CONTENT
- 1 Water cooler functions
- 2 Device and principle of operation
- 3 Varieties of water coolers
- 4 Which cooler to choose: useful tips
- 5 Leading water cooler manufacturers
- 6 Popular models
Water cooler functions
The main functions of a conventional water cooler are water cooling and heating. Almost all modern dispensers can do this. But in addition to the processes mentioned, more advanced models are able to carry out other actions, including:
- ozonation. This is a process that allows you to disinfect dishes and food, which is very important, if necessary, to extend their freshness. With the function disabled, this compartment can be used as a regular storage for dishes;
- carbonate. The process by which a liquid is saturated with carbon dioxide. It is possible to obtain carbonated water only if a bottle is connected, which can be disposable (designed for 1000 portions) or rechargeable. To obtain a perfectly working device, it is advisable to choose models with an adjustable degree of gassing;
- elimination of bacteria in water. The presence of a built-in ultraviolet lamp in the dispenser allows you to disinfect the water in the bottle, which will make it possible to eliminate all harmful microorganisms;
- ice making. A special generator can be located in the body of the device, which allows you to form even ice cubes. Before their use, they are stored in a special box, where the negative temperature is maintained.
Device and principle of operation
The coolers have a fairly simple design, which makes it possible to achieve comfort of use with minimization of damage or breakdowns. The apparatus consists of:
- plastic case;
- a bottle of water, which is inserted into a special socket;
- distribution system;
- tanks for the accumulation of hot and cold water.
Constructively, all models can be conditionally divided into several varieties according to the number of water taps. This ultimately affects the cost of the device and the usability. The following cooler designs can be found on the market:
- two taps, one of which is for hot and the other for cold water;
- one tap, made in the form of a joystick, which allows you to adjust the water temperature;
- three taps, one of which allows you to receive water at room temperature.
The principle of operation of dispensers is also straightforward. Water from the bottle installed on the cooler gets into the distribution system. First, the reservoir with cold water is filled, from where it flows through the connecting pipe to the hot liquid compartment.
TOINFORMATION!
To normalize the pressure in the general system, a check valve is provided, which also prevents mixing of water inside the distribution circle.
Varieties of water coolers
There are several divisions of dispensers available on the market: by design type or control method. The choice of a particular model will depend on the production or personal needs of the buyer, and if talk about the place of installation, then the choice of the type of cooler in this case is determined by the placement possibilities.
By installation method and dimensions
In terms of size and method of placement, there are only two types: floor and desktop systems. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
TOINFORMATION!
There is another variety that is quite rare and little used - these are flow models.
Floor models
Devices that require connection to a 220 V network and represent a fairly large box that must be installed on a flat surface. The front side of such models has an indication board, which displays information about what kind of water is being supplied at the moment.
| Dignity | Flaws |
| Convenience and ease of use, since there is always a possibility of a simple approach to the cooler | Large weight of the device and massive dimensions, which requires sufficient free space |
| Large dimensions make it possible to place a variety of storage boxes inside | Overpriced, especially when compared to desktop models |
Desktop coolers
The classic execution of a bottled dispenser, which can be used not only in the office, but also at home due to its small size. Structurally, this type is a small plastic stand that should be placed on a solid and level surface. A bottle of water is installed in it, the capacity of which can vary from 18 to 30 liters.
| Dignity | Flaws |
| Small footprint that saves space | Difficulty installing the bottle, since it has to be lifted to a considerable height |
| Low weight of the structure itself, which makes it convenient to transport or relocate the device | The need for a reliable and solid foundation, since not every table is able to withstand tens of kilograms of load |
Flow models
Coolers that do not require a water bottle. They use a normal flowing liquid coming from a common water supply system. To obtain clean water, it is installed inside filtration system, similar in design features to home water filters.
TOINFORMATION!
As an additional option, such models can be equipped with ultraviolet lamps necessary to remove harmful microorganisms from the water.
By management
According to this parameter, all models on the market are divided into two large categories: compressor coolers and electronic devices.
Compressor models are distinguished by higher performance due to the presence of a special cooling device inside. Its principle of operation is similar to the system installed in refrigerators. Their purpose is to serve a large number of consumers. This type is produced mainly in floor-standing design.
IMPORTANT!
It is forbidden to transport the compressor units horizontally.
Electronic water coolers offer a noticeably slower cooling rate, but at the same time this disadvantage is compensated by the cost of this type, since the compressor devices have a capacity for which to pay. It is ideal to use electronic devices for a small company of 7-8 people. Among the requirements for this type can be mentioned the need for high-quality ventilation and the absence of high temperatures in the room where the dispenser is located. Of the advantages of an electronic device, one can note the almost complete absence of noise and acceptable dimensions.
By color
Models that are designed in design are gaining popularity, which can be of any color at the request of the customer and take on the most bizarre outlines in appearance. This type of cooler can be decorated with advertising materials to promote your own brand or individual products. Also, designer models can be equipped with additional containers for storing dishes or devices for making ice.
By type of cranes
Another division of dispenser models is the variety of taps. There are two types: circle-pressed or button-activated. The most common varieties are where you can press the lever to start water using a piece of utensils. Most often, these types are installed in office spaces, where each employee has his own cup. Ergonomics and simplicity of design allows using the cooler with one hand when the other is busy with a mug.
TOINFORMATION!
Despite the fact that such faucet models break more often than push-button devices, they are easier to change. The procedure does not require disassembling the entire cooler.
Which cooler to choose: useful tips
The choice of a device for cooling water is a rather important step, since the type and internal the quality of the liquid will depend on the device, and, accordingly, the health of people using this equipment. When buying, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Overall dimensions of the device. If you intend to use the device at home, then it would be optimal to purchase a desktop dispenser with its installation on the working surface of the kitchen countertop. For an office, the best solution would be a floor-standing device.
- If a filtration system is available, it should be taken into account which technology is used. It is advisable to select models with multi-stage filters.
- The presence of a UV lamp in the device, which is especially important when using the device in a home with small children.
- The range of temperatures supported by the cooler. The optimal indicators are values of + 98 ° С for hot and + 4 ° С for cold water.
- The presence of additional functions in the device will not be superfluous, including protection from children, the presence of a timer and a dispenser.
Leading water cooler manufacturers
On the market you can find models of various brands. These can be “no name” manufacturers whose product quality is often questionable. Therefore, it is advisable to choose devices from trusted brands, the best of which are the following brands:
- HotFrost. A brand that produces all types of water coolers by location and control method (floor-standing, desktop, electronic and compression). The line includes models that provide water at room temperature, offer carbonation of water and are equipped with an additional refrigerator compartment.
- Ecotronic. A company that also produces all types of dispensers, including flow-through models. The range of products includes coolers equipped with a built-in kettle, ozonation and carbonation functions, equipped with a refrigerator, working both for cooling and heating, having a bottom or top location bottles.
- AEL. A brand that manufactures floor and desktop coolers of electronic and compressor type. Most models support bottom bottle installation. Also in the line there are devices designed only for heating or cooling, maintaining room temperature and having a built-in refrigerator.
- Kraft. A company that positions itself as a brand committed to the classics and offering models at an acceptable cost. The range includes floor and table dispensers with different bottle locations.
- AquaWork. A manufacturer offering a large selection of modern dispenser models. There are coolers working on the system of electronic and compressor cooling. Some models are equipped with a built-in refrigerator or containers for storing dishes.
Popular models
The list of the most popular models among users includes all types of dispensers. The rating also includes coolers of various price ranges: from budget to premium dispensers.
AEL TD AEL-340
The model that belongs to the leaders among the sales in the segment of desktop devices. It is an economical and compact device that allows you to heat and cool water. The cooler has two cup-pressed taps. Hot water heats up to 90 ° С, cold water temperature drops below + 15 ° С. Unit productivity - 0.7 l / h. The use of this modification is optimal for home or small office. The advantages include low cost, compactness, lack of noise during operation. The cost of the model is 4,500 rubles.
cooler AEL TD AEL-340
HotFrost D15EV
Another tabletop model, which has a compressor type of cooling and has the classic version of installing the bottle - from above. In addition to its rich functionality, the cooler is distinguished by its original design, which will allow it to harmoniously fit into any interior. There are three options for water supply - hot, cold, room temperature. The productivity is 3-4 l / h. The boiling water tank has a volume of 1 liter, and for cool water - 3 liters. Among the disadvantages, users single out the large weight of the device. The cost is 2,990 rubles.
cooler HotFrost D15EV
Ecotronic H2-L
Floor-standing model of compressor type with top bottle placement. Despite its large dimensions, the device does not have additional cabinets. Additional options include leakage protection. The faucets are pressed with a mug, while there is no blockage, which means there is no protection from children. The indicator board includes only diodes indicating the operation of the device. The compressor is virtually noiseless. The cooler costs 10,500 rubles.
cooler Ecotronic H2-L
HotFrost 35 AN
The cooler is a floor-standing design with a bottom placement of the bottle, which provides comfort when changing it. The device has a compressor type of cooling. Hot water is heated up to 92 ° С, cooling takes place up to + 7 ° С. Productivity is 2 l / h for cold water and 5 l / h for boiling water. There is protection against accidental pressing. To prevent overheating, the model is equipped with a built-in thermostat. Also, from the advantages, one can single out a cost acceptable for this type of device, which is 18,500 rubles.
cooler HotFrost 35 AN
The purchase of a water cooler is becoming an urgent problem, since the quality of the water supply is poor. Also, the presence of a device for cooling liquid is indispensable in the summer heat. You can learn more about what a dispenser is from the video presented.