We will now talk about what you have to consider when you're out looking for the perfect match.

1. Type

• Bottom-load: This is one of the most widely used water dispensers because of its unique design. This is good for office use because the bottle is often concealed. The water bottle is positioned at the bottom of the unit which eliminates the need to raise it and then position upside down.
• Top-load:This type is great for both the elderly and the physically challenged. It is also very easy to manage if there is a spillage.
• Tabletop: This is a portable unit which can be placed at any location in the home. It takes less space making it ideal to positioned on tabletops and kitchen cabinets. They feature the smaller water tanks.
• Wall mounted:This type is mounted on the wall with a direct connection to the water pipes in the wall. It has a storage tank where the water is filtered and refrigerated simultaneously. The good thing is that the unused water is reserved in the pipe.
• Direct-piping: This is also referred to as bottomless water dispenser. It is similar to the wall-mounted type in the sense it is connected directly to the water source. They’re usually electric and are equipped with high-quality filters to enhance the quality of water.
• Freestanding: They use jugs which are positioned on the top of the unit. The water jugs are bought separately and the water is made to undergo extensive treatment processes. The only drawback is that you’ll lift the jug to fix it on the top which might be a heavy task for some persons. However, it is very economical.

Aside from these, you will also find some other types like under counter, in wall, and those especially designed for outdoor use.

2. Capacity

To avoid situations where you’ll be replacing the jug too often, you should consider buying one with a large capacity. Each household or office has its water consumption level which must match with the capacity of the dispenser. Note that if the capacity is more than what you need, it’ll take a long time before the water is completely depleted.

3. Water Flow Rate & Noise

If the water flow is high, you’ll spend less time to fill your bottle. You should consider buying a machine that operates in a quiet manner, especially at the office. The noise from the pump and compressors of the dispensers could be disturbing.

4. Self Cleaning Technology

Many models are equipped with ozone in the water tanks to mitigate the growth of bacteria and germs, which may lead to diseases. The tankless units may also have this technology in some other form.

5. Water Temperature

The hot and cold units are designed to operate at a given temperature range. Sometimes what is written by the manufacturer is different from the actual output temperature. This is why you should buy from reputable sellers only.

6. Safety Features

If you have children, you should look for safety features to keep them from getting hurt in case they ignorantly press the hot water button.

7. Construction

The durability of the dispenser will be largely determined by its material of construction. Moreover, the product must be well-built in accordance with the existing engineering standards and conventions. These units are usually made from food-grade plastic, stainless steel, glass, and ceramics like porcelain.

8. Purification System

If you’re using a bottom or top loading unit, you may not have to invest in a filtration system. However, if you’re connecting your dispenser directly to the water source, then you’ll need a water filter that can remove sediments, chlorine, lead, and other particles that make the water unsafe for drinking.

9. Hot vs Cool Water Dispenser

Many of today's units are designed to dispense both hot and cold water simultaneously. This means they’re equipped with both the water heater and cooling system. Nevertheless, there are models that can provide cold or hot water only.

Now that you’re ready to shop your ideal water dispenser, you should learn its basic care and maintenance tips to ensure that you enjoy its functionality for long. In as much as you’ll clean it regularly every month, some of its parts will require a replacement.

Now, pay attention to the following tips.

• To avoid being electrocuted, make sure that your water dispenser is not connected to the mains before commencing the cleaning task.
• If you’re using a top loading water dispenser, you’ll need to remove the pin that connects the bottle with the unit.
• Clean this point of contact using a soft cloth dipped in soapy water.
• Rinse the reservoir using a mild soap and warm water. Ensure that the water is drained completely.
• If you’re using a bottom loading water dispenser, then you’ll have to wash the drip tray periodically. Remove the drip tray, wash in soapy water then dry it completely before putting it back.
• Ensure to wash your hands clean before replacing a new bottle.
• Take out the cap and then place the bottle. The air bubbles that rises are an indicator that the bottle is well connected to the dispenser.
• Plug in your dispenser and try to fill your cup with water.
• Be careful to observe the taste of the water to know if it’s safe for drinking.