The Complete Buyer’s Guide for the Best Bottom Loading Water Dispenser in 2023

You might be familiar with top loading water dispensers since they are the most commonly used in offices and homes. However, a more compact and space-saving sibling of this dispenser is the bottom loading type. And as the name implies, the water container is at the bottom instead of at the top.

You can assume that this design saves you the trouble of having to lift the water container to refill. In top loading dispensers, you have to lift and tilt the heavy water container over the dispenser. On the contrary, with the bottom loading dispenser, you can just slide the water container underneath the main unit. Therefore, spills are also less likely to happen.

If all of these advantages sound appealing to you, you can search the market for various bottom loading water dispensers. But to save you the hassle of comparing multiple units, we already reviewed the best models that you can get. At the same time, we also discussed some points to consider in our buyer’s guide when you’re buying a bottom loading water dispenser.

Best Bottom Loading Water Dispenser Comparison Table

Unit	Temperature Control	Self-Cleaning	Child Lock	Check Price
Avalon A3BLK	Yes	Yes	Yes	Check Price
Avalon Limited Edition	Yes	Yes	Yes	Check Price
Brio Essential Series	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
Honeywell HWBL1013B	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
Vitapur VWD1006BLP	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
Primo hTRiO	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
hOmeLabs	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
Primo	Yes	Yes	Yes	Check Price
Primo Deluxe	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR	Yes	No	Yes	Check Price

Best Bottom Loading Water Dispenser Reviews

Avalon A3BLK – Best Premium Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

Our first model comes from Avalon, and it is the A3BLK model. It might be a bit pricey compared to the next units, but we think the features it has are worth the extra price. First of all, you’ll get an aesthetically pleasing unit that can accommodate 3 to 5 gallons of water bottles.

3 Temperatures and Child Safety Lock

The overall design of Avalon is modern, with the light indicators at the front, and the buttons at the top. You’ll get three temperatures to choose from for your water output, and they vary from piping hot, crisp cold, or cool.

So far, we are pleased with these temperatures, and Avalon is true to its promise in the quality of water. The dispenser also has a child safety lock that you have to activate first for the hot water spout to release water.

Built-in Nightlight and Empty Bottle Indicator

You’ll also love the built-in night light for keeping the water spouts visible. This makes it much easier to find and fill your glass in the middle of the night. At the same time, you won’t get annoyed by forgetting to refill the water bottle since one of the indicators at the front are for notifying you when the bottle is empty.

Self-Cleaning

Another feature that makes this unit worthy of its price is the self-cleaning feature. As you can assume in any dispenser with this feature, Avalon uses ozone to sanitize and purify the interior of the unit. This is an excellent function to have to save you the hassle of maintenance, and also to keep your mind at ease that the water you’re drinking is free from contaminants.

Energy Star-Approved and UL-Certified

Lastly, Avalon is an Energy Star-approved and UL-certified product. You’ll see that the majority of the products we included in this list have these certifications, because they add as plus points to users. They guarantee that the product you’re getting has passed the standards for safety and quality, while also saving on electricity consumption.

Avalon Limited Edition – Best Self Cleaning Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

Any water dispenser is going to be much more convenient if it has a self-cleaning feature. Our second unit also comes from Avalon has this function, and it is our top choice if you want a model with an efficient self-cleaning feature.

Santizies and Purifies

Avalon specifically has a so-called self-cleaning ozone. This is what helps in sanitizing and purifying the dispenser. And because of this function, you don’t have to worry about gross build-up in the water tank. Simply press the switch, and Avalon will automatically inject ozone in the water tank.

Having an auto-cleaning function saves you time in case you forgot cleaning the interior. And of course, you’ll be serving healthier water free from germs and other potential contaminants. However, note that with any water dispenser, you still have to manually do a deep cleaning to get rid of mineral deposits. We advise doing this every 6 months, to keep your water safe and the unit working well.

Sleek Look

As you can see from the looks of it, Avalon is a good-looking metal model. It has a very sleek and modern look that won’t be out of place in any kitchen setting. At the same time, the cabinet is big enough, and you can use it with a water bottle ranging from 3 to 5 gallons. It is also BPA-free, which is honestly a characteristic that any water dispenser should have.

3 Temperature Outputs

Avalon also has three temperature settings that you can choose from by pressing the designated button. This is unique compared to your usual cool and hot settings on dispensers. With this model, it has a cool, crisp cold, and piping hot outputs. These are convenient for daily use because you get the middle and both ends of temperatures for different purposes.

Spacious Dispensing Area

With the crisp cold output, you wouldn’t need to put ice cubes on your water to get it refreshingly icy cold. It is at 47° F, while the piping hot setting is at 185° F. The latter can save you on energy because it is hot enough to brew your coffee and other beverages, as well as instant ramen. You’ll even get 9 inches of clearance below the spouts, so that you can use a variety of containers underneath it easily.

Built-In Night Light and Refill Light Indicator

Another convenient feature that we love in Avalon is that it has a built-in night light. If you ever needed to quench your thirst in the middle of the night, you don’t have to blindly open the spouts and spill your water. Having the night light also makes the unit safer for you because you won’t accidentally turn on the hot water spout. And speaking of lighting, Avalon has a light indicator to notify you if you need to refill the bottle, as well.

Safe for Kids and Mess-Free

Lastly, you don’t have to worry about curious kids accidentally opening the hot water spout. This dispenser has a child safety lock on this part to keep your kids safe from accidental burns. And speaking of safety, this unit is UL-approved, so you know that it has passed the safety standards.

Another feature that you will appreciate is the drip tray since kids tend to get messy when getting their water. You can remove this drip tray as well for easy clean-up.

So far, the only negative that we can see in Avalon is that the manual is not as comprehensive in case you have issues and other queries.

Brio Essential Series – Best 3-Temperature Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

3-Temperature Outputs

Next on our list is another three-temperature bottom loading dispenser. The Brio Essential Series dispenser also has push buttons for accessing different temperatures of water. But unlike our previous model, Brio has room-temperature, cold, and hot options. Nonetheless, having a room temperature output is going to be useful for certain uses.

Compact

Another similarity that Brio has with Avalon is that it can also accommodate 3 to 5 gallons of water bottles. And if you’re worried about space, Brio is only 2 and a half inches wide and 41 inches tall, so space is not going to be problematic.

Light Indicators for Hot and Cold Water

Compared to an all-metal look, Brip opted to have a black upper body in contrast with the stainless steel cabinet underneath. And as you can see, there are various light indicators for the user. Two of them are for alerting you if your hot or cold water is ready to use. The cold output is perfect for ice-cold drinks, while the hot output is perfect for soups, teas, and coffees. However, we wish Brio had aligned the corresponding indicators to the spout. Nonetheless, it is just a minor design flaw.

Empty Water Bottle Indicator

Like the Avalon, it will notify you if you need to refill the water bottle. And speaking of which, replacing the water bottle wouldn’t require much strength, which you can expect in any bottom loading water dispenser. Still, the bottle adapter probe is easy to use.

Child Lock on Hot Water Spout

Now, if you’re worried about people accidentally opening the hot water spout, Brio also has a child safety lock on the hot water spout. You will have to press the safety lock while holding down the spout lever to dispense hot water. In addition to this feature, you can also shut off the hot water option. These additional steps will prevent users from accidentally pouring hot water.

UL-listed and NSF-Approved

Brio is even UL-listed, so you know that it has met the guidelines for safety like the Avalon earlier. It is also NSF-approved to keep you confident that the unit uses materials that are safe for the health. Therefore, if you’re planning on using this water dispenser commercially, you’ll feel at ease knowing that it is safe for your customers.

Rust-Free Drip Tray

Lastly, Brio has a drip tray that you can remove once it is full. It is even non-rusting, so longevity is going to be impressive. However, the holes do not line up with the water, so sometimes water splatters.

Honeywell HWBL1013B – Best Bottom Loading Water Dispenser for Home

Not breaking the 3-temperature output streak is the Honeywell HWBL1013B. It may not look as stylish as the previous two dispensers, but this unit is also a good option if you’re looking for a model for your home.

Three Quick Temperature Outputs

As we have mentioned earlier, Honeywell offers three temperature settings. Just like the dispenser it followed, you have the option to have room temperature, cold, or hot water. It also cools pretty fast that 2 liters of water will only take an hour to reach below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, you can heat 5 liters of water up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour. Overall, this minimalistic stainless steel dispenser can hold 3 to 5 gallons of water bottle just like the first two models.

With Child Safety Lock

Getting water itself is easy using the push-in tap system. The labels for each temperature setting is also easy to differentiate since they vary in colors. And you don’t have to worry about the hot water spout because it also has a child safety lock as well.

Energy Star and ETL-Certified

You might also like that Honeywell is a quiet dispenser. However, what makes Honeywell our recommendation for a home bottom loading water dispenser is the fact that it has certifications from Energy Star and ETL. Being Energy Star-certified not only means that you get to help the environment with less greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, you are saving money from efficient energy consumption using this appliance.

What is ETL certification? ETL or Edison Testing Laboratories is basically what an equipment gets when Intertek has tested it, and it has met the performance criteria particular to the product. This means that what you’re getting is a high-quality water dispenser considering that Intertek is one of the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.

What’s Lacking?

Honeywell does not have a self-cleaning function, unlike our first dispenser. However, it still has a food-grade stainless steel water tank, so it’s not prone to getting corroded. We just wish that Honeywell has made their manual more comprehensive because we didn’t find any instructions on how to clean its interior.

Removable Drip Tray and Back Handle

On the bright side, this dispenser still has a removable drip tray, and you can easily move the unit using the back handle. These features make it easier to clean up any mess, and moving the dispenser around the room will be much faster.

Vitapur VWD1006BLP – Editor’s Choice

As we have mentioned in our buyer’s guide, there are different factors to consider when choosing the best bottom loading water dispenser. And our next model, the Vitapur VWD1006BLP has a lot of features that we think will benefit any household.

At a quick glance, you might get intimidated by the overall look of this dispenser. It has light indicators at the top, and three buttons on a recess below it. The temperature options for Vitapur are room temperature, hot, and cold similar to the previous units. It can also hold 3 or 5 gallons of water bottle like most water dispensers in this review. You can check the empty bottle light indicator to know if your dispenser needs refilling as well.

Heats and Chills Water Fast

If you want to get your hot water quick, you’ll be pleased to know that Vitapur can provide you this in just 3 minutes. This saves you in energy consumption compared to waiting using other appliances. The unit’s compressor is also pretty impressive and can provide you cold water without the need for adding ice. But what’s unique is you’ll even have additional control over the coldness of the water itself.

Child Safety Lock

The main buttons for the temperatures have no label, so you need to rely on the led indicators. But on the bright side, you’ll find a child safety lock for accessing hot water. We think this safety feature is a must on all dispensers that heat water, not just for the children’s safety, but for all users.

Auto Shut-Off

And another feature that you’ll like is that it has an auto shut-off float switch system. What this function does is that it will prevent your dispenser from leaking or overflowing in case you are not at home.

Illuminated Dispenser

Speaking of leaking, Vitapur does have a night light in the dispensing area, so you won’t have to guess where the water is if it’s dark. Otherwise, the space in this area is pretty generous, so that you can use a variety of containers easily.

The Drawback

The drawback of Vitapur is that it does emit a bit of noise during usage. It is not too loud to the point that it gets annoying, but if you prefer a noiseless model, you can check other dispensers in this review.

You also have to read the manual to clean the unit safely since it has no self-cleaning feature. Nonetheless, Vitapur offers a separate cleaning kit for their water dispensers to save you the trouble of searching for products applicable to the unit.

Primo hTRiO – Best Bottom Loading Water Dispenser with Brewing Feature

In case you want an all-in-one type of appliance, dispensers with additional features such as for brewing are your best bet. And if the brewing function sounds appealing for you, we recommend getting the Primo hTRiO. Having additional features in a bottom loading water dispenser would be ideal, especially for homes with limited space.

Built-in Keurig Feature with Reusable Coffee Filter

Primo is capable of brewing single-serve beverages. The sizes can range from 6, 8, or 10-ounces, and you can use your own coffee grounds. Simply press a button on the control panel, and a K-Cup will pop out. At a time, Primo’s built-in storage tray can accommodate 20 K-Cup pods that you can purchase separately. But on the contrary, Primo is being generous by adding a reusable coffee filter in this purchase.

Dishwasher-Safe Drip Tray

But how does this unit performs as a water dispenser? In terms of durability, Primo is similar to our previous units that use a stainless steel water reservoir. However, it doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature, so you will rely on the manual for maintenance. Nonetheless, you can remove the dispenser’s drip tray quickly if it is full and then put it in the dishwasher.

Two Temperature Outputs with Hot Water Child Safety Feature

Unlike the first dispensers, Primo only offers two water temperatures. And as you can guess, it is ice-cold and piping-hot. Instead of buttons, the dispenser uses paddle controls. Nonetheless, we don’t have any problem with the spouts, and the water flow is pretty fast except for the hot water. There is also a child safety lock on the hot water spout to keep your little ones from accidentally pouring hot water.

Lastly, some familiar certifications and symbols that you’ll see in this model is the UL certification and Energy Star. Of course, these certifications guarantee you that you’re getting a quality unit that is also efficient in energy consumption. 

hOmeLabs – Runner Up Favorite

Modern and Simple Look

We are on our seventh product, and what we have here is the bottom loading water dispenser from hOmeLabs. From the looks of it, we can say that this unit has a modern look. It doesn’t have a lot going for the design, but the simple stainless steel door makes it more classy-looking. It also only measures 40.9 x 14.2 x 12.2 inches, so putting it in a corner is going to be easy.

LED Nightlight and Indicators

Like the more expensive water dispensers earlier, hOmeLabs also has a LED night light. This is a feature that we always appreciate since it helps you prevent from spilling water without needing to turn the lights in the room. You’ll also see that the front panel only has the LED indicators, and the buttons for opening the spouts are at the top.

3 Temperature Outputs

We like this design because the buttons are higher for preventing kids from playing with them. You’ll see the buttons for hot (185°F), room temperature, and cold (49°F) water outputs, and their LED indicators at the front of the unit. HOmeLabs also didn’t forget to add an empty bottle indicator, so you don’t have to check the cabinet if the unit needs refilling.

Child Safety Lock

Because it also has a hot water output, you can assume that this dispenser also has a child safety lock for the hot water spout. The positioning of the lock is also convenient, so it is still not much of a hassle to get hot water.

Separate On/Off Switch

You might also like the fact that this model is Energy Star-rated. Like the other dispensers with this symbol, you know that you are conserving energy in the best way possible. With this dispenser, you can use the on/off switch separately, so that the dispenser only cools or heats when you want it to. This way, not only you’re saving in energy consumption, but you’re also letting the motor and compressor rest.

Slide-Out Dishwasher-Safe Drip Tray

And once you’re done, you can check the drip tray and quickly slide it out it if it’s full, then put it in the top rack. However, this dispenser doesn’t have a self-cleaning function, and the manual doesn’t have much information on how to clean its interior.

Primo – Best Affordable Option with Self-Cleaning

3 Temperature Settings

Besides the Primo hTRiO earlier, we also have other more affordable Primo units. But first, let us take a look at this one-spout bottom loading dispenser. However, don’t be discouraged with this model having just one spout. It is still capable of providing you either hot or cold water, as well as cool water.

Child Safety Lock

The buttons are at the top of the dispenser, and the indicator symbols and light are at the front similar to the previous unit from hOmeLabs. The buttons are responsive, and the flow of water is quick. At the same time, the hot water spout is not going to be easy for kids to accidentally open, thanks to the safety lock that you have to slide first.

What’s Not to Like

The only drawback we see with the performance of this model is that the temperatures are sometimes underwhelming. The cold water output is not as impressive as the pricier models that give icy cold water.

Built-In Light and Dishwasher-Safe Removable Drip Tray

This unit also has a removable dishwasher-safe drip tray, but otherwise, the built-in light will keep the spouts illuminated. But what’s unique with this Primo dispenser is it also has a self-sanitizing feature like our first unit, which is the Avalon Limited Edition.

Self-Cleaning Using Ozone

Primo also uses ozone to clean its reservoir and lines. This way, you don’t have to play with cleaning solutions or risk damaging your model from lack of maintenance. But you don’t have to worry about energy consumption because this dispenser is also Energy Star-rated. And speaking of certifications and ratings, the quality of this model is enough to get it certified by UL.

Primo Deluxe – Best Value for Money

If you are looking for a simple unit without the bells and whistles, and you just care for performance, the Primo Deluxe is for you. Do not be scared of the name “deluxe”, because this model is not as expensive as the previous units. In fact, we think this dispenser is one of the best models that you can get to give you value for your money.

Affordable Yet Good-Looking

First of all, the overall look of this dispenser is almost at par with the pricier models in this list. You’ll get a black stainless steel body, light indicators at the front, and the buttons for the spouts at the top.

3 Temperatures with LED Indicators

You can choose from three temperature outputs, including hot and cold. But instead of room temperature as the third option, Primo opted with cool water option instead. They are complete with LED indicators to notify you if the device is cooling or heating your water. At the same time, there is an indicator to alert you if you need to refill the water bottle underneath the unit. And as you can assume, you need to unlock the child safety feature first before accessing hot water.

The Drawback

A criticism we have for Primo Deluxe is that it emits noise. Specifically, we’re talking about the unit when it is cooling water. While this isn’t a big dealbreaker, some households might prefer dispensers that are noiseless.

Built-In Night light and Removable Drip Tray

Speaking of LED indicators, at this price point, the dispenser you’re getting also includes a LED night light to illuminate your pouring area. Again, as we have praised in the earlier units, this feature will always be useful. You’ll also get the familiar stainless steel removable drip tray that you can put in the dishwasher for quick clean-up as well.

Avalon A4BLWTRCLR – Best Budget-Friendly Option

The last bottom loading water dispenser in our list is the Avalon A4BLWTRCLR. Like its previous siblings, Avalon managed to give this model a modern look. It has a black upper body and a stainless steel cabinet underneath.

Led Indicators and Child Safety Lock

At the front are the LED indicators, and the buttons for the spouts are at the top. You’ll also get three temperature settings, such as piping hot, crisp cold, and cool. Of course, the hot spout has a child safety lock. However, the compressor takes some time to cool and heat the water. For us, it took about 20 minutes for the water to heat and an hour to get it into a cold temperature.

Energy-Saving

In terms of quality and energy consumption, Avalon is UL-certified and Energy Star-approved. For the latter, you’ll find two individual switches for the hot and cold water output at the back of the unit.

Having dedicated switches allows you to conserve energy because you’ll only be turning one feature on. You can also keep the other option off if you’re not using it. And if the temperature isn’t important, you can simply turn both switches off to save more energy and lessen the stress on the machine.

Dedicated Hot and Cold Water Tanks

If you’re wondering about maintenance, you can drain your cold water tank using the hole at the back. The lid is also sealed by screws, so you know that the unit can efficiently maintain the temperature of the tank.

Speaking of the tank, know that the unit uses separate tanks for the cold and hot water. This function is convenient since you will still have some water left to consume if one runs out. You can check the water level via the empty bottle indicator at the front as well.

Built-In Night Light and Removable Drip Tray

Lastly, the area in the spouts also have a built-in night light similar to our previous models. You can also remove the drip tray to keep the area clean.

Read also: Best Hot Water Dispenser

Buyer’s Guide

Types of Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

• Standard Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

Standard bottom loading water dispensers are from the name itself, standard. They only dispense water at room temperature, unlike the next type of bottom loading dispenser. However, this type of dispenser is the most affordable one compared to its bottom loading counterpart.

• Cooling/Heating Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

Bottom loading water dispensers with heating and cooling features cost more than a standard model. However, most households benefit from the convenience of this additional feature. You can get your water already hot or cold with these models, which saves you time and energy consumption.

Top Loading Water Dispenser vs Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

What is the difference between these two types of water dispenser?

• Top loading water dispensers are so-called because it works by having a water container at the top of the model. This set-up allows the dispenser to collect directly from the water container above it.

If you have this type of dispenser at home, you have to allocate a space above the unit for the water container. A height of at least 1 to feet is recommended, which can be a limitation to some households. Another possible disadvantage with a top loading water is that when you need to refill your water container, you’ll have to manually lift it. Afterward, you’ll have to place it again at the top of the dispenser. For people who are not capable of lifting heavy stuff, this can be a big hassle.

• Bottom loading water dispensers, like the ones on our review, works by having the water container underneath the model. Instead of relying on the water to feed in the dispenser, this type uses a pump. This pump will then draw the water from the bottom towards the dispenser.

Because of this set-up, you wouldn’t need to leave a large space above the dispenser. You also skip the need for heavy lifting because you can just slide the container into the base of the dispenser.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bottom Loading Water Dispenser

• Type

As we have discussed earlier on, there are two main types of bottom loading water dispensers. They vary specifically on one feature, and that is the temperature control. However, you can also differentiate each model by other features, which we will discuss below. It can be in their capacity or size. Nonetheless, know your primary purpose when looking for a unit. This will save you money from purchasing a model with features that you wouldn’t really need for your household.

• Temperature Control

Standard bottom loading water dispensers can only provide you water at room temperature. If you don’t mind this, they are the more affordable and fitting option for you. However, it might be more convenient for you to get a unit that will already dispense your water as cold or hot.

• Capacity

When we say capacity, we’re pertaining to the size of the unit that will hold your water container. You have to think of how big or small your water container is, so you know that your unit can accommodate it.

• Size

While bottom loading water dispensers don’t require that much clearance in height, you still have to consider its size. It is important that you have ample space in your home, so choose a model accordingly.

• Proximity to a Power Source

Speaking of location, you want to make sure that you’ve placed it in an area close to an outlet. You don’t want to use extremely long wirings or put it in a place that blocks movement around the house.

• Water pump

As we have discussed earlier on, bottom loading water dispensers rely on a pump. Therefore, your unit has to have an effective pump or else the unit is basically useless. At the same time, check if the pump’s built is going to be durable in the long run.

• Noise Level

Most households don’t think of the model’s noise level as a significant drawback. However, it can still be a good characteristic if the unit is noiseless, especially if your environment needs to be quiet.

• Self-Filtering Function

Maintenance is very important to elongate the lifespan of your unit. Therefore, if the unit is able to filter the water itself, it will prevent buildup that can damage it in the long run. What these filters do is that it cleans the water inside the dispenser before it travels out of the main spout.

• Drip Tray

Since we’re talking about cleanliness, a drip tray is an excellent part of any water dispenser. This saves you the hassle of wiping every spill when you’re pouring water from your unit.

• Safety Features

If your unit has temperature controls, it is important that it has a lock to keep curious kiddos away from hot water. At the same time, you don’t want to accidentally spill water and have someone slip on it.

Conclusion

Nowadays, you have to be smart in choosing kitchen appliances. If a model will be more convenient over the other, why not choose that one? When it comes to water dispensers, you can save space and muscle by getting a bottom loading unit. You can quickly slide the water bottle if it needs refilling, and you won’t need extra head clearance for the dispenser.

There are a lot of units in the market, and each has an advantage over the others depending on your priority features. Our top pick is the Vitapur VWD1006BLP because it heats water fast and even gives you additional control on how cold you want your water is. At the same time, the LED indicators, safety lock, night light, empty bottle indicator, and auto shut-off features are all useful features for any household.

If you have any questions regarding this review, feel free to leave them below!