You will, no doubt, be familiar with the "traditional" water coolers with the blue coloured water bottle on top. These are referred to as "bottle-fed" or simply "bottled" water coolers. You may be less aware that it is possible to get coolers that source their water from your mains supply instead of bottles. In addition to cooling your water, they also filter it - providing great tasting water. This type of cooler is usually described as "plumbed-in" or "mains-fed" water coolers. Within the industry they are sometimes referred to as POU coolers (point of use). Both types of cooler are suitable for most environments including offices, schools and universities.
Quick Comparison
Bottled Coolers
Plumbed-in Coolers
Cost of Cooler
Lower
Higher
Cost of Water
Cost per bottle
Free*
Installation
Incredibly easy
Easy
Location
Anywhere**
Within 15 metres of plumbing
Piping
None
Easily Hidden
Water Delivery
Easy to manage
Automatic
Environmental impact
Low
Lower
Water Quality
Excellent
Good
Designer Coolers Available
Yes
Yes
Sanitisation Required
Yes
Yes
Servicing Required
Yes (Simpler)
Yes
* You will, of course, need to continue to pay for your mains water ** You just need an electricity supply and a square foot of flat surface
If your decision comes down to cost, then your choice will depend on the amount of water you get through. It’s a bit like petrol and diesel engines – in general you need to be doing a pretty high mileage (a lot of drinking) before you will pay off the extra cost of a Eden Plumbed-in Cooler equipped with BRITA.
