Bottom load water dispensers are designed for ease of use, keeping the water bottle hidden and out of sight. Unlike traditional top-loading models where the bottle sits precariously on top, bottom load dispensers streamline the bottle replacement process.
At their core, bottom load water dispensers function similarly to top-load models in that they utilize a water bottle as the supply source. However, the key difference lies in the bottle's location: the water bottle mounts in the bottom half of the dispenser, in a covered compartment.
How Water Travels from Bottom to Top
So, how does the water get from the bottle in the bottom compartment to the taps at the top?
- Bottle Placement: A standard water bottle (typically 3 or 5 gallons) is placed upright inside the dispenser's lower cabinet.
- Water Intake: A probe or tube is inserted into the bottle's opening. This tube extends down into the water.
- Pumping Mechanism: Bottom load dispensers incorporate a small electric pump. When water is needed, this pump is activated.
- Water Delivery: The pump draws water up through the tube from the bottle.
- Reservoir Filling: The pumped water is delivered to internal reservoirs located near the top of the dispenser. There are typically separate reservoirs for:
- Cold water (chilled via a cooling mechanism)
- Hot water (heated via a heating element)
- Sometimes, a room temperature water reservoir.
- Dispensing: When a user presses the hot or cold water tap, water is released from the corresponding reservoir.
This system eliminates the need to lift heavy bottles onto the top of the dispenser, making replacements significantly easier and reducing the risk of spills and strain. The lower cabinet hides the bottle, contributing to a cleaner look.
Advantages of Bottom Load Dispensers
- Ergonomics: Easy bottle changes without heavy lifting.
- Aesthetics: The bottle is concealed within the base.
- Space-Saving: Often have a smaller visual footprint compared to top-load models with a bottle on top.
- Reduced Spills: Less chance of water spillage during bottle changes.
While the initial cost might be slightly higher due to the added pump mechanism, the convenience and design benefits make bottom load dispensers a popular choice for homes and offices.
