For years, my household was locked in a cycle I call “the plastic jug shuffle.” It involved weekly trips to the store, lugging heavy 5-gallon jugs of water, finding a place to store the bulky empties, and then performing the precarious ritual of hoisting a full, 40-pound jug onto our old top-loading cooler without spilling half of it. It was a constant, low-grade annoyance that cost us time, money, and back strain. We were paying for the privilege of drinking filtered water, but the logistics were becoming unsustainable. The environmental guilt of the plastic waste was the final straw. We knew there had to be a more elegant, efficient solution—a way to get purified, temperature-controlled water on demand, directly from our own tap. This quest led us directly to the world of bottleless coolers and, specifically, to the sleek, countertop design of the Avalon A9.
- INSTALLATION KIT: Full installation kit consisting of 20' of 1/4" tubing, 3 way plastic 1/4" push connect adapter, under sink 3/8" adapter with shut off valve, filter flushing adapter, and detailed...
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. This dispenser features a crisp cold, room temperature, or piping hot output
- BOTTLELESS: Our water cooler is bottleless and will reduce the cost of constant purchases of water. It uses an NSF certified carbon filter as well as a sediment filter
What to Consider Before Investing in a Bottleless Water Cooler
A bottleless water cooler is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming convenience and reducing waste in your home or office. It transforms your existing tap water into a source of purified, instantly hot, cold, or room-temperature hydration. The main benefits are profound: no more buying or storing bulky water jugs, a significant reduction in plastic waste, and a long-term cost savings on bottled water purchases. By tapping directly into your plumbing, you create an endless supply of clean water, simplifying your daily routine and providing a luxury that quickly feels like a necessity.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values convenience and sustainability. It’s for the busy family that wants instant hot water for tea or oatmeal in the morning, the home office worker who needs a constant supply of chilled water, or anyone tired of the physical and financial burden of bottled water services. However, it might not be suitable for those who are renting and cannot make modifications to their plumbing, or for individuals who have extremely complex plumbing setups that would make installation difficult. Likewise, if you require a commercial-grade, ultra-high-volume dispenser for a large office, a countertop model may not suffice. For those who can’t connect to a water line, traditional bottled coolers like the Igloo Bottom Loading Water Cooler remain a viable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before you even think about features, measure your counter space. The Avalon A9 measures 21 inches deep by 11 inches wide by 16 inches high. This is a substantial footprint, so ensure you have a dedicated spot near both a power outlet and a water line (typically under the sink). Consider vertical clearance under your cabinets as well.
- Filtration & Performance: The heart of a bottleless cooler is its filtration system. The Avalon A9 uses a dual-filter system (sediment and carbon) rated for 1500 gallons. Understand what these filters remove (chlorine, lead, rust) and what they don’t. If you require more advanced purification, like reverse osmosis, you may need a different system. Also, check the hot and cold tank capacities (1 liter hot, 1.5 liters cold for the A9) to ensure they meet your household’s demand.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a combination of durable plastic and stainless steel components, especially for the water tanks and spouts. These materials resist corrosion and are less likely to impart unwanted tastes into the water. The overall build quality will dictate the unit’s longevity and its ability to withstand daily use without developing leaks or operational issues.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good cooler should be intuitive. The A9 features a touch panel, which is modern and easy to clean. However, the real long-term consideration is filter replacement. How easy is it to access and change the filters? What is the annual cost of replacement filters? Regular maintenance is key to ensuring both performance and water quality over the life of the unit.
While the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- BOTTOM LOAD WATER COOLER DISPENSER: Don’t struggle to lift heavy bottles. Simplify your life with a bottom loading water cooler dispenser for 5 gallon bottles. The cabinet fits either a 3- or...
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Three temperature settings allow you to customize your drinking experience. This dispenser features a crisp cold, cool, or piping hot output.
- 【Precise Temperatures】supplies cold water around 53.6°F and hot water between 185–203°F to meet beverage preparation needs from chilled drinks to tea and coffee, with clear indicator lights...
First Impressions: A Sleek Addition to the Modern Kitchen
Unboxing the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler was a straightforward affair. The unit was securely packed, and pulling it out of the box, we were immediately struck by its modern, minimalist design. The glossy black finish and clean lines give it a premium look that blends seamlessly with other modern kitchen appliances, a far cry from the utilitarian look of many traditional water coolers. It feels substantial and well-built, not flimsy or cheap. The included installation kit is surprisingly comprehensive, containing everything from the 20 feet of 1/4″ tubing to the various adapters needed to tap into a standard 3/8″ under-sink water line. This inclusion is a major plus, as it means you likely won’t need a last-minute trip to the hardware store. The touch panel is sleek and responsive, and the generous 8.75-inch dispensing area is a thoughtful touch, easily accommodating our tallest water bottles and travel mugs. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design aesthetic.
What We Like
- Three distinct temperature settings provide ultimate convenience.
- Bottleless design offers significant long-term cost and labor savings.
- Includes a comprehensive installation kit for most standard setups.
- Sleek, modern countertop design elevates kitchen aesthetics.
- Dual-filtration system improves the taste and quality of tap water.
Potential Drawbacks
- Water may have a distinct “plastic” taste initially, requiring extensive flushing.
- Some users have reported long-term reliability issues, such as leaks.
Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure
A water cooler’s true worth is only revealed after it’s installed and integrated into your daily life. It needs to be more than just a pretty appliance; it must be a reliable, effective, and pleasant-to-use source of hydration. We put the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler through its paces for several weeks, focusing on the entire user experience from the initial setup to the quality of the water it dispenses and its everyday functionality. Here’s our detailed breakdown.
Installation & Setup: A Test of Patience
Avalon provides a kit that seems ready for anything, but the installation process was where we hit our first real hurdle. While the manual is clear, plumbing is rarely as simple as a diagram suggests. Our under-sink setup required a bit of creative thinking to get the 3/8″ adapter fitted correctly without any drips. This experience mirrors that of some users, with one noting they had to be “creative and smart to solve some issues.” This isn’t a knock on the product itself—it’s the reality of DIY plumbing. If you’re not comfortable shutting off your water main and working with compression fittings, we highly recommend hiring a professional. A simple installation could take less than an hour, but if you run into complications, budget for more time.
We also encountered the specific challenge mentioned by another user regarding refrigerator water lines. We initially considered teeing off our fridge’s ice maker line, but quickly realized this was a non-starter. As the user correctly pointed out, lines for ice makers are often not under constant pressure, which would starve the cooler for water. Furthermore, Avalon’s own support advises against splitting a line that already feeds a refrigerator’s water dispenser due to potential pressure drops. The takeaway is clear: the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler requires a dedicated connection to a cold water line, most practically the one under your kitchen sink. While the included 20 feet of tubing offers flexibility in placement, the source connection point is not as flexible as one might hope. If you’re considering this unit, we strongly advise inspecting your under-sink plumbing first to ensure a straightforward connection is possible.
Water Quality & Taste: The All-Important First Sip
This is, without a doubt, the most critical and controversial aspect of the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler. After completing the installation, we meticulously followed the instructions for flushing the system and the new filters. Our first glass of cold water was… disappointing. It had a distinct chemical, plastic-like taste and smell, a finding that unfortunately aligns perfectly with several user complaints. One user described it perfectly, hoping the “taste of new plastic” was just because of the new filter. We shared that hope.
To Avalon’s credit, the manual does stress the importance of flushing. We took it a step further. We drained the initial tanks completely and flushed several more gallons through the system over the next 24 hours. After this extensive purging, the plastic taste did begin to subside significantly. By the third day of use, it was largely gone, replaced by a clean, neutral flavor that was a marked improvement over our unfiltered tap water. The NSF-certified carbon and sediment filters do their job well, effectively removing the chlorine taste and any grittiness. However, the initial experience is a significant hurdle. As another user noted, even after flushing with a vinegar mix, the taste persisted for them to the point their kids wouldn’t drink it. Our experience was better, but it highlights a potential inconsistency in manufacturing or materials. Potential buyers must be prepared to perform a very thorough initial flushing process and have the patience to wait a few days for the system to “break in.” The resulting water quality is good, but it doesn’t come straight out of the box.
Daily Use: The Convenience Factor
Once the taste issue was resolved, living with the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler became a joy. The convenience is transformative. The touch-sensitive controls are intuitive and responsive. A simple tap gets you crisp cold, room temperature, or piping hot water instantly. The cold water settles at a refreshing 47°F, perfect for a cool drink on a warm day. The hot water, reaching 185°F, is ideal for a quick cup of tea, instant coffee, or preparing oatmeal, eliminating the need to wait for a kettle to boil. The child safety lock on the hot water dispenser is a crucial and well-implemented feature, requiring a deliberate two-touch action to dispense.
The unit operates quietly. The compressor for the cooling system emits a low hum, similar to a modern refrigerator, and it’s barely noticeable in a busy kitchen. The generous dispensing area continued to be one of our favorite features, easily fitting our largest tumblers and sports bottles, a small detail that makes a big difference in daily usability. However, we are keeping a close eye on long-term reliability. One of the user reviews we analyzed mentioned their unit began leaking after just four months. While we have not experienced any leaks, it serves as a crucial reminder. We placed a small, discreet moisture alarm underneath the unit as a precaution, a small investment for peace of mind. Despite this concern, the sheer convenience of having unlimited, filtered, multi-temperature water on tap is a feature that truly elevates the daily routine.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience with the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler aligns closely with the consensus found in user feedback. There’s a clear pattern of praise for the unit’s convenience and stylish appearance. Many, like us, celebrate the freedom from 5-gallon jugs and the constant availability of hot and cold water. One user stated, “Overall it looks nice and it’s very convenient,” which perfectly summarizes the primary appeal of this machine. The installation is generally seen as “doable,” though often with minor, unforeseen challenges depending on individual plumbing situations.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centers on two key areas. The most prevalent complaint is the initial taste of the water. Numerous users report a “bad,” “horrible,” or “plastic” taste that requires extensive flushing to mitigate, and for some, it never fully disappears. The second major concern is long-term durability, with reports of units starting to leak after several months of use. This suggests potential quality control issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. While many users have a flawless experience, the risk of receiving a unit with taste or leakage problems is a tangible concern.
How the Avalon A9 Compares to the Alternatives
The Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler occupies a specific niche in the market. It’s a countertop, point-of-use system focused on filtration and convenience. To understand its value, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular types of water coolers.
1. Frigidaire 3-in-1 Ice & Water Machine Hot or Cold Water Cooler Dispenser Bullet Ice Maker
- 3-in-1 Design Water Cooler For Multi-Use: The 3-in-1 Ice and Water Machine, combines a water cooler, hot water dispenser, and built-in ice machine in one compact, space-saving unit.
- Built-In Bullet Ice Maker: Easily produces up to 33 lbs (15 kg) of fresh, bullet-shaped ice per day, so you always have ice on hand for drinks, parties, or daily use. With a rapid cycle time of just...
- Compatible with 5-Gallon Water Bottles: Our standing water dispenser works perfectly with standard 5-gallon water bottles, offering convenience for home or office use.
The Frigidaire model is a different beast entirely. It’s a top-loading cooler that uses traditional 3- or 5-gallon jugs but adds a fantastic feature: a built-in bullet ice maker. This is the perfect choice for someone who values ice on demand as much as hot and cold water and doesn’t want to or can’t connect a unit to their plumbing. While it reintroduces the hassle of water jugs that the Avalon A9 eliminates, its multi-functionality as an ice machine and water dispenser makes it an incredibly versatile appliance for homes, dorms, or small offices where convenience is key.
2. Elkay EZS8L ADA Compliant Water Cooler 8 GPH
- Attractive, contemporary design matches modern architecture.
- Electronic bubbler push bars for easy activation.
- Exclusive fastenerless integrated drain reduces debris accumulation and is easy to clean.
The Elkay EZS8L represents the commercial-grade, institutional end of the spectrum. This is the classic wall-mounted “water fountain” you’d find in a school, gym, or office building. It’s built for extreme durability and high-volume use, capable of chilling 8 gallons of water per hour. It is ADA compliant and designed for public spaces, not a home kitchen. While it is also a “bottleless” solution, it lacks the hot and room temperature water options of the Avalon A9, and its installation is a far more involved plumbing and construction project. It’s a superior choice for public or commercial settings, but not a direct competitor for residential countertop use.
3. Igloo Bottom Loading Water Cooler
- WATER COOLERS FOR HOME OR OFFICE: With an easy bottom-loading design and space-saving construction, the Igloo Bottom Load Water Cooler Dispenser delivers hot, cold, or room temperature water where and...
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Free standing slim, black and stainless steel space-saving design is ideal for any space – making it perfect for homes, kitchens, offices, dorm rooms and more
- SLIM DESIGN: This water dispenser's free-standing, slim design is ideal for any space. Make yourself refreshing drinks, tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and instant soup in the home, kitchen, office, dorm...
The Igloo Bottom Loading Water Cooler offers a compelling middle ground for those who want to avoid the heavy lifting of top-loading models but aren’t ready for a bottleless setup. By placing the 3- or 5-gallon jug in a cabinet at the base, it eliminates the strain and spillage associated with traditional coolers. It provides the same three temperatures (hot, cold, room) as the Avalon A9 and requires no plumbing installation. This makes it an ideal choice for renters or anyone seeking a simple, plug-and-play solution without sacrificing the benefits of a multi-temperature dispenser. It’s the best option if the installation of the Avalon A9 seems too daunting.
The Final Verdict: Is the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can say the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler is a product of brilliant convenience with a few significant caveats. Its biggest strength is its ability to free you from the tyranny of the 5-gallon jug, delivering an endless supply of filtered hot, cold, and room-temperature water in a sleek, countertop package. When it’s working as intended, it’s a game-changer for any modern kitchen. The quiet operation, child safety lock, and large dispensing area are all fantastic, user-focused design choices.
However, the prevalent issue of an initial plastic taste in the water is a real drawback that requires significant user patience and effort to overcome. Coupled with some user reports of long-term leaks, it raises questions about quality control. We recommend the Avalon A9 Bottleless Water Cooler to homeowners who are comfortable with some minor DIY plumbing, are willing to perform a rigorous initial system flush, and who prioritize the incredible convenience of a bottleless system over all else. If you’re ready to say goodbye to bottled water for good and want a stylish, feature-rich solution, the Avalon A9 is a very compelling option. You can check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your budget and finally end the plastic jug shuffle.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API