The Difference Between A Water Cooler Vs. Dispenser

The more you look, the more you will realize water coolers and dispensers are everywhere. From youth soccer games to office buildings, they are so ubiquitous that you probably don't think about them very much at all. If you're not paying attention, water coolers and water dispensers may seem one and the same, but they have a key difference: One simply holds water, while the other controls its temperature as well.

Can you guess which is which? The answer is in the name. A water dispenser is a device that routes water from a jug into a spout from which you can then access the water. It has no additional bells or whistles, meaning the water will remain at room temperature or whatever temperature the water jug is at the time. On the other hand, a water cooler serves the same purpose as a dispenser but with the added feature of being able to alter the temperature of the water. Some water coolers only have a cold setting, while others may be able to heat or cool the water.

Now that you know the difference, you may be wondering what the benefits and drawbacks are for one versus the other. While you may not be as picky as a water sommelier, there are many contexts in which having cold water available is a priority. For example, if you are in an environment that is hot or one with direct sunlight, the water in the jug may warm up to an unpleasant degree. In this situation, a water cooler becomes a lifesaver.

However, there are times when the simplicity of a water dispenser is preferable. The biggest advantage to a water dispenser is that it is, in most cases, purely mechanical. This means that it does not need electricity to work, whereas water coolers do. So, if you are in a location without any spare outlets, or if you are trying to save on energy costs, a water dispenser could be the best fit to meet your hydration needs.