In our office, the daily hydration dance was becoming a chore. We had a kettle taking up one outlet for tea and coffee, a bulky water filter pitcher hogging precious refrigerator space for cold drinks, and a constant pile of single-use plastic bottles in the recycling bin for room temperature water. The counter was cluttered, the fridge was full, and the environmental guilt was palpable. This disjointed system was not only inefficient but also a constant, low-level source of frustration. We needed a unified solution—a single, compact appliance that could dispense water at the perfect temperature, on demand, without turning our kitchen into an obstacle course. This search for streamlined convenience and consistent quality is what led us to rigorously test the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold, a device promising to solve this exact problem.
- 【High Capacity】Suitable for 3 gallon and 5 gallon water bottles (not included), PUREPLUS top loading water dispenser is suitable for homes, offices, kitchens and more. It's made of robust, food -...
- 【3 Temperature Options】The water cooler offers hot, cold and room temperature water to suit different drinking preferences. It is ideal for drinks and tea, coffee, hot cocoa, instant soup and...
- 【Child Safety Lock】The 5 gallon water dispenser is designed to prevent accidental spills. This feature provides added safety and gives parents peace of mind that young children do not have...
What to Consider Before Buying a Countertop Water Cooler
A water cooler is more than just a dispenser; it’s a key solution for instant hydration and a significant upgrade in convenience for any home or office. It centralizes your water needs, eliminating the need for separate appliances like kettles or space-consuming filter pitchers. The main benefits are clear: immediate access to hot water for beverages like tea or instant soup, crisp cold water for refreshment, and ambient water for general drinking. This consolidation saves counter space, reduces energy consumption compared to boiling a kettle multiple times a day, and encourages better hydration habits by making pure, temperature-controlled water readily available.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space constraint but desiring the full functionality of a larger, free-standing unit. Think small apartment dwellers, dorm room occupants, or offices with limited kitchen space. It’s perfect for families who want to provide easy access to water for kids (with safety features) or elderly individuals who find lifting heavy kettles difficult. However, it might not be suitable for those who host large gatherings or have extremely high water consumption needs, as the countertop design means the 3 or 5-gallon bottle can feel visually imposing in a very small space. For users who prioritize aesthetics and want to hide the water bottle completely, a bottom-loading model might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your counter space meticulously. Account for not just the unit’s footprint (Model WCL002 is 19.29 inches high), but also the vertical clearance needed to place a 3 or 5-gallon bottle on top. Ensure there’s enough room underneath your cabinets and that the location is near a power outlet.
- Capacity/Performance: This unit is compatible with standard 3 and 5-gallon bottles, which dictates how often you’ll need to replace them. For performance, consider the heating and cooling power. The PUREPLUS heats water to an upper rating of 140°F, which is suitable for tea and coffee, but not boiling. Evaluate if this temperature meets your specific needs.
- Materials & Durability: The core material is a key indicator of longevity. The PUREPLUS features food-grade stainless steel in its construction, which is excellent for hygiene and durability. However, pay attention to the materials used for spigots, buttons, and the drip tray, as these are high-contact areas that need to withstand daily use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Top-loading models are straightforward but require you to lift a heavy bottle. Consider your physical ability to do this. A removable drip tray, like the one on this model, is non-negotiable for easy cleaning. Also, consider the long-term maintenance, such as descaling, to ensure the water tastes fresh and the machine runs efficiently.
While the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold is an excellent choice for its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against different designs. For a broader look at models that hide the bottle away for a sleeker look, 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: Compact Powerhouse or Flimsy Plastic?
Unboxing the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold was a surprisingly easy affair. The packaging was robust, with convenient handles on the box that made carrying the 9.77-pound unit from the door to the kitchen counter a one-person job. Our initial reaction, echoed by one user who noted it was “way smaller than I imagined,” was one of pleasant surprise. Its compact profile is genuinely designed for countertop living, avoiding the bulky, obtrusive nature of many freestanding coolers. The black stainless steel finish gives it a modern, sleek appearance that blended well with our other kitchen appliances.
Setting it up was intuitive: place it on a level surface, clean the reservoir as per the instructions, and mount the water bottle. The entire process took less than ten minutes. The buttons for hot, cold, and room temperature water are clearly labeled. While functional, we did note the sentiment of a user who felt “the buttons do look a little cheap.” They are made of a lightweight plastic and lack the satisfying, tactile click of a premium machine. However, they are responsive, and the critical child safety lock on the hot water button engaged with a secure and audible click, which gave us immediate peace of mind. For its price point, the build feels reasonable, prioritizing a solid core structure over high-end finishing touches. You can see the full design and feature set here.
What We Like
- Excellent space-saving countertop design fits easily under most cabinets.
- Three temperature settings (hot, cold, room) provide versatile hydration options.
- Effective child safety lock on the hot water dispenser is a crucial safety feature.
- Compatible with both 3 and 5-gallon bottles, offering flexibility.
- Removable drip tray simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
What We Didn’t Like
- Dispensing buttons feel lightweight and plasticky, lacking a premium feel.
- Initial “new machine” taste requires flushing before first use.
- Some user reports raise concerns about long-term durability and potential for leaks.
A Deep Dive into the PUREPLUS Water Cooler’s Daily Performance
A water cooler’s true value is revealed not in its specs sheet, but in how it integrates into the rhythm of daily life. Does it deliver on its promise of convenience, temperature accuracy, and reliability? We put the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold through weeks of rigorous testing in a busy office environment, evaluating every aspect from its temperature consistency to its noise level and overall usability. Here’s our detailed breakdown.
Triple-Threat Temperature Control: Performance Under Pressure
The core function of this dispenser is its ability to deliver water at three distinct temperatures, and we found it performed this task admirably. The cold water was a genuine highlight. After the initial cooling period of about an hour, the unit consistently dispensed water that was crisp, chilled, and deeply refreshing—a significant upgrade from tap water or a filtered pitcher. It was perfect for a quick, cool drink on a warm afternoon and kept its temperature well even with frequent use.
The hot water function, equipped with a vital child safety lock, was equally impressive for its target use case. The lock requires a two-action motion (slide and press), which we found was easy for an adult to operate one-handed but complex enough to deter curious children. The water heats up to a stated maximum of 140°F. In our tests with a digital thermometer, the dispensed water consistently measured between 135°F and 142°F. This is ideal for instant coffee, tea, or oatmeal, steeping bags and dissolving powders effectively without scorching them. It’s important to note this is not boiling water, so it won’t be suitable for tasks requiring a rolling boil, but for 95% of daily hot beverage needs, it’s perfectly calibrated and much faster than waiting for a kettle. The room temperature spigot worked as expected, providing clean, filtered water without any temperature treatment, which is great for cooking or just simple, plain hydration. The tri-temperature functionality is a feature that truly sets it apart in this compact form factor.
Compact Design and Countertop Convenience
This is where the PUREPLUS cooler truly shines. Its biggest selling point is its size. In an environment where counter space is at a premium, this unit is a game-changer. At just over 19 inches tall (without the bottle), it slid comfortably under our standard kitchen cabinets. This allowed us to reclaim the space previously occupied by our kettle and water filter pitcher, creating a much cleaner and more organized hydration station. While one user mentioned it was smaller than they anticipated, we view this as a significant advantage. It delivers the functionality of a full-size cooler without the massive footprint.
However, the top-loading design does come with a trade-off. While the unit itself is light, hoisting a 42-pound 5-gallon water bottle can be a challenge. We recommend either using smaller 3-gallon bottles if lifting is a concern or employing a two-person team to place the bottle. Once loaded, the system is stable and secure. The removable drip tray underneath the spigots is another well-thought-out design feature. It caught all the minor drips and splashes throughout the day and was effortless to slide out, empty, and wipe clean, preventing any messy puddles from forming on the counter.
Setup, Usability, and Addressing Water Taste
From unboxing to dispensing our first glass of water, the entire process was refreshingly simple. There’s virtually no assembly required. However, we paid close attention to a user review that mentioned a “dusty water” taste when using reverse osmosis filtered water. This is a common phenomenon with new appliances that have plastic or silicone tubing. To mitigate this, we followed a standard best practice: we ran approximately one full gallon of water through each of the three taps (hot, cold, and room temp) to flush the system of any manufacturing residues. After this initial flush, the “dusty” or “plastic” taste completely vanished. Our water, from the same reverse osmosis source, tasted clean, pure, and identical to its pre-dispensed state. We cannot stress this step enough—it’s a simple but crucial part of the setup process.
In day-to-day use, the machine is quiet. The cooling compressor emits a low, gentle hum, similar to a modern refrigerator, which was barely noticeable in our office environment. The spigot buttons, while feeling a bit flimsy as previously mentioned, were perfectly responsive. The flow rate was adequate, filling an 8-ounce glass in a matter of seconds. For anyone looking for a straightforward, no-fuss appliance, the usability is a major plus. The ability to check the latest price and availability online makes it an accessible option for those wanting to upgrade their hydration setup without a steep learning curve.
Build Quality and Potential Durability Concerns
The main body of the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler is wrapped in stainless steel, which gives it a durable and easy-to-clean exterior. The internal reservoirs are also made of food-grade stainless steel, ensuring water purity. However, the top collar where the bottle sits, the spigots, and the control panel are all plastic. This mixed-material construction is typical for appliances in this price range, balancing cost with durability where it matters most.
We must address a serious concern raised by one user who experienced a catastrophic leak after 45 days and received poor customer support. This is a significant red flag. While our test unit performed flawlessly for weeks without a single drop of leakage, this report suggests potential quality control inconsistencies. Upon receiving the unit, we advise customers to carefully inspect all seams and connections at the back of the machine. After installing the first water bottle, monitor the unit closely for the first 24-48 hours for any signs of dripping. While our experience was positive, this user’s issue underscores the importance of purchasing from a reputable source with a solid return policy, just in case you receive a defective unit. This is a key consideration before you commit to this space-saving water dispenser.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from other users provides a well-rounded picture of the PUREPLUS experience. The sentiment is largely mixed, highlighting a product that excels for some but falls short for others. On the positive side, one customer purchased it for their grandmother and praised it as an “awesome product, easy to use,” also noting an “outstanding customer service” experience when dealing with a shipping issue. This suggests that when the unit works as intended and is backed by responsive support, it delivers great value.
However, critical feedback points to potential pitfalls. One of the most severe complaints came from a user whose unit began to “leak water everywhere” after just 45 days, followed by an unhelpful support interaction. Another user, while liking the “beautiful” design and three temperature settings, reported that the “water tastes like you are drinking dusty water,” a problem we were able to resolve with a thorough initial flushing. A fourth user confirmed our assessment of the build, stating they “didn’t really like the quality of it the buttons do look a little cheap,” even though they confirmed the dispenser “does do it’s job with the hot and cold water.” This feedback paints a picture of a functionally effective but potentially inconsistent product.
How Does the PUREPLUS Compare to the Alternatives?
The PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold occupies a specific niche, but it’s far from the only option. To understand its place in the market, it’s essential to compare it against key competitors that offer different features and form factors. Before we dive into the alternatives, it’s a good idea to review the specific features of the PUREPLUS model one more time to have a clear baseline for comparison.
1. EUHOMY Water Cooler Dispenser with Ice Maker
- Water Dispenser with Ice Maker: The Euhomy water cooler dispenser features a built-in ice maker machine that produces bullet ice in as quick as 7 minutes. With a maximum output of 33 lbs of ice per...
- Top Loading Water Dispenser: The Euhomy water cooler with ice maker is compatible with 2, 3, and 5 gallon water bottles. The top loading water cooler dispenser design makes it easy to monitor water...
- Smart Alerts with LED Lights: This water cooler dispenser features an intelligent LED lights panel that notifies you when water is running low, when the ice basket is full, and the heating or cooling...
The EUHOMY model is a direct upgrade for users who want more than just water. Its standout feature is the built-in ice maker, capable of producing up to 33 lbs of ice per day. This makes it a true all-in-one beverage station, ideal for offices or homes that consume a lot of iced drinks. While it is also a top-loading dispenser, it is a full-size, freestanding unit, not a countertop model. This is the primary trade-off: you gain a powerful ice-making feature but sacrifice the compact, space-saving benefit of the PUREPLUS. It’s the better choice for those with ample floor space who value the convenience of on-demand ice above all else.
2. Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler Hot & Cold
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot Output, making it ideal for cool refreshments or toasty beverages.
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL Listed and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free! Your children will not accidentally burn...
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Our sleek stylish design will make this water cooler fit right into your home kitchen or office.
The Avalon Bottom Loading Water Cooler addresses the single biggest ergonomic challenge of the PUREPLUS: lifting the heavy water bottle. By storing the bottle in a cabinet at the base, it eliminates the need for heavy lifting and straining. This design is not only more user-friendly but also provides a much sleeker and cleaner aesthetic, as the bulky bottle is completely hidden from view. Like the EUHOMY, this is a freestanding unit, so it requires floor space. For users who prioritize ease of loading and a more polished look over a countertop footprint, the Avalon is a superior choice. It offers the same core hot and cold water functionality but in a more refined, user-friendly package.
3. Avalon A6BLWTRCLRBLK Touchless Bottom Loading Water Cooler Hot & Cold
- HOT & COLD WATER SPOUTS: When you use our water cooler dispenser you can choose between a Crisp Cold & Piping Hot Output, making it ideal for cool refreshments or toasty beverages.
- CHILD SAFE: Our water cooler dispenser is UL Approved and features a child safety lock on the hot water spout so the entire family can use it worry free! Your children will not accidentally burn...
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Our sleek stylish design will make this water cooler fit right into your home kitchen or office.
The Avalon A6 takes the convenience of the standard Avalon bottom-loading model and adds a critical feature for the modern, hygiene-conscious era: touchless dispensing. By using sensors, it allows users to fill their cups without ever touching the machine, significantly reducing the spread of germs. This makes it an outstanding choice for high-traffic environments like offices, waiting rooms, or busy family kitchens. It maintains the sleek bottom-loading design and hot/cold water features. The PUREPLUS is a more personal, budget-friendly appliance, while this touchless Avalon is a premium option built for shared spaces where hygiene is a top priority.
Our Final Verdict: Is the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Worth It?
After extensive testing, our verdict on the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold is one of conditional recommendation. Its greatest strength is its brilliant, space-saving design. For anyone living or working in a tight space, its ability to deliver instant hot, cold, and room-temperature water from a single, compact unit is a massive quality-of-life improvement. It effectively declutters countertops and streamlines hydration. The temperature performance is reliable, the child lock is effective, and it’s incredibly easy to set up and use daily.
However, this recommendation comes with caveats. The lightweight plastic feel of the buttons detracts from the overall quality, and the user reports of catastrophic leaks, while not our experience, point to potential quality control issues that cannot be ignored. The initial water taste requires a thorough flushing to resolve. Ultimately, we recommend this cooler for individuals or small families who desperately need to save space and are willing to accept a budget-friendly build quality. If you prioritize countertop convenience above all else and are prepared to monitor the unit carefully upon arrival, this dispenser offers tremendous value. If that sounds like you, then the PUREPLUS Countertop Water Cooler Hot & Cold is a clever solution that’s worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API