Commercial Water Dispenser Selection Guide: Choose the Best for Your Business

Commercial water dispensers generally fall into these categories:

1. Bottle-fed Dispensers: These use replaceable water bottles and are suitable for locations without direct water line access. Ideal for small-to-medium usage.
2. Point-of-Use (POU) Dispensers: These connect directly to the water supply and offer unlimited water without the need for bottle replacements. They’re suitable for high-traffic environments.
3. Hot and Cold Water Dispensers: Provide both hot and cold water, making them versatile for offices, break rooms, and hospitality settings.
4. Sparkling Water Dispensers: Popular in offices, restaurants, and other areas, these machines offer still and sparkling water options and are available in high volume bottling, POU and integrated tap formats.

Here are the key considerations:

Aesthetics: 

• Consider your design requirements. An integrated tap dispenser is a sleek solution that hides the boiler, chiller, and other components under the counter. Countertop dispensers are as the name suggests – they sit on the countertop. Standalone dispensers are designed to stand separate from existing fixtures or cabinetry and are generally seated on a stand. 

Capacity:

• Determine how many people will use the dispenser daily. High-traffic areas such as offices and hospitality settings will likely require a dispenser with a high-flow rate (bottle-less dispenser) or  storage capacity (bottled dispenser.)

Lifespan:

• Look for machines made from durable materials such as stainless steel to ensure long-term performance. 
• Check warranty options and manufacturer support to gauge the expected lifespan.

Quality of Components:

• Go beyond the outer shell to ensure the components are of appropriate quality for the intended environment and capacity needs. 
• Ask about the risks and costs if key inner components degrade over time.

Ease of Maintenance:

• It is important to understand the maintenance requirements and any associated costs. 
• Most systems will require water filter changes and sanitization protocols at specified intervals. 
• Some systems have self-serve maintenance and others will require a professional service visit.

Environmental Impact: 

• Determine the scope of environmental impact you want to make with your dispenser: from energy saving modes to reducing single waste plastic to CO2 emissions reductions, ask how your dispenser can support these goals.
• Consider any additional waste that may occur as a result of your dispenser such as flavoring bags, water bottles, and filters.
• Ask about end-of-life recycling and refurbishment options.

• Certified Filters: Ensure the dispenser operates with NSF-certified water filters.
• The Right Filter for the Water Type: The higher quality dispensers will filter water for optimal taste and content. For example, hot water filtration uses different filter media than cold water filters. Higher quality sparkling water dispensers will filter out contaminants and odors, while preserving beneficial minerals to ensure optimal taste and mouthfeel.

• Bottle-fed Units: These require minimal setup and can be placed almost anywhere.
• POU Dispensers: Require a direct connection to the water supply. Ensure your space has compatible plumbing and adequate water pressure.
• Electrical Needs: Check the voltage requirements and availability of nearby outlets.
• Space Requirements: Be sure to measure your under counter space when considering a integrated tap where most components fit underneath. Freestanding dispensers offer flexible placements. If you are renovating, check dispenser dimensions from a cut sheet beforehand or give your designers technical files to add to their project.
• Safety: Safety encompasses everything from the strength of the installation and mounting hardware through to the user experience. Ask about anti-scalding protections, hygiene features, and leak protection.

Absolutely! Advanced features can enhance user experience and functionality:

• Accessibility: Consider your accessibility requirements as it relates to vision, height, access points, and other ADA regulations. Some dispensers have braille overlays and Easy Access Panels that can be mounted at a lower height than the dispenser interface.
• Hygiene Features: Explore options to reduce germ transmission, prevent retro-grade contamination, and provide extra filtration for hygiene-sensitive environments.
• Multi-temperature Options: Hot, cold, room temperature (often referred to as “ambient,”) semi-sparkling, or sparkling water options.
• Service & Support: What is the support system if your dispenser breaks down or otherwise needs service? Do you need to call a technician every time or are tools available to help you self-diagnose and fix the issue? 

Consider both upfront and long-term costs:

• Initial Purchase Price: Higher-priced units often have better features and durability.
• Maintenance Costs: Include filter replacements, potential repairs, and electricity usage.
• Lifespan: A higher-quality dispenser might save money over time due to its durability and efficiency.
• Customer Support: A strong customer support model will reduce dispenser downtime and improve value.

Conclusion

Selecting the right water dispenser for your business requires balancing aesthetics, capacity, durability, water quality, and cost. Whether you need a compact unit for a small office or a robust system for a busy restaurant, understanding your specific requirements will guide you to the best choice.