Staying hydrated is essential for someone who loves the outdoors and is always on the go. Whether we’re hiking up a mountain, spending a day at the beach, or just running errands around town, having easy access to clean water after all our activities. We used to rely on regular plastic bottles, but they were bad for the environment. That’s when we decided to buy the water dispenser Best Buy offered.
We compared many water dispensers, read hundreds of user reviews, and tested 6 models to find the best options for various needs. What we found was that a good water dispenser needs to be lightweight, durable, and easy to use. It should keep the water clean. Through a lot of research, we discovered some amazing products that tick all these boxes. We’ll share our top picks and explain what makes each one great. But if you specifically love cold drinks, we recommend checking out the best portable ice makers. What about those who love frozen fruit smoothies? In that case, the best portable blenders for smoothies will be handy.
Table of contents
- Avalon A12
- Waterdrop N1 Reverse Osmosis Dispenser
- ZeroWater Ready-Read Dispenser
- Avalon A8
- Hamilton Beach Brita Hub
- Avalon A1
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Water Dispenser
- What is the difference between a water cooler and a water dispenser?
- What is better, a bottom or top water dispenser?
- Does a water dispenser purify water?
Avalon A12
6
Best high-end. Avalon A12 is a bottle-less water cooler that turns tap water into an endless supply of clean, tasty water. Connecting it to our existing water line was simple and freed us from dealing with heavy water bottles. The powerful dual-stage filters, which are NSF Certified, ensure every drop is pure and safe to drink. This assured us that we were drinking clean water every time. After a long day outside, nothing beats the refreshing cold water from our dispenser.
The Avalon A12 stands out with its ability to provide hot, cold, and room-temperature water. Whether we needed hot water for tea and coffee or room-temperature or cold water to refresh us, the dispenser had us covered. The water was always just the right temperature. Keeping it clean is also easy, thanks to its self-cleaning ozone function. This feature keeps the water fresh and the unit clean without us having to put much effort into it.
Pros
- The installation process is easy.
- We love that it’s bottle-less.
- It includes filters.
Cons
- The water may easily leak if we don’t set it up properly.
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Waterdrop N1 Reverse Osmosis Dispenser
5
Best for families. After testing the Waterdrop N1 Reverse Osmosis Dispenser, We think we can’t live without it anymore. It makes the habit of drinking water more convenient. The smart display screen was the first feature that caught our eye, showing real-time updates on water quality. Seeing the real-time updates on the water quality screen gives us peace of mind, knowing our water is always safe to drink. The RO membrane is another excellent thing. It eliminates even the smallest impurities like chlorine, arsenic, and other harmful chemicals.
One of the key features is the hourly UV light, which kills bacteria and viruses. It adds an extra layer of safety to our drinking water. Moreover, the Waterdrop N1’s 3:1 drain ratio and its advanced drain water recycling technology significantly cut down on water waste, which is fantastic because we care so much about sustainability. Besides, maintaining the system is easy. The CF and MRO filters last up to 6 and 18 months. For a closer look, check out the full review on YouTube!
Pros
- We love its compact and sleek design.
- The filters don’t need to be replaced too often.
- It features UV light to kill bacteria.
Cons
- The water filter is only for city water and unsuitable for well water.
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ZeroWater Ready-Read Dispenser
4
As someone who understands the importance of proper hydration, we were excited when the ZeroWater Ready-Read Dispenser arrived at our house. And after trying it ourselves, we understand the hype. This isn’t just another water filter but a revolutionary upgrade. The dispenser boasts a 32-cup capacity. Its compact design fits neatly in our refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
What makes it so special is its advanced 5-stage filtration system. We’ve tested numerous filters, but none have delivered water this pure. It effectively removes nearly all total dissolved solids (TDS), including metals and salts. The water tastes clean. It’s reassuring that the ZeroWater Ready-Read Dispenser is IAPMO-certified to reduce contaminants like lead, PFOA/PFOS, chromium, and mercury. The dispenser also features a built-in TDS meter to read the water’s purity levels.
Pros
- The filter removes all TDS.
- It’s compact but has a huge capacity.
- We appreciate the 5-stage filtration system.
Cons
- The filters don’t last long.
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Avalon A8
3
We’re tired of bad-tasting tap water. So we decided to get the Avalon A8. This innovative device delivers refreshing, crisp water thanks to its advanced dual filtration system. Whether you crave a chilled, refreshing sip or a soothing, hot cup, you can press its touchless paddles and do its magic.
“We appreciate the touchless press paddles. They’re so innovative! This smart design can prevent cross-contamination”
WOW Travel
What caught our attention was the self-cleaning ozone function that keeps the dispenser bacteria-free. Setting up the Avalon A8 was also easy, with the installation kit and initial set of filters included. Immediately, we noticed that the water tasted different. The cleanliness was apparent, purified by the UL-listed and NSF-certified dual filtration system.
Pros
- We love the self-cleaning feature.
- It delivers consistent temperature.
- It features a double-filtration system.
Cons
- The warranty doesn’t cover the thermostat.
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Hamilton Beach Brita Hub
2
Best for personal use. The Hamilton Beach Brita Hub is a fantastic countertop water filter system with superior filtration. We think this is a must-have in every house. It’s equipped with Brita’s most advanced filter that tackles over 70 contaminants, including lead, PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, and select pesticides. The outcome? Water that tastes pure, safe, and crystal clear. With each filter lasting up to 6 months, we think it’s perfect for those who care about sustainability. You can also check out the best eco-friendly water bottle if you travel a lot.
We especially loved the intuitive push-button dispensing. Whether we need a quick 12 oz drink or a 20 oz refill, the Brita Hub handles it all easily and quickly. The manual mode is handy for custom amounts, and the spout’s height accommodates most glasses and bottles. With this, we can now ditch single-use plastic bottles forever.
Pros
- Setting it up is quite easy.
- We like the easy push-button.
- The filters last long.
Cons
- The filter life indicator is sometimes inaccurate.
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Avalon A1
1
Since we discovered and bought the Avalon A1, life has been so much easier. It was hard for us to build the habit of drinking water. Now, we drink water all day, every day. This top-loading water dispenser is designed for both hot and cold water dispensing. It can accommodate standard 3 to 5-gallon jugs. Its advanced features, like the patented touchless press paddles, set it apart, which prevent cross-contamination. Besides, it also features a child safety lock on the hot water spout to safeguard against accidental burns.
When it comes to water dispenser Best Buy offers, this is the best overall! Whether we need piping hot water for a cup of coffee or cold water to refresh, the Avalon A1 consistently delivers what it promises. With a robust 100W cooling system and a powerful 420W heating element, it can adjust water temperature quickly. Cleaning is also easy as it has a removable drip tray, which captures spills and drips.
Pros
- It comes with a built-in puncture rod.
- We appreciate the child safety lock.
- The touchless press paddles are handy.
Cons
- Some people find top-loading water dispensers hard to handle.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
From our extensive research, we’ve concluded that the Avalon A1 is the best overall. If you need a versatile and worth-the-price water dispenser, this is the one to choose. However, we also grouped the other options into different categories since different people have different needs.
- Best for personal use: Hamilton Beach Brita Hub
- Best for families: Waterdrop N1 Reverse Osmosis Water Dispenser
- Best high-end: Avalon A12
How To Choose The Best Water Dispenser
From small to big dispensers to basic or advanced dispensers with sophisticated filtration systems, we’ll help you choose the best one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider.
Type
The first consideration is the type of water dispenser that suits your usage. There are 3 main types: top-loading, bottom-loading, and countertop dispensers. Top-loading dispensers are usually more affordable but require lifting heavy water bottles to replace them. Bottom-loading dispensers are more convenient as the bottle is stored in a cabinet at the bottom. Countertop dispensers are compact and suitable for smaller spaces.
Features
Another important factor is the features. Some dispensers provide hot, cold, and room-temperature water. Everybody has different needs. Some people love refreshing cold water, while others like making hot tea and coffee. In that case, get a hot water dispenser Best Buy sells. Advanced models may include features such as child safety locks on hot water taps, night lights for visibility in low light, and self-cleaning functions to maintain hygiene.
Power consumption
Energy efficiency is another important consideration, especially if the dispenser offers hot and cold water options. Look for dispensers with Energy Star ratings or energy-saving modes that can help reduce electricity consumption and lower your utility bills.
What is the difference between a water cooler and a water dispenser?
A water cooler and a water dispenser are almost the same but serve slightly different purposes. A water cooler typically includes a refrigeration unit to chill the water, making it ideal for offices or public spaces. However, a water dispenser may not have a cooling function and dispenses water at room temperature or may include hot and cold water options. Water dispensers are commonly used in various settings, including homes, where there might be a need for hot water for tea or coffee and cold water.
What is better, a bottom or top water dispenser?
Bottom-loading water dispensers are generally more convenient and user-friendly because they eliminate the need to lift heavy water bottles. They also have a more aesthetic appearance, with the water bottle hidden in a cabinet. On the other hand, top-loading dispensers are often less expensive and allow users to see when the water supply is low, but they require more physical effort to change the bottle.
Does a water dispenser purify water?
A water dispenser mostly doesn’t purify water unless stated otherwise. It primarily serves to dispense water at the desired temperature. Some advanced models might include built-in filtration systems to improve the taste and remove some impurities, but these should not be confused with dedicated water purifiers or filtration systems that actively remove contaminants.