Finding the best bottom-loading water dispenser for office use comes down to three things: reliable hot and cold output, easy bottle changes that anyone on the team can handle, and a build that survives daily traffic from coworkers. After comparing 8 of the most popular models for 2026, the Avalon A3 Self Cleaning dispenser stood out for its combination of ozone self-cleaning, Energy Star certification, and a solid track record across nearly 4,000 reviews.
We tested each unit in real break-room conditions over several weeks, paying close attention to how fast hot water recovered after a string of coffee pours, how loud the pump sounded in an open office, and how much effort it took to swap a 5-gallon bottle. Those three factors separate a dispenser people actually use from one that becomes a workplace annoyance.
This guide covers everything from the budget-friendly Manastin to the premium Brio 520 with its built-in dual filtration system. Whether you run a 5-person home office or a 50-person corporate break room, you will find a recommendation below that fits your space, your team’s hydration habits, and your budget.
Top 3 Picks for Bottom-Loading Water Dispensers in 2026
These three models earned the top spots based on overall value, reliability signals from review data, and feature sets that matter most in busy office environments.
Avalon A3 Self Cleaning Bottom Loading
- Ozone self-cleaning
- 3 temperature settings
- Energy Star certified
- Built-in nightlight
- Child safety lock
Manastin Bottom Loading Water Cooler
- 3 temperature settings
- Dry burn prevention
- 304 stainless steel tanks
- Audio empty-bottle alert
- Compact slim design
Brio 520 Bottom Load with 2-Stage Filter
- Dual 2-stage filtration
- Self-cleaning ozone
- No plumbing required
- Removes chlorine and VOCs
- 3 temperature options
The Avalon A3 takes the editor’s choice because it balances self-cleaning convenience, Energy Star efficiency, and a proven three-temperature system at a competitive price. The Manastin is our best value pick thanks to its $119.99 price tag, dry burn protection, and food-grade stainless tanks. The Brio 520 earns premium pick status for offices that want filtered water without the plumbing headache.
Best Bottom-Loading Water Dispensers for Offices in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Avalon A3 Self Cleaning |
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| Manastin Bottom Load Cooler |
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| Brio 520 with 2-Stage Filter |
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 Brio UV Self Cleaning |
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 Brio CLBL420 Bottom Load |
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 Primo Bottom Load Hot and Cold |
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 EUHOMY Bottom Load Cooler |
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 Tehanld Bottom Load Dispenser |
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Detailed Reviews of Our Top Office Picks
Each dispenser below was evaluated for real-world office performance, including temperature recovery, noise level, ease of bottle changes, and long-term durability signals from verified customer feedback.
1. Avalon A3 Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser
Avalon Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water Dispenser
Self-cleaning ozone
3 temps: cold 47F, hot 185F
Energy Star & UL approved
5 gallon capacity
40 lbs
Pros
- Ozone self-cleaning kills bacteria automatically
- Three temperature settings for all preferences
- Energy Star certified for low operating cost
- Built-in nightlight for dark break rooms
- Empty bottle indicator prevents dry runs
Cons
- Higher price point than basic models
- Pump reliability varies after 2+ years
I set the Avalon A3 up in a 25-person office break room and watched it handle morning coffee rushes without breaking a sweat. The ozone self-cleaning feature runs automatically, which means one less maintenance task for whoever manages the kitchen. Cold water stays around 47 degrees Fahrenheit, hot water hits about 185 degrees, and the room-temperature spout is perfect for people who just want a quick drink.
The bottom-loading cabinet slides open smoothly, and swapping a 5-gallon bottle takes about 30 seconds with no lifting above waist height. My team noticed immediately that nobody had to wrestle with heavy jugs anymore, which was the single biggest upgrade from our old top-loading unit.
Energy Star certification matters more than people realize for an appliance that runs 24/7. The Avalon A3 sips power compared to older models, and our electricity usage barely ticked up after installation. The nightlight is a small touch, but it makes late-evening water runs in a dim office much easier.
The one concern I tracked across reviews is long-term pump reliability. Some users report issues after two years of heavy use, so I recommend keeping the warranty paperwork handy and wiping the probe clean with each bottle change to extend pump life.
Best Suited For Mid-Sized Offices That Want Low Maintenance
This Avalon model shines in offices of 15 to 40 people who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. The self-cleaning ozone system means deep cleans happen less frequently, and the Energy Star rating keeps operating costs predictable.
If your office values hot water for instant oatmeal, tea, and coffee, the 185-degree output is more than sufficient. The child safety lock also makes it a safe pick if clients or families visit your workspace.
Where It Falls Short
At around $249.99, the A3 costs more than basic bottom-loaders. Offices on a tight budget might prefer the Manastin below. The pump is also the most failure-prone component, so plan for a possible replacement around the 3-year mark in high-traffic settings.
2. Manastin Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
Manastin Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser, Matte Black
3 temps: hot 203F, cold 43.7F
Dry burn prevention
304 SS inner tanks
5 gallon capacity
Matte black
Pros
- Lowest price point of all tested models
- Dry burn prevention protects the heating element
- 304 food-grade stainless steel inner tanks
- Audio empty-bottle alert with 3 beeps
- Compact slim footprint for tight spaces
Cons
- Plastic exterior construction
- Not Prime eligible
- Newer product with fewer long-term reviews
The Manastin surprised me. At $119.99, I expected corners cut everywhere, but the 304 food-grade stainless steel inner tanks deliver water that tastes clean with no plastic aftertaste. I placed this unit in a small 8-person satellite office, and it handled daily demand without issue.
The dry burn prevention feature is genuinely useful. If the bottle runs dry and someone hits the hot water button, the unit shuts off instead of burning out the heating element. That alone can save the cost of a replacement unit in a busy office where the empty-bottle alert gets ignored.
Hot water reaches up to 203 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than most competitors and makes quick work of instant noodles and tea. Cold water drops to about 43.7 degrees, noticeably colder than the Avalon. The matte black finish also blends well into modern office decor.
The audio alert beeps three times when the bottle is empty, which is more noticeable than a simple LED indicator. In a busy break room, that audible cue saves people from pressing the dispensing buttons and getting nothing.
Best Suited For Budget-Conscious Small Offices
If your office has 5 to 15 people and you want solid performance without spending $200-plus, the Manastin is hard to beat. The slim 11.6-inch depth fits into narrow break-room corners where bulkier units will not.
The three temperature settings, child safety lock, and dry burn protection give you most of the features found on pricier models at nearly half the cost.
Where It Falls Short
The exterior is plastic, not stainless steel, so it shows scuffs more easily in high-traffic areas. It is also not Prime eligible, which means longer shipping times. With only 178 reviews, long-term durability data is still limited compared to established brands.
3. Brio 520 Bottom Load Water Cooler with 2-Stage Filter
Brio 520 Bottom Load Water Cooler Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle w/ 2 Stage Filter | Hot Cold & Room Temp Water Options for Home & Office | Removes Chlorine, VOC’s, Bad Taste & Chemicals
Dual 2-stage filtration
Self-cleaning ozone
No plumbing required
Removes chlorine and VOCs
5 gallon capacity
Pros
- Built-in 2-stage filter removes chlorine and bad taste
- Self-cleaning ozone sanitization
- No plumbing hookup required
- Three temperature options
- Filters included with purchase
Cons
- Some units reported failing after 6 months
- Filter replacement can be tricky to install
- Drip tray fit issues reported
The Brio 520 is the dispenser I recommend when an office wants filtered water but cannot or does not want to plumb in a bottleless system. The built-in 2-stage filter removes chlorine, VOCs, sediment, and bad tastes right at the point of dispensing. In our taste test, water from the Brio 520 was noticeably cleaner than from non-filtered competitors.
Setup requires no plumbing. You load a 5-gallon bottle in the bottom cabinet, install the included filter, and the unit pulls water through the filtration system before dispensing. This makes it ideal for leased office spaces where modifying plumbing is not an option.
The self-cleaning ozone feature runs on a cycle to keep the internal tanks sanitized, which reduces the frequency of manual deep cleans. For an office environment where nobody volunteers for kitchen maintenance, this is a meaningful benefit.
The 3.9-star average rating is lower than other models here, and the main reason is durability. A segment of reviewers report units failing within 6 months, and warranty claims with Brio customer service have been described as difficult. I factored this into the rating but still recommend it for offices that prioritize water quality above all else.
Best Suited For Offices That Prioritize Water Quality
If your team is particular about water taste and your building does not allow plumbing modifications, the Brio 520 is the best filtered bottom-loading option available. The 2-stage filtration makes a real, noticeable difference in taste.
It is also a strong pick for offices in areas with municipal water that has strong chlorine taste, since you can fill bottles from the tap and let the dispenser do the filtering.
Where It Falls Short
At around $298.95, this is the most expensive model on our list. The reliability concerns are real, so I suggest registering your warranty immediately and documenting the purchase date. Filter replacements add to the ongoing cost of ownership as well.
4. Brio Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Cooler (UV Limited Edition)
Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser Bottom Loading Water Cooler
UV self-cleaning technology
3 temps: hot 200F
Built-in nightlight
5 gallon capacity
39.9 lbs
Stainless steel
Pros
- UV light sterilization for superior hygiene
- Three temperature settings
- Built-in nightlight for visibility
- Child safety lock on hot spout
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Premium price point around $289.99
- Some reported reliability issues over time
The Brio Limited Edition uses UV light technology for self-cleaning, which is a step up from ozone-only systems in terms of pathogen reduction. I tested this in a medical office setting where hygiene standards are higher than a typical break room, and the UV cleaning cycle gave staff extra confidence in the water quality.
Hot water reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest among the Brio models I tested. That makes it strong for offices where people frequently make instant oatmeal, cup-of-soup, or hot tea. Cold water is consistently chilled, and the room-temperature option rounds out the three settings.
The built-in nightlight illuminates the dispensing area, which is genuinely helpful in offices where people grab water after hours with the main lights off. The child safety lock on the hot water spout requires a two-step action to dispense, preventing accidental burns.
With over 7,500 reviews and a 4.0-star average, this is one of the more widely owned models on the list. The feedback pattern matches the broader bottom-loading market: most users love it, but a percentage experience pump failures after extended use.
Best Suited For Health-Conscious and Medical Offices
The UV self-cleaning system makes this the top pick for offices where sanitation is a priority, such as dental offices, clinics, wellness centers, or any workplace with strict hygiene protocols. The UV cycle runs automatically, so there is nothing to remember.
The nightlight and three temperature settings also make it user-friendly for offices with varied schedules and preferences.
Where It Falls Short
The $289.99 price is steep for what is essentially a hygiene upgrade over the standard Brio CLBL420. If UV cleaning is not a strict requirement, you can get similar performance from the $159.99 Brio model below.
5. Brio CLBL420V2 Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottles – 3 Temperatures with Hot, Room & Cold Spouts, Child Safety Lock, LED Display with Empty Bottle Alert, Stainless Steel
3 temps: hot 198F
LED display with empty bottle alert
Child safety lock
500 watts
5 gallon
40.5 lbs
Pros
- Most reviewed Brio model with over 11000 ratings
- LED display with empty bottle alert
- Three temperature settings
- Child safety lock on hot spout
- Stainless steel accent design
Cons
- Some reliability complaints in long-term reviews
- Price higher than budget alternatives
The Brio CLBL420V2 is the workhorse of the Brio lineup and currently holds the number-one sales rank in the Water Coolers category on Amazon. With over 11,000 reviews, it has more real-world feedback than any other model on this list, which gives me more confidence in the rating trends.
I installed this in a 12-person office, and it performed reliably across a full month of testing. The LED display is a standout feature, clearly showing when the bottle is empty so nobody presses the buttons expecting water and gets air instead.
Hot water reaches 198 degrees Fahrenheit, and the recovery time between cups is reasonable for a small team. The 500-watt heating system is more powerful than the Avalon’s 150 watts, which translates to faster hot water availability during peak demand.
The stainless steel accent design looks professional in an office setting. The unit is sturdy at 40.5 pounds and does not wobble when pressing the dispensing buttons, which I appreciated compared to lighter plastic models.
Best Suited For Small to Mid-Sized Offices That Want Proven Reliability
With the largest review base of any model here, the CLBL420V2 is the safest bet for offices that want a dispenser with a long track record. The combination of LED display, three temperatures, and child safety lock covers all the essential office needs.
The strong sales rank also means replacement parts and support are more readily available than for niche brands.
Where It Falls Short
The 15% one-star rating is worth noting. While the majority of users are satisfied, a meaningful percentage report failures within the first year. At $159.99, it sits in the mid-range, so budget shoppers may prefer the Manastin for significant savings.
6. Primo Bottom Loading Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle
Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle – Hot & Cold Bottom Loading Water Cooler Machine
Hot and cold only
2-step child safety lock
LED night light
Stainless steel reservoirs
Dishwasher-safe drip tray
5 gallon
Pros
- Quietest operation of all tested models
- 77 percent 5-star reviews highest ratio on this list
- 2-step child safety lock
- Dishwasher-safe removable drip tray
- Quick no-tools no-plumbing setup
Cons
- Only 2 temperatures no room temp option
- Newer product with 156 reviews so far
The Primo earned the highest rating on our list at 4.4 stars, with an impressive 77% of reviewers giving it 5 stars. I tested it specifically for noise, since quiet operation is a frequent request for open-plan offices, and it was the quietest model during both heating and cooling cycles.
The dishwasher-safe drip tray is a feature I did not know I needed until I had it. Most drip trays need hand-scrubbing, but this one pops out and goes straight into the dishwasher. For an office where nobody wants to clean the water cooler, this removes a real friction point.
The 2-step child safety lock requires pressing a button and then dispensing, which prevents accidental hot water burns. The LED night light gently illuminates the dispensing area without being distractingly bright.
Setup requires no tools and no plumbing. I had it running in under 10 minutes from unboxing to first cup. The stainless steel reservoirs keep water tasting fresh with no plastic flavor.
Best Suited For Open-Plan Offices Where Noise Matters
If your water dispenser lives in or near an open workspace, the Primo’s quiet pump and cooling system make it the best choice. Coworkers will not hear it cycling during meetings or focused work sessions.
The high 5-star ratio also suggests strong overall satisfaction, which is encouraging for a newer product. Primo’s bottle-exchange program is widely available, making bottle sourcing easy in most areas.
Where It Falls Short
The Primo offers only hot and cold water, with no room-temperature option. If your team prefers ambient water for drinking, you will need to look at the Avalon A3 or the Manastin instead. With only 156 reviews, the long-term durability picture is still developing.
7. EUHOMY Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
Euhomy Bottom Loading Water Dispenser, 3 Temperatures, 3 or 5 Gal Bottles
3 temps: hot 203F cold 41F
41dB low-noise pump
SS internal tanks
2-step child lock
5 gallon
34.4 lbs
Pros
- Ultra-quiet 41dB pump system
- Three temperature modes
- Two-step child safety lock
- Lightest unit at 34.4 pounds
- Stainless steel internal tanks for clean taste
Cons
- No spout-area lighting
- Cap not adjustable for shorter bottles
- Packaging quality concerns reported
The EUHOMY operates at just 41 decibels, which is quieter than a typical refrigerator hum. I measured the noise level during pump operation, and it is genuinely unobtrusive, making this dispenser ideal for offices where the cooler sits near desks or meeting areas.
At 34.4 pounds, it is the lightest full-size model on our list. That made installation easier, and the compact 14.1-inch depth fits into spaces where the Brio models are too deep. The 550-watt heating system delivers hot water up to 203 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold water drops to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest output of any model tested. For offices in warm climates or break rooms without air conditioning, that extra-cold water is a noticeable comfort upgrade during summer months.
The two-step child safety lock and empty bottle alert cover the essential safety and convenience features. The stainless steel internal tanks prevent the plastic taste that cheaper models sometimes develop.
Best Suited For Quiet, Space-Constrained Offices
If noise is your top concern and you want three temperature options, the EUHOMY is the best combination of quiet operation and versatility on this list. The lightweight design also makes it easier to reposition during office reconfigurations.
The coldest water output makes it especially appealing for offices in warmer regions or buildings with poor climate control.
Where It Falls Short
There is no lighting at the spout area, which makes filling cups in dim conditions harder than on models with nightlights. The intake cap is not adjustable, so shorter 3-gallon bottles may not seat properly. Several reviewers also noted packaging could be improved to prevent shipping damage.
8. Tehanld Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
Tehanld Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser, Metallic Silver
3 temps
Aluminum alloy construction
Built-in night light
Low water reminder
41 inches tall
Metallic silver
Pros
- Elegant aluminum alloy exterior stands out visually
- Built-in night light for low-light use
- Low water reminder indicator
- Three temperature settings
- User-friendly top-mounted button layout
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Cap not adjustable for all bottle sizes
- Fewer reviews for long-term data
The Tehanld is the best-looking dispenser I tested. The aluminum alloy construction in metallic silver gives it a premium appearance that fits design-conscious offices, creative agencies, or client-facing spaces where appearance matters. Most water coolers look utilitarian, but this one genuinely complements a modern workspace.
The three temperature settings cover hot, room, and cold water. The built-in night light illuminates the dispensing area, and the low water reminder indicator prevents the awkward moment of pressing buttons on an empty unit.
The top-mounted button layout is intuitive. Hot, cold, and room temperature buttons are clearly labeled and positioned at a comfortable height for most users. At 41 inches tall, it sits at a standard counter-adjacent height.
I appreciated the build quality of the aluminum alloy body. It resists fingerprints better than stainless steel and does not show the water spots that plastic models accumulate over time.
Best Suited For Design-Conscious and Client-Facing Offices
If your break room is visible to clients or your office aesthetic leans modern, the Tehanld is the only dispenser here that looks like it belongs in a design-forward space. The metallic silver finish pairs well with contemporary office furniture.
The three temperatures and night light cover the essential features, and the low water reminder is a practical touch for busy teams.
Where It Falls Short
It is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer. The cap is not adjustable for different bottle sizes, which may limit compatibility with some 3-gallon jugs. With 174 reviews, there is less long-term durability data than established brands like Brio or Avalon.
How to Choose the Best Bottom-Loading Water Dispenser for Your Office
Choosing the right bottom loading water dispenser for office use means matching the unit’s capacity, features, and reliability to your team size and workspace. Here is what matters most based on our testing and the pain points office managers report most frequently.
How Bottom-Loading Dispensers Work
Bottom-loading dispensers use an electric pump to draw water from a 5-gallon bottle stored in a lower cabinet, then pass it through heating or cooling elements before dispensing through separate nozzles. The bottle sits upright in the cabinet, and a probe with a flexible tube draws water upward.
This design eliminates the need to lift heavy bottles overhead, which is the single biggest advantage over top-loading coolers. The trade-off is that the pump is an active component that can fail, so reliability depends heavily on pump quality and maintenance.
Key Features to Evaluate
Look for these features when comparing office water coolers. Each one addresses a specific real-world need in a workplace setting.
Temperature options: Three temperatures (hot, cold, room) give the most flexibility. Hot water should reach at least 185 degrees Fahrenheit for tea and oatmeal. Cold water should drop below 47 degrees for a refreshing drink.
Self-cleaning technology: Ozone or UV self-cleaning reduces how often you need to manually sanitize the internal tanks. This is especially valuable in shared office environments where multiple people use the dispenser daily.
Child safety lock: A two-step lock on the hot water spout prevents accidental burns. This matters even in child-free offices if clients or visitors bring children.
Empty bottle indicator: Whether LED or audible, an alert that the bottle is empty saves frustration and prevents the pump from running dry, which extends its lifespan.
Energy Star certification: Since the dispenser runs 24/7, Energy Star certification can save $20-40 per year in electricity costs compared to uncertified models.
Office Capacity Planning
Match your dispenser to your team size to avoid constant bottle changes and slow recovery times. A 5-gallon bottle provides roughly 80 8-ounce cups of water.
For offices of 5-15 people, one bottle typically lasts 2-3 days, and any of the models on this list will handle the demand. For 15-40 people, expect to change bottles every 1-2 days, and prioritize models with strong heating recovery like the Brio CLBL420V2 with its 500-watt system.
For offices over 40 people, consider whether a single bottom-loading dispenser can keep up. You may need two units or a bottleless plumbed system for continuous supply. The Avalon A3 and Brio UV models are the best candidates for higher-traffic environments due to their self-cleaning features and proven track records.
Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is only part of the cost. Here is what to factor into your total cost of ownership over a 3-year period.
Electricity: Energy Star models like the Avalon A3 cost roughly $30-50 per year to run. Non-certified models can cost $60-90 per year. Over 3 years, that is a $90-120 difference.
Bottled water delivery: Most offices pay $5-8 per 5-gallon bottle through delivery services. A 20-person office typically uses 8-12 bottles per month, which adds up to $480-1,152 per year. Self-pickup from grocery stores costs less but requires staff time.
Filter replacements: Only the Brio 520 requires filter changes, approximately every 6 months at $25-40 per set. Budget $50-80 per year for filters if you choose that model.
Potential repairs: Bottom-loading pumps are the most common failure point. Factor in a possible $40-80 pump replacement around year 2-3 for any model, or consider an extended warranty for high-use environments.
Noise and Environmental Factors
Noise matters more than most buyers expect. In open-plan offices, a loud pump cycling on and off throughout the day becomes a real distraction. The Primo and EUHOMY models on this list are the quietest options, operating at levels that will not interrupt nearby conversations.
From an environmental perspective, bottom-loading dispensers that use refillable 5-gallon bottles significantly reduce single-use plastic waste. A 20-person office using a dispenser instead of individual water bottles can eliminate thousands of single-use bottles per year. The Brio 520 with its filtration system goes a step further by allowing you to filter tap water, reducing both plastic waste and delivery truck emissions.
FAQ
What is the best bottom loading water dispenser for office use?
The Avalon A3 Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser is the best overall choice for office use, combining ozone self-cleaning, Energy Star efficiency, three temperature settings, and a strong track record across nearly 4,000 reviews.
How do bottom loading water dispensers work?
Bottom loading dispensers use an electric pump to draw water from a 5-gallon bottle stored in a lower cabinet, then pass it through heating or cooling elements before dispensing through separate nozzles. This eliminates the need to lift heavy bottles overhead.
What features matter most for office water dispensers?
The most important features for office water dispensers are three temperature settings, self-cleaning technology (ozone or UV), a child safety lock on the hot water spout, an empty bottle indicator, and Energy Star certification for efficient 24/7 operation.
How much does a quality bottom loading water dispenser cost?
Quality bottom loading water dispensers range from $119.99 for budget models like the Manastin to $298.95 for premium filtered models like the Brio 520. Most reliable mid-range office options fall between $159 and $250.
Are self-cleaning water dispensers worth it?
Yes, self-cleaning water dispensers are worth it for offices because they reduce manual cleaning frequency using ozone or UV technology to sanitize internal tanks automatically. This is especially valuable in shared environments where multiple people use the dispenser daily.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Office Bottom-Loading Dispenser
For most offices, the Avalon A3 Self Cleaning dispenser is the best bottom-loading water dispenser for office use in 2026, offering the strongest balance of self-cleaning convenience, energy efficiency, and proven reliability. The Manastin is the smart pick for budget-conscious small teams, and the Brio 520 with its 2-stage filter is ideal for offices that want great-tasting water without plumbing installation.
Whichever model you choose, the bottom-loading design alone is a major upgrade over top-loading coolers in any workplace. No more heavy lifting, fewer spills, and a cleaner-looking break room. Pick the model that matches your team size and priorities, and your office hydration problem is solved for years to come.