Published: 25th May 2023
We all know the importance of hydration, and this can be particularly important at work. Many of us do not drink enough during the day, but drinking plenty of fresh water can help us to stay healthy and keep our bodies and brains at the most efficient, driving productivity and benefitting everyone. That is why more and more businesses are now making sure that they have a ready supply of cool, fresh water for employees to help themselves to, no matter where they work.
When it comes to putting this in place, there are two main options: bottled water coolers or mains fed ones. Both give access to drinking water, so how do you know which one is best for your workplace. Each one has its own benefits, and some models might be better suited to certain environments. Here, we take a look at the differences between the two systems and what the benefits of each one might be in order to help you decide which one you should go for.
We have all seen the water coolers with huge bottles positioned on top of them, and they have become a sight that many associate with an office. The units have taps on them which drain water from the bottles with each use and once the bottle has been emptied, it simply needs to be changed for another one.
Bottled water coolers can either be freestanding or sit on top of a counter, and the size of the bottle that they use will vary according to the model, so you can find something that fits your space and the size of your workforce. Most bottled water coolers will give the user the choice to drink water that is at an ambient temperature or chilled, and some can even heat it too.
As the name suggests, a mains fed water cooler is plumbed into the water supply of your premises. These can also be countertop or freestanding, but they will not require the large bottles that you might recognise, therefore saving on storage space. They have the ability to offer ambient, chilled, or boiling water, but there will have to be positioned close to your water pipe system in order to work and will need to be installed by a professional engineer, which can take a little time.
One of the reasons that bottled water coolers have been so popular is their ease of use and flexibility. All they need in order to work is a power supply, so they can be positioned anywhere as long as there is a plug socket close at hand. This means that they can be conveniently located, and installation is quick and simple, with them being ready to use in a matter of minutes.
It also means that you have the ability to relocate the unit at any time that you choose without any specialist help, which is great if you find a new spot for it or decide to move premises. Mains fed water coolers require more plumbing, so it can take longer to get them in place and will require an engineer to move it.
As the water in the bottles is fresh spring water, the taste can be preferable for most people, and deliveries can be set up to be a regular occurrence ensuring that you do not run short and that the bottles are taken away and properly recycled. The water will have been pre-filtered, and as many machines also include a filtering system, you can be sure that the water on offer is the highest quality, with the freshest, cleanest taste.
Bottled water coolers can also be ideal in an environment where there may not be access to mains water. This means that they can be used in temporary structures, taken to events, or simply positioned somewhere where there are no water pipes.
As mains fed water coolers make use of your existing water supply, there is no need for hefty plastic bottles, therefore allowing you to minimise the amount of plastic that your business is using. It also cuts down on the space that is needed to store the bottles or the need to have them taken away.
We live in a county where we have the luxury of clean, fresh water whenever we turn on the tap, and we can continue to enjoy this with a mains fed water cooler, instead of needing to worry about organising deliveries of water bottles, or running out of water if demand has been underestimated, for example, during a hot spell.
By cutting down on the number of deliveries that need to be made, you can also cut down the carbon emissions that your business is responsible for. This is particularly useful in larger organisations where demand is likely to be high, as it is more practical than trying to order and store the vast quantities of bottles that would be needed in this situation.
Not only do mains fed water coolers give a choice of temperatures, but some can also even provide you with the option for sparkling water, ensuring that you can meet the needs and tastes of the greatest number of people within your business. As there is no need for you to swap bottles around, they are easy to maintain, and you can be sure that water is always accessible.
Both bottled water coolers and mains fed water coolers provide terrific options for drinking water in the workplace. They are suitable for a variety of sectors, from a traditional office setting to a school, gym, manufacturing environment or even hospitality and healthcare, and provide the option to stay in one place or be mobile, according to your needs.
They are both hygienic and convenient, and each offers their own benefits, so that you can weigh up the options and decide which system will work best in your own business environment.
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Want to learn more about our range of water machines, and water coolers and dispensers? Check out our available products and services. Any questions you may have, feel free to ask or get in touch on 01157 845 845, or drop us an email on sales@cemavending.co.uk.
