How to choose the right hot and cold water dispenser?
- Peter Hwa
- Aug 2, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 27, 2024
Understanding Water Dispensers in Malaysia
Recently, more Malaysians are seeking hot and cold water dispensers. As a layperson in the water filtration industry, I have received numerous questions about the various brands on the market, all claiming to be the best. So how do you compare them? Where should you start?
This blog aims to provide you with information to help you understand water dispensers better and make informed decisions. It will take the form of a FAQ based on the questions I receive daily. Let’s dive in.
What’s the Difference Between Hot & Cold Water Dispensers and Hot & Cold Water Purifiers?
Overseas, hot and cold dispensers are classified as devices that dispense water from bottles without built-in filters, and they are not connected to a water source. In contrast, hot and cold purifiers are devices directly connected to a water source with built-in filters to purify the water. In Malaysia, we refer to these as bottle-type dispensers and direct piping dispensers.
Which Type of Hot & Cold Water Dispenser Is Best?
There is no single brand that is definitively the best in the Malaysian market; it all depends on what suits your needs. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right unit. First, determine if the installation location has a water source and power points. If not, you'll need a bottle-type dispenser. If yes, you can choose a direct piping type.
What Type of Water Should You Choose for Drum/Bottled Types?
For bottled or drum types, I highly recommend well-known brands like Spritzer (I do not supply or represent them) because they prioritize quality, maintaining a pH around 7.3-7.7. Most drum types in the Malaysian market come from RO water, which typically has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 or lower, depending on how often they change their membranes and filters. There are also concerns about the cleanliness and hygiene of reused drums and bottles. Some brands label their products as alkaline or mineral water for a higher price (RM 6-8 for RO/drum and RM 10-14 for alkaline/mineral), which is often misleading. You can verify the pH using a tester; it may turn out to be acidic.
How to Choose a Direct Piping Dispenser?
First, select the right dispenser (hardware) before deciding on the water filters (consumables) that will produce your desired drinking water.
Choosing Between Hot & Warm and Hot & Cold
Hot & Warm dispensers are cheaper and made with lower-quality materials, lacking compressors for producing cold water.
Which Should You Choose: “Hot, Warm, Cold” or “Hot & Cold”?
There are two design types for hot, warm, and cold dispensers: one with three manual taps and the other with a single digital tap. The three-manual-tap types are mostly made in China and tend to be bulkier. The digital types look more modern and slim but come with the limitation of not being able to dispense water during a blackout (no electricity). Personally, I recommend opting for a dispenser with two manual taps for hot and cold. You can mix for warm water, and if you don't need cold water, simply switch off the power for that function.
Where Are Dispensers in the Malaysian Market Manufactured?
Typically, dispensers in the Malaysian market are sourced from Taiwan, China, and Korea. Taiwanese products are known for their large hot and cold stainless steel boilers. Chinese products come in various types at lower prices, but they often lack aesthetic appeal. Korean dispensers usually have better designs and are available in two quality ranges: high-end and budget-friendly. The cheaper models may even be refurbished. I advise against investing in refurbished models because even new, lower-priced dispensers can have numerous technical issues.
Selecting Your Ideal Water Type
To choose the right water type, consider the available filters:
Type 1 – Alkaline Filters: Produce drinking water with an ideal pH of 8.0 - 9.0 and antioxidant properties.
Type 2 – UF Filters: Produce clean water down to 1 micron using a membrane.
Type 3 – Energy Filters: Produce mild alkaline water with bio-energy quality.
Type 4 – Reverse Osmosis Filters: Produce clean water down to 0.001 microns.
Type 5 – Silver Carbon Filters: Kills bacteria, remove chlorine, odor, and color.
What Are Nano Filters?
Firstly, “Nano” (symbol n) is a unit prefix meaning “one billionth.” It is primarily used in the metric system to measure size. Nanotechnology (or “Nanotech”) refers to the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, resulting in superior outcomes compared to conventional technology. However, many products, including filters, now use “Nano” as a marketing term to mislead consumers into thinking they are high-tech, even when they are not produced using nanotechnology. Always inquire about the specific nanotech used in the products you are considering.
However, some brands genuinely utilize nanotechnology to produce their silver carbon filters, resulting in what are known as Nano Silver filters. These filters are highly effective, killing 99.99% of bacteria, but they do come at a higher cost.
In conclusion, first choose a dispenser that appeals to you based on its appearance, price, and quality. Then, select the type of water that best suits your family's needs.
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