A water cooler is one of the simplest ways to keep clean drinking water available at home or at work. But the choices — top-load or bottom-load, hot and cold or room temperature, rent or buy — can be confusing. This guide explains how water coolers and dispensers work, how to choose the right one, and how to keep it clean, so you can set up reliable water without guesswork. Puretap has supplied coolers and bottled water across the Greater Toronto Area since 1986.
How a bottled water cooler works
A bottled water cooler holds a large refillable bottle — most commonly the 18L (5-gallon) size — and dispenses water on demand through one or more taps. The bottle sits on the unit, gravity and the dispenser do the rest, and when the bottle is empty you simply swap it for a full one. With a delivery service, full bottles arrive on a schedule and empties are collected for reuse, so the cooler is never dry.
Top-load versus bottom-load coolers
The biggest practical decision is where the bottle sits:
- Top-load coolers. The bottle sits upside down on top of the unit. These are simple, reliable, and lower cost, but you have to lift a full 18L bottle (about 18 kilograms) up to the top to change it.
- Bottom-load coolers. The bottle sits in a cabinet at the base and water is pumped up. Changing the bottle means sliding it into the bottom — no overhead lifting — which many households and offices prefer, especially where staff or family members would rather not hoist a full bottle.
If easy bottle changes matter to you, choose bottom-load. If simplicity and lower cost matter most, top-load is a dependable choice.
Temperature options
Coolers come with different temperature settings:
- Cold and room temperature. The most common setup for drinking water.
- Hot, cold, and room. Adds near-boiling water for tea, coffee, instant soup, and baby-bottle preparation. Popular in offices and busy households.
- Cold only. A simple, lower-cost option where hot water is not needed.
Hot taps usually have a safety lock to prevent accidental scalding, which is worth confirming if you have young children.
Countertop versus freestanding
Freestanding floor coolers are the standard for offices and most homes. Countertop dispensers are a compact alternative for small kitchens, lunchrooms, or spaces where floor room is tight — they use the same bottles but sit on a counter. Choose based on the space you have and how much water you go through.
What bottle size should you use?
The 18L (5-gallon) bottle is the standard cooler size and the most cost-effective per litre for regular use. Smaller bottles are available where the full size is hard to handle or store, but for a household or office that uses a cooler daily, the 18L format almost always makes the most sense. For a sense of how much you will go through, plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per person per day.
Rent, buy, or subscribe?
There are three common ways to get a cooler:
- Buy the cooler outright. You own the unit and simply order water as needed.
- Rent the cooler. A monthly fee covers the equipment, often bundled with water.
- Subscribe to water and get a cooler included. Puretap offers a monthly subscription that bundles scheduled 18L bottle delivery with a free dispenser, with no contract. You set the schedule, we deliver and set up the cooler, and you can pause or cancel any time.
For most homes and small offices, a no-contract subscription with an included dispenser is the simplest and lowest-commitment option. Browse the subscription and cooler options or call to set one up.
How to keep your water cooler clean
A cooler is only as clean as its maintenance. A few simple habits keep the water fresh and the unit hygienic:
- Wipe the taps and drip tray regularly with a clean cloth.
- Sanitize every few months. Empty the unit and clean the reservoir with a food-safe sanitizing solution, then rinse thoroughly.
- Handle bottles cleanly. Wipe the top of each new bottle before loading it, and avoid touching the cap seal.
- Use water at a steady pace. Bottles that sit unused for long periods are more prone to staleness — match your bottle size and delivery schedule to your actual usage.
Using clean, lab-tested water to begin with also helps. Puretap distilled and spring water is tested every batch by an independent laboratory.
Which water should you put in your cooler?
Most cooler users choose between two Puretap options:
- Spring water — naturally sourced Ontario spring water with a crisp, refreshing taste. A popular everyday choice for offices and households.
- Distilled water — the purest option, mineral-free, ideal for those who want the cleanest possible drinking water or who also use it for appliances and equipment.
Both fit a standard cooler. If you are unsure, the water comparison guide explains the differences.
Coolers and water delivery across the GTA
Puretap delivers cooler bottles and dispensers throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Toronto, and Vaughan. Setting up a cooler at your home or office is one short conversation away.
Frequently asked questions about water coolers
Is a top-load or bottom-load cooler better?
Bottom-load coolers are easier to refill because the bottle sits at the base and you do not have to lift it overhead. Top-load coolers are simpler and lower cost. Choose bottom-load for easy bottle changes; choose top-load for simplicity and value.
What size bottle does a water cooler use?
The standard is the 18L (5-gallon) bottle, which is also the most cost-effective per litre for regular use. Smaller formats are available where the full size is difficult to handle or store.
Do I have to sign a contract to get a water cooler?
Not with Puretap. Our monthly subscription bundles scheduled bottle delivery with a free dispenser and has no contract — you can pause or cancel any time.
How often should I clean my water cooler?
Wipe the taps and drip tray regularly, and sanitize the reservoir every few months. Wipe the top of each new bottle before loading it. Clean water and steady use keep the cooler fresh.
Can I get hot and cold water from the same cooler?
Yes. Many coolers offer hot, cold, and room-temperature taps. Hot taps usually include a child-safety lock. Tell us your preference and we will recommend the right unit.
Set up a water cooler for your home or office
Get a dispenser and reliable bottled water delivery with no contract. Order online or call 905-670-7400 to set up a cooler that fits your space, or contact the Puretap team with any questions. Serving the GTA with lab-tested water since 1986.