Touchless coolers

In the water cooler industry, there has been a lot of talk in recent months about “Touchless” plumbed in water coolers.  These contact-free coolers use sensors to dispense water, meaning there are fewer contact points, which can help to prevent the spread of viruses.

At aqualeader we have been a little sceptical as to the benefits of their use.  For example, in a normal accountants’ office, or a graphic design studio, staff are still touching door handles, handrails in stairwells, lift buttons, toilet flushes, photocopiers etc… essentially in these environments there are going to be hundreds of contact points, so by having a touchless water cooler, you aren’t going to end up eliminating transference of viruses.

However, after receiving a sample machine from aquabeve, we can really see the benefits of this type of machine. Here’s how they work:

All Touchless coolers are set to deliver cold water as default and are controlled by Infrared sensors.  To start dispensing water, just place your cup on the drip tray. To stop simply lift your cup away and the sensor will stop dispensing mode…. It really is that simple. 

These machines are available in plumbed in/ mains fed water coolers, or bottled coolers – for areas that don’t have access to mains drinking water.  They are supplied in chilled & ambient or as a hot & cold-water cooler set-up. Hot machines come with an additional hot water safety sensor that must be activated before dispensing can occur.

Our verdict:  So far we have been really impressed by the simplicity and functionality of these machines. Certainly, they can help with reducing unnecessary contact points, and this would be especially useful in food manufacturing sites, or in organisations that have vulnerable visitors, residents, or staff. 

One other benefit that isn’t being marketed by other companies, is that they can really help people with disabilities.  If you have limited mobility, use walking aids or are in a wheelchair then standard coolers can present a problem. Our Touchless machines have allowed you to dispense with one hand, and the dispensing area is 4 inches higher, so no need to bend down to reach the drip tray. These two features alone help to make the Touchless cooler a better, more accessible water cooler option for your business.