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Igloo Countertop vs Frigidaire Stainless Steel Water Cooler Dispenser Side-by-Side Comparison
Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser vs Frigidaire stainless steel top-loader. A mile of difference in build quality and performance.
Igloo Countertop Water Dispenser
Tested Using Methodology v1.0Frigidaire Stainless Steel
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Overall Verdict
The Frigidaire EFWC519 is one the best water cooler dispensers we have tested in terms of build quality and performance. Larger freestanding machines will generally have better cold water capacity, but the Fridigaire is superior in other ways.
Even though the Igloo uses buttons, its flow rate is still significantly slower than the Frigidaire which has old-style faucet levers. The hot water mechanism on the Frigidaire is also much more comfortable to use.
The bodywork and material quality of the Frigidaire is top grade, whereas the Igloo has a much cheaper build quality and poor joining along the sides. The Frigidaire also ranks easier for periodic descaling. The Igloo is comparatively heavy for its size and difficult to move without having any side handles.
The Frigidair’s cold water performance is one of the best putting out 6 L per hour and the machine runs a lot cooler than any other. The Igloo’s capacity is only 2.7. L but a more key difference is the hot water temperature of the Igloo. It’s only 185 ℉ whereas the Frigidaire is a standard 198 ℉.
The Frigidaire is an excellent choice for an office water cooler dispenser. The Igloo will suit a small kitchen or if you have budget restraints. However, the key is whether the compromise on the slow flow rate and the lower hot water temperature are acceptable.
Pros & Cons
- Heating time
- Simple panel design
- Adjustable feet
- Cold water efficiency
- Stainless steel body
- Light weight
- Cool to run
- Easy to clean
- Slow flow rate
- Hot water safety
- Water baffle
- Drip tray
- No pocket handles
- Cramped dispensing space
- Awkward hot water lever
- Old 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.
