Hot and Cold Water Dispenser Safety Features: What to Know

Hot water at 92°C is genuinely useful — but it also needs to be handled safely, especially in households with young children. Here’s what safety features to look for in a hot and cold water dispenser, and what our units include as standard.

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

Child-Safe Hot Tap Lock

This is the most important safety feature on any hot and cold dispenser. All our Awesome Water Coolers include a mechanical child-safe lock on the hot tap — it requires a deliberate two-step action (pressing a safety button while operating the tap) to dispense hot water. A child pressing the tap casually won’t be able to access the hot water.

BPA-Free Materials

All our water bottles and internal water-contact components are BPA-free. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical found in some plastics that can leach into water, particularly when heated. Our hot water tank and all water-contact surfaces are constructed from food-grade, BPA-free materials.

Drip Tray

All our dispensers include a removable drip tray that catches any water spillage from the taps. Empty and clean it weekly to prevent overflow and bacterial growth. A full drip tray is a slip hazard — don’t let it overflow.

Stable Base Design

Our freestanding models are designed with a wide, stable base to prevent tipping. Place the unit on a flat, level surface and ensure the water bottle is properly seated before use. An improperly seated bottle can cause the unit to become top-heavy.

Electrical Safety

All our dispensers are designed to Australian electrical standards. Use a grounded (earthed) power outlet and avoid using extension cords. Keep the power cord away from water and don’t operate the unit with a damaged cord.

Frequently Asked Questions