Quick answer
- 2 taps (hot + cold): enough for most homes.
- 3 taps (hot + cold + normal): worth it for offices or families who drink room-temperature water in winter.
- Bottom cabinet: choose a fridge compartment if you want cold drinks or fruit at hand, or a plain storage cabinet to save money.
- Clean the dispenser every three months to keep the water safe.
Most homes and offices in Pakistan drink water from 19-litre bottles. A good dispenser gives you cold water in summer, hot water for tea and green tea in winter, and keeps the bottle clean and sealed. Here is what to look for.
2 taps or 3 taps?
| 2 taps | 3 taps | |
|---|---|---|
| Taps | Hot, cold | Hot, cold, normal (room temperature) |
| Best for | Most homes | Offices, larger families, winter use |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
The “normal” tap is useful in winter when nobody wants chilled water, and in offices where people prefer room-temperature water. At home, many families find two taps enough.
What goes underneath: cabinet types
- Fridge compartment: a small refrigerator built into the base, handy for cold drinks, fruit or medicines. Uses a little more electricity.
- Storage cabinet: a plain cupboard for cups or a spare bottle. Lower price and lower running cost.
- Glass door: a stylish front on the cabinet; it changes the looks, not the cooling.
Features worth having
- Child-safety lock on the hot tap: essential if you have small children.
- Stainless steel water tanks: more hygienic and longer-lasting than plastic.
- Separate hot and cold switches: switch off heating in summer and cooling in winter to save electricity.
- Double condenser or fast-cooling system: chills water faster in the summer heat.
- Low-voltage operation (LVS): keeps cooling on low-voltage evenings.
Running costs
A dispenser that heats and cools water all day can use as much electricity as a small fridge. To keep the bill down:
- Turn off the hot switch in summer and the cold switch in winter.
- Switch the dispenser off at night or when you are away for a few days.
- Keep it out of direct sun and leave space at the back for air flow.
Keep the water clean
Clean every three months. Bacteria and algae can grow inside the tanks and pipes, especially in summer. Unplug the dispenser, drain both tanks from the drain plugs at the back, flush with a mild cleaning solution (or a cleaning tablet made for dispensers), and rinse well with clean water. Wipe the bottle neck with a clean cloth before fitting each new bottle.
Dispensers we recommend
2-tap and 3-tap water dispensers
PELPEL Water Dispenser PWDPL Pear 215/115Rs 31,499In stock
Super AsiaSuper Asia 3 Taps Water Dispenser HC-51BRs 31,999In stock
PELPEL 2 Taps Glass Door Premier Water Dispenser PWDPR-316Rs 36,999In stock
OrientOrient Icon 3 Grey Water Dispenser MeshRs 36,000In stock
PELPEL Water Dispenser 425 Smart RedRs 37,500In stock
DawlanceDawlance Water Dispenser Champaign DW-1060Rs 41,500In stockSee the full range of water dispensers, including PEL models. For offices and mosques, look at electric water coolers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dispenser use tap water?
Standard dispensers are designed for 19-litre bottles. Using tap water would need a separate filter system.
Why does my dispenser leak?
Usually a cracked bottle or a bottle fitted at an angle. Try a different bottle, and check the seal on the bottle cap.
How long does hot water take?
After switching on, most dispensers heat the first tank in about 10–15 minutes and keep it hot afterwards.
