Water cooler cup dispenser
Water Cooler vs. Water Dispenser
While both types are dispensers, a water dispenser is not necessarily a water cooler. There are two types of water dispensers: one that does not cool the water (usually non-electric) and an electric water cooler that cools and dispenses the water.
Either type will usually accommodate standard water bottles (two-, four-, or five-gallon) that you can buy already filled either with potable spring, distilled, or treated water or that you have filled yourself with a hot water dispenser.
Benefits of a Water Cooler
While some use a water cooler out of necessity for drinking water, others with treated water like to dispense (better tasting) water if theirs is heavily chlorinated. And others will use a cooler merely to have cold drinking water available without having to run (metered) water for several minutes to get it cold, thus realizing some energy savings.
Whatever the reason, everyone seems to like dispensing water from a cooler, and it can quickly become the place even the kids will gravitate to get a refreshing drink. Even a dispenser (without the cooling) can provide a room-temperature or cool drink of water.
Drinking-Water Temperature
There is no standard, and the water temperature tends to vary between models and brands. Cold drinking temperature depends largely on the size and type of compressor or other technology used in the design.
The temperature varies widely from one dispenser to the next, and these specs are not often available. However, a water cooler that has a storage area at the bottom and smaller countertop dispensers will more than likely dispense water that is not as colds as other models.
Best Water Cooler or Dispenser Features
Either type will have at least one faucet, but it may also have another for hot water. Though not at boiling temperature, it's handy for making a hot chocolate or a quick cup of tea. You may want to skip the hot water faucet if it's not something you'll use. You can turn the hot water off at the back of the unit to save a little in energy.
The best feature is a stainless steel water reservoir. It eliminates the "plastic" water taste, which is quite common with some coolers. Most hot water faucets have safety child locks. If you want to refill personal water bottles, tall glasses, or travel mugs, there should be adequate spacing between the drip tray and faucet, and the nozzle should be small to insert into your bottle.