Waterkoelers

Waterkoelers, also known as water coolers or water dispensers, are appliances designed to provide chilled drinking water. They are commonly found in offices, schools, gyms, and other public or semi-public spaces. These units typically hold a large water bottle, often referred to as a "carboy" or "crock," which is placed upside down on top of the cooler, allowing gravity to feed water into the internal cooling reservoir. Some modern water coolers are plumbed directly into a building's water supply, eliminating the need for bottles.

Water coolers typically offer both cold and ambient (room temperature) water options. Many models also include a hot water dispenser, useful for making tea or instant coffee. The cooling mechanism usually involves a refrigeration system similar to that found in refrigerators, circulating a coolant to lower the water temperature.

The primary advantage of using a water cooler is convenient access to chilled, potable water. They can also encourage hydration and offer an alternative to sugary beverages. Maintenance typically involves periodic cleaning and sanitization of the unit, as well as replacement of the water bottles or filter changes for plumbed-in systems. While widely adopted for their functionality, the disposal of plastic water bottles has raised environmental concerns, leading to increased interest in plumbed-in units and reusable bottle systems.