Up to 60 percent of the human body is water, which is why it’s very important that we stay hydrated at all times. The sad truth, however, is that even when we know just how important staying hydrated is, we often forget to drink enough because of our busy schedules. Then, there are some who don’t have easy access to cool water outside of bottled ones.
To ensure your family is always hydrated, get the best self cleaning water cooler for your home. Unlike regular units, it boasts a self-cleaning feature to prevent the buildup of bacteria and germs. This way, you can rest assured your family only drinks fresh, clean, and, of course, cool water.
Best Self Cleaning Water Coolers Comparison
- Best Overall: Avalon A3BLOZONEWTRCLR Limited Edition Self-Cleaning Water Dispenser: “A stainless steel bottom loading water dispenser that features 3 temperature settings, a self-cleaning feature, a built-in nightlight that makes the water spouts visible at night and a child safety lock on the hot water spout.”
- Best Bottleless: Avalon A5 Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser: “A bottleless water dispenser that comes with 3 water filters, 3 temperature settings, a self-cleaning feature, and a nightlight and is UL/Energy Start Approved for safety.”
- Best Bottom Loading: Brio Limited Edition Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser: “This Bottom load water cooler boasts an ozone self-cleaning feature, 3 temperature settings, a removable drip tray, nightlight for illumination, LED indicator lights and a child safety lock.”
- Best Space-Saving: Brio Self-Cleaning Countertop Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser: “A compact black, plastic made countertop dispenser with 3 temperature settings, a powerful UV light disinfectant that kills 99.99% of disease-causing microbes, has a large dispense point and easy filter access.”
- Best Countertop: Avalon A12 CTPOU Countertop Bottleless Water Dispenser: “This unit is NSF certified, boasts 3 temperature settings, comes with a carbon block filter and a sediment filter, features a self-cleaning ozone function, a built-in nightlight and a child safety lock.”
- Best User-Friendly: Brio Countertop Self Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser: “This unit features a 2-stage filtration system, 3 temp settings, a self-cleaning feature that operates at the touch of a button, weighs 34.1 pounds, has 100% stainless steel hot and cold reservoirs and nightlight for illumination at night.”
Here are the Best Self Cleaning Water Coolers Dispensers Review
Who doesn’t like the refreshing feeling of gulping down clean, cool water after a long and tiring day of work? Add to that the fact that you won’t have to go down on your knees and elbows to clean it, and you won’t need any more reason not to get one for your home.
To help with your search, we tried and tested several top rated self cleaning water coolers on the market. Below are our accounts of the best units we came across. We looked at what they can offer in terms of features, functionality, specs, and customer feedback. Which do you think will meet your household’s demands?
1. Avalon Limited Edition Self-Cleaning Water Cooler Dispenser, A3BLOZONEWTRCLR
Having been in the breakroom solutions industry since 2008, you can expect only the best of the best from Avalon. As of today, it is one of the leading brands when it comes to hydration equipment.
If you don’t want to miss out on a great kitchen appliance, check out A3BLOZONEWTRCLR Avalon’s Limited Edition Self-Cleaning Water Cooler/Dispenser.
What are its most impressive features?
- Three water temperature options
- Child-safety lock
- Built-in nightlight
- Bottom loading design
- Self-cleaning ozone tech
- UL/Energy Star approved
- Push-button spouts
- Removable drip tray
- Empty-bottle indicator
How does it perform compared to others?
Water coolers aren’t cheap, so you want to make sure you’re getting a high-quality unit that’s worth your every penny. This limited-edition model boasts UL/Energy Star certification. This approval not only speaks to the unit’s overall quality but also its energy efficiency.
To power it on, all you have to do is plug the unit into an electrical outlet. Then, allow a few minutes for the unit to cool the water in the tank. You will find the 12 by three by 10 inches dispensing area and the nine-inch space below the spouts roomy enough to accommodate larger cups and bottles.
For a personalized experience, you’ll find three water temperature settings and three corresponding push-button spouts. These let you choose whether you want the cooler to dispense hot, cold, or room-temperature water.
Got kids at home? Not to worry. Even if you do, the hot water spout has a child safety lock to prevent accidental burns effectively. Moreover, you’ll find a switch at the back of the unit that turns the nightlight on and off.
The empty-bottle indicator will really impress you, as it will automatically light up when you need to change the bottle. It also includes a removable drip tray to avoid spills and drips on the floor.
Because it’s a bottom-loading unit, you also won’t have to struggle lifting a heavy water gallon to refill it. Perhaps the best part, though, is the self-cleaning ozone tech. This feature gets rid of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms without the use of any chemical.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Operates quietly
- Cleans itself effectively
- Has a minimalistic look
Cons:
- Manuals lack some information
- Quite low for tall people
2. Avalon A5BOTTLELESS Self-Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser
From the same brand comes an impressive self-cleaning bottleless cooler/dispenser, the Avalon A5BOTTLELESS. Compared to the first one, this model would be an excellent choice for those who find it troublesome to replace the water bottle whenever it has run dry.
These are its most spectacular features:
- Dual filtration system
- Bottleless design
- Built-in leak detector
- Self-cleaning ozone
- Three water temperature settings
- UL/Energy Star-approved
- Child-protection lock
- LED nightlight
- NSF-Certified
- Push-button spouts
What makes it different from others?
Firstly, you will like that installing this Avalon bottleless water cooler is easy. In fact, you won’t even need to hire a plumber and pay extra money to have it done. Once installed, buying bottled water will become a thing of the past. Another benefit is that you won’t have to struggle to lift big water gallons like you would with top-loading units.
So, how can you be sure your family has access to clean drinking water? This machine is the definition of safe and clean water because it has built-in dual filtration. It effectively filters out harmful chemicals from your water supply, mostly lead and chlorine(1), so you’re only drinking fresh-tasting filtered water.
It has three push-button spouts: cold, hot, and room temperature. Worried about your children getting burnt from hot water? There’s no need to because the Avalon A5 includes a child safety lock. It is also quite tall for a baby or toddler, so they can’t reach it and accidentally wet themselves.
Do you frequently wake up at night feeling thirsty? You won’t have to turn on the kitchen lights to get water because this unit has a built-in nightlight. As such, getting back to sleep won’t be a problem.
Bigger cups and larger tumblers fit in the dispensing area with not much issues, too, seeing as it measures 12 by three by 10 inches. In case of accidents, the built-in leak detector informs you of any problems before the situation even gets worse.
Not sold yet? Perhaps you will change your mind when you learn that this unit is capable of cleaning itself, too. Yes, you won’t have to waste hours after hours trying to sanitize your water cooler. The A5BOTTLELESS Avalon does it itself so that you always have access to clean drinking water.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Dispenses good-smelling and fresh-tasting water
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Functions well
Cons:
- Hard to move (44 pounds)
- Requires regular filter changes every six months/1500 gallons
3. Avalon A12-CTPOU Countertop Bottleless Water Dispenser
For the past years, Avalon has really made a name for itself by providing reliable breakroom solutions. Here, we have yet another worthy competitor in the Avalon A12. So, what does it offer that the other models don’t?
Here are its most remarkable features:
- Dual filtration
- Countertop bottleless design
- Three water temperatures switches
- Safety features
- Self-cleaning tech
- Three push-button spouts
- NSF certification
- Bright nightlight
Why does it have the upper hand?
Do you want a water cooler/dispenser that can fit almost anywhere in your house? The Avalon A12-CTPOU might just be what you’re looking for. Its best selling point is its compact size, which doesn’t affect its performance at all.
Small but terrible, you can expect it to give you the service you’d get from regular-sized water dispensers. Plus, finding enough space for it on your countertop won’t be a problem. The A12-CTPOU Avalon is a bottleless point of use drinking water filter, cooler, and dispenser all in one. This means you won’t have to risk breaking your back just to load the water gallon over and over again.
The dual filter has a multi-layer sediment and carbon block layer to clean the water you and your family drink effectively. For even safer and cleaner drinking water, it will automatically clean itself during idle times, thanks to built-in self-cleaning ozone technology.
Like the first two units, it has three water temperature switches. Now, you have access to hot water for your coffee, prepare your favorite powdered juice drink, or drink plain cold water anytime you want.
Furthermore, it has a bright built-in nightlight for you to see and access the buttons easily. Whether you’re a night owl or just someone who always wakes up at night to drink water, you will not mistakenly get the wrong water temperature to drink.
Pros:
- Lightweight at just 30 pounds
- Looks good in almost any kitchen
- Easy to fit in small countertops
- Does not require the loading of water bottles
Cons:
- Trouble in leaking connections
- Specific adjustment of water temperature not included
4. Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser – Limited Edition, CLBL520SC
With Brio, you can be sure that every product undergoes rigorous testing to meet industry standards. This Brio CLBL520SC particular model boasts UL and Energy Star approval. Plus, each added feature guarantees your household’s hydration needs are satisfied.
Here are its impressive features:
- Bottom-load design
- Press and clean technology
- Three temperature settings
- Spill-free construction
- Safety lock
How does it perform compared to others?
Lifting three- or five-gallon water jugs is not only difficult but also impossible for some. This is where bottom-load water coolers, like this one from Brio, come in. With this in your kitchen, you won’t have to struggle lifting hideously large water bottles. Instead, you simply slide the gallon underneath and then connect the pump.
Another added benefit is that it won’t be an eyesore in your otherwise minimalist kitchen. If the bottle is hidden, how will you know when to refill it? Not to worry! The digital display will notify you when the gallon is near-empty.
To make your life even easier, this Brio bottom loading water cooler water dispenser boasts a self-cleaning feature. All you have to do is press the Self-Cleaning button, and the machine will clean and sanitize itself. The best part? It doesn’t use any harmful chemicals in doing this. The drip tray is also easily detachable, so cleaning it won’t be a problem.
Similar to the other models, it dispenses hot, crisp-cold, and room-temperature water. You can utilize this feature in many ways, from preparing cold drinks on a hot summer day to brewing your favorite bedtime tea.
Ever wake up in the middle of the night thirsty? You’re not alone. The amazing thing is CLBL520SC Brio understands how this can be a struggle for some. As such, the unit is built with a nightlight so that you always have enough illumination to see what and where you’re pouring.
The hot water spout requires two steps to dispense hot water, so you’ll never have to worry about pouring hot water. There’s also a child lock near the dispensing button that ensures your kid’s safety.
Pros:
- Arrives well packaged
- Has a quiet pump
- Easy to refill and setup
- Sleek look without a gallon on top
- Minimal noises than the others
- Tumblers, cups, and mugs fit under the spouts
Con:
- Slower water flow rate
5. Brio CLCTPOU620UVF2 UV Touchless Bottleless Countertop with 2-Stage Water Filter and Installation Kit
Like the previous model, the CLCTPOU620UVF2 Brio 300 Series is a bottleless water cooler you put on your countertop. It also connects to your home’s water supply line and has a built-in filtration system to filter out germs and bacteria.
If that’s the case, what makes it better than the other Brio model? To understand how it might be a better fit for your kitchen, let’s take a look at what it offers.
Why it stands out:
- Touchless operation
- Bottleless design
- Three temperature settings
- Small and compact build
- Eco- and time-friendly
- UV Care technology
How does it perform compared to other countertop units?
Possibly the most effective selling point of countertop water coolers is the fact that they are small and compact. You only need to find a big enough space on your kitchen counter, and you’ll have unlimited access to drinking water.
Because it is bottleless, you won’t need to lift heavy gallons of water every now and then just to load it. Instead, the Brio 300 Series CLCTPOU620UVF2 connects to the home’s water supply. The built-in filter will remove any germs or bacteria and dispense filtered water. Compared to others, you will find that the water does not have any funky smell or weird after-taste.
Despite its smaller size, you get three choices when it comes to the water’s temperature. It serves hot, room-temperature, and cold water to meet the needs of everyone in your household. Our favorite feature, though, is the touchless design. The tanks also always have hot or cold water ready, so you won’t have to wait a long time.
To keep things clean and safe, the Brio CLCTPOU620UVF2 has a built-in self-cleaning feature. This innovative technology disinfects the tanks and hoses to prevent contaminants from mixing with your drinking water.
Pros:
- No need for disposable water bottles
- Has higher spouts than others
- Can fit in small spaces
- No heavy bottle lifting
- Neat design
Con:
- Produces white noise
- Not for large households
6. Brio CLCTPOU520UVF2 Point Of Use Bottleless Countertop Water Cooler with Filtration
Last on the list is another Brio creation. Like the other models, Brio CLCTPOU520UVF2 boasts UL/Energy Star approval that guarantees it passed or even exceeded industry standards. Since this is a point of use water cooler, you’ll need to connect it to your home’s water supply line.
What makes it stand out from the others?
- User-friendly bottleless design
- Heavy-duty and sleek build
- Extra filters
- Three temperature settings
- Self-cleaning feature
- Energy Star-approved
Does it meet your household’s hydration needs?
While you see it marketed as a water “cooler,” it actually does more than that. You will find three water spouts that dispense hot, room-temperature, and ice-cold water. As such, you won’t need to invest in a water heater or boil water on your stovetop for your coffee and tea.
Tired of having to stock up on gallons after gallons of drinking water? With this Brio water cooler, you won’t have to worry about that. Instead, you simply connect it to your home’s water supply line. Since it’s bottleless, it also helps reduce your household’s wastes because you won’t need to buy bottled water.
Once installed, the built-in filtration system will then filter out contaminants. As a result, you will have pure and fresh drinking water at all times. Compared to tap water, this filtered water has no after-taste and is safe to drink. Each purchase also comes with extra filters.
Another impressive thing about this is that it also helps you save time. Water and moisture can cause mold to grow. Thankfully, this unit has a self-cleaning feature that does the hard work for you. A single touch of a button activates this feature. The machine then sanitizes the tank and gets rid of any harmful contaminant.
Pros:
- Convenient to use
- Easier to install than the other units
- Good quality filter.
- No weird after-taste
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons:
- A little bit bulky
- Produces a mild noise
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Not sure if you need one for your home? Perhaps you have questions that you need answers to so that you can decide wisely. To help with that, here are the most commonly asked questions regarding self-cleaning water coolers:
Q: What is a self cleaning water cooler?
As mentioned, water and moisture will eventually cause mold and mildew buildup. It is an inevitable thing, which is why water coolers require regular cleaning and disinfecting. Then again, we all know that doing this takes time and requires effort.
If you’d rather upgrade your machine than waste your money and precious time cleaning, get a self-cleaning water cooler. This machine often features a built-in Ozone cleaning technology. It naturally disinfects and destroys microorganisms without the use of chemicals. Instead, it does so through the process of oxidation.
Other models feature UV technology instead. What this does is make use of UV light energy to inactivate and break down microorganisms in the water.
Q: Do you need to clean a self-cleaning water cooler?
While these machines do clean themselves, they also need human intervention from time to time to ensure every component is working as it should. The self-cleaning feature only prolongs the interval in which you must clean your water cooler.
To guarantee that no spot is missed, we like cleaning ours every three to six months. Also, wiping off the exterior from time to time ensures no water spots form and that dust doesn’t build up on the unit.
Q: Are self-cleaning water coolers safe?
If you buy from a trusted brand and check that each feature is working, you can rest assured that the water cooler you buy is safe. To be sure, check that it has a child safety lock on the hot water spout as well as a nightlight to avoid accidents.
Q: Do water coolers have filters?
Not all water coolers come with built-in filters. Mostly, only those that connect to the home’s water supply do. This is because top- or bottom-loading units use filtered bottled water instead of tap water.
Q: Do water coolers use a lot of energy?
Water coolers need electricity to warm up and cool the water. The pump and the filter also consume energy to ensure you’re getting the service that you deserve.
If you’re worried about it ballooning your electricity bill, make sure you pick a model with Energy Star certification. This guarantees that the machine is energy-efficient (source), often using up to 50% less energy than regular models.
Conclusion
So, which is the best self cleaning water cooler? Of the six units we looked at, we were most impressed by what the Avalon Limited Edition Bottom Load Water Cooler Dispenser offers.
Despite being small, this water cooler delivers on its promise and more. This is the only option here that features motion sensor capabilities. Though this function only dispenses cold water, we still find it rather future-forward, making it perfect for modern homes.