Freestanding Water Coolers
Freestanding water coolers give you hot, cold, and ambient water at the push of a tap. They're a practical hydration solution for homes, offices, gyms, schools, clinics, and commercial premises across Australia. Awesome Water Filters stocks freestanding coolers in bottle-fed (top-load and bottom-load) and plumbed-in (bottleless) configurations. Choose from compact single-temperature units up to full hot, cold, and sparkling models.
Browse the full range below. Find the cooler that suits your space, usage level, and budget.
Types of Freestanding Water Cooler
There are two main configurations to consider:
- Bottle-fed freestanding coolers: Use a refillable water bottle (usually 15L), mounted on top or hidden in a bottom-loading cabinet. No plumbing needed — just swap the bottle when it's empty. Good for renters, smaller offices, or spaces where a plumber connection isn't practical.
- Plumbed-in (bottleless) freestanding coolers: Connect directly to your mains water supply and include built-in filtration. No need to order, store, or swap bottles. Better for high-volume use, with a lower cost per litre over time. Installation needs a plumber connection to your cold water supply line.
See also our dedicated Bottleless Water Cooler collection if you're specifically looking for plumbed-in models.
Temperature Options
- Hot and cold: Delivers fridge-cold and near-boiling water. The most popular option for offices and workplaces. Most models include a hot water tank with a safety tap as standard.
- Cold and ambient (room temperature): No hot water element, so it's typically more energy-efficient. Good where hot water isn't needed.
- Hot, cold, and sparkling: Premium models that add carbonated water alongside hot and cold. Needs a CO₂ cylinder.
How to Choose a Freestanding Water Cooler
- Usage volume: Think about how many people will use the cooler each day. Larger offices or busy areas do better with bigger tanks, higher refrigeration capacity, and faster recovery times.
- Bottle-fed vs. plumbed-in: Plumbed-in removes bottle logistics and ongoing bottle costs. Bottle-fed is simpler to set up and easier to move.
- Footprint and height: Freestanding coolers are floor-standing. Check your available floor space and ceiling clearance before ordering.
- Energy efficiency: Look for an energy-saving mode or a low standby power rating — useful for offices that shut down overnight.
- Filtration: Bottle-fed coolers rely on the water quality in the bottle. Plumbed-in models include a built-in filter — check the filter type and replacement schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber to set up a freestanding water cooler?
For bottle-fed models, no. Just position the unit, load the water bottle, and plug it in. For plumbed-in (bottleless) coolers, you'll need a cold water supply connection — this should be done by a licensed plumber.
How often do I need to replace the water bottle?
A standard 15L bottle gives you around 200 cups of cold water. Usage varies a lot depending on how many people use the cooler. Most workplaces set up a regular delivery schedule — your local water delivery service can suggest a suitable frequency.
How do I clean a freestanding water cooler?
Regularly sanitising the internal tank, taps, and drip tray keeps your water quality and hygiene up. Most manufacturers recommend a sanitisation service every 3–6 months. Clean the drip tray and outer surfaces more often. Check your user manual for guidance specific to your model.
Can I use my own filtered water in a bottle-fed cooler?
Yes. Bottle-fed coolers accept any compatible 15L water bottle, including one filled with your own filtered water. Just check the bottle and cooler neck sizes match before you buy.