Staying hydrated is essential. But sometimes, busy schedules, lack of easy access and many other inconveniences can prevent us from getting the fluids we need. Water dispensers make hydration easy and offer a host of other benefits, including but not limited to reducing reliance on single-use plastics, streamlining meal preparation, reducing spills associated with pouring from pitchers, and more. With that being said, not all water dispensers are created equal. Some are better suited for larger families. In this article, we’ll share our top 3 water dispensers for busy families.

What Makes A Good Water Dispenser?

With so many options on the market, choosing the right one for your family can be overwhelming. To help you out, we've compiled a list of what to look out for when choosing a water dispenser for your family. 

Capacity

To ensure your family has convenient access to clean water throughout the day, consider the water tank size and dispensing options. Choose a dispenser with a tank size that aligns with your family's daily water consumption and refill frequency. You should also look for models offering variable dispensing options, such as full glasses, half glasses, and even child-sized portions, to cater to different needs and prevent spills.

Filtration

When it comes to filtration, prioritise technologies that address your specific water quality concerns. Research options like carbon filters for improved taste and odour, or reverse osmosis systems for tackling a wider range of impurities, like chlorine and heavy metals. Remember to factor in both the upfront cost of the filter and the ease and frequency of replacements to ensure it fits your budget and lifestyle.

Temperature and Safety

To cater to various family needs, consider the water temperature options offered by the dispenser. Dispensing hot and cold water provides versatility, allowing you to conveniently prepare tea, instant coffee, or baby formula. Additionally, room-temperature water is readily available for everyday drinking, making it a practical choice for the whole family.

With that said, prioritise safety for your family by choosing a water dispenser equipped with both a child safety lock and a leak-proof design. The child safety lock prevents accidental dispensing, spills, and scalding, while the leak-proof design minimises the risk of messes and potential water damage. This combination ensures a worry-free experience for families with young children.

Ease of Use

To ensure a smooth user experience for everyone in the family, consider the dispenser's control panel and cleaning requirements. Opt for intuitive controls that are easy to understand and operate, especially for younger children or elderly family members. Prioritise dispensers with easily accessible and cleanable parts. If the need arises, readily available replacement parts will further enhance the longevity and convenience of your chosen water dispenser.

Size and Design

When considering a water dispenser for your family, think about how it will integrate into your kitchen space. Choose a dispenser with a footprint that comfortably fits your countertop, ensuring it doesn't become an obstructive or overwhelming presence. Additionally, consider the dispenser's design aesthetic to see if it complements your existing kitchen décor. A well-chosen water dispenser can seamlessly blend into your kitchen, enhancing both functionality and style.

Top Recommendations: Family-Friendly Water Dispensers

Now that we understand what makes a good water dispenser, let’s take a look at some of the best that Mayer has to offer you and your family. 

1. Mayer MMIWD4008

The MMIWD4008 features 5 preset water volumes (100, 200, 300, 400mL, and continuous) alongside 7 preset water temperatures (45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C, and 100°C). Families can use its sensor touch control panel to choose among the many options this dispenser offers. 

Its voluminous tank holds up to 4 Litres of water, enough for large families, with a filtration system to protect against germs and other contaminants.You can also opt to replace the supplied filter with an ultrafiltration alternative (purchased separately) to eliminate a wider range of contaminants, including, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria and volatile organic compounds. 

The MMIWD4008 also comes with a child lock to prevent accidental dispensing of hot water, reducing the risk of burns or injuries. 

Capacity: 4 Litres
Filtration: Ultrafiltration filter
Safety Features: Child-lock, Boil dry and Overheating protection
Dimensions: L190 * W350 * H300 mm

2. Mayer MMIWD3800C

The MM1WD3800C stands out for its unique ability to dispense cold and hot water thanks to a high-efficiency refrigeration compressor that cools water between 3°C to 15°C.It offers 8 preset water temperatures from 45°C to 100°C with 5 preset cup sizes and continuous flow. 

In terms of filtration, while the aforementioned MMIWD4008 is no slouch, the UK Aqua Optima filter, built in to the MMIWD3800C stands a shoulder above, removing toxic substances like chlorine and heavy metals while reducing limescale buildup, and, in general, ensuring better-tasting water.

Capacity: 3.8 Litres
Filtration: UK Aqua Optima
Safety Features: Child-lock, Boil dry and Overheating protection
Dimensions: L435 * W185* H395 mm

Conclusion

Water dispensers are becoming a household essential these days. They come in different sizes and boast different features and, it’s fair to say that choosing the perfect product is only a matter of identifying which of those features your family needs.