Different types of water coolers for workplaces

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires covered employers to provide potable water to their workers. Potable is just a fancy way of saying it’s safe to drink. While tap water is an option, many businesses prefer filtered solutions to ensure fresh-tasting, high-quality hydration for employees.

Getting a water cooler is a great way to comply with the OSHA regulations and ensure your employees always have fresh-tasting water. Learn more about the different types of water coolers, and get tips for choosing one for your workplace.

What are the different types of water coolers?

Several types of water coolers are well-suited for workplaces, and some coolers combine key features—for example, a bottleless water cooler can also be freestanding or countertop, depending on its design.

Bottleless water coolers

Traditional water coolers store liquid in large bottles. These bottles are rather heavy, so it’s not always easy to replace an empty bottle with a full one. As their name implies, bottleless water coolers are dispensers that don’t require these large bottles. They dispense water right from your company’s plumbing lines, eliminating the need to swap out bottles or worry about storing jugs. This is the main difference between a water cooler and a water dispenser.

Countertop and freestanding water coolers

Countertop and freestanding water coolers are available in both bottleless and jug-fed models, giving businesses flexibility based on their space and water access.

• Countertop water coolers are compact, designed to fit on desks, kitchen counters, and other small areas. Many models connect directly to a water source (bottleless), while others use replaceable jugs.
• Freestanding water coolers are larger, standing independently on the floor. Like countertop models, they are available in bottleless or jug-fed versions. Many also feature hot and cold functions, providing ice-cold drinking water or hot water for coffee and tea.

For workplaces looking to eliminate the hassle of replacing water jugs, bottleless countertop and freestanding water coolers connect directly to your plumbing for a continuous supply of filtered water.

Countertop water coolers are small coolers designed to fit on desks, kitchen counters and other small spaces. The main benefit of this water cooler type is that it saves space. Freestanding water coolers are larger, but they work the same way as countertop models. Many versions have hot and cold functions, letting you provide ice-cold water for drinking and hot water for coffee and tea.

Water coolers with ice makers

Some water coolers have built-in ice makers, ensuring employees always have a way to keep their drinks cold. Consider getting a model with an ice maker if you have employees working in an area that gets warmer than usual, such as a windowless warehouse or a commercial kitchen.

Which coolers are best for work environments?

Now that you know the types of water coolers, you need to know which one is best for a work environment. It all depends on your budget, the type of work your employees do and how much space you have. For example, if you run a small business out of a single office, you may want to purchase a countertop water cooler to save space. Other types of water dispensers may work better for large corporations with hundreds of employees.

Choosing the right water cooler for your workplace needs

A water cooler is a wise investment in the health and satisfaction of your workforce, so it’s important to choose the right one. Keep these factors in mind.

Environment

Your work environment is one of the most important considerations when choosing a water cooler. As mentioned previously, space can be a constraint. If you have limited room, a countertop water cooler is a compact option. If you need a larger capacity but still want to save space, a slim-profile freestanding water cooler may be a good fit.

You also need to think about accessibility. If you rent office or warehouse space, check whether the building owner allows modifications to the plumbing. Bottleless countertop and freestanding water coolers require a water line connection, which may not be permitted in some leased spaces. In those cases, a jug-fed countertop or freestanding model may be a suitable choice since it doesn’t require plumbing access.

Employee needs

If employees just need basic drinking water, you probably don’t have to worry about getting an ice maker or choosing a cooler with a hot water function. However, employees in hot, humid environments may appreciate the ability to fill their water jugs with ice-cold water or grab a cup of ice when they need to cool off. If your employees work in an office, consider getting a cooler with hot and cold functions to ensure they can enjoy a variety of beverages.

Before you make a decision, ask employees for input. You can ask for informal feedback during a meeting or send out a survey. List the features of each model and ask which one your workers prefer.

Budget

You also have to think about your budget. Bottleless water coolers typically have a higher upfront cost than jug-fed water coolers, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run. With a jug-fed cooler, ongoing expenses for water bottle replacements can add up over time.

If you have access to your water line, installing a bottleless cooler—whether countertop or freestanding—eliminates the need for bottled water deliveries, potentially saving your business money in the long term. See how much you can save with a long-term bottleless water cooler rental. 

Choose the right water cooler for your workplace needs

The right water cooler keeps your team refreshed with clean, great-tasting water—no heavy bottles, no hassle. 

Ready to upgrade to a bottleless water cooler? Our experts can help you find the best solution for your business. Contact us today.