Why Should You Use Countertop Water Dispensers Instead Of Kettles?
The benefits of owning a countertop water dispenser in any space become useful for you. There a several reasons to opt for a countertop water dispenser instead of a tea kettle:
- Countertop water dispensers immediately dispense clean water whenever you need it. With a kettle, you can only obtain clean water but first, you need to wait for it to cool down.
- Most importantly, a countertop water dispenser saves you time. With a kettle, you have to wait for the water to boil before you’re able to use it. Countertop water dispensers save you that hassle by dispensing water instantaneously!
- A kettle provides only hot boiling water. However, a countertop water dispenser gives you the option to dispense hot or cold water whenever needed. Enjoy the benefits of clean filtered water for your hot drinks at any customizable temperature.
- Countertop water dispensers come in compact, sleek designs to take as little space as possible. You can fit them inside or under your cabinets in your kitchen or any space.
- If you choose the right countertop water dispenser, you will also get the self-cleaning feature. Kettles don’t come with that beneficial feature either!
- Kettles don’t come with a safety feature either. Countertop water dispensers keep your safety in mind to prevent any accidents. Almost all countertop water dispensers include a child safety lock over the hot water spout usually.
Best Countertop Water Dispensers Comparison
| Image | PRODUCT/ Features | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick |
Brio CountertopWater: Hot, cold, and room temperature Capacity: 950 gallons filter capacity Features: Self-cleaning Warranty: 1-year limited warranty Price: $$$ Certification: Energy star approved and UL listed |
Read Full Review | |
Reverse Osmosis |
AquaTruWater: Hot and cold Capacity: 3 Quarts Features: Includes reverse osmosis filtration system Warranty: 1-year warranty Price: $$$$ Certification: IAPMO certified |
Read Full Review | |
Budget Pick |
Waterdrop Dispenser Water: Hot and cold Capacity: 200 gallons Features: NSF 42 and UL certified Warranty: 3 months quality assurance Price: $ Certification: NSF and UL certified |
Read Full Review | |
Distiller Pick |
MegaHome DistillerWater: Hot and cold Capacity: 4 Litres Features: 6 charcoal filters Warranty: 1-year limited warranty Price: $$ Certification: UL listed |
Read Full Review | |
| Avalon A12Water: Crisp cold, cool, and extremely hot Capacity: 1500 gallons Features: Self-cleaning Warranty: 1-year limited Price: $$ Certification: Energy-star certified and UL listed |
Read Full Review | ||
| Avalon PremiumWater: Hot and cold Capacity: 5 cubic feet Features: Top loading water dispenser Warranty: 1-year limited Price: $ Certification: UL listed and energy star approved |
Read Full Review | ||
| Brio Top LoadingWater: Hot, cold, and room temperature Capacity: 3 gallons Features: Tri-temperature Warranty: 1-year limited Price: $ Certification: UL listedand energy star approved |
Read Full Review | ||
| Igloo IWCTT353CRHWHWater: Hot, cold, and room temperature Capacity: 3-5 gallons Features: Compact design Warranty: 1-year limited Price: $ Certification: Energy-star certified |
Read Full Review | ||
| AquverseWater: Hot and cold Capacity: 4 liters Features: Bottleless dispenser Warranty: 1-year Price: $$$ Certification: UL listed and energy-star listed |
Read Full Review | ||
| OnliPureWater: Room temperature Capacity: 0.5 gallons Features: Removes up to 99% of contaminants Warranty: 1-year limited Price: $$$$ Certification: NSF certified |
Read Full Review |
Countertop Water Dispensers Review
1. Brio Countertop (Top Pick)
The Brio CounterTop is our top pick because it ensures you have pure water any time you need it. With this countertop water dispenser, you get the option to choose between piping hot, cold water, and even room temperature water.
They aren’t loading dispensers which makes them bottles less which is why they take up less space. Their extensive water filtration system makes sure you have healthy drinking water available all the time.
Their two-stage filter includes a pre-sediment filter that gets rid of dust and particles. The second stage consists of the carbon filter that removes any unpleasant odors and tastes including chlorine.
Furthermore, the Brio countertop water dispenser is self-cleaning. It is equipped with a UV light that disinfects and kills up to 99% of bacteria and microbes that gather on your water dispenser.
The main focus of the Brio countertop water dispenser is to save you time and space. Its small and compact design takes up little space. Alongside this, you can attain purified water at any temperature when needed!
The Brio Countertop dispenser requires a point-of-use installation that is easily done through the installation kit that comes with the package!
Specifications
- Weight: 44.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 24.2 x 21.5 x 16.3 inches
- Color: Black
Customer Rating – 4.3 out of 5 stars.
+ Compact design
+ Energy star approved
2. AquaTru (Reverse Osmosis)
AquaTru is an awesome countertop water dispenser since it uses an Ultra reverse osmosis for purifying your water.
This enables your dispenser to remove all sorts of contaminants including lead, arsenic, carcinogens, bacteria, toxins, and microplastics.
Alongside this, they have a capacity of 600-1200 gallons of water, with filter replacements every 6 months only!
The AquaTru countertop water dispenser is tested and approved by the IAPMO to remove up to 99% of impurities. These include fluoride, chlorine, copper, radium, lead, and chromium. Don’t worry about bad odors or unpleasant tastes because it removes them!
AquaTru focuses on making products for their consumers that are easy and quick to use! This countertop water dispenser proves that!
Overall, AquaTru proves to be economical since it saves you plenty of money in plastic bottles as well as filtration processes!
These water dispensers take less than a minute to set up and save you money in plumbing and installation costs!
Their built-in filtration system along with the countertop water dispensing feature makes this the best option for your home.
Specifications
- Weight: 22.84 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 14 inches
- Color: White
Customer Rating – 4.4 out of 5 stars
+ Cost-efficient
+ IAMPO and NSF certified
+ Large capacity
Check out our latest review on AquaTru water filter to learn more.
3. Waterdrop Dispenser (Budget Pick)
Alongside this, their filtration system is NSF certified to remove many impurities in water. The Waterdrop dispenser uses a multi-stage filtration technology to get rid of odors, tastes, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and arsenic.
As well as including an activated carbon filter, this countertop water dispenser is made of BPA-free plastic. You can be assured that you’ll enjoy a clean water experience that is both safe for you and the environment.
Waterdrop focuses on designs that are quick and easy to use. Their user-friendly options contain a push and pull design to easily obtain water when needed.
Furthermore, you don’t need to worry about checking on filter replacements all the time. The advanced LED light signal lets you know when it’s time for filter replacements.
The WaterDrop countertop dispenser takes you a few minutes to set up especially with the help of the user manual provided.
Specifications
- Weight: 4.29 pounds
- Dimensions:13.6 x 9.75 x 9.6 inches
- Color: Black
Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars.
+ NSF certified
+ Fits inside fridges
4. MegaHome Distiller (Distiller Pick)
The MegaHome Distiller is constructed of high-grade stainless steel material to ensure durability. The MegaHome Distiller includes a condensing unit, a distiller body with a glass collection water jug.
The distiller works by raising the temperature to 212 degrees Fahrenheit which is the boiling point. This is the correct temperature to boil water to kill bacteria, parasites, and any other sort of impurities.
The steam raised then enters cooling coils to condense the previously piping hot water to pure water. The MegaHome distiller comes with 6 optional charcoal filters to remove any toxins that may turn into vapors.
MegaHome Countertop water distillers filter water by distilling up to 1 gallon of water every 5.5 hours.
They are one of the few UL-approved distillers available. This ensures that they focus on providing filtered water with your safety in mind!
MegaHome distillers are manufactured to take as little time as possible to set up and use. All you need is a maximum 120-volt power source!
Specifications
- Weight: 3.2 kilograms
- Dimensions: 9.84 x 9.84 x 14.57 inches
- Color: Black
Customer Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
+ UL approved
+ Economical
+ Stainless steel body
+ 1-year warranty
5. Avalon A12
The Avalon A12 is not a bottom loading dispenser since it has all dispenser qualities while being bottle-less!
The Avalon A12 uses a two-stage filter system, which includes a carbon and sediment filter. These countertop water dispensers are bottle-less and therefore save you money with constant purchases of water bottles.
Alongside the two-stage filtration system, this water dispenser can dispense hot or cold water instantly! Its tri-temperature settings give you the customizable water temperature when you need it. Whether boiling water, heated water, or crisp or cool water, it does it all.
Don’t worry about your family’s safety since the Avalon A12 includes a child safety lock on the hot water spout.
These countertop water dispensers also come with a self-cleaning function to save you cleaning and maintenance hassle. The self-cleaning feature includes ozone that removes and kills harmful germs on your water dispensing unit!
The Avalon A12 is easy to set up and can easily be connected to your sink supply link. Furthermore, the A12 comes with all parts needed for installation.
Enjoy safe and healthy drinking water with multiple temperatures in an easy way!
Specifications
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 19 inches
- Color: Black stainless steel
Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Tri-temperature settings
UL approved
Child safety featur
+ Tri-temperature settings
+ UL approved
+ Child safety feature
6. Avalon Premium
The Avalon Premium is a top-loading countertop water dispenser. This countertop water cooler dispenser loads water bottles at the top to give you an idea of when your bottle is about to run out.
These water cooler dispensers have both hot and cold water spouts. This makes it ideal to use for any sort of drink or beverage. Choose for yourself hot water or cold water, the Avalon premium provides instant access to whatever water temperature is required.
Don’t worry about accidents concerning the hot spout since the Avalon Premium comes with a child safety lock feature as well!
The Avalon Premium is a top-loading dispenser which makes it one of the best top loading water coolers for your school, office, or home space!
Although it is a top-loading water dispenser, the Avalon premium has a sleek and thin construction so that it can fit in any place you need!
Specifications
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 19 inches
- Color: White
Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
+ 1-year warranty
+ Affordable and economical
+ Compact design
– Water bottles need to be loaded at the top
7. Brio Top Loading
Brio’s water dispensers are one of our top picks, and this is one of their top-loading water cooler dispensers. These water dispensers don’t only provide cold and hot water but room temperature water as well!
Their tri-temperature setting is like an instant hot water dispenser that dispenses water on demand!
The Brio Top Loading is made of stainless steel body cold and hot reservoirs to ensure your water stays heated or cold.
To make it easy for you, Brio’s top-loading countertop water dispenser comes with a removable drip tray. This prevents wastewater as well as makes it easy to clean.
Brio makes sure your unit is safe with a child safety lock over the hot water spout especially! The Brio water dispenser makes for an adjustable unit in any office, home, or school due to its small design.
All you need is bottled water to enjoy the endless benefits of this countertop bottle water dispenser to obtain healthy drinking water!
Specifications
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 12 x 20.5 inches
- Color: Black and Stainless steel
Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars.
+ UL listed
+ Long warranty
+ Compact and small design
8. Igloo IWCTT353CRHWH
This Igloo countertop water cooler is a top-loading water dispenser. However, it has a modern and sleek design that makes it perfect for any residential space.
These countertop water dispensers are compatible with 3 to 5-gallon water bottles, allowing you to see when your water bottle has depleted.
Room temperature water, cold water, or hot water, the Igloo water dispenser has separate spouts for each customizable water temperature. You can attain water for any need on demand!
Furthermore, the hot water spout comes with a child safety lock for the prevention of accidents. The Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser is incredibly easy to use with separate spigots for both cold and hot water.
Igloo’s countertop hot water dispenser comes with a removable drip tray for easy and quick cleaning as well!
Enjoy the quick and easy benefits of the Igloo water dispenser at an affordable price!
Specifications
- Weight: 26.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 13 x 20.08 inches
- Color: White
Customer Rating – 4.4 out of 5 stars.
+ Three temperature settings
+ Child safety lock included
+ Easy to use
9. Aquverse
It is easy to set up and install since it requires a point-of-use installation. All you have to do is connect the filters and then connect the water supply to the bottleless water dispenser.
The Aquverse countertop water dispensers come with a filtration system that promises clean and healthy drinking water.
It also makes a great fit to use for any hot beverages, drinks, or even while cooking. This water dispenser successfully dispenses both hot and cold water.
It comes with a complete installation kit so that you can set it up as soon as possible. The Aquverse water dispenser comes with a stainless steel water tank to sustain the water’s temperature.
Aquverse countertop water filter and dispenser also include a hot water guard as well as an emergency shut-off system.
Enjoy one of the best countertop water dispensers with Aquverse!
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.52 pounds
- Dimensions: 20.3 x 20.3 x 11.25 inches
- Color: Black
Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
+ Small and compact design
+ 1-year warranty
+ Water filtration and dispensing system
– Expensive
10. OnliPure
The OnliPure countertop water filter is a modern state-of-the-art filter that requires no setup or special installation.
It uses the best filtration technology to remove all sorts of impurities present in water. The OnliPure filtration system uses the reverse osmosis process to remove all sorts of dissolved solids and impurities.
It removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, plastic waste, etc. After filtration, the OnliPure countertop filtration system ensures you waste no water! It has one of the highest recovery rates. This enables you to use wastewater for other purposes so none is wasted!
This unit has an accessible design that makes it easy to place under or inside cabinets without taking up space. Additionally, the water supply tank is placed at the front for quick accessibility.
The OnliPure is constructed with the latest technology to give you easy and quick access to the best drinking water available!
Specifications
- Weight: 28.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 19.6 x 14.8 inches
- Color: Silver white
Customer Rating – 4.3 out of 5 stars.
+ Easy to fit in kitchen spaces
+ Sleek and modern design
+ Removes up to 99.9% of particles, impurities, and contaminants
– Not feasible for a large family
How Does A Countertop Water Dispenser Work?
Most countertop water dispensers either have a 5-gallon water bottle attached to the top of the unit or have a point-of-use installation.
If you have bottled water attached to your unit, gravity, and vacuum help you attain water from the dispenser through the spigots. This allows air to enter the bottle so water can exit through the spouts.
Both bottled water and point-of-use water dispensers essentially function the same way to provide cold or hot water.
Bottled dispensers are the right option for you if you don’t want to drink tap water or have a connection to the main supply line.
The difference is that bottled water dispensers use pre-filtered high-quality water. However, with a point-of-use countertop water dispenser, a better option would be a combined filtration and dispensing system.
In the end, both dispense water with the push of a few buttons.
How To Pick A Countertop Water Dispenser?
Countertop water dispensers diminish the need to buy bottled water or store filtered water in your house.
The first factor to take into account when looking for a countertop water dispenser is your water source. This refers to if your water source will be your tap water, through a series of multiple filters or bottled water.
These factors determine the kind of water dispenser you purchase. This is because water dispensers differ based on technology, filtration systems, costs, and sizes.
Getting the right water dispenser also depends on the size of your family and your daily needs!
Filtration processes
Water dispensers use one of the following methods for purification:
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis purification is typically used for under-the-sink units. Reverse osmosis uses a series of membranes to filter and remove any impurity from your water supply.
These contaminants include heavy metals, toxins, lead, arsenic, bacteria, and other substances.
With a reverse osmosis filter, your water supply is completely purified of all substances including healthy minerals. However, some RO units add beneficial minerals back into your water supply through a remineralizing filter.
There are few countertop reverse osmosis unit dispensers available since most RO units are installed under a sink!
Activated Carbon
Carbon filters are the most common and inexpensive filters used in water filtration devices.
Carbon filters remove dust, dirt, chlorine, and volatile organic chemicals. Additionally, carbon filters remove unpleasant tastes and odors present in your water supply.
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration filters are more likely to be used in under-sink purification. Ultrafiltration units are less likely to be seen as countertop water dispensers.
An ultrafiltration filter removes bacteria and dissolved solids. Additionally, if you combine UV rays with this, you can remove other viruses and pathogens.
Distillation
The process of distillation requires no filter to remove contaminants. The distillation process uses electricity to boil water. It boils water at the optimum temperature to remove multiple impurities and contaminants.
In doing so, the distillation process also removes minerals like calcium and magnesium without any way to remineralize your water supply.
The result is pure water, although the distillation process is slow and takes a lot of time to distill a large quantity of water.
Ceramic
Ceramic filters are the best to remove microbiological organisms like salmonella and E.coli. Such unsafe water if consumed causes diseases.
Ceramic filters also help to remove murkiness that may gather on the layer of your drinks.
Alkaline-enhancing
Alkaline enhancing filters are similar to remineralizing filters. They help to neutralize or decrease the acidic pH of water.
They do this by reintroducing calcium and magnesium back into the water supply to increase the pH level.
Alkaline enhancing filters aren’t available to solely remove impurities but are better suited combined with other filters.
Capacity and Size
Countertop water dispensers are usually designed to take up less space. Depending on the size, a 10-inch countertop water dispenser can hold and dispense about a liter of water.
Similarly, a large countertop water dispenser will take up more space. But it will also have a larger capacity to store and dispenser water.
A larger unit can hold up to 25 gallons of water, however even 5 gallons of water is enough to satisfy most consumers.
Gravity or Sink-Top Dispenser
Water dispensers have two basic designs to operate at. A gravity-fed water dispenser holds the water bottle at the top of the spout. When the spout is opened, air flows in, and gravity allows water to flow out.
A sink-top countertop water dispenser has a water source beneath the sink. It dispenses water through the spigot installed through the sink.
Consumers usually prefer a sink-top dispenser since it hides the water source from plain sight and creates more space.
Installation
Gravity-fed water dispensers require almost no installation. The water source comes through a pre-filtered water bottle. Some water dispenser units can come with attachments that may need to be connected to the supply line.
All that’s required is a bit of plumbing expertise. For example, you may have to attach a water hose to the faucet, or twist levers to direct water to the unit.
Other water dispensers require an under-sink installation that can’t be done without a professional.
Water Temperature
The correct countertop dispensing unit should be able to dispense water with customizable temperatures!
Technology’s evolution has made it possible to get a water dispenser with tri-temperature settings.
The right water dispenser can dispense water at room temperature, crisp cold, or piping hot water with the push of a few buttons.
Additionally, to prevent hot water accidents, water dispensing units come with child safety locks!
Maintenance
Most water dispensing units need minimal maintenance. You can use a mild soap and a dry cloth to clean your unit.
Some countertop water dispensing units also come with the self-cleaning function to keep your unit safe from harmful bacteria and germs.
If your unit uses filters, depending on the contaminants it removes, you’ll need to update your filters every 2-6 months.
FAQs on 10 Best Countertop Water Dispensers
What Is The Difference Between A Water Dispenser And A Water Cooler?
A water cooler uses an internal compressor to provide cold drinking water only. However, water dispensers can dispense water at various temperatures including room temperature, hot water, or cold.
Does A Water Dispenser Contain A Water Filter?
Not all dispensers do! Gravity-fed water dispensers use pre-filtered water bottles to dispense water.
Water dispensers that connect to your water supply use filters since the water does not come pre-filtered.
Should My Water Dispenser Be Cleaned Before I Use It For The First Time?
Yes, you should. It is recommended that you clean your water dispenser before you begin to use it. If your water dispenser is constructed from metal, it is especially recommended to remove any residue, dust, or odors first.
Why Is Tap Water Less Favorable Than Water Dispensers?
Although tap water is used for multiple purposes like cleaning and washing, it can’t be used for drinking.
Tap water still contains unwanted chemicals like chlorine and other metals. A water dispenser can purify these chemicals and dispenses them at any time.
Are Water Dispensers Expensive?
Depending on your budget, many types of water dispensers can suit you. An expensive water dispenser comes with extensive features as well.
You can choose a medium-price ranged water dispenser with fewer features as well!
Conclusion
You should be able to get the best countertop water dispenser and the detailed guide above will answer your queries and guarantee your purchase!
