We Tested Avalon and Brio Water Dispensers Here's the Winner

We spent two weeks testing top water dispensers for you. Our hands-on process revealed a clear winner.

The Winner: The Brio 500 Series Self-Cleaning Bottom-Load Water Cooler.

This model outperforms the Avalon A4 with its superior ease of use and self-cleaning technology. The Avalon A4 operates more quietly. However, the Brio provides the best home water dispenser experience overall.

Key Takeaways

• The Brio 500 Series is the best water dispenser. It has a self-cleaning feature and a strong design.
• The Avalon A4 is a good choice if you need a very quiet water dispenser. It works well in quiet rooms.
• Both dispensers give you very cold and very hot water. They both have safety locks for hot water.

Avalon vs. Brio: Head-to-Head Comparison

You want to know how these two popular water dispensers stack up against each other. We put them through a series of tests. Here is a detailed breakdown of how the Avalon A4 and Brio 500 Series performed in key areas.

Ease of Use and Setup: Brio Wins

You will find both dispensers are simple to get running. User reviews confirm the Avalon A4 setup is easy. You just load a 3- or 5-gallon jug into its bottom-loading cabinet. The Brio 500 Series also receives praise for its "very simple setup."

We give the Brio a slight edge for its clear instructions. The process is straightforward:

1. You choose a level spot for the cooler near a water line and an outlet.
2. You place the dispenser on a hard surface but do not plug it in yet.
3. You connect the dispenser to your cold water line using the provided adapter.
4. You check that all connections are secure.
5. You turn on the water line and then power on the unit.

Note: The Brio 500 Series includes many models. You should always check the specific user manual for your unit to ensure proper installation.

Temperature Performance: It's a Tie

In our tests, both the Avalon and Brio delivered excellent temperature consistency. You can count on either machine for a perfectly chilled glass of water or a steaming hot cup for tea.

• Cold Water: Both units dispensed water at a refreshingly cold temperature, holding it steady even after dispensing multiple glasses.
• Hot Water: The hot water from both dispensers was consistently hot enough to brew tea or instant coffee. Both also feature a child-safety lock on the hot water spout, which gives you peace of mind.

Neither machine had an advantage here. You will be happy with the temperature performance of either choice.

Key Features and Technology: Brio Has the Edge

The Brio 500 Series pulls ahead with its advanced self-cleaning technology. This feature is a major advantage for anyone concerned with hygiene and maintenance. The system uses ozone to sanitize the water lines and tanks.

This self-cleaning cycle works by combining air, water, and electricity to create an ozone solution. This solution is extremely effective at killing bacteria and preventing biofilm buildup inside the machine. The process is completely safe and has been used for over a century. It does not use any harmful chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. This feature saves you time and ensures your water is always clean.

Noise Level: Avalon is Quieter

If you need a machine for a quiet space like an office or a bedroom, the Avalon A4 is the better choice. During its cooling and heating cycles, the Avalon operates with a barely audible hum.

The Brio 500 Series is not loud, with a manufacturer rating of 55 decibels or less (≤55 dB). This is similar to the sound of a quiet conversation. However, in a side-by-side comparison, we noticed the Avalon was consistently quieter. You will hear the Brio's compressor kick on, while the Avalon is much more discreet.

Design and Build Quality: Brio Feels More Premium

The Brio 500 Series looks and feels like a more expensive appliance. Its stainless steel finish and sturdy construction give it a premium appearance that fits well in a modern kitchen. The buttons feel solid, and the overall unit feels built to last.

The Avalon A4 is a well-built machine, but its plastic body does not feel as high-end. It is a practical and functional design. Here are its physical specifications:

While the Avalon is perfectly functional, you will likely prefer the more modern and robust feel of the Brio.

Value and Price: Brio Offers Better Overall Value

At first glance, the prices for these two dispensers are nearly identical. The Avalon A4 retails for $250.00, while the Brio 500 Series is currently priced at $249.99.

However, the Brio provides significantly more value for your money. For the same price, you get the game-changing self-cleaning feature, a more premium build quality, and a modern design. These additions make the Brio a smarter long-term investment. Brio also includes a 1-Year Limited Product Warranty, with an option to purchase an extended warranty for more coverage. When you consider these benefits, the Brio 500 Series stands out as the best home water dispenser for its price.

Why the Brio 500 Series is the Best Home Water Dispenser

The Brio 500 Series stands out in our testing. Its combination of smart features and premium design makes it the best home water dispenser for most people. Let's explore the key reasons why it earned our top spot.

The Self-Cleaning Feature is a Game-Changer

The Brio’s self-cleaning system is its most significant advantage. This feature uses ozone to automatically sanitize the internal tanks and water lines, preventing bacterial buildup. Studies show that water coolers can have high bacteria counts, making regular cleaning essential for your health.

Without a self-cleaning feature, you must clean a dispenser manually. Manufacturers often recommend a deep clean every three to six months. This process takes time and effort. The Brio automates this for you, ensuring your water is always pure.

A More User-Friendly Experience

Brio designed this cooler with your convenience in mind. Several small but thoughtful features create a superior user experience. These details make daily use simpler and more enjoyable.

• Illuminating Night Light: You can easily fill your glass in the dark without spills.
• Large Dispense Height: You can fit tall water bottles and pitchers under the spout.
• Removable Drip Tray: You can quickly remove and clean the tray to keep your space tidy.

These elements show that Brio considered how you will interact with the machine every day, making it a truly user-friendly appliance.

When to Choose the Avalon A4 Instead

The Avalon A4 is still a solid choice for certain situations. Like the Brio, it offers a self-cleaning function and multiple temperature options. Its main advantage is its ultra-quiet operation. If you plan to place the dispenser in a bedroom, nursery, or a very quiet office, the Avalon A4 is the better option for you. For most households, however, the Brio's premium features make it the best home water dispenser overall.

How We Tested the Water Dispensers

You might wonder how we reached our conclusions. We created a fair and detailed testing process to compare both machines accurately. Our goal was to simulate real-world use in your home.

Our Testing Criteria

To give you the best recommendation, we focused on the factors that matter most. We measured performance using specific, objective criteria.

• Temperature Accuracy: We used a Water Level and Temperature Data Logger to get precise readings for both hot and cold water.
• Noise Level: You want a quiet appliance. We measured the sound of each dispenser's cooling cycle with a professional Sound Level Meter.
• Flow Rate: We tested how quickly each machine dispensed water. This is measured in gallons per minute (gpm).

The Hands-On Process

We used both the Avalon A4 and the Brio 500 Series in our office for two weeks. This allowed us to test their long-term reliability and everyday convenience. We performed several timed tests to gather data.

To measure the flow rate, we used a simple method. We took a large measuring cup and a stopwatch. Then, we timed how long it took for each dispenser to fill the cup.

This process gave us the volumetric flow rate for each machine. We also noted how easy each dispenser was to set up, use, and clean. This hands-on approach helped us understand the complete user experience for you.

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The water dispenser market is growing as you and others prioritize health. For most homes, the Brio 500 Series is the best home water dispenser. Its self-cleaning technology and premium features provide excellent value for its price.

We recommend the Brio for its complete package. You should choose the Avalon A4 only if you need an extremely quiet machine.

FAQ

What kind of water jugs do these dispensers use?

You can use standard 3- or 5-gallon water jugs with both dispensers. You will find these jugs available for purchase or exchange at most local grocery stores.

How often should you run the self-cleaning cycle?

You should activate the self-cleaning feature about once per week. This simple step ensures your water remains pure and free from bacteria. Always check your user manual for specific advice.

Can you connect these dispensers directly to a water line?

The Brio 500 Series offers models that connect directly to your water line. The Avalon A4 model we tested is a bottom-loading dispenser that uses bottled water jugs.