Here at Waterful.org, we are huge proponents of filtering tap water because it results in cleaner, more environmentally friendly drinking water. But installing a water filter is not always possible so the next best option both economically and environmentally is to purchase 5-gallon water jugs.
If that is the case for your situation, we would recommend purchasing a bottom loading 5-gallon water dispenser to save your back and to make sure the water is filtered properly at the desired temperature. After extensive review, we recommend the Avalon 5-gallon water dispenser because of its quiet operation, built in filter, and superb cooling capabilities.
Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience
Built-in nightlight makes the water spouts clearly visible at night & has an empty-bottle indicator that lights up when the bottle needs to be replaced
Bottom loading to eliminate the strain of lifting reduce spills and is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles
Make sure jug is screwed in properly to reduce leakage
Uneven installation can cause pump to rattle
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Water dispensers are also commonly referred to as water coolers. These appliances can be used to either heat or cool drinking water. Most dispensers are located strategically in the house or building close to a water supply. However, some types are portable and operate by fixing a standard water bottle to a water inlet. These portable bottled water dispensers come in two varieties top-mounted or Bottom-Load Water Dispenser.
Most water dispensers have their bottled water fitted at the dispenser’s top while the water dispenser bottom loads their water at the bottom of the dispenser to ease loading. These water dispenser units share the same working mechanism as the top-mount dispenser, with the only difference being the loading part. The bottom-load water dispenser edges its peers with its compact design. This design makes them shorter, and since the bottle is fitted at the bottom, the dispenser can be placed anywhere in the house, even in tight spaces depending on the size of the water bottle.
To decide if water dispenser bottom load is your best choice, you need to know how they work. These dispensers function pretty much the same as other bottled water dispensers by fitting a cap over the water bottle then sliding it at the base of the dispenser, and you’re done. All you have to do is turn on the tap mechanism, and the pump will suck up enough water to fill up the tanks.
Benefits of 5-gallon water dispensers
- Owning this dispenser gives you the freedom to choose the brand of water you want to drink. Different water companies are selling different brands using the standard 5-gallon water bottles
- A dispenser can be easily moved and positioned in any place, unlike the inbuilt water dispenser. With the 5 gallon dispenser, you can decide to put it in the living room, kitchen or even the bedroom without worrying about any plumbing.
- You don’t have to worry about any plumbing hitches like leaking or pipes rusting with a dispenser.
- You have control over your water supply, and you can get water at your convenience. This way, you don’t have to worry about blockages or malfunctioning in the main water supply.
- Dispensers are easy to repair or replace without going through a tough job reinstalling the in-built water system or even spending extra for installation.
The water dispenser comes in a compact design, which makes them shorter. This feature makes them easy to fit into spaces around the house or at the office.
This type of dispenser is easy to refill with you just peeling off the seal, fitting in the cap, and sliding it at the dispenser’s base. The dispenser is fitted with a pump capable of sucking in water to refill the water tanks.
To summarize the benefits, we could say that bottom loading water dispensers provide you with all the services you are likely to find in a top-mount dispenser without all the downsides like spilling or strain when mounting the water bottle.
Installing this type of water dispenser is relatively easy without having to rely on a professional. All you have to do is find a perfect and safe spot either in your house or office next to a power source and plug it in.
Recommended 5 Gallon Water Dispensers
Now that you’re aware of the dangers of unfiltered water, let’s look at the best reviewed 5 gallon water filters according to our water experts.
Best Overall 5-Gallon Water Filter
Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
The Avalon 5 gallon water dispenser is a BPA-free drinking water dispenser featuring a food-grade silicone hose, a 304 stainless steel and a high-density ABS plastic that guarantees you no plastic smell or toxin. It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery capable of serving you up to a month when fully charged.
The electric water pump system works well with standard water bottles without having to remove the seal. The standard bottleneck size is 5.5cm. You may need to check your bottleneck size before ordering or purchasing one.
Avalon 3 Temperature bottom loading water Cooler with child safety lock is made with an innovative stainless steel cabinet. It offers a choice of 3 water temperatures. The easy-to-use push button spouts make it so much more convenient to use. Simply press the temperature button of choice and allow the water to flow from the given spout.
The machines highly efficient compressor makes the cold water crisp and ice cold without the need of adding ice cubes to your drink. The hot faucet is hot enough to cook one’s tea or Coffee or any other steaming hot beverage. Due to the extremely hot water, we’ve added a child safety lock on the hot water faucet.
There is a built-in night light making the water spouts clearly visible in the dark. This water cooler is bottom loading with a cabinet to hold 3 or 5 gallon bottles. The water is pumped from the bottle through the machine. There is also an empty-bottle indicator that will light up when the bottle needs to be replaced. The water cooler is UL listed and complies with all standards of Energy Star. The unit dimensions are 41x12x13 inches.
This model comes with a great aftersales service in which you can access customer services to address any queries or problems you may have with the product. With minimal downside reviews to this product, this is a sure way of providing your household with safe drinking water.
Pros to the Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience This dispenser features a crisp cold cool or piping hot output
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Our sleek stylish stainless steel cabinet will make this water cooler fit right into your home kitchen or office
- LIGHT THE WAY: Our built-in nightlight makes the water spouts clearly visible at night & has an empty-bottle indicator that lights up when the bottle needs to be replaced
- BOTTOM LOADING: Our water cooler is bottom loading to eliminate the strain of lifting reduce spills and is suitable for 3-5 gallon water bottles
- CHILD SAFE: This product is UL/Energy Star Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free
This model comes with a three temperature settings feature that allows you to get your water at whatever temperature you want, freezing cold, cool, or very hot. For clients looking for an elegant, sleek look, the manufacturers took this into account, designing the dispenser with a stylish stainless steel cabinet that complements your kitchen or office’s beauty. This model also features a nightlight that sheds light on the water, making it visible at night. It has an empty bottle indicator that is designed to alert you on when to refill your water bottle.
With its bottom loading feature, you do not have to worry about the strain needed to lift the water bottle on top of the dispenser. This feature is also efficient in reducing spills and makes it suitable for both 3 and 5-gallon water bottles. The Avalon is Energy Star Approved, so you do not have to worry about increased power consumption. The child safety lock feature on the hot water spout helps to give you peace of mind.
The one downside to the Avalon common among customers is the difficulty in pushing the buttons to expel water. Most customers claim they needed to exert extra pressure on the buttons to get the water out. However, it is considered a worthy product by most clients.
Runner-up 5 Gallon Water Dispenser
Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading
Nobody wants to go through the strain of lifting a 3 or 5-gallon water bottle onto their dispenser. With the Brio water dispenser, you can easily replace the water bottle at the dispenser base. One amazing feature that is taking this machine off the shelves is the self-cleaning feature. With the touch of a button, the unit can self-clean, saving you time and effort.
This model also has a three-temperature setting system that allows you to access hot, cool, and cold water for drinking. The highlight feature illuminates the water even in a dark room, allowing you to see the water spouting onto your container. This lighting also enables you to get the right tap on and is also help full in showing you a visual on the drip tray alerting you on the need to get it cleaned.
Brio water dispenser comes with a child safety lock with a two-step dispensing procedure on the hot water spout to prevent accidental burns on children. It is also easy to operate with a simple release of the lock on the dispensing button.
The primo bottom load water dispenser is one of the cost-efficient models on the market with the same operating capabilities as some of the expensive brands. This model comes with two two temperature control systems, hot and cold. It also works efficiently with both the 3 and 5-gallon water bottles.
The hot water spout is also fitted with a child-safety lock feature to prevent any accidents. This brand comes in a sleek black look with a stainless steel water reservoir to complement its beauty. Its water drip tray is also dishwasher safe making it easy to clean.
Despite its cost-effectiveness, the primo bottom load water dispenser is said to be loud, with consumers pointing out that the loudness grows as you continue to use it. The absence of the self-cleaning feature is also a downside for some consumers.
How to Install a 5 Gallon Water Dispenser
When getting a water refill, you may need to change the bottle from the 5 gallon water cooler with another. Being portable and easy to use, you may not need a professional’s services to successfully change the water bottle from the 5 gallon water cooler.
The first step is to remove the empty water bottle from the 5 gallon water dispenser stand. You then clean the new bottle thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt on the surface. Properly clean your hands when handling the new water bottle to avoid contaminating the water.
After that, remove the water dispenser from the empty water bottle, dry the hose pipe using a clean piece of cloth. You can then lift the new water bottle onto the 5-gallon water dispenser stand and fit the water dispenser on top.
It is best to test if the water dispenser is fitted properly to avoid any leaks. It would help if you took extra precautions when fitting the dispenser onto the bottleneck. For this, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s manual.
Click Your City/State for Tap Water Safety
WARNING: Utilities Do Not Test What Comes Out of Your Faucet
Leave a Reply