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Igloo Countertop vs Avalon A1 Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall Verdict
The Igloo countertop water cooler dispenser and the Avalon A1 are both top-loading machines. Apart from that, they are quite different in terms of design and performance.
The Igloo is somewhat larger and bulkier than similar countertop machines. Also, it doesn’t have side pocket handles so it’s difficult to move, especially for descaling.
For dispensing water, the Igloo uses buttons and the Avalon paddle levers. The Igloo buttons, however, are noisy and the hot water safety mechanism cumbersome. The slow flow rate of 12 ml/sec doesn't help much either.
The Avalon A1 paddle levers allow for effortless dispensing, even one hand for cold water, and the flow rate is a comfortable 32 ml/sec. Being a larger machine, the Avalon has better capacity for both hot and cold water. In fact, it’s one of the best-performing machines for cold water.
Both machines have a lower-than-average hot water temperature. For the Avalon, it’s 192 ℉, but the Igloo is even lower at 185 ℉. The only advantage of the Igloo, not considering size differences, is that it also dispenses room-temperature water.
Pros & Cons
- Heating time
- Simple panel design
- Adjustable feet
- Cold water performance
- One-hand cold water dispensing
- Color design
- Hot water safety mechanism
- Slow flow rate
- Hot water safety
- Water baffle
- Drip tray
- No pocket handles
- Stiff water guard
- Fixed nozzle design
Key Specs
Where to Buy
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Analysis and Test Results
Performance
Hot Water Test


Cold Water Test


Design
In the Box


Build Quality











Dimensions


Panel & Indicators




Water Inlet Controls









Water Dispensers







Drip Tray







Rear Switches




Door and Cabinet
Cord and Plug







Usability
Dispensing Water






Hot Water Safety



Bottle / Filter Changing








Cleaning










