Why get a water dispenser that will make you go through the hassle of lifting heavy water bottles when you can get one that allows you to slide it on the bottom? A bottom loading water dispenser will not only give you water at your desired temperature but also look magnificent in your kitchen or office.
You’ll love having one around if you don’t want or can’t lift heavy objects.
In this post, we compare 2 bottom loading dispensers, Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler and Primo hTRIO Bottom Loading Water Dispenser. What distinguishes one from the other? Is one better than the other? We’ll find that out soon enough.
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Vs. Primo hTRIO Water Dispenser Comparison
The table below will help you understand the differences between the 2 models:
Difference | Avalon A4BLWTCLR | Primo hTRIO |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (inches) | 13 x 12 x 41 | 14.2 x 12.2 x 43.5 |
Weight (pounds) | 42.4 | 41 |
Temperature settings | 3 temperature settings (hot, cold, room temperature) | 2 temperature settings (hot and cold) |
Night light | Available | No night light |
Color | Black and stainless steel | White |
Brewing capabilities | Not capable | Capable |
Assembly | Requires simple assembly | Comes fully assembled |
Energy efficiency | Highly energy efficient | Energy efficient |
Coating | BioGuard anti-microbial | No coating |
View On Amazon | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Vs. Primo hTRIO Water Dispenser
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler

Primo hTRIO Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

And now, let us dig into the key features that distinguish them
1. Design
Avalon A4BLWTCLR comes in a stylish and sleek design, a feature that makes it a great accent piece in any kitchen or office. The model’s bottom cabinet boasts a solid stainless steel construction that blends well with the black glossy finish of the upper body.
The dispenser is also treated with an anti-microbial coating to offer protection against bacteria growth.
Primo hTRIO boasts a sleek and contemporary design. It is also beautifully colored in white hence looks great in any modern kitchen. In addition, bottles are concealed inside the cabinet, giving this model a clean, stunning look.
It also comes with easy-to-use paddle controls that make it easy to operate.
2. Temperature Settings
Avalon A4 provides 3 water temperature options that give you everything you need to prepare hot or cold beverages. And again, if you need neither, you can just dispense the water at room temperature.
The hot water dispenses at 185 degrees F, and the cold reaches a refreshing temperature at 47 degrees F.
Unlike Avalon A4, Primo hTRIO offers only 2 temperature settings. And your guess is correct; the temperatures are piping hot and ice cold. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have room temperature settings.
Thanks to these features, you won’t have to waste time waiting for your water to boil or buy bottled water that will eat up space in your fridge.
3. Child Safety Lock
Setting up Avalon A4 in a household with kids shouldn’t be a concern. It comes with a child safety lock, and only persons with total control of their flexes can dispense hot water hence no accidental burns.
Primo hTRIO also comes with a child safety lock that prevents your kid from pouring hot water.
4. Built-in Night Light
If you always wake up in the middle of the night thirsty, you’ll love Avalon A4. This model features a built-in light, which provides visual access to all water spouts. This means that you won’t have to turn on the kitchen lights when going for a glass of water.
The night light also lowers the chances of accidentally spilling the water during your night hydration runs.
Primo hTRIO doesn’t come with this feature. So Avalon A4 is the winner here.
5. Empty Bottle Indicator
Asking yourself how you’ll know when it’s time to change the water bottle now that it’s hidden in the cabinet? Don’t worry. The A4BLWTRCLR doesn’t disappoint. You won’t have to check if the bottle is running empty since the LED indicator tells you when.
Just like with Avalon A4, you’ll know when the water in the water bottle is low in hTRIO, as the indicator will turn on automatically.
6. Brewing Capabilities
If interested in an all-in-one type of dispenser with additional features such as brewing, Primo hTRIO is your best bet. The feature is actually the model’s selling point. It is capable of brewing single-serve beverages.
You can actually brew 6, 8, or 10 ounces using your coffee grounds. Then, all you need to do is simply press a button on the unit’s control panel, and a K-Cup will pop out.
The model’s built-in storage can accommodate 20 K-Cup pods that you need to purchase separately.
You can brew coffee with Avalon A4; therefore, hTRIO bags the cup here.
7. Loading
Loading and reloading both models is quite easy. Since they all come in the bottom loading design, minimal heavy lifting is required. Also, large-capacity tanks inside the units store water and reduce the need for frequent reloading.
Both come with a front door that reveals reservoirs for the water bottles. And in the reservoir is a pump with a hose that connects to the water bottle. The cabinet can accommodate 3 to a 5-gallon water bottles.
To load a water bottle, remove the bottle cap and then attach the bottle adapter to the bottle. After securing the adapter in place, close the reservoir door.
8. Energy Efficiency
Avalon A4 is highly energy efficient. It is actually UL-certified and Energy Star-Approved for efficiency and quality.
On the back of this unit are 2 individual switches for cold and hot water. These switches allow you to select only what you need, hence conserving energy.
If, for instance, you’re not using hot water, turn off the hot water switch. Also, you can turn off both switches if the machine isn’t in use.
Primo hTRIO also boasts the UL certification and Energy Star, meaning that it’s also energy efficient.
9. Maintenance
Both models are extremely easy to clean, although they don’t have the self-cleaning feature. For the best results, mix vinegar and water and put the solution in the water bottle. Then connect the bottle to the pump and let your machine run.
After that, just rinse the interiors by running clean water through the pipes. Repeat this process until the vinegar smell fades away.
The models also come with removable drip trays that are dishwasher safe. This makes the cleaning process much easier.
For the exterior, you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth.
10. Assembly and Setup
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR requires basic assembly and setup. The good news is that it comes with a user manual with easy-to-follow instructions to help you set it up with ease. With basic DIY skills, it should take you less than 20 minutes to put it up.
Primo hTRIO, on the other hand, doesn’t require assembly at all. It comes fully assembled.
Which is Better, Avalon A4 or Primo hTRIO?
Both units work great and share a lot of similarities. For instance, both are space-saving, easy to load and reload, boast the child safety function, are easy to maintain, and are highly energy efficient. With both, you can also tell when to replace the water bottle without opening the reservoirs.
However, although they have similarities, there are differences that one can’t fail to notice. And therefore, if looking for a dispenser that will help you get more than just water, Primo is the best option. You can even prepare coffee with this unit. It’s also highly innovative.
If looking for one that will help save more on energy. Avalon A4 will do you justice. With this unit, you’ll also get hydrated at night without having to switch on your kitchen light.
So, which model is better?
The unit that comes with the features you’re looking for in a water dispenser makes the best option. Each has an advantage over the other, depending on your priority features.
Conclusion
Both models are solid choices for a bottom-loading dispenser. Solid construction for durability, large capacity reservoirs, ease of use, and maintenance make either of the dispensers a worthy investment. They are reasonably priced for their features and will most likely meet your water dispensing needs. Go for what suits you best.