Do Offices Still Have Water Coolers?

While the office water cooler may seem like an old addition in the workplace, these hydration hubs have had an upgrade and feature heavily in today’s modern office environment. The humble water cooler has evolved dramatically, offering a sleek design, advanced filtration, and energy-efficient performance to meet the expectations of today’s health-conscious and eco-aware workforce.

Hydration plays a vital role in workplace wellbeing. Staying properly hydrated throughout the day helps improve concentration, boost energy levels, and enhance mood. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and irritability, none of which are good for productivity or employee morale. With studies showing that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance, it’s no surprise that many employers still prioritise providing easy access to fresh, clean drinking water.

In this blog, we’ll explore how office water dispensers work, the difference between water coolers and dispensers, the types available, and how Liquidline is helping businesses upgrade their hydration game.

How Do Office Water Dispenser Work?

Office water dispensers come in a variety of formats to suit different office environments. They work by storing, cooling (and sometimes heating or sparkling) water and dispensing it through a tap or nozzle. Depending on the model, dispensers will either be bottle-fed or plumbed directly into the mains water supply.

Each type of water system serves a slightly different purpose but shares the same goal, to keep your team refreshed, healthy, and hydrated.

What Is The Difference Between a Water Cooler and a Water Dispenser?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are a few differences between a water cooler and a water dispenser.

Water coolers are typically larger units that use bottled water to offer filtered ambient and chilled drinking water. They’re ideal for high-traffic areas and communal spaces like open-plan offices or breakrooms and are best suited for larger offices with multiple users and restricted access to a mains connection.

Water dispensers, on the other hand, often refer to sleeker, more compact systems. These machines typically offer filtered ambient, chilled, boiling and sparkling water options and are available as either countertop or free-standing models. Dispensers often provide a more modern, design-led solution for smaller spaces or client-facing areas making them perfect for offices with limited space.

A great all-rounder for both types is the Liquidline L4. Stylish and versatile, the L4 is designed to handle the demands of busy commercial environments with ease. It dispenses filtered chilled and ambient water and is available as either a free-standing or countertop model, offering flexibility no matter your space. Its extra-tall dispense area accommodates reusable cups and bottles, encouraging sustainable habits in the workplace. With its simple touch-button operation, the L4 combines user-friendliness with high functionality, making it an ideal hydration solution for any office.

Plumbed In

Also referred to as mains-fed dispensers, plumbed-in systems connect directly to your water supply. These machines offer a reliable, high-capacity solution for busy office environments. They’re incredibly cost-effective in the long run and eliminate the need for storage for bulky bottled water or heavy deliveries.

Pros:

• Unlimited water supply
• Lower long-term costs
• Environmentally friendly
• More hygienic with integrated filtration

Cons:

• Requires access to plumbing
• Fixed location

They’re best suited to communal kitchens, tea points, or breakout spaces where access to mains water is available, offering high-capacity hydration in a stylish, efficient package ideal for areas with high demand.

What are the different types of water machines?

When it comes to choosing a hydration solution for your office, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. From traditional bottled coolers to modern space-saving taps and high-capacity dispensers, there are plenty of options to explore based on your workplace needs and layout.

Bottled Water Coolers

Bottled water coolers remain a popular solution, especially in offices where plumbing access is limited.

Pros:

• No plumbing required.
• Easy installation.
• Fresh, chilled water on demand.
• Can be positioned almost anywhere.
• Subscription water top-ups are available on a scheduled basis through Liquidline’s ordering portal.

Cons:

• Bottles can be heavy to replace.
• Limited capacity.
• Requires storage space for bottles.
• Less visually sleek than mains-fed systems.

Boiling and Chilled Water Taps

Modern boiling/chilled taps are a premium solution for offices wanting a sophisticated and efficient hydration station.

Pros:

• Instant hot, chilled, and sparkling water.
• Compact under-counter designs.
• Safety locks for boiling water.
• Ideal for tea points or kitchens.
• High output with energy-efficient features.

Cons:

• Requires mains connection and some installation space.
• Limited to locations with plumbing access.

Liquidline offers a variety of taps that blend seamlessly with modern kitchen setups, offering stylish finishes and optional energy-saving modes to reduce power use during inactivity.

Water Dispensers

Water dispensers are probably the broadest category of the three options available, meaning you are likely to find one that meets your business’s needs.

Pros:

• Suitable for both small and large teams.
• Available in mains-fed or bottled formats.
• Low maintenance.
• Hot and cold options available.
• Energy-saving features.
• Some models offer hygienic, touch-free operation.

Cons:

• Mains-fed options require plumbing.
• Bottled versions may require manual lifting.

Regular cleaning is key, daily wipe-downs and drip tray emptying, with a deep clean every few months, will keep your machine in top condition.

The Future of Workplace Hydration

Water coolers and dispensers may have been around for a while now, but they’ve never been more relevant. With rising awareness of employee wellbeing and a push towards sustainable, hygienic solutions, modern hydration systems are a must-have for any forward-thinking workplace.

At Liquidline, we offer a wide range of hydration solutions, from stylish water dispensers to high-capacity taps and bottle-fed coolers, all supported by a team of experts starting with installation through to ongoing maintenance services. We work closely with clients to understand their space, needs, and goals, ensuring every workplace stays hydrated, happy, and productive.

Ready to upgrade your office hydration? Contact us today to find the perfect water solution for your business.