It isn’t enjoyable to have to constantly fill up a pitcher of water, put it in your fridge, and wait several hours for it to cool. Sometimes you can make do with the lukewarm water that your faucet has to offer, but for those of us living in areas where tap water is questionable, not even this is an option.
Unless you have money to spare, buying a new fridge simply for a water feature is too pricey. Even the cheapest of fridges with water dispensers are still nearly $1,000 if not more! If you are like me, then you don’t have that type of cash to spare. Luckily there are other options.
An inexpensive water cooler is a much cheaper way to meet your cool, drinkable water needs. The trick, however, is discovering the best water cooler for you for the best price. In this article, we will discuss the five best budget water coolers on Amazon so that when you’re finally ready to purchase one, you can be confident that you’re prepared to make a choice best for you. The best part? All of these items are under $100, something much more doable than a thousand-dollar fridge!
A little Reminder…
Before we begin, let’s first discuss the essential functions of water coolers to familiarize you with the features that this product has to offer. Water coolers always have two main tasks: hot water and cold water. Sounds simple right? Well, sure, but make sure that you’re checking the range and functionality of the heater/cooler system.
Some dispensers take longer to heat or cool down; others do not cool or heat enough for your needs. You’re going to want to check the range of heat on each product to make sure it’s right for you. If you’re the type of person who likes a piping cup of coffee every morning, make sure your potential water dispenser can deliver.
It’s also important to note the size of the cooler that you’re looking for. Make sure your dispenser is small and sleek and can be placed on the counter or a table for a small home or office. If your home or office is larger, perhaps the size doesn’t matter. However, make sure you check out the style as some people do not like a dated or bulky look, and some of the larger models tend to have this.
A child lock would be critical for a family with small children to ensure that your children do not hurt themselves. Some people do not care about their appliance’s sound when they’re using it; others do.
Best Water Coolers Under $100
There are many essential aspects to consider when looking for the best budget water cooler for you. Of course, it is possible to find one that can suit your needs, but only when you know what those needs are. So, without further adieu, let’s get to the reviews!
Farberware FW29911
Pros:
- 3-5 gallon water holder
- Temperature range of 185 degrees down to 59 degrees F
- Small and portable
- Has a small storage container below the water dispenser
- Energy saving
Cons:
- The storage container is not refridgeratable
- Old looking design
Summary:
The cost of this water cooler is $92.00 with free shipping on amazon and will meet all your basic needs. It’s relatively cheap for a water cooler to work efficiently and has storage for possible cups. Of course, you are saving money by opting for a clunkier design, but even so, this is a perfect type of watercooler for an office or even for your home if you have room to spare.
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Costway 5 Gallon Water Cooler Dispenser
Pros:
- 3-5 gallon water holder with easy heating/cooling
- Child lock protection
- Removable trays for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Some customers have said the water dispenser is slow
- Bulky design
Summary:
This water cooler also costs $92.00 with free shipping on Amazon. This cooler might be best for you if you have a family with small children and want to make sure they can’t scald themselves or wastewater. It’s also great for those with a family who need to clean their appliances quickly. It may have a bulky design, but it is definitely worth your money if you have room to spare.
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Nutrichef Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser
Pros:
- Small, sleek design making it possible to store on your countertop (and not look tacky)
- Child safe lock
- 3-5 gallon holder
- Temperature range of 175 degrees down to 45 degrees F
- Quietly functions
Cons:
- It takes a long time to cool/heat
- Plastic taste (this should go away after a few times filtering
Summary:
This is water cooler costs $99.99 but has a good design and is an excellent addition to a home. Its soundless mechanics and child lock make it a wonderful addition to a home with children. It’s even more convenient because it is small, so you can put it up on the counter to avoid your kids getting their curious hands all over your new appliance.
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Giantex Water Cooler Dispenser 5 Gallon
Pros:
- Easily detachable water barrel for easy cleaning
- Storage cabinet under the water dispenser
- Quick and efficient heat and cooling features
Cons:
- Storage is not refrigerated
- Plastic taste (will be removed if you run 3 gallons of hot water through)
- Not the most manageable setup
Summary:
This is a water cooler that will give you a good bang for your buck. In addition, this is one of the cheapest water coolers you can get. Although the underhead space not being cooled is a bummer for an office, it’s a great discreet way to hide plastic/paper cups your employees can use. It’s also easy to dismantle so that cleaning can be quick and efficient.
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KUPPET Electric Hot Cold Water Cooler Dispenser
Pros:
- Small and sleek design
- Quickly heats and cools (200 degrees F to 59 degrees F)
Cons:
- Can only get up a couple of cups of water before needing to reheat or recool
Summary:
This water dispenser may be essential, but it gets the job done. It’s only $58.99, so this is one of the cheapest ones that you can get. This is not as convenient as other water coolers because if you want a large amount of cool or hot water, you have to pour a couple more times than average, but the upside is the price. If you are frugal and patient, this dispenser might be the best one for you.
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Porcelain Ceramic Water Dispenser and Natural Wood Floor Stand
Pros:
- Natural, beautiful design
- No leaking
- Safe ceramic, no harmful chemicals
Cons:
- No cooling or heating system, simply a dispenser
- Only holds 2.5 Gallons
Summary:
This water dispenser costs less than $100 and is a great alternative. It is different than all the rest given that it has no cool or heating system. This might be an issue for most of us, but for the aesthetic, artsy people out there, this dispenser might be perfect for you. It’s got a beautiful blue striped design and a natural wood stand that would be perfect for hosting drinks at a party. For those who tend to have a bustling social life or live in a cooler environment, this might be a great addition to your kitchen for the chic look of it all.
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In Summation:
When looking for a suitable water cooler for you, the main things to consider are where you will use your cooler, how big the area you are working with, who will be using this product, and your budget. One of the main points that we’ve seen in this cheap water cooler review is that if you want to skimp out on price, you’re most likely going to skimp out on some perks (sorry).
If frugality and function are all you need, then, by all means, go for the Kuppet or Giantex water coolers. They may be a bit more of a hassle to assemble, but they’re still reliable, and for the price, you’re getting a good deal. If you’d like something with a bit more to offer, but slightly more costly, perhaps one of the Farberware or Costway models will be best for you. These may not be flashy, but they run smoothly and offer some extra features that the cheaper models don’t (like child locks). The closest budget in this list is the Nutrichef water cooler, but it delivers. If you want a sleek, portable design, and smooth function, it might be best to shell out a little extra for this product. And if you want a statement piece for your home or a means to better cater to your guests, then the Ceramic Water Dispenser would make a great addition to your home.
I hope these points helped you consider and decipher the most important aspects of your potential water cooler for your home or office.
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