A filtered water dispenser is a great way to get the pure taste of filtered water, without having to commit to a whole-home water filtration system. While a whole home water filtration system is the best choice for filtered water, there are many apartment renters, home renters, and travelers who don’t have the ability to transform the entire system.
What is a Filtered Water Dispenser?
A filtered water dispenser does as the name suggests: it dispenses filtered water. Now, there are different forms of dispensing, but all lead to healthy and delicious filtered water.
It commonly is used in residential homes with water that isn’t ideal as far as contamination or taste. Rather than continually buying plastic water bottles, people have turned to other forms of filtration methods to save money and use less plastic.
How Does a Filtered Water Dispenser Work?
A filtered water dispenser works by pouring in tap water,and letting the filter sift through the contaminants and odors. Then, the end product dispenses right into your glass or bottle. Generally, you’ll find that water filtration systems with spigots and pour spouts use a carbon filtration system to varying degrees of filtration.
Pure Water Products describes that the carbon in carbon filters is manufactured from coal, but it is also commonly made from sources like wood, nut shells, and coconut shells. Companies like Brita opt for the coconut shell, as it’s renewable, produces tastier water and is more successful at removing trihalomethanes from water.
The filters remove chemicals from the water through adsorption, not to be confused with absorption. Adsorption is the adhesion in a layer of molecules that are in contact with each other. This way, the carbon is attracting the chemicals like a magnet, taking it out of the water and holding it within the filter. That’s why it’s so important to replace the filter in a timely fashion, as the filter has a capacity limit.
Items to Consider With Filtered Water Dispensers
With any purchase, you want to make sure that you’re choosing the right product to fit your needs. Here are some important things to consider before purchasing your own dispenser.
What’s the Capacity of it?
If you’re living alone, there’s no need to buy the largest water dispenser that there is. Or, if you have a large family, you don’t want a one gallon dispenser. You have to be realistic on the size of the dispenser, because you don’t want to be in the situation where you’re constantly refilling your dispenser throughout the day. Or worse, you don’t want to open the fridge and find that nobody replaced the water, and you’re left with warmer tap water.
Is it Energy Efficient?
It’s no secret that nobody wants an increase on their electricity bill. To have a water dispenser with both heating and cooling options with a lower energy draw, look for a product with an Energy Star rating. This way you know the products design was meant for a lower energy use.
Or, there are machines with the ability to turn off the heating and cooling function. So, if you’re only wanting the heated water in the morning, turn it off after your cup of tea. This way, you’re getting the features you want, without having to worry about energy consumption if you’re not utilizing it throughout the day.
Is it User Friendly?
If you’re going with a higher capacity gallon water dispenser, you want to make sure that you’re able to refill it. There are both top and bottom loading water dispensers, so if mobility is an issue, you should avoid purchasing a top loading, high gallon dispenser. Or, opt for a filtration system that fits in your refrigerator and is easy to move around.
Additionally, if you choose to have a water dispenser with hot water, make sure that there is a safety lock on the hot water side. Anything can happen, so whether you have children in the house or animals that could dispense water, make sure that there is a lock so nobody gets burned by accident.
Filtered Water Dispensers in Pitcher and Spigot Forms:
The ZeroWater ZP-010
This water filter pitcher is affordable and comes with a 10 cup capacity and is found on Amazon.
It can operate as a pitcher with a pour spout, or using a water spigot. This pitcher has a lifespan of 40 gallons. This means you should replace it every two months. The filter itself uses a five stage ion exchange technology, removing 99.6% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from your water. This includes Nitrate, Zinc, Fluoride, and Aluminum. The gravity fed filter also reduces lead and heavy metals.
No more wondering whether or not you’ve used your 40 gallons of water and need to replace your filter. This pitcher comes with a water testing meter, measuring the total amount of TDS in your system, so you know exactly when to replace it.
A filter replacement pack with two filters can be purchased through Amazon as a one time purchase, or subscribe and save.
PUR Water Pitcher and PUR Water Dispenser
PUR water filters work in both dispenser and pitcher options, giving you the same fresh taste with two different options.
The PUR Water Dispenser holds 30 cups of water and costs $39.98. The activated carbon filters last for two months, or 40 gallons, and there is an LED indicator light to let you know when it needs to be replaced. That way, you can always keep your water clean and lead-free. Each replacement filter is $7, found online and in stores. Other than lead, this filter also removes 96% of Mercury, 95% industrial pollutants, and 94% of pharmaceuticals found in water. The pitcher is BPA free, and removes 15% of total dissolved solids.
The PUR Water Filters are a great budget friendly option as a way to filter your water. This product can be found at Amazon, Costco, Target or Walmart.
If you’re looking for a smaller option that carries the same result, opt for the pitcher form. The PUR Water Pitcher has a large capacity at 11 cups (roughly 90 ounces) and costs $16.99.
Brita Longlast UltraMax Water Filter Dispenser
The Brita Longlast UltraMax Water Filter Dispenser is another great option for an at-home filtered water dispenser. It comes in both an 18 cup version and a 25 cup version. The 18 cup version has a filter at the top of the water dispenser, while the 25 cup verison filters the water through the spigot. Whichever dispenser you choose, you’re ending up with tasty water.
This dispenser is BPA free, space efficient, has an easy locked lid, and precision pour spigot. It uses the Brita Longlast filter and reduces 99% of lead, Chlorine, Mercury, Cadmium, Benzene, and Asbestos.
These dispensers come with a light indication so you know exactly when to replace your filters.
Bottled Filtered Water Dispensers
Avalon Countertop Dispenser
The Avalon Countertop Dispenser is self cleaning, touchless, bottleless, and dispenses hot and cold water. Additionally, this product is Energy Star rated. This helps to make sure you have great tasting water, without sacrificing the increase in energy consumption.
This dispenser comes with a carbon block filter, removing chlorine and heavy metals, while also removing suspended particles like dust and rust. The filters in the systems are designed to last for six months, with easy replacement in the back of the unit.
There are both hot water and cold water options available. The cold water averages 47 degrees Fahrenheit, while the hot water runs around 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water valve comes with a child safety lock and a built in night light.
This dispenser automatically sanitizes and purifies itself, making sure you steer clear of germs and bacteria from growing within the dispenser. You can find this machine and replacement filters on Amazon.
Brio Self Cleaning Bottleless Dispenser
The Brio filtered water dispenser comes with a two stage filtration system, a carbon block filter and a sediment filter. Like the Avalon, this removes chlorine, heavy metals, lead, rust, dust, and bad tastes and odors. The filters last for 1,500 gallons, lasting an average family six months. The filters are easy to access and replace, making it a user friendly option.
This product comes with hot and cold water options, with the child safety lock on the hot water valve. Additionally, there’s a nightlight for middle of the night water breaks.
This system self cleans with UV Lights, and is available on Amazon . With every purchase, you’ll receive two free filters. That means you’re covered for a full year!
Why ONIT Home
An at home water filtration system is the best choice for your water filtration needs. If you own your home, you have the ability to transform your at home tap water with a reverse osmosis water filtration system. Our team of professionals install your system, all starting at $15 a month. To learn more, visit us online or give us a call today at 1-833-433-0331.
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