The Best Water Coolers for Your Office

July 13, 2021. Any office manager who’s had to run out and lug a case of bottled water back to the office knows why a water cooler is an essential workplace amenity. Not only does it save you from sweaty, back-breaking errands in the scorching summer or freezing winter, but it’s also something everyone in the office will use every day. So how can you tell the difference between a quality water dispenser and a mediocre one? What distinguishes the best water coolers for the office from the ones you should avoid?

No contest: bottles or cans vs. water coolers

First, let’s make something clear: Bottles and cans don’t stand a chance against water coolers.

Take the plastic and aluminum waste from bottles and cans, for one. Switching to a water cooler can eliminate thousands and thousands of bottles and cans from your office every year. While the upfront cost is higher to purchase the best water coolers, offices can see far greater cost savings per beverage, time savings for their office manager with stocking bottles, and far less waste to deal with over time by ditching water jug deliveries or those cases of water from a wholesale retailer.

Plus, water coolers make staying hydrated easy and fun, rather than a chore or a second thought. That means employees are healthier and better able to get their work done. Conversations at the water cooler can also bring a team closer together and set the stage for those creative breakthroughs. There’s a lot more upside to the best water coolers, when compared to bottles and cans, than what’s on your invoice.

Choosing the right water dispenser

It’s important to find the right setup for your office and needs. A few things to consider are bottled water coolers versus point-of-use machines, freestanding versus countertop dispensers, as well as any bells and whistles like flavored sparkling water or self-cleaning capabilities.

Based on sources like Small Biz Trends and Water Filter Magazine, we’ve rounded up a few great water cooler options to help you make the decision that’s best for your office.

List of the best water coolers

Brio Top-Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

Small Biz Trends’ top pick, this “top-loading water dispenser gives you a choice of cold, room-temperature and hot water to satisfy all your hydration needs. The stainless-steel modern cabinet makes this water cooler ideal as part of your office décor.”

This is a classic option with the iconic upside down blue water jug on top. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.

Costway 2-in-1 Water Cooler Dispenser

One of Water Filter Magazine’s favorites, the Costway 2-in-1 “effortlessly incorporates the functions of a water dispenser and a filtered ice maker.” Like many other models, it features the standard three water options: cold, room temperature, and hot. If your office is already stocked with an ice maker, Costway’s main benefit probably won’t move the needle for you, but if you’re looking to solve two water-based needs, this could be one to add to your wish list.

Avalon Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser

A Bob Vila favorite for the office, the Avalon’s self-cleaning feature “uses ozone to kill bacteria and clear biofilms. With the flick of a switch the cooler stays clean, which is important in high-traffic offices.”

This is a bottom-loading unit which means you’ll still need to arrange water delivery and won’t save as much plastic as with a point-of-use machine, but the self-cleaning feature is enticing as more employees return to the office.

Bevi Flavored Water Dispensers

Bevi filtered water dispensers are all about customization and bubbles. Choose between sparkling or still and a variety of flavors like Strawberry Lemongrass and Peach Mango. With a return to the office imminent and health top of mind, our touchless technology is ideal for shared office spaces. 

In addition to the ease of use, you’re staying safe, working toward a more sustainable future, and providing unique options for every employee’s palate. 

Primo® Water Cooler Dispenser + Pet Station

As the proud promoters of a pet-friendly office ourselves, the Primo Pet Station receives our honorable mention. It’s important for everyone—employees and their supporting cast—to stay hydrated, and this water dispenser does both.

Ready to try the best office water cooler?

No matter what specifications best meet the needs of your office, a water cooler is a smart investment for your team and for the environment. Bevi users have saved over 250 million bottles to-date, and we’re grateful to the other companies on this list for joining us on the same mission. 

When you’re ready for your own touchless filtered water dispenser, get in touch here so we can help you find the best solution for your office.