How Does A Hot And Cold Water Dispenser Work?

Whether you're installing a new water dispenser in the office or looking for a convenient way to enjoy both near-boiling and chilled water at home, hot and cold water dispensers offer you the best of both worlds, wherever you are. Simply referred to as water coolers, these dispensers give you instant access to ice-cold chilled, ambient, or steaming hot water, all at the push of a button or pull of a tap.

But how exactly do these dispensers work? And what makes them different from kettles, tap water, or water kept in the fridge? As some of the most common questions we’re asked at Thirsty Work, we’ll explain the components inside these dispensers, explore the different types available, and explain why they’re a convenient and cost-effective option for both homes and workplaces.

What is a hot and cold water dispenser?

A standard hot and cold water dispenser is a self-contained unit that conveniently delivers two or even three water temperature options, all from one place. Each dispenser is designed with separate internal water reservoirs to prevent temperature crossover and can heat water to near-boiling temperatures (typically around 96ºC) as well as deliver refreshingly chilled water at around 5ºC. Depending on the model, ambient room temperature water is also usually a third option.

Whatever their temperature output, these dispensers are commonly known simply as water coolers, although, as you can see, they do more than just cool water. Available in both bottled water dispenser and mains-fed water dispenser models (as well as space-saving countertop variations), these freestanding units are a common sight in offices, reception areas, factories, schools, temporary buildings, and even in people’s homes.

What’s inside a hot and cold water dispenser?

So, just what’s inside a hot and cold water dispenser that makes it work? While individual specifications can differ slightly between models, water coolers will always contain several core components that work together to deliver clean water at the temperature you want, hot or cold. Here are the features hot and cold water dispensers share:

1. Dual water reservoirs: One for hot water and one for cold. These are insulated to maintain water temperatures inside the dispenser.
 

2. Cooling system: Usually a clean, green hydrocarbon-based refrigerant (R600a) or similar with superior thermodynamic cooling properties.
 

3. Heating element: A powerful electrical tubular heater or heating wire that heats water on demand or keeps it hot in the reservoir.
 

4. Temperature sensors: These will regulate and maintain a consistent hot or cold water temperature safely and efficiently.
 

5. Dispensing action: Depending on the model, dispensing can be through manual or touchless taps that release water when operated.
 

6. Filtration (in mains-fed models): High-quality, advanced filtration systems, such as carbon block or ion exchange resin filters, take tap water to the next level of purity before reaching the reservoirs.

Once you know exactly what’s inside a hot and cold water dispenser, you’ll have a better picture of how each of the elements work together to deliver the water you need, whether for a much-needed coffee first thing or a cool, crisp, and refreshing chilled water pick-me-up in the afternoon.

How is the cold water cooled?

To give you the super-chilled water you need, water dispensers use a similar kind of technology to that found in most home fridges and freezers. A refrigerant gas, such as R134a or the more environmentally friendly hydrocarbon R600a, is compressed and circulated through coils, releasing heat before expanding and cooling.

This process draws heat from the water and reduces its temperature to between 2-8°C, before storing it inside an insulated tank, ready for use. This type of cooling is commonly used in water dispensers like the Thirsty Work Mogul bottled water cooler, which is often found in high-traffic areas like busy offices, gyms, and schools, thanks to its efficiency, speed, and reliability in delivering properly chilled water on demand.

How is the hot water heated?

In another method familiar to many, the near-boiling hot water produced by a hot and cold water dispenser uses an internal electric heating element, just like those used in your kettle at home. Water is drawn into a small, insulated tank where the element rapidly heats it to around 92°C. A built-in thermostat maintains this temperature, so hot water is always ready on demand. 

Many units, including the Thirsty Work Clover D16 mains-fed water cooler, have built-in safety features such as child-safe hot water faucets and potentially even overheat protection for complete peace of mind. Water dispensers like this are highly efficient, delivering instant near-boiling water for making those all-important office teas, coffees, and hot snacks, while saving time, money, and energy.

Bottled vs mains-fed water dispensers: Which is right for you?

With two different types of water dispenser available, how do you know which one is right for your office or home? While both deliver fresh, pure, hot and cold filtered water, they do it in different ways, so by knowing the distinction, you can make the right choice. Here’s a quick check overview of the two types of water dispenser you can choose from and how they differ:

Bottled water coolers

Floor-standing bottled water coolers are used in offices, schools, reception areas, and public spaces up and down the country. Lightweight and portable, you can move these water coolers at any time, and they can be positioned anywhere, you only need a plug socket to give you chilled or hot water. Using 13 or 18.9-litre bottles pre-filled with natural spring water, the water fills the internal reservoir ready for heating or chilling. Each bottle is then replaced when it runs out. 

Mains-fed water coolers

The main difference between the two dispensers is that mains-fed water coolers are directly connected to your mains water supply. These models are a more permanent fixture in your home or office, needing a professional plumbing installation. But, they’ll deliver a constant water supply for you and won’t have large bottles to replace. And they can be installed anywhere up to 13m away from your water source in any direction for even more convenience.

Countertop water coolers

Countertop models are the same as standard, freestanding mains-fed and bottled water coolers and deliver the fully filtered hot and cold water you want. But they’re designed to save space. That means they can sit on countertops, work surfaces, or anywhere else, immediately freeing up space in your office or home.

Experience smart hot and cold water with Thirsty Work

Some might see a hot and cold water dispenser as a luxury. But it really isn’t. It's a smart, efficient, and cost-effective investment in convenience, health, and workplace efficiency. Now that you’ve read about how these systems work, you have the knowledge and facts to help you choose the right model for your needs and use.

So whether you’re upgrading your kitchen at home, improving office facilities, or reducing your kettle use and electricity costs, a sleek, slimline water dispenser delivers fresh, filtered water exactly how you like it, hot or cold, whenever you need it.

Ready to experience the benefits of a hot and cold water dispenser first-hand? Get in touch with Thirsty Work today to find out more about our flexible rental options, 10-day free trial offers, and support and maintenance packages. Get your free quote today by calling the team on 01392 877 172 or emailing hello@thirstywork.com today.