What Is A Water Dispenser / Cooler?

A water dispenser, commonly known as a water cooler (when used for cooling), is a machine that provides chilled, room-temperature, or hot water on demand. It’s a convenient solution for homes, offices, and public spaces, ensuring easy access to clean drinking water.

Water dispensers can either use bottled water or connect directly to a water supply (point-of-use systems). Let’s explore the different types, how they work, and why they’re worth considering for your space.

Types of Water Dispensers

1.⁠ ⁠Bottled Water Dispensers
- These units use large water bottles, typically 11 or 22 liters (5 or 10 gallons), which are placed on the dispenser.
- Water flows into an internal reservoir through gravity after you insert the bottle.

Loading Options:
- Top-Loading: The bottle sits upside down on the dispenser. A probe punctures the cap to release water.
- Bottom-Loading: The bottle is placed at the bottom, making it easier to lift and load.

Best For: Areas without access to a water supply or where bottled water delivery is convenient.


2.⁠ ⁠Point-of-Use (POU) Water Dispensers
- Connected directly to your home or office tap water supply
- These dispensers often include a built-in purification system to ensure clean, great-tasting water.
- No need for bottles, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective over time.

Best For: Locations with easy access to a water line and where long-term savings matter.

3.⁠ ⁠Drinking Water Fountains & Pressure Coolers
- Common in schools, gyms, and parks, these are directly connected to plumbing and typically dispense chilled water.

How Water Dispensers Work?

1. Water Source & Operation
•⁠ ⁠For bottled dispensers, the bottle is tipped upside down onto the unit. Water flows into a reservoir where it’s stored until dispensed.
•⁠ ⁠POU dispensers pull water from your tap, filtering and purifying it as needed.

2. Water Filtration (For POU Models)
To ensure clean water, various filtration technologies are used:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes contaminants, minerals, and salts, leaving pure, fresh-tasting water.
- Activated Carbon Filters: Absorb impurities like chlorine, odors, and taste.
- Ion Exchange: Softens hard water by replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium.

Result: Clean, safe drinking water every time.

3. Cooling & Heating
Most modern water dispensers offer three temperature options:
•⁠ ⁠Cold Water: A built-in refrigeration system chills water to refreshing temperatures.
•⁠ ⁠Room-Temperature Water: Great for everyday hydration.
•⁠ ⁠Hot Water: A heating element warms water for tea, coffee, or instant meals.
- Hot water taps often include safety features (like a push-button lock) to prevent accidental burns.

Some advanced models even provide boiling water on demand for quick and efficient use.

Is Buying a Water Dispenser Worth It?

Absolutely! Here’s why:

•⁠ ⁠Cost-Effective: Refilling large water bottles is more affordable than buying small, single-use bottles.
•⁠ ⁠Convenience: Instant access to clean, chilled, or hot water at home or the office.
•⁠ ⁠Environmentally Friendly: Reduces plastic waste by using refillable bottles or tap water systems.
•⁠ ⁠Cleaner Spaces: No more clutter with small bottles scattered around.
•⁠ ⁠Healthier Living: Purified water ensures you and your family have access to safe drinking water.


Choosing the Right Water Dispenser
When selecting a water dispenser, consider:
1.⁠ ⁠Water Source: Bottled water or direct connection to a water supply?
2.⁠ ⁠Filtration Needs: Do you require advanced purification?
3.⁠ ⁠Temperature Options: Cold, room-temperature, hot, or boiling?
4.⁠ ⁠Usage: Light usage (tabletop models) or heavy-duty (floor-mounted units)?


Final Thoughts
A water dispenser isn’t just a luxury; it’s a smart, sustainable solution for clean water access. Whether for home, office, or public spaces, a water dispenser keeps you hydrated, saves you money, and helps the planet.

Ready to make the switch? Choose the type that best fits your needs and enjoy clean, refreshing water every day!

Puritech has the widest range of water dispensers, coolers and water fountains in South Africa. Our buying power together with our close relationships with the factories ensure that we offer the best prices internationally.

We offer the latest technology and we also offer the traditional models. Our CEO, Terence Naidoo always ensures that we are moving forward with the latest products.

Our main business is to wholesale to all the water service providers. We also carry all the spare parts required for the maintenance of these products.