Water dispensers are mainly used in offices, where it is simply inconvenient to constantly use kettles and bottles. The list of the best includes both expensive and modest floor-standing models.

Vatten L49QEAT

A powerful dispenser provides boiling and cold water. The liquid is contained in the same 600 ml tank, with a single dispensing tap on the top panel of the device. In terms of performance, the model is designed for 20 people and is controlled by touch buttons.

The average price of a Vatten cooler is 13,000 rubles

Hot Frost V127S

A functional cooler with neon lighting works to cool and heat water. Features of the device include the presence of a third button; it supplies liquid at moderate room temperature. The hot tap is equipped with a lock that prevents accidental spillage of boiling water. The dispenser is spacious - containers for cold and hot water are designed for 3 and 1 liters.

You can buy a Hot Frost dispenser for an average of 17,000 rubles

Ecotronic H1-LC

One of the best water cooler with heating and cooling with 16L cabinet is suitable for medium-traffic offices. Protected from leaks, liquid is supplied after pressing the mug on the tap. The bottle is installed on top of the device.

You can buy an Ecotronic dispenser for an average of 10,000 rubles

LC-AEL-810a

The cooler with touch control and LCD display provides cold and hot water. The bottle must be placed at the bottom of the device. There is an additional tap for regular cool water, and there is protection against accidental pressing.

The average cost of LC-AEL-810a is 22,000 rubles

Aqua Work 16LD/EN

A practical universal dispenser with cooling and heating functions dispenses liquid after pressing the mug on the tap. It works quickly, with good power, and has a stylish silver-black design. The disadvantages include the lack of a built-in cabinet; you won’t be able to use the device to store dishes.

The average price of Aqua Work is 7,000 rubles

Hot Frost V118

An inexpensive, top-loading floor cooler supplies chilled and heated water. Made in a stainless steel case, equipped with a compartment for glasses. It works by pressing the mug and is capable of heating up to 5 liters of water per hour.

The average cost of a V118 cooler from Hot Frost is 7,500 rubles

Hot Frost V115CE

Another productive cooler from a trusted brand is designed primarily for heating liquids. The volume of the corresponding container is 1 liter, while the cold water tank holds only 600 ml. The bottle is installed at the top.

You can buy a V115CE cooler from 8,000 rubles

Ecotronic H1-LE Black

The top-mounted floor-standing dispenser does not have a cabinet, but is capable of dispensing hot and cold water. The model is quite modest, without protection against leaks, and there is no third tap either. Among the advantages are good performance and speed of operation, up to 5 liters of hot liquid per hour.

You can purchase an Ecotronic dispenser from 11,000 rubles

Aqua Work 0.7-LK/B

A very budget device has two taps and only supports water heating. You can get liquid at room temperature and boiling water from it; cooling is not provided. The device takes up little space, the body height is only 86 cm. The dispenser can be installed in a limited office space.

The average price of an AquaWork cooler starts from 3,000 rubles

Vatten V41WE

The universal floor cooler heats 4 liters of water per hour and cools 600 ml. For a large office, the capabilities of the dispenser will not be enough, but for small companies it is well suited. Control is carried out by buttons; the bottle must be placed on top of the device.

The cost of V41WE is on average 5,000 rubles

Additional filtering

Some models have built-in filter membranes containing absorbent substances.
Water is forced through the filter, and even the smallest particles of foreign substances remain in the depths of the filter, and do not enter the human body with drinking. Filters need to be changed periodically, taking into account the manufacturer's recommended service life.

Rating of the best bottom loading water coolers

Bottom-loading models are generally less efficient. However, they are more convenient to use, since the heavy container does not need to be lifted from the floor to a height.

Vatten L48WK

The heated and compressor-cooled floor-mounted dispenser supplies water at different temperatures through the same tap. The mode is configured using control buttons.

The average price of L48WK is 15,800 rubles

Hot Frost 35 AN

A convenient bottom-loading cooler with one tap supplies water at three temperatures - cold, hot and cool. Equipped with a lock button to prevent accidental inclusion of boiling water, and a thermostat to prevent overheating. The model has neon illumination of the work area.

You can buy a Hot Frost dispenser with a bottom positioned bottle from 20,900 rubles

Vatten L45WE

In the rating of home water coolers, we can note a classic-looking floor-standing unit with three taps and an electronic cooling function. It is controlled using buttons and has an average productivity - only 6 liters of boiling water per hour.

Vatten L45WE price starts from 9,500 rubles

What else is worth paying attention to

Selection of power for needs:

The speed of heating and cooling, as well as the amount of electricity consumed by the cooler, are closely related to the gradation of equipment according to energy efficiency classes.
Powerful equipment will do the job quickly and easily, but at the same time it will consume more electricity to power it than models belonging to the energy-saving class.
If the device will be used frequently, serving a large number of people, then such costs will be quite reasonable, but a small family should still seriously consider assessing this parameter.

Child protection:

If there is a small child in the house, then it would not be superfluous to consider the issue of additional protection when selecting a cooler.
Some models have a safety latch placed on the hot water faucet to prevent your baby from getting doused in near-boiling liquid as he explores the world around him.

Build quality:

This rule is true for any equipment, not just coolers.
To determine the quality of the assembly, you do not need to have deep technical knowledge: just carefully examine the case from all sides.
In high-quality equipment there will be no gaps or cracks, taps will turn smoothly, and buttons will not stick.
Reasons for rejecting the chosen model may include tubes and wires that stand out strangely from the body, and too loud operation when turned on - a high-quality cooler only hums quietly when operating.

By analyzing the criteria listed above, you can get an idea of what exactly you want to get from your planned purchase.

Only after weighing all the pros and cons of various options and configurations will you be able to find exactly the device that will not disappoint you in the future and will serve your home faithfully for a long time.

Which cooler is better for home: economical or productive?

Both indicators are affected by heating and cooling power, as well as energy efficiency class. You can study the features of each model yourself by reading the instruction manuals. Before choosing a model for your home, you need to understand which parameter plays a big role. It is necessary that the device consumes as little electricity as possible or has great functionality. Choosing to save money will seriously reduce the number of models that are available on the market. Powerful ones are more expensive to maintain, but this type of device quickly copes with the functions that were assigned to it. The cooler cools and heats water well, is capable of dispensing a larger volume of liquid, and does not make noise during operation.

The energy efficiency class depends on the pump, type of fan and electronics installed in the cooler. Depending on the class, energy consumption may increase, even for models that have the same functionality. It is worth choosing a unit for a house where it will be used by a large group of people.

Rating of the best drinking water for a cooler

Many companies supply bottled clean water for dispensers. But a few brands are particularly revered.

Nestle Pure Life

Still artesian water of the first category. Contains low amounts of potassium, magnesium and calcium, has a soft composition, and is well suited for drinking and cooking.

Nestle Pure Life pure water has a shelf life of 3 months

Chernogolovskaya

Drinking water of the highest category is conditioned with potassium, iodine and fluorine, and contains some calcium and magnesium. It has no characteristic taste or odor and is suitable for culinary and drinking purposes. Both children and adults can drink water.

An open bottle of Chernogolovskaya can be stored for only 10 days

Holy spring

The best bottled water for coolers is fortified with magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Suitable for drinking and for use in the kitchen in first and second courses. Bottles are installed very often in offices and at home; water is not recommended for use in kindergartens and schools.

The holy spring is not treated with chlorine or fluoride

What types of water coolers are there and what are their features?

Floor cooler

This dispenser model is placed on the floor and looks like a small cabinet.
With a bottle installed on top, this cooler is a third lower and a third narrower than a conventional refrigerator. Which floor-standing water cooler is better to choose: with the principle of loading the bottle from above (above the water supply mechanism) or from below (in the internal compartment), it’s up to you to decide. From the bottle, water flows into storage tanks, where it is cooled or heated, depending on the model. The water in a floor cooler is cooled using a compressor or thermoelectric method. In the first case, the device operates on the principle of a refrigerator, with the difference that the dispenser cools water rather than air.

Models with a compressor mechanism have a significant drawback - their impressive size and weight compared to coolers in which the water temperature is reduced thermoelectrically (electronically). The operation of the electronic module is based on the temperature difference at the moment electric current passes through it. Despite the fact that the compressor is not economical, the water in such a dispenser cools faster than in a device with an electronic system.

To choose the right floor-standing water cooler, you need to understand that a top-loading bottle dispenser is difficult to maintain. They are large, with an unattractive design; in addition, when water is drained from the bottle, air enters it, containing many harmful microorganisms that begin to multiply inside the container.

A bottom-loading cooler is much more practical to use. The 20 kg bottle is easier to install because it does not need to be lifted above the device. Another plus is that the water container is hidden behind the door. One way or another, at the moment of opening and installing the bottle, bacteria from the air and from human hands still get inside, the same applies to mechanical taps.

Desk cooler

Finding desktop coolers with bottled water supply on sale is quite difficult. Since this model of dispenser installs the container only from the top, the cooler looks unaesthetic: a much larger plastic bottle of water is placed on a small plastic base.

Have you decided to purchase a table top dispenser with a top loading bottle? Think about its location in advance so that the device does not disturb anyone, and it would be convenient to service the cooler. The dispenser is installed on a stable base that will withstand impressive weight and will not fall.

How to choose a floor-standing water cooler? Follow the recommendations described above, since the differences between floor-standing and table-top models are mainly in the installation method: on the floor or on a table.

An unpleasant feature of using dispensers with removable water containers is that the water supply system does not have microbiological protection: many bacteria almost freely enter the internal pipeline of the device, multiply in the water storage tanks, and, unfortunately, nothing can be done about it.

Inside the storage tanks of modern dispensers and purifiers there is an ultraviolet lamp: thanks to the radiation of UV waves of a certain length, microbes are destroyed. If the cooler is not equipped with such protection against bacteria, then after 6 months of operation of the device, a layer of plaque will form in the internal cavities of the tanks and pipes - this is an accumulation of harmful microorganisms.

Companies that sell dispensers supply drinking water in bottles on a service basis. This water is purified by reverse osmosis: water molecules are passed through a semi-permeable membrane, while other larger molecules and salt ions are filtered out. As a result, we get distilled or semi-distilled water. In another way it is called distillate, technical water, it cannot be called “living” water, it does not carry any value for the human body.

Honest manufacturers make up for the complete lack of minerals in water by enriching it with calcium, magnesium, and so on. However, natural water contains many compounds necessary for humans, which are perfectly balanced. If you do not drink such water, it will be almost impossible to compensate for the lack of these substances.

It is possible to carry out complete purification using the reverse osmosis method for liquid from any source - a central water supply, an artesian well or a river. Thanks to hyperfiltration, we obtain water of the first category - with the same composition. However, if you are lucky, you can find a manufacturer that supplies bottled water that has been extracted from the ground and purified using the same method, such water will be of the highest category.

Flow cooler

To figure out how to choose a water cooler, you need to know all the disadvantages of dispensers that supply water from a bottle:

large size, since it is necessary to place a container with water;
high risk of microbiological contamination of the water used;
the supplied water is physiologically inferior, its chemical and organoleptic characteristics are ambiguous;
storing used and new plastic bottles is inconvenient;
difficulty of maintenance when constantly replacing empty water containers;
operating such coolers is quite expensive, despite the initially low price of the device, you will need to regularly order new bottles and pay for delivery;
high energy costs, since the cooler operates 24 hours. A possible solution is to unplug the device every day;
low functionality, mechanical control of the dispenser;
outdated appearance of the cooler.

The question arises: which water cooler is better to choose? The best option is modern flow filtration coolers, or purifiers. These new generation dispensers eliminate the need to order water bottles from suppliers.

The cost of flow-through water coolers has increased, because each of them is equipped with a personal flow-through filtration system, into which regular water is supplied from the tap. Important note: purchasing water for a year requires more than 40 thousand rubles, which is much higher than the cost of purchasing a flow-through water cooler.

Some models of flow coolers filter water using a reverse osmosis membrane. The market also offers improved flow filtration coolers, in which the shortcomings of reverse osmosis have been eliminated: thanks to gentle water purification, its microelement composition is not disturbed, and harmful microorganisms, unpleasant odors, various impurities and chlorine are removed.

Most models of flow filtration coolers are small in size. These desktop coolers are suitable for both home and office use. Miniature dimensions and method of water supply are the main reason for the technological leap in the production of coolers.

Classification of water dispensing devices

There are two groups of coolers, differing in the method of installation in rooms: floor-standing and desktop units. Small devices are placed on cabinets or stands. Larger and more powerful ones are on the floor.

The simplest models only dispense water and do not have additional functions, but also do not require an electrical connection. When you press the valve handle or open the tap, water at room temperature will flow. The devices are suitable for small apartments or offices.

More complex ones are equipped with heating and cooling elements and require 220 Volt power. The bottle (usually) is installed on top, water flows from it into the internal reservoir, where it is brought to the desired temperature.

Some models provide constant maintenance of temperatures in separate chambers - hot and cold. The owner can brew tea or simply drink chilled water at any time. It is important to understand that such coolers consume electricity around the clock. To save money, you will have to periodically disconnect the device from the network, for example, at night.

Top-loaders require bottles to be more difficult to install and require lifting, inverting, and carefully inserting into the slot.

Coolers in which containers are placed at the bottom are easier to refill, while the bottle itself is usually hidden behind the door. It is not difficult to choose a device suitable for a particular interior - there are many design solutions for all possible styles.

How to choose a cooler based on the method of water supply

Depending on the method of water supply provided in the cooler, that is, on the design of the switch that is responsible for turning the device on and off, coolers are divided into two types.

Pressure with glass. In such models, the water supply system turns on when a glass or other container is brought to the tap. It is usually controlled using a special spring-loaded lever, which covers the spout from the sides and bottom like a frame. When you bring a glass or other container to the spout, its edge activates the lever, starting the water supply system. You can stop it by moving the glass away from the spout, thereby returning the lever to the neutral position. Due to its extreme simplicity and clarity, this method is very convenient to use.

Among the disadvantages of this type of cooler is the inconvenience when it is necessary to obtain a large volume of water, since it is difficult to keep the frame pressed for a long time. However, in a number of models this problem is solved by using an alternative mode in which the water supply is turned on by manually lifting the lever. It will remain in this position until the user forces it down, which means there is no need to keep the glass pressed tightly.

Buttons. The water supply is turned on and off using buttons or keys located on the cooler body. Depending on your needs, you can choose a water cooler in which water will be filled into the glass only when the button is pressed, or a model with the ability to fix it.

Top 3 best compressor floor standing water coolers

Dispensers equipped with a compressor are best suited for cooling water. In fact, they are full-fledged refrigeration units and guarantee high performance.

Ecotronic K21-LC

An inexpensive dispenser with a compressor can produce 4 liters of cold water per hour. It also supports a heating function (5 l), the bottle must be installed on top of the device.

Advice! It is worth choosing a water cooler with a compressor of this model if you need boiling water and cold liquid in approximately equal quantities.

The average price of K21-LC is 7400 rubles

Aqua Work R71-T

An inexpensive but reliable device with a compressor and top installation produces 2 liters of cold liquid per hour. Can heat water, the device is controlled by push-buttons.

The price of R71-T starts from 12,500 rubles

Hot Frost V900CS

A floor-standing dispenser with one tap works to dispense water at three temperatures at the touch of a button. Equipped with compressor cooling technology, shows an average productivity of 2 liters per hour.

You can buy V900CS from 15,500 rubles

Top 8 tips on which water cooler to choose

Tip #1. We select a dispenser according to the installation method.

We mentioned earlier that there are 2 types of dispensers on the market:

desktop;
floor

Small-sized models of desktop water coolers are the best option for a home or small office. You can place such a dispenser either on the kitchen table or on a special stand or tabletop. The desktop cooler can be easily moved to another location at any time. Tabletop models are most often equipped with an electronic water cooling system.

The main feature of the tabletop dispenser is the silent operation of the device, since there are almost no noisy parts in its design. This cooler can be used even if a small child is sleeping in the apartment. If the water consumption is small, for example in a small family or in an office team of 2-3 people, then a tabletop model is exactly what you need.

How to choose a water cooler if you often have guests in your home? The right solution is a floor cooler, shaped like a small cabinet and taking up a little more space than a tabletop one. Forget about outdated models that looked terrible and were hung with protruding tubes. Currently, manufacturers of such equipment attract real professional designers. Therefore, these modern devices will suit any interior. For greater convenience, some dispenser models are equipped with a special shelf where you can store dishes.

Tip #2. Select a cooler based on cooling type.

At the beginning of the article, we mentioned that dispensers can have two types of water cooling:

compressor,
electronic.

Refrigerators operate on the principle of compressor cooling: heat is absorbed during evaporation and released during condensation. Freon or another gas is used as a refrigerant, which goes into a vapor state in the evaporator, that is, it takes heat from the water. The refrigerant then enters the compressor. There, under high pressure, it condenses, as a result of which it releases heat to the external environment.

It is permissible to transport dispensers with a compressor cooling system strictly in a vertical position. In addition, careful handling of structural elements is required to avoid damage and refrigerant leakage. The main advantage of such models is the high speed of water cooling, which means that you can easily regulate the temperature over a wide range of values.

Dispensers with an electronic cooling system appeared thanks to the work of the French physicist J. Pelletier. He made the discovery that if current is passed through metal conductors made from different alloys, then the temperature at the junction of the elements will decrease.

Cooler models with electronic cooling are easy to transport and environmentally friendly. You can even place them in children's rooms. But there is one operating feature: the room in which the cooler is installed must be well ventilated, since the device is equipped with fans, and if dust or dirt gets into them, they will stop functioning.

Tip #3. We choose a cooler depending on the control method.

The dispenser with a mechanical control system is a pump. The cost of such products will pleasantly please the buyer, as will the increased reliability of the coolers. However, pouring water will require some effort. In addition, such models have little functionality.

The electronic control system gives the cooler unlimited possibilities. Select the desired temperature - the dispenser will maintain it itself. Set a timer to have the water cooled or warmed up when you arrive at work (or home). Some models are equipped with LED indicator panels, liquid crystal displays, automated germ control and other advances in science and technology.

Tip #4. We choose a cooler based on the method of water supply.

There are coolers on the market with one of three methods of water supply. How to choose a floor-standing water cooler with cooling and heating if your budget is limited? Opt for a model with a top water supply from a bottle. It is placed neck down just above the main structure. Of course, if a man always installs the bottle, there will be no problems. However, a woman will not be able to change a heavy container on her own. Luckily, most water supply companies will install the bottle for free. It is recommended to clarify this point in advance when you select a water delivery company.

Bottom loading coolers will cost slightly more. But the advantages of using them outweigh the high price: installing the bottle from below is easy, and the water container is located in a special niche and hidden behind a beautiful door. Water is directly supplied using a pump or hand pump.

How to choose a water cooler if you don't want to constantly change bottles? A purifier that purifies tap water using a multi-stage filtration system is suitable for you. The advantage of this device is that you can forget about bottles. Cons: high price, regular filter replacement. In addition, to assess the quality of the outlet water after purification, it will be necessary to resort to the services of a third-party laboratory; this cannot be done independently.