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Avalon A1 Top Loading vs Avalon A4 Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Avalon A1 Top Loading

$119.99 from Amazon(+1 more)

Avalon A4 Bottom Loading

$149.99 from Amazon(+2 more)
Avalon A1 Top Loading vs Avalon A4 Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

Overall Verdict

The fundamental difference between the Avalon A1 and Avalon A4 is the hot water performance. The Avalon A1 heats hot water to a lower temperature of 192 ℉ while the A4 heats to an upper temperature of 199 ℉. You get more hot water back-to-back with the Avalon A4, however, the Avalon A1 puts out more hot water per hour—5.4 L compared to  4.8 L.

The cold water performance is not that much different between the two machines. The Avalon A1 is slightly better with cold water providing enough for 19 people per hour, while the Avalon A4 serves 18 people.

Other advantages and disadvantages are per the differing designs. The paddle levers of the A1 allow for touchless dispensing of cold water. However, paper cups are not the best for hot water dispensing considering the traction of the levers. The Avalon A4 dispenses flawlessly for any type of cup or even a large tumbler.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Cold water performance
  • One-hand cold water dispensing
  • Color design
  • Hot water safety mechanism
  • Hot water temperature
  • Perfect flow rate score
  • Night light
  • Sanitary nozzle design
  • Drip tray level float
  • Stiff water guard
  • Fixed nozzle design
  • Drip tray attached to door
  • Cold water tank cleaning

Key Specs

Dimensions
W 10.8 x D 12.2 x H 43 inches
W12 x D14.7 x H41.3 inches
Weight
30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)
36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
Loading Type
Top loading
Bottom Loading
Dispensing Mechanisms
Padel levers
Buttons
Cold Water Temperature
50-54 ℉
50-54 ℉ (10‒12 ℃)
Cold Water Capacity
193 fl.oz. (5.7 L) / Hr
183 fl.oz. (5.4 L) / Hr

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$149.00
$199.00
$119.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Homedepot
$149.99 at AmazonCheck Price on AvalonCheck Price on Walmart

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.9
8.9

Hot Water Test

8.1
8.7
Water temperature being measured as hot water flows out the nozzle of a water cooler dispenser.
Water temperature being measured as hot water flows out the nozzle of a water cooler dispenser. submit
Single Draw Capacity
15.11 fl.oz. (447 ml)
27.3 fl.oz. (807 ml)
Heating Time
8.5 fl.oz. (250 ml) / 2 min 20 sec
8.5 fl.oz.(250 ml) / 3.06 sec
Temperature
192 ℉ (88.8 ℃)
199 ℉ (92.8℃)
Flow Rate
1.08 fl.oz. (32 ml) / sec
1.15 fl.oz. (34 ml) / sec

Cold Water Test

9.5
9.0
A paper cup filled with water resting on a drip tray below the cold water outlet on a water cooler dispenser.
A paper cup filled with water resting on a drip tray below the cold water outlet on a water cooler dispenser.
Serving Capacity
193 fl.oz. (5.7 L) / hr
183 fl.oz. (5.4 L) / Hr
Temperature
50‒54 ℉ (10‒12℃)
50‒54 ℉ (10‒12℃)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.6
8.5

In the Box

Unboxed Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser showing the actual box, machine, detachable drip tray, and all bundled literature.
The unboxed Avalon A4 bottom loading water cooler dispenser showing the included drip tray and bundled literature.

Build Quality

9.5
8.5
Close up of a detachable leg stopper on the base of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser clearly showing the screw.
Close up of a detachable leg stopper on the base of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser clearly showing the screw.
View of the underside of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser showing a metal base plate.
A full length angular view of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser showing the white side panel, and black rear metal grate.
Close up of the Avalon A1 water cooler side panel and rear plate with two ventilation holes visible on the bottom left.
Font and side view of the Avalon A4 bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Font and side view of the Avalon A4 bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Top view of a water cooler dispenser showing three dispensing buttons.
Rear view of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser with a full bottle of water seen inside.
Close up of the plastic base and a stub leg on the bottom of a water cooler dispenser.
In side the cold water tank of a top loading water cooler dispenser.
Side Body
Hard plastic molding
Black metal sheeting
Front Panel
Thick white plastic
Bioguard™ plastic
Cabinet Door
No door
Silver plastic, white inside
Base
Metal plate with 4 rubber leg stoppers
PVC plastic
Extra Features
None
Rear carry handle

Dimensions

Illustrated dimensions of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser showing the height, depth, and width across in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Avalon A4 water cooler dispenser showing the height, depth, and width across in inches.
Depth
12.2" (31.0 cm)
14.7" (37.3 cm)
Width
10.8" (27.4 cm)
12.0" (30.5 cm)
Height
43.0" (109.2 cm)
41.3" (104.9 cm)
Weight
30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)
36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)

Panel & Indicators

7.8
9.0
Close up of the control panel indicators on the Avalon A1 water cooler dispenser.
Close up of the control panel and spouts on a water cooler dispenser with dispensing buttons seen on the top of the machine.
Power Status
Far left
Far left
Hot Water Test
Middle
Second left
Cold Water Test
Far right
Second right
Bottle Or Filter
None
Far right
Others
None
None

Water Inlet Controls

8.3
8.0
The water baffle removed from its tank and resting on the partly detached water guard on a water cooler dispenser.
The water baffle removed from its tank and resting on the partly detached water guard on a water cooler dispenser.
A hand holding a water guard that has been removed from a top loading water cooler dispenser.
A top view of a water cooler dispensing showing the water guard and the water needle inside.
Picture of a bended water probe or needle inside the cabinet of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Picture of a bended water probe or needle inside the cabinet of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Close up of the water pump of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser attached to a rubber bracket.
Close up of the pressure switch and piping seen in the cabinet of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
The water baffle and connecting parts seen in a bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Close up of a water baffle removed from the cold water tank of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Mechanism
Water guard with needle, baffle
Pump and water probe
Materials
Plastic
Plastic, silicone, stainless steel
Extra Features
None
Rubber pump bracket

Water Dispensers

Close up of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser. The left red lever dispensers hot water, and the blue one cold.
Close up of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser. The left red lever dispensers hot water, and the blue one cold.
Underview of two nozzles on a water cooler dispenser.
Close up view of the underneath of a hot water nozzle on a water cooler dispenser.
White cup logos on black panel of a water cooler dispenser clearly showing where to position the cup.
White cup logos on black panel of a water cooler dispenser clearly showing where to position the cup.
Close up under view of three water spouts and the panel icons and operational displays in the background.
A close up of three dispensing buttons found on the top of a water cooler dispenser.
Mechanism
2 press levers
3 buttons
Outflow Points
2 protruding nozzles
3 panel nozzles
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Extra Features
Hot Water safety button
Hot water safety

Drip Tray

7.5
8.3
A drip tray seen below a partial view of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser.
A drip tray seen below a partial view of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser.
Close up of a hand holding a detached drip tray removed from its hold on a water cooler dispenser.
A hand holding a drip tray tray removed from its position in a water cooler dispenser.
A hand holding a drip tray tray removed from its position in a water cooler dispenser.
Close up of a red water float in the drip tray of a water cooler dispenser.
Hand holding up the cover to a water cooler dispenser drip tray with the tray positioned in its slot.
Material
Plastic
plastic
Color
Gray and silver
black
Length
9.2" (23.4 cm)
10.5" (26.7 cm)
Width
3.5" (8.9 cm)
3.8" (9.7 cm)
Depth
1.4" (3.6 cm)
2.1" (5.3 cm)
Level Float
No
Yes

Rear Switches

A rear view of a water cooler dispenser showing two switches, one red the other green, in the ‘off’ position.
A rear view of a water cooler dispenser showing two switches, one red the other green, in the ‘off’ position.
A close-up water cooler dispenser switches in the ‘off’ position. The red switch on the right is for the hot water tank, and the green on the left for the cold water tank.
Three switches found on the back of the Avalon A4 water cooler dispenser. The night lights switch is on the left side.
Three switches found on the back of the Avalon A4 water cooler dispenser. The night lights switch is on the left side.
Color coded hot and cold water switches with relief script on the rear of the Avalon A4 water cooler dispenser.
Hot Water Test
Yes
Yes
Cold Water Test
Yes
Yes
Others
None
Night Light

Door and Cabinet

A bottle cap of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser changing on the cabinet door hook during a bottle change.
A bottle cap of a bottom loading water cooler dispenser changing on the cabinet door hook during a bottle change.
Door operated pressure switch inside a bottom loading water cooler dispenser. The switch operates the pump.
The door cabinet of a water cooler dispenser being opened from the bottom and not the side.
Has Door
No
Yes
Internal WxDxH
N/A
10.5 x 18.5 x 12 inches
Material
N/A
Silver plastic, white interior
Extra Features
N/A
Hook, pump switch

Cord and Plug

Close up of a three-pronged plug for a water cooler dispenser against a faded background of the front control panel.
Close up of a three-pronged plug for a water cooler dispenser against a faded background of the front control panel.
Man holding a white electric cord of a water cooler dispenser doubled across the length of the horizontally resting machine.
Close up of the three-pronged plug found on the Avalon A4 bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Close up of the three-pronged plug found on the Avalon A4 bottom loading water cooler dispenser.
Man holding the electric cord across the body of a water cooler dispenser mounted sideways on a table.
Length
6.5 ft (2.0 m)
72.0" (182.9 cm)
Position
rt side, 32 in. (81 cm) from ground
Rear right, 25.1 in from ground
Plug Type
Type B - two flat pins, one grounding pin
Type B - two flat pins, one grounding pin

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.6
8.0

Dispensing Water

8.5
8.8
A close up of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser. The left red lever dispenses hot water and the blue cold.
A close up of two dispensing levers on a water cooler dispenser. The left red lever dispenses hot water and the blue cold.
Cold water being dispensed from a water cooler dispenser with a one-hand lever operation.
Display panel, spouts, and buttons clearly shown in a close up of an Avalon water cooler dispenser.
Mechanism
Push levers
Push button
Water Type
Hot and Cold
Hot, Cold, Normal
Spout Type
Protruding
Molded into panel
Dispensing Height
7 in. (17 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)

Hot Water Safety

9.0
8.0
Hand showing how to operate a hot water safety mechanism on a water cooler dispenser.
Mechanism
Push button
Button-mounted lever

Bottle / Filter Changing

6.0
7.0
The water needle inside the water guard of a top loading water cooler dispenser.
The water needle inside the water guard of a top loading water cooler dispenser.
A water bottle being mounted onto the water needle of a top loading water cooler dispenser.
Bottle of water resting in place on a top loading water cooler dispenser.
A water probe or water needle being inserted into a bottle standing in front of a water cooler dispenser.
A water probe or water needle being inserted into a bottle standing in front of a water cooler dispenser.
A cap being placed onto the top of a bottle standing in front of a water cooler dispenser.
An open cabinet door of a water cooler dispenser with a bottle positioned inside.
Design
Top loading
Bottom loading
Feature
Water needle
Pump, cabinet switch

Cleaning

6.4
7.3
A top view of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispensing showing the water guard and the grip at the rear to remove it.
A top view of the Avalon A1 water cooler dispensing showing the water guard and the grip at the rear to remove it.
A water baffle inside the cold water tank of a top loading water cooler dispenser.
A view of the inside of the cold water tank on a top loading water cooler dispenser with the water baffle removed.
A close up showing how to clean inside the water nozzle of a water cooler dispenser using a cotton Q-tip.
Close up of a red colored drainage plug with a protective screw cap at the rear of a water cooler dispenser.
A Q-tip cotton swab being used to clean inside the water spout of a water cooler dispenser.
A Q-tip cotton swab being used to clean inside the water spout of a water cooler dispenser.
The water drainage plug with a protective plastic screw cap at the back of a water cooler dispenser.
A flat screwdriver being used to loosen the clip on the lid of a cold water tank inside a water cooler dispenser.
Inside the cold water tank of the Avalon A4 water cooler dispenser with the connecting funnel to the baffle clearly seen.
Self Cleaning
No
No
Drainage Plug
18 in. (46 cm) from ground
rear right, 21 in from ground