Choosing the right water cooler for your workplace is not only about keeping employees hydrated but also about efficiency, hygiene, cost management, and suitability for your environment. Offices, healthcare facilities, leisure centres and educational institutions all have different requirements. This guide will help you make an informed decision by covering industry-specific needs, the differences between mains-fed and bottled water coolers, and the features to consider when selecting a unit.
Water Coolers for Offices
In office environments, consistent access to filtered drinking water is important to support productivity and wellbeing. Water coolers with high-capacity tanks, multiple outputs, and touchless dispensing options are ideal. Freestanding units offer flexibility for open-plan offices, while countertop units are suitable for smaller break areas. Consider noise levels, energy efficiency and ease of cleaning when selecting a unit. For small to medium sized offices, water coolers like the Aquapoint 60B or 3300X are excellent options, delivering up to 20 Litres of filtered drinking water per hour. In larger office spaces, water dispensers like the Arctic Chill 109 are a popular choice, since they can deliver up to 40 litres per hour.
Healthcare Water Dispensers
Healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals and care homes require the highest hygiene standards. Touchless water dispensers and units with antimicrobial surfaces are recommended to reduce the risk of contamination. Mains-fed systems are particularly useful in these environments because they provide a continuous supply of filtered water without the need for frequent bottle replacement. Ease of cleaning and compliance with healthcare regulations should be a priority. For healthcare environments, water dispensers like the Borg & Overstrom E4 or Borg & Overstrom E6 are excellent options, with touchless activation and enhanced filtration available as extras. We can also provide a service plan for your mains-fed water cooler, which includes routine sanitisations.
Water Coolers for Gyms & Fitness Facilities
Gyms, swimming pools and sports centres have periods of high water demand, particularly during peak usage times. Fast-fill units or multiple dispensing points help to prevent queues and provide a better experience for members. Chilled water is often essential, while sparkling water options can add a premium touch. Water coolers in these environments should be robust, spill-resistant and easy to clean to withstand heavy use. For gyms and leisure centres, we recommend the Arctic Chill 108 and Arctic Chill 109, since these can also be used as bottle-fillers.
Water Dispensers for Schools, Colleges & Universities
Schools, colleges and universities require water coolers that are durable, safe and accessible for all students and staff. Units with height-appropriate designs, child safety features, and anti-tamper mechanisms are particularly useful. Where mains installation is limited, bottle-fed coolers offer flexibility, but mains-fed systems reduce ongoing maintenance and provide a constant water supply. Since schools are high-traffic environments, we recommend dispensers with push button activation, such as the Arctic Star 55. The push buttons make them a robust and durable option in comparison to other water dispensers with paddles.
Bottled vs Mains-Fed Water Dispensers
One of the first decisions when selecting a water cooler is whether to choose a mains-fed or bottled system. Each option has advantages and considerations, depending on your workplace needs.
Mains-fed water coolers are plumbed directly into your water supply, providing a continuous flow of filtered drinking water. They require regular cleaning and filter changes, but no bottle replacements. This makes them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Connecting the dispenser to your mains plumbing also reduces the risk of contamination.
Bottled water dispensers are ideal when it is not possible to plumb your water dispenser in. Regular bottle changes are required, along with storage space. The capacity and output of the dispenser is limited to bottle size, which is usually 4 or 20 litres. The costs are lower initially, but the ongoing costs are higher with frequent bottle changes.
We stock a range of bottled and mains-fed water dispensers to suit your requirements, with installation and servicing also available on all mains-fed systems.
Want to Get Started?
Selecting the right water cooler for your workplace requires consideration of your specific environment, the number of users, hygiene standards and water output requirements. By understanding the differences between mains-fed and bottled systems, assessing industry-specific needs and evaluating essential features such as capacity, filtration and touchless operation, you can make an informed choice.
Once you have chosen the right type of water cooler, explore our other guides on maintenance, specific workplace solutions, and product comparisons to optimise your water supply for employees and visitors. If you need help deciding on the best system for your workplace, contact us today to speak with an expert.
Need more information? Contact Ice Water Coolers today to speak with a specialist.