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Igloo Countertop vs Avalon A1 Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser Side-by-Side Comparison
Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser vs Avalon A1 top-loading dispenser. Size differences apart, the Avalon A1 is by far a better machine.
Igloo Countertop Water Dispenser
Tested Using Methodology v1.0Avalon A1 Top Loading
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Overall Verdict
The Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser and the Avalon A1 are both top-loading machines. Apart from that, they are quite different in terms of design and performance.
The Igloo is somewhat larger and bulkier than similar countertop machines. Also, it doesn’t have side pocket handles so it’s difficult to move, especially for descaling.
For dispensing water, the Igloo uses buttons and the Avalon paddle levers. The Igloo buttons, however, are noisy and the hot water safety mechanism cumbersome. The slow flow rate of 12 ml/sec doesn't help much either.
The Avalon A1 paddle levers allow for effortless dispensing, even one hand for cold water, and the flow rate is a comfortable 32 ml/sec. Being a larger machine, the Avalon has better capacity for both hot and cold water. In fact, it’s one of the best-performing machines for cold water.
Both machines have a lower-than-average hot water temperature. For the Avalon, it’s 192 ℉, but the Igloo is even lower at 185 ℉. The only advantage of the Igloo, not considering size differences, is that it also dispenses room-temperature water.
Pros & Cons
- Heating time
- Simple panel design
- Adjustable feet
- Cold water performance
- One-hand cold water dispensing
- Color design
- Hot water safety mechanism
- Slow flow rate
- Hot water safety
- Water baffle
- Drip tray
- No pocket handles
- Stiff water guard
- Fixed nozzle design
Key Specs
Where to Buy
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Analysis and Test Results
Performance
Hot Water Test
Cold Water Test
Design
In the Box
Build Quality
Dimensions
Panel & Indicators
Water Inlet Controls
Water Dispensers
Drip Tray
Rear Switches
Door and Cabinet
Cord and Plug
Usability
Dispensing Water
Hot Water Safety
Bottle / Filter Changing
Cleaning
Behind the Comparison
Roger Shitaki is a writer, author, and editor. His niches are household appliances, health & wellness, and travel. He’s a freelance contributor to a Tokyo lifestyle website and a leading ophthalmology magazine in Asia.
Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.
Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.
