Water is a basic necessity for every home. And having a convenient water dispenser can give you better access to clean water at all times.
Gone are the good old days when I had to trudge along with buckets of water from wells. How thankful I am that now, I have modern solutions for getting clean water in my home. On that note, I had been searching for the best top loading water dispenser for weeks and finally came across the perfect one.
Of course, my research led me to find quite a few great models that I can recommend for your home. Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith, and today, I’m going to introduce you to some of the best top loading water dispensers you can consider.
Take a look.
Best Top Loading Water Dispenser
1. Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
One of the first units I want to highlight is the top loading water dispenser from Avalon. This is one of my personal favorites because of its fantastic features and affordable price tag. Keep reading to find out if it’s the right one for you.
Product Highlights
When looking for water dispensers, the first factor I considered was whether or not it’s Energy Star Approved. And I was pleased to come across this unit that conveniently holds 3 to 5 gallons of water - enough for my entire family to drink from.
The dispenser also features one hot and one cold water output. However, the best part about it is the child safety lock feature on the hot side, which ensures that children or pets do not accidentally injure themselves with it.
The slim profile makes it extremely convenient to fit it into smaller spaces. Plus, it is not bulky or cumbersome to move around if you need to change its location at any time.
Last but not least, the touchless paddle dispensers are a boon for everyone who is worried about hygiene.
What's There To Like About It?
After testing several units on the market, I was delighted to finally come across a top loading dispenser that can provide my family with piping hot or crisp cool water at all times. Unlike other options, the temperature of the water does not stabilize to room temperature, allowing me to conveniently mix the two to have the ideal water temperature as required.
I also love the touchless dispensing system, as it can help prevent a lot of accidental burns, especially since I have so many dogs in my house.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Due to its specific design, this water dispenser is built to be compatible with spill-proof cap bottles. Any other bottles may leak slightly when you try to use them with this unit. And this may be a slight drawback for some users who do not have access to bottles with spill-proof caps.
Pros and Cons of Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
Pros
Cons
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot Output, making it ideal for cool refreshments or toasty beverages.
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL Listed and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free!
- INNOVATIVE & STYLISH DESIGN: Avalon’s Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser features a slim design that won’t look bulky, even in small spaces, and fits in any corner of the home.
2. Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
The next product I want to talk about is a limited edition model from Brio. Made from beautiful stainless steel material and with a 5-gallon top loading capacity, this water dispenser can be ideal for your home or office.
Product Highlights
Undoubtedly, one of the first things that I noticed about this top loading water dispenser was its sleek design and metallic finish. Its appealing looks make it an excellent addition to any kitchen, office, or room. Moreover, you can easily use a 3 or 5-gallon jug with this unit, which is adequate for most families.
Moving on, this dispenser comes with not two but three dispensing panels, allowing you to choose between cold, hot, or room temperature water. There is also a protective seal that ensures that no contaminants enter your drinking water.
Finally, the hot water spout features a 2-step design with a lock feature that prevents users from accidentally pouring hot water and injuring themselves. That’s not all; the addition of a night light at the dispensing points ensures safety even when it’s dark or there is low visibility.
What's There To Like About It?
This water dispenser comes with so many incredible features that it’s hard to choose which ones I like best. However, I must admit, I particularly like the fact that it dispenses room temperature water along with hot and cold, unlike most other machines on the market.
Also, the modern stainless steel design of this dispenser is quite attractive and looks great no matter where you decide to place it.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, this unit is an excellent find and one that I highly recommend. However, it came to my notice that there is a constant humming sound emanating from the machine, which is possibly due to the refrigerant.
Since I keep the dispenser in my busy kitchen, the sound isn’t too bothersome, but it may be annoying in a quiet household.
Pros and Cons of Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Cooler Dispenser
Pros
Cons
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. Brio Essential dispenser features cold, room temperature or hot water
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Brio Essential has a sleek stylish stainless steel cabinet makes this water cooler seamlessly fit right into your home, kitchen or office
- TOP LOADING FEATURE: Lago water cooler features a top loading water system and allows you to see if the dispenser is running low. This is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles
3. COSTWAY Water Cooler Dispenser
Are you looking for a simple top loading water dispenser with intuitive buttons and a sleek, minimalistic design? If yes, then I recommend checking this unit from COSTWAY. Made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), this unit is quite sturdy and can be ideal for most offices and homes.
Product Highlights
After scouring the market looking for a simplistic top loading water dispenser for my home, I finally came across this one from COSTWAY.
Right off the bat, you will notice how sturdy and appealing this model looks. On further research, I found out that its body is made of ABS material, which is entirely non-toxic and food safe.
This water dispenser is designed to hold 5 gallons of water easily, making it perfect for families and offices. Plus, its mechanical push-in faucets are easy to use and have a vintage appeal to them.
One of the best things about it is the detachable anti-dust mite water barrel seat. Not only is it super easy to disassemble for cleaning, but it also forms a protective seal and prevents contamination of the drinking water.
Lastly, the removable drip tray is easy to clean and prevents unnecessary messes in the case of accidental spills.
What's There To Like About It?
For starters, I loved the ABS body of this water dispenser because it makes clean-up so simple. Even though the body is entirely white and gets dirty quickly, cleaning it with a damp cloth is all it takes for it to look new again.
I also appreciate the storage cabinet at the bottom of the dispenser, which is perfect for storing extra bottles or cups to drink from.
What's There Not To Like About It?
My only gripe with this unit would be the fact that the hot and cold water buttons cannot be turned on simultaneously - you can use only one at a time. Also, the buttons are located at the back of the unit, which can be inaccessible if you place the dispenser against a wall.
Pros and Cons of COSTWAY Water Cooler Dispenser
Pros
Cons
- [Enjoy Hot & Cold Water]This water cooler featuring stop heating and cooling switches function. Adopting advanced compressor technology, the water dispenser can always keep water cold in hot summer. It also prepares hot water during winter season and quickly hot beverages in a few minutes, This water cooler featuring stop heating and cooling switches function for energy-saving.
- [Top Loading Dispenser with Large Capacity]The water cooler loads from the top and allows for easy replacement. And the dispenser holds 5 gallon bottles of water, meeting family or office drinking needs, so as to reduce the cost of constantly purchasing water.
- [Easy to Use]This water dispenser has a lock on hot water tap . It is designed with mechanical push-in faucets, easy to use for filling your cup. And the control panel with indicator lights gives a clear viewing for choosing which kind of water.
4. Igloo Hot & Cold Top-Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
For my next recommendation, I want to talk about the top loading water dispenser from Igloo. Like my previous picks, this one also features a 3 to 5-gallon water capacity, making it suitable for most places. Read on to know more.
Product Highlights
Those looking for a top loading water dispenser for their home or office that comes with simple features and is easy to use will love this unit. As such, it comes in three finishes - stainless steel, tabletop, or standard. I have chosen the standard version for my review.
If you have limited space and require a water dispenser with a slim profile, then this one may be a great pick. Its innovative free-standing design makes it perfect for most people who require clean drinking water at their fingertips. You will also love the easy dispensing units that come with push buttons for convenient water dispensing.
Furthermore, the child safety lock feature ensures that there are no accidents around the house, especially due to the hot water dispensing feature. And in case you accidentally spill some water while refilling a glass or jug, the removable drip tray makes clean-up a simple and hassle-free affair.
What's There To Like About It?
Perhaps, my favorite thing about this unit is its direct water hookup feature. This allows me to have an uninterrupted flow of water at all times without constantly worrying about running out of water.
Also, the manufacturer offers a 1-year limited warranty, which makes it easier for users to contact the team in case of any issues. I also observed that the customer service offered by the brand was excellent, and they were very quick to solve my issues.
What's There Not To Like About It?
If I had to nitpick, I would probably talk about the fact that the cooler can be quite noisy. I could hear a slight humming sound throughout the time I was in my kitchen. And although it does not bother me much, it might be slightly annoying to some users.
Pros and Cons of Igloo Hot & Cold Top-Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
Pros
Cons
- TOP-LOADING DISPENSER: Features an easy-to-use top-loading water system, which allows you to see if the water is running low. Suitable for 3 and 5-gallon water bottles (not included).
- HOT & COLD WATER: When you use our water dispenser, choose between ice-cold and steaming hot water – perfect for cool, refreshing drinks and tea, coffee, hot cocoa, instant soup & more.
- SAFE & EASY DISPENSING: Two dispensing paddles and two separate spigots for both cold and hot water make dispensing easy and allow you to refill almost any sized cup. The hot water dispenser has a child safety lock, preventing any accidental pouring.
5. Frigidaire Stainless Steel Water Cooler/Dispenser
Before wrapping up this list, I want to talk about this Frigidaire water cooling-cum-dispensing unit. If you have been looking for a sleek model with advanced features and a modern look, then this one may fit the bill.
Product Highlights
Have you ever come across a water dispensing unit that promises to deliver ice cool water but often ends up offering room temperature water instead? Well, after a lot of research and testing different products, I finally came across an effective unit that features a sturdy compressor cooler.
This unit from Frigidaire comes with 100 watts of cooling power, giving you icy cold water at your fingertips. It also features a 420-watt heating unit that ensures that you have piping hot water whenever you need it. Its versatile design allows you to place 3 to 5-gallon jugs on its top loading unit for easy water dispensing.
Finally, you will love the sleek metal and plastic design of this unit. Not only does it look extremely aesthetic in any space you place it, but it is also highly sturdy, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
What's There To Like About It?
Out of all the units I have come across, I decided to choose Frigidaire to add to my list because of several reasons. For starters, I love the robust compressor unit that delivers chilled water without fail. There are also switches at the back of the unit to turn the hot water on or off, which is great.
Finally, the push buttons on the unit are very easy to use and don’t require much pressure to dispense water.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although the stainless steel body of this unit looks highly appealing, it is quite thin and does not absorb vibrations or shock well. So, when the cooler runs to chill water, there is quite a lot of noise that can be heard, which, I admit, can be annoying after a point in time.
Pros and Cons of Frigidaire Stainless Steel Water Cooler/Dispenser
Pros
Cons
- HOT AND COLD WATER DISPENSING: Enjoy both hot and cold water at your fingertips. Perfect for families with small children, this water cooler dispenser features a safety lock on the hot water button to prevent accidental burns.
- FITS STANDARD 3 AND 5 GALLON BOTTLES: Compatible with both 3 and 5 gallon water bottles, this water cooler stand ensures you have an ample supply of water on hand for all your hydration needs.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a durable stainless steel tank, this water cooler prevents overheating and ensures long-lasting performance, providing you with peace of mind and reliability.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have introduced you to my top five recommendations, I hope you have a better idea of what to look for in top loading water dispensers. However, if you are yet to pick the right one for your needs, don’t worry.
In the next section, I will talk about some of the vital points I discovered during my search for the best top loading water dispenser for my home. These points should help you segregate between the different products to find the best one for your home or office.
1. Number Of Dispensing Points
When I began searching for an efficient unit for my home, I came across several options that might fit my requirements. However, I was surprised to come across a couple of brands that featured not 2 but 3 dispensing points. These had hot, cold, and room temperature water.
I found this feature quite fascinating because I wouldn’t have to mix cold and hot water to get the optimal room temperature water but could get it directly. So, if this is something that sounds useful, consider checking out the brands that offer 3 dispensing points instead of 2.
Otherwise, you will find that most brands offer 2 spouts - 1 for cold and 1 for hot water, which is the standard feature.
2. Features
I also came across various models that had both simple and advanced features, which are integrated to fit different user requirements.
In my case, I was looking for a water dispenser that came with a safety lock feature on the hot water dispenser panel. Since I have dogs at home, it could be quite risky if they accidentally touch the hot spout or button.
Furthermore, I like having the option of a night light feature on the dispenser buttons as it gives me increased visibility when refilling water at night. I also found some brands which had touch panels on the spouts to facilitate hygienic water dispensing.
While this feature was not entirely necessary for my requirements, a lot of you may find it very helpful. So, when looking for the right model of water dispenser, I suggest taking into account the various features and weighing their pros and cons before picking the best one.
3. Design Of The Dispenser
The next factor that I always take into account when purchasing any product is its design. Since I have a large kitchen space at home, I was not particularly looking for a sleek and tall model. However, those with space constraints can consider a low-profile water dispenser instead of the larger, bulkier options.
4. Compatibility With Standard Water Jugs
Now, this feature will depend on the model you purchase. While some models require you to use jugs with spill-proof caps that can be punctured, others can be used with regular water jugs. Besides, the former may cost slightly more due to their design, so don’t forget to go through the product description before choosing one.
Moreover, check the water capacity of the model. From what I have seen, most units can hold 3 to 5 gallons, but you will find some that can hold more than that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, you should not store water for more than 6 months in the dispenser. Although the water itself does not expire or go bad, the plastic jug can contaminate the water. So, I’d suggest refilling the jug and replacing the jug once every 6 months.
This is quite common in a lot of models. Since the refrigerant and compressor are located at the bottom of the unit, they may often produce a humming sound.
However, many manufacturers have designed dispensers to reduce or eliminate this sound. If the sound is bothersome to you, it is best to opt for a model that has a sturdy, thick body and does not easily vibrate or shock when the compressor runs.
There are a couple of options if you want to dispense room temperature water from your top loading water dispenser. Firstly, you can switch off the hot and cold water buttons located at the back of the unit to dispense room temperature water.
Alternatively, you can manually mix hot and cold water from the dispensers, which will give you the freedom to have the optimal temperature water. Or, you can get a model that features an additional spout for the purpose.
If you opt for a water dispensing unit with a white plastic body, it will inevitably get dirty much quicker than other units. However, these units are typically easy to clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface once every few days or whenever it gets too dirty.
In the case of stainless steel units, you can use the same method of using a damp cloth to clean its surface. But to clean the inside of the machine, I recommend opting for professional help, as it may be a little tricky.
My Final Recommendation
That brings me to the end of my comprehensive review-based guide. I hope this helps you find the right product for your requirements.Â
Do remember to consider the various features and prices when choosing the best unit for yourself. Also, ensure that you check whether the dispenser unit requires water jugs with spill-proof caps or not.Â
If it does, then you need to purchase spill-proof water jugs for these particular units. Otherwise, you can use standard ones.Â
My top pick will be the Avalon Top Loading Cooler Dispenser. However, you can also consider the Brio Limited Edition top loading cooler dispenser as it offers 3 dispensing panels for hot, cold, and room temperature water, respectively.Â
I’ll be back soon. Until then, stay safe!