It’s no wonder that so many people rely on water dispensers instead of tap water for their daily water intake. Water dispensers offer clean and cool water, free from metals, germs, and fertilizer. You’ve probably already seen water dispensers with a huge water bottle set on the top. Those are called top load water dispense. However, there’s another type of water dispenser that needs electricity to operate and loads up the water bottle at the bottom, those are called bottom load or bottom loading water dispensers.

So, if you are interested in one, continue reading below to learn more about bottom load water dispensers and what advantages they offer against traditional top loading water dispensers.

Understanding Bottom Load Water Dispensers 

Bottom-load water dispensers are the dispensers that have the vessel or the water bottle mounted at the bottom of the dispenser unit. This makes loading the vessel a lot easier. But, since the vessel is at the bottom, you can’t use gravity to pour the water down like top loading water dispensers. Instead, bottom load ones use an electric pump to do the job.

It comes with a hose and a cap, fitting over the top of the dispenser water bottle or tank. This hose extends all the way down to the water jug and pumps the necessary amount of water to fill the tank at the top. That’s why, you need electricity to use a bottom load water dispenser, to run the pump.

(A) Loading Bottom Load Water Dispensers

Loading bottom load water dispensers is easier in the sense that you don’t have to do any heavy lifting. But it can take a step or two more than top loading water dispensers. You need to open the cabinet at the bottom and move the empty bottle aside. Then you need to remove the bottle adapter from the empty bottle. Set it up on your new bottle and slide it into the cabinet. That’s it.

Depending on your dispenser or cooler model, you need to wait for a minute or two to use the water dispenser after a water bottle refill.

(B) Benefits and Advantages of Bottom Load Water Dispenser over Other Dispensers

Here are some advantages of owning a bottom loading water dispenser:

• Simpler design and easier to use. Takes up less space compared to top load water dispensers. 
• Reduces risk of spillage, which is forever-present in top loading ones.
• Reduces the risk of strain and back pain or injury from having to lift heavy water bottles.
• More modern and typically has more advanced features than top loading dispensers. 

Bottom Load Vs. Top Load Water Dispensers

For a more thorough understanding, here’s a difference chart between bottom load and top load water dispensers.

Aspect	Top Load Water Dispenser	Bottom Load Water Dispenser
Water Loading	Water bottle placed on top	Water bottle inserted at the bottom
Convenience	Easier for refilling	More convenient for bottle replacement
Visibility	Water level visible	Water level not directly visible
Spillage	May spill while changing bottles	Minimal spillage during bottle change
Cleaning	Top reservoir needs occasional cleaning	Bottom reservoir requires less cleaning
Pricing	Generally more affordable	Usually more expensive upfront
Aesthetics	Bulkier appearance	Sleeker and more compact design
Accessibility	Requires lifting bottles	No lifting required for bottle change
Child Safety	Hot water tap usually located at the back	Hot water tap typically higher or locked
Energy Efficiency	May consume slightly less energy	May consume slightly more energy

As you can see from the comparison chart, bottom loading water dispensers are a more modern and streamlined process of cooling your water. However, they can be a bit costly upfront. But apart from that, bottom load dispensers don’t need any special maintenance, which makes them an easy recommendation from our side.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Does bottom load water dispenser work without electricity?

Sadly, no. Electricity is a must if you want to use a bottom load water dispenser. Because, it uses electricity to run the pump needed to pull water up since the bottle is located at the bottom.

What type of water dispenser is best?

If you can afford it, bottom load and point-of-use water dispensers are two of the best water dispensers available today. 

How do you clean a bottom load water cooler dispenser?

Unplug the dispenser and remove the water bottle. Clean the reservoir and components with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and replace the water bottle.

How do you drain a bottom load water dispenser?

To drain a bottom load water dispenser, unplug the unit and remove the water bottle. Locate the drain plug or valve, open it, and allow the water to flow out into a suitable container or drain.

In Conclusion

If you are thinking to up your water drinking, a water dispenser is exactly what you need. But not all features are necessary or suitable for everyone. So, if you are just looking for a cheap and convenient way to dispense your drinking water, top load water dispensers are for you. However, if you can spend a few extra, bottom-loading ones offer excellent convenience and some great features. 

Hope we’ve helped make up your mind. Thanks for stopping by.