If you’re currently looking to buy a water dispenser here in Kenya, then this guide is for you. For most of us, buying a water dispenser can be a challenge.

Unlike in the past when the market was dominated by just a few brands, nowadays there are quite a number of options to choose from.

While this wide variety has helped bring down the prices of water dispensers here in Kenya, buyers now have to sift through a large number of models.

For most buyers, the main consideration when getting a water dispenser is the form factor, features and price.

For the form factor, you can choose between a tabletop dispenser and a stand-alone dispenser. Table-top dispensers are typically cheaper and more portable than the stand-alone variants.

The main disadvantages of tabletop dispensers are the need for a flat installation surface and the lack of additional bottom storage. This may result in less space on your countertop or you having to sacrifice one of your stools to put the dispenser on.

On the other hand, stand-alone dispensers can be easily installed in any space, such as next to the dining table or fridge.    

For the features, the main factor to consider is the availability of a hot and cold tap. You can easily tell whether a dispenser has a hot water tap by looking for any red markings on one of the taps (typically the left one). For the cold water, you’ll need to check the specifications of the dispenser to be sure. Cheaper models tend to lack the cold water option in order to keep the price tag low.

Lastly, for the price, be aware that you get what you pay for. If the dispenser’s price is very low, confirm the features first before making a final decision. Most of the lower-priced models lack cold water or hot water functionality. The lowest-priced ones will tend to lack both of these features and only allow for room-temperature water.

With these key considerations out of the way, picking your next dispenser will be a less daunting task.