My honest take on this free standing water dispenser

This free standing water dispenser is an excellent investment for your home or office. You get an endless supply of great-tasting water and significant long-term savings compared to bottled services.

Consider the yearly cost of bottled water:

• Average spending often falls between $405 and $1,460.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the unit's convenience and performance make it a top choice.

Key Takeaways

• This water dispenser saves money over time compared to bottled water services.
• The dispenser is easy to set up and connects to your home's water line.
• It provides clean, great-tasting hot and cold water with simple filter changes.

What's in the Box? Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the box, you immediately notice the dispenser is well-packaged to prevent any damage during shipping. Your first impression will likely be positive, as the unit feels solid and ready for daily use in a busy home or office.

Build Quality and Design

The Avalon A7 has a sleek and modern look. Its slim profile allows it to fit into most kitchen or breakroom spaces without feeling bulky. The body is made of a sturdy, high-quality plastic that feels durable. It does not feel cheap or flimsy. The dispenser's black and stainless steel finish gives it a professional appearance that blends well with other appliances.

Design Tip 💡 You will find the push-button spouts are equipped with a child safety lock on the hot water tap. This is a crucial feature for households with young children.

Included Components

Avalon provides everything you need to get started right away. You do not need to make extra trips to the hardware store. The box contains the main water dispenser unit and a complete installation kit with tubing and adapters. You also get your first set of filters, which are essential for clean water. The package includes:

• A 6-month/1,500-gallon sediment filter.
• A 6-month/1,500-gallon carbon-block filter.

This comprehensive kit ensures your setup process is smooth and straightforward from the moment you unbox it.

How Hard Is It to Install This Free Standing Water Dispenser?

You might think setting up a free standing water dispenser that connects to your plumbing is difficult. However, the process is surprisingly simple. You will not need to hire a professional plumber. The included kit gives you all the parts for a successful installation. Most people can complete the entire setup in under an hour.

Connecting to the Water Line

Your first step is connecting the unit to a cold water source. The most common place is the water line under your kitchen or breakroom sink. The installation kit includes an angle stop adapter valve. You simply turn off the water, unscrew the existing cold water hose, and attach the adapter. Then you reconnect the hose and attach the dispenser's quarter-inch tubing. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Installation Tip 💡 Before you start, place a small towel under the sink. This will catch any stray drips when you disconnect the water line.

Installing the Sediment and Carbon Filters

Installing the filters is the easiest part of the setup. The filters are located inside the dispenser's main cabinet. You will need to do the following:

1. Remove the plastic wrapping from each filter.
2. Insert each filter into its designated slot.
3. Twist the filter a quarter-turn to the right to lock it in place.
4. Flush the system by running water through the cold tap for about five minutes.

This final step removes any loose carbon particles from the new filters. It ensures your first glass of water is clean and tastes great.

How Well Does the Avalon A7 Actually Perform?

After setting up the dispenser, you will want to know how it performs in daily use. This free standing water dispenser delivers consistently on its core functions. It provides instant access to both hot and cold water with impressive results.

Hot and Cold Water Functionality

You get reliable temperature control for your beverages. The cold water is crisp and refreshing, perfect for a hot day. The hot water is steamy and ideal for tea, instant coffee, or oatmeal. You no longer need to wait for a kettle to boil or chill water in the fridge.

Temperature at a Glance 🌡️ The dispenser maintains consistent water temperatures for immediate use. Here is what you can expect:

Water Type	Approximate Temperature
Cold Water	47°F (8°C)
Hot Water	185°F (85°C)

The push-button controls are responsive and easy to use. The hot water spout includes a two-step child safety lock. You must slide a button and then press the dispense button, which prevents accidental burns.

Water Taste and Quality

You will notice a significant improvement in the taste of your water. The dual-filtration system is highly effective at removing impurities that affect flavor and odor. Tap water often has a distinct chemical taste from chlorine. The Avalon A7 eliminates this, leaving you with clean, neutral-tasting water.

The two filters work together to purify your water.

• The Sediment Filter removes larger particles like dirt, rust, and sand.
• The Carbon Filter targets smaller, unseen contaminants. It effectively reduces:
  • Chlorine
  • Lead
  • Bacteria
  • Other common tap water impurities

This process ensures every glass of water is not only delicious but also much cleaner than what comes directly from your tap.

Operational Noise Level

You might worry about a new appliance adding noise to your home or office. The Avalon A7 operates very quietly. Most of the time, it is completely silent. You will occasionally hear a low, gentle hum when the compressor kicks in to cool the water.

Noise Check 🤫 The sound is comparable to a modern refrigerator. It is not disruptive and you will likely not notice it unless you are standing right next to the unit in a silent room.

The unit does not produce any loud or distracting noises during its heating or cooling cycles. This makes it a great fit for both quiet office environments and busy household kitchens.

What's the Real Cost? Maintenance and Long-Term Savings

An appliance's true cost goes beyond its initial price tag. You need to consider ongoing maintenance and how it compares to other options. The Avalon A7 shines in this area, offering significant long-term financial benefits despite a small, predictable upkeep cost.

Filter Replacement Schedule and Cost

Your main ongoing task is replacing the water filters. This is essential to maintain the water's purity and great taste. The dispenser uses a two-filter system that requires replacement on a regular schedule.

• Replacement Frequency: You should replace both filters every 6 months or after filtering 1,500 gallons of water, whichever comes first.
• Cost of Filters: A replacement set, which includes one sediment filter and one carbon block filter, costs approximately $59.99.

Yearly Maintenance Cost 💰 Since you replace the filters twice a year, your total annual maintenance expense is very straightforward. You can expect to spend about $120 per year to keep your water fresh and clean.

This simple and affordable schedule ensures your dispenser performs at its best without any surprise costs.

Cost Breakdown: Avalon A7 vs. Bottled Water

You may wonder if buying a dispenser is cheaper than using a bottled water delivery service. The upfront cost of the unit is your biggest initial expense. However, the savings over time are substantial. This free standing water dispenser quickly pays for itself.

Let's break down the costs over one year for a typical household or small office.

As you can see, you start saving money within the first year. By the second year, the financial benefit is undeniable. You avoid the high, recurring monthly fees of bottled water delivery and the hassle of storing and lifting heavy 5-gallon jugs.

The Bottom Line: A Quick Summary of Pros and Cons

Deciding on a new appliance involves weighing its benefits against its drawbacks. This free standing water dispenser has many strengths, but you should also know its minor limitations. Here is a straightforward summary to help you make an informed choice.

What I Liked (Pros)

You will find many features to appreciate with this dispenser. It offers excellent value and convenience for daily use.

• Endless Filtered Water: You get a constant supply of clean water without needing to refill jugs.
• Significant Cost Savings: You save a considerable amount of money over time compared to bottled water services.
• Easy Installation: The setup process is simple and does not require a professional plumber.
• Great Water Taste: The dual-filter system effectively removes chlorine and other impurities, improving flavor.
• Spacious Dispensing Area: You can easily fill larger containers. The dispensing area is 12 inches tall, which accommodates most tall water bottles.
• Quiet Operation: The unit runs silently most of the time, making it suitable for any room.

What Could Be Better (Cons)

While the dispenser performs well, there are a few areas you should consider. These are minor issues for most users but are worth noting.

• Upfront Investment: The initial purchase price is higher than that of a traditional top-loading dispenser.
• Fixed Location: You must install the unit near a water line, which limits where you can place it.
• No Room-Temperature Water: The dispenser only provides hot and cold water. You cannot get room-temperature water directly from a spout.
• Slow Initial Dispensing: When you first set it up, flushing the filters can take several minutes before the water is ready to drink.

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The Avalon A7 is a clear winner if you want to ditch heavy water jugs and monthly rental fees. You will enjoy long-term savings and help reduce plastic waste. However, if you are a renter or have a strict budget, a traditional dispenser may be a better fit for now. For everyone else, this is a highly recommended upgrade.

FAQ

Can you turn off the hot or cold water?

Yes, you can. The back of the unit has separate switches. You can turn off the hot or cold water functions independently to save electricity when they are not needed.

How do you know when to change the filters?

You should follow the 6-month replacement schedule. The dispenser also has a filter life indicator light 💡. This light turns red, giving you a clear reminder to install new filters.