Choosing the Right Hot and Cold Water Dispenser: What to Look For

There’s no shortage of hot and cold water dispensers on the Australian market. The difference between a good choice and a frustrating one usually comes down to a few practical factors most people don’t think about until after they’ve bought. Here’s what to consider.

Browse our water dispenser range or see our Water Coolers Guide.

1. Where Will It Go?

This determines the type. A kitchen bench or small office counter → benchtop dispenser. An open office or family home → freestanding dispenser. A high-volume commercial space → plumbed-in bottleless dispenser. Getting this wrong is the most common mistake — a benchtop unit in a 20-person office will run dry constantly.

2. Do You Need Hot Water?

Most people say yes once they’ve had it. Instant hot water at 92°C for tea, coffee, and instant meals is a genuine time-saver. All our models include a child-safe hot tap lock. If you genuinely only need cold water, a cold-only model is available at a lower price point — but most households find the hot function gets used more than expected.

3. Filtration Matters

Not all dispensers filter the water — some just chill or heat tap water. Our bottle-fed dispensers use a BPA-free bottle with a built-in 8-stage KDF filter cartridge that removes chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and bacteria. That’s the difference between chilled tap water and genuinely filtered water.

4. Ongoing Costs

Factor in the filter cartridge replacement every 6–12 months. Browse our replacement cartridge range to plan ahead. For bottle-fed models, you’ll also fill the BPA-free bottle from your tap — no ongoing bottle delivery costs.

5. Warranty and Support

All Awesome Water Cooler equipment comes with a 12-month warranty. We’re an Australian business with real phone support — call us on 1800 789 781 if anything goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions