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Igloo Countertop vs Avalon A5 Bottleless Water Cooler Dispenser Side-by-Side Comparison
Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser vs Avalon A5. A top-loader and a freestanding model with a water filter. Both a choice for the home.
Igloo Countertop Water Dispenser
Tested Using Methodology v1.0Avalon A5 Bottleless
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Overall Verdict
The Igloo water cooler dispenser and the Avalon A5 bottleless with a water filter are both potential choices for the home. The Igloo can conveniently sit on a countertop or similar surface. The Avalon A5 is convenient for its water filters that can last up to 6 months.
The Avalon A5 is the better machine with an excellent build quality and attractive stainless steel panel. The Igloo is a lower-quality machine, especially for the buttons, drip tray, and rear drainage port.
The Avalon A5 is an all-round top performer. It can produce a cup of cold 50-54 ℉ (12 ℃) water every three minutes—6 L per hour or enough for 20 people.
The Igloo produces only 78 fl. oz. (2.3 L). Although a lower capacity can be expected for the size, the Igloo flow rate is 12 ml/sec compared to 34 ml/sec for the Avalon A5.
Additionally, the hot water temperature of the Igloo is only 185 ℉ (85 ℃) while the Avalon is a standard 198 ℉. This may be a factor for a home dispenser. Also, the Igloo is heavy for a countertop model and difficult to move since it has no side handles.
Pros & Cons
- Heating time
- Simple panel design
- Adjustable feet
- Stainless steel panel
- Easy filter installation
- Cold water performance capacity
- Hot water temperature
- Flow rate
- Ozone sanitation
- Sanitary nozzle design
- Slow flow rate
- Hot water safety
- Water baffle
- Drip tray
- No pocket handles
- Drip tray attached to door
- Cold water tank cleaning
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.
