Best picks

9 Best Brio Water Coolers (November 2026)

Updated on · By the eWater Cooler team

The best Brio water coolers include the Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser for bottom-load convenience, the Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser for a simple three-temperature setup, and the Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water for filtered bottleless water.

On this page (7 sections)
  1. How we chose the best Brio water cooler
  2. The best Brio water coolers by household need
  3. How do Brio bottleless and bottled coolers differ?
  4. Which Brio water cooler loading style should you choose?
  5. Which temperature and cleaning features matter?
  6. What should you check before buying a Brio water cooler?
  7. Which Brio water cooler should you choose?

The Brio 520 Series is the best Brio water cooler for most homes because it combines bottom loading, three temperatures, UV self-cleaning and a two-step hot-water lock. Choose the 400 Series if you want a bottleless water cooler Brio model, or the 130 Series if you prefer to see the bottle level from above.

The main decision is how you want water supplied. Brio's bottled dispensers use 3- or 5-gallon bottles, while its bottleless models connect to a water line and use filters.

For broader household picks, see our best water coolers for home. If you're comparing brands, our guide to the best Avalon water cooler shows a different set of features.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser
    Best for bottom-load convenience

    Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
    Best for a simple three-temperature setup

    Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water
    Best for filtered bottleless water

    Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water

    9.1/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle

    Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle

    Best for two-temperature bottom loading
    Check it
  2. 5Brio 130 Series Top-Load Water Cooler DispenserCheck it
  3. 6Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Cooler

    Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Cooler

    Best for a compact counter setup
    Check it
  4. 7Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler

    Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler

    Best for a stainless steel top loader
    Check it
  5. 8Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water

    Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water

    Best for a nightlight and bottle alert
    Check it
  6. 9Brio Water Cooler Base for Brio

    Brio Water Cooler Base for Brio

    Best for raising a compatible Brio cooler
    Check it

How we chose the best Brio water cooler

The best Brio water cooler depends on your water supply, preferred loading style and the features you'll use. We compared the listed features and specs, with extra weight on fit for the intended household setup.

For bottled-water models, bottom loading can reduce the strain of lifting a full bottle, while top loading lets you check the bottle level at a glance. Bottleless dispensers avoid bottle swaps but require a water line and filter upkeep.

Scores weigh specs and features against what shoppers looking for a Brio water cooler are likely to need. The lineup includes two non-Brio comparisons, plus an accessory, so you can see where the Brio choices fit.

ProductBest forWater supplyLoadingTemperaturesOur score
Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenserbottom-load convenience3- or 5-gallon bottleBottomHot, cold and room9.6
Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispensera simple three-temperature setup3- or 5-gallon bottleBottomHot, cold and room9.6
Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Waterfiltered bottleless waterPlumbed water lineHot, cold and room9.1
Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottletwo-temperature bottom loading5-gallon bottleBottomHot and cold9.3
Brio 130 Series Top-Load Water Cooler Dispenservisible bottle levels3- or 5-gallon bottleTopHot and cold9.2
Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Coolera compact counter setupBottlelessHot, cold and room8.8
Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Coolera stainless steel top loader3- or 5-gallon bottleTopHot, cold and room8.7
Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler Watera nightlight and bottle alert3- or 5-gallon bottleBottomHot, cold and room9.7
Brio Water Cooler Base for Brioraising a compatible Brio cooler8.6

The best Brio water coolers by household need

The Brio 520 is the strongest all-around choice here, while the other Brio models trade loading style, water supply and footprint. Pick based on how your household will refill and use the dispenser.

1

Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser: Best for bottom-load convenience

Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser, Brio water coolers
9.6/10Our score
  • Bottom loading
  • Hot, cold and room-temperature water
  • UV self-cleaning
  • Child safety lock

Bottom loading reduces the strain of bottle changes, while three temperatures and UV self-cleaning cover useful everyday features.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Bottom-load bottle changes
  • Three temperature settings
  • UV self-cleaning

Cons

  • Requires bottled water
  • Freestanding floor space needed

The Brio 520 Series is a good match if you want a bottom-loading water cooler with the common three-temperature setup. Its lower cabinet holds a 5-gallon bottle, and the design helps reduce the lifting strain associated with top-loading dispensers.

The UV self-cleaning feature gives it an extra maintenance function. Brio also includes an LED nightlight and a two-step hot-water safety lock that automatically relocks after dispensing.

Its hot, cold and room-temperature options cover hot drinks and chilled water without needing separate appliances. The 520 is freestanding, so measure the place where you plan to keep it before bringing it home.

Our water cooler size guide can help you check the fit.

Choose it if bottom loading and self-cleaning are both priorities. For a fuller explanation of the loading style, read how a bottom-loading water cooler works.

Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water DispenserCheck it on Amazon
2

Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser: Best for a simple three-temperature setup

Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser, Brio water coolers
9.6/10Our score
  • Fits 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • Hot, cold and room-temperature water
  • Child safety lock
  • Empty-bottle reminder

This Brio bottom loader offers three temperatures and a reminder for bottle replacement without the 520's stated UV-cleaning feature.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Fits 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • Three temperature settings
  • Bottle replacement reminder

Cons

  • Requires bottled water
  • No self-cleaning feature specified

The Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser suits buyers who want a simpler three-temperature bottled-water setup. It accepts 3- or 5-gallon bottles and provides hot, cold and room-temperature water.

A child-safety lock uses a two-step process for hot water. The dispenser also reminds you when the bottle needs replacing, which can make refill timing easier to track.

The main distinction from the 520 is that this model does not specify a UV self-cleaning feature. Choose it if you want bottom loading and a bottle alert, and compare the feature set closely if self-cleaning matters to you.

Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler DispenserCheck it on Amazon
3

Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water: Best for filtered bottleless water

Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water, Brio water coolers
9.1/10Our score
  • Connects to a water line
  • Two-stage filtration
  • UV self-cleaning
  • Hot, room and cold water

A direct water-line connection avoids bottle changes. Two-stage filters and UV self-cleaning distinguish this bottleless option.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • No 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • Two included filters
  • Three temperature settings

Cons

  • Requires a water-line connection
  • Filters need replacement

The Brio 400 Series is the bottleless water cooler Brio shoppers should compare first when they want to stop swapping large bottles. It connects to a water line and includes two filters for two-stage filtration.

It dispenses hot, cold and room-temperature water. Brio also includes its UV self-cleaning feature and a two-step lock on the hot-water spout.

Bottleless convenience comes with setup and upkeep needs: you need a suitable water-line connection and replacement filters. Brio identifies the replacement set as MIB200PKF.

Choose this model if a direct water supply and filtration fit your kitchen or office. The bottleless dispenser guide covers what to consider before choosing a plumbed unit.

Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless WaterCheck it on Amazon
4

Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle: Best for two-temperature bottom loading

Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon Bottle, Brio water coolers
9.3/10Our score
  • Bottom loading
  • Hot and cold water
  • Child safety lock
  • Quiet heating and cooling

This Primo option is a useful comparison for buyers who want bottom loading and hot and cold water without a room-temperature setting.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • No lifting or flipping bottles onto the top
  • Two-step hot-water lock
  • Removable dishwasher-safe drip tray

Cons

  • Two temperature settings
  • Not a Brio model

The Primo Water Dispenser is a useful comparison if you want bottom loading but don't need room-temperature water. See more Primo water dispensers if you are comparing that brand.

It offers hot and cold dispensing, a two-step hot-water safety lock and a removable drip tray that can go in the dishwasher.

Primo describes the heating and cooling as quiet, and the dispenser has an LED nightlight around the spouts. Setup requires no plumbing or tools, according to the product information.

It is not a Brio cooler, but it shows what a two-temperature bottom-loading option looks like beside Brio's three-temperature choices. Consider it if you mainly use hot drinks and cold water.

If you want to check its ice options, see whether a Primo dispenser makes ice.

Primo Water Dispenser for 5 Gallon BottleCheck it on Amazon
5

Brio 130 Series Top-Load Water Cooler Dispenser: Best for visible bottle levels

Brio 130 Series Top-Load Water Cooler Dispenser, Brio water coolers
9.2/10Our score
  • Top loading
  • Uses 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • Hot and cold water
  • Two-step hot-water lock

The top-loading design makes the bottle level easy to see, and indicator lights show when hot and cold water are ready.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Bottle status visible at a glance
  • Uses 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • No plumbing required

Cons

  • Requires lifting bottles onto the top
  • Two temperature settings

The Brio 130 Series is a top-loading water cooler, so the bottle stays visible and you can check its level at a glance. It uses 3- or 5-gallon bottles and does not need a water-line connection.

This model dispenses hot and cold water. Indicator lights show when each temperature is ready, and hot water uses a two-step lock that automatically relocks after use.

Top loading means lifting the bottle onto the cooler, so account for that when you choose where it will sit and who will refill it. Choose the 130 if visible bottle status matters more to you than avoiding bottle lifting.

Brio 130 Series Top-Load Water Cooler DispenserCheck it on Amazon
6

Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Cooler: Best for a compact counter setup

Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Cooler, Brio water coolers
8.8/10Our score
  • Countertop bottleless design
  • Two-stage filtration
  • Hot, cold and room-temperature water
  • Hot-clean function

The countertop design offers bottleless dispensing and three temperatures, with two-stage filtration and a hot-clean function.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Countertop format
  • Two-stage filtration
  • Three temperature settings

Cons

  • Needs counter space
  • Water-line setup details need checking

The Brio 800 Series Countertop Water Cooler is a bottleless option for a workspace or counter. It has hot, cold and room-temperature dispensing, two-stage filtration and a hot-clean function that circulates hot water through the reservoirs and internal parts.

The stated dispense height is 11 in, which can help when filling taller bottles and pitchers. Its digital display also fits the countertop format, but you'll need to plan for its footprint and water-line setup.

Choose the 800 if you want a counter-height bottleless dispenser. Compare its available space and connection needs with the freestanding Brio 400 before deciding.

Brio 800 Series Countertop Water CoolerCheck it on Amazon
7

Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler: Best for a stainless steel top loader

Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler, Brio water coolers
8.7/10Our score
  • Top loading
  • Fits 3- or 5-gallon bottles
  • Hot, cold and room-temperature water
  • Child safety lock

This top-loading Brio gives you three temperatures and a stainless steel cabinet, with a visible bottle level.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Three temperature settings
  • Visible bottle level
  • Child safety lock

Cons

  • Requires lifting the bottle onto the top
  • No UV feature in the listed features

The Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water Cooler gives you three temperatures and a hot-water safety lock in a stainless steel cabinet. Its top-loading design lets you see the bottle level without opening a lower compartment.

It fits 3- or 5-gallon bottles and is freestanding. The product description also mentions a self-cleaning ozone feature, but the core feature bullets focus on the temperature settings, loading style and safety lock.

Choose it if you want a top loader with room-temperature water as well as hot and cold. Be ready to lift the bottle during refills.

Brio Limited Edition Top Loading Water CoolerCheck it on Amazon
8

Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water: Best for a nightlight and bottle alert

Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler Water, Brio water coolers
9.7/10Our score
  • Bottom loading
  • Hot, cold and room-temperature water
  • Nightlight
  • Empty-bottle indicator

This Avalon pick provides a useful comparison with Brio, adding a built-in nightlight and an indicator that lights when the bottle needs replacing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Bottom loading
  • Three temperature settings
  • Nightlight and empty-bottle indicator

Cons

  • Not a Brio model
  • Requires bottled water

The Avalon A4 is included as a non-Brio comparison for shoppers weighing a bottom-loading design against Brio models. It has hot, cold and room-temperature settings, plus a built-in nightlight and an empty-bottle indicator.

The stainless steel cabinet is 41 in tall. Avalon says the high-contact areas have a BioGuard antimicrobial coating, so consider that feature alongside the cooler's loading style and temperature options.

Choose the A4 if the nightlight and bottle alert stand out in your comparison. For more brand options, see best water coolers for offices.

Avalon A4BLWTRCLR Bottom Loading Water Cooler WaterCheck it on Amazon
9

Brio Water Cooler Base for Brio: Best for raising a compatible Brio cooler

Brio Water Cooler Base for Brio, Brio water coolers
8.6/10Our score
  • Adds nearly 9.5 in of height
  • Fits select Brio models
  • Anti-tip design
  • No-slip rubber feet

This base raises select Brio coolers for easier filling and filter or bottle changes. Check the model compatibility list before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Adds nearly 9.5 in of height
  • Fits several Brio 320, 420, 520 and Moderna 720 models
  • Includes installation kit

Cons

  • Accessory only, not a dispenser
  • May take two people to lift the cooler onto it

The Brio Water Cooler Base is an accessory for select Brio 320, 420, 520 and Moderna 720 models, not a water dispenser. It adds nearly 9.5 in of height, which can make filling bottles and pitchers easier.

The base has a molded plastic body, a stainless steel front and no-slip rubber feet. Its compatibility list includes specific model numbers, so match your cooler before ordering.

Choose it if you own a compatible Brio model and want a higher dispensing point. The installation instructions may require two people to lift the cooler onto the base.

Brio Water Cooler Base for BrioCheck it on Amazon

How do Brio bottleless and bottled coolers differ?

A Brio bottleless cooler connects to a water line, while a bottled model uses a 3- or 5-gallon jug. Bottleless models remove bottle changes from the routine but need a suitable connection and filter replacements.

The Brio 400 and 800 are bottleless choices in this roundup. The 520, 420V2, 130 and Limited Edition models use bottles, with bottom-loading designs on some models and top loading on others.

If your main concern is household fit, compare these options with our best water coolers for home guide. For ice alongside chilled water, see the ice maker buying guide.

Which Brio water cooler loading style should you choose?

Choose bottom loading if you want to slide the bottle into a lower cabinet instead of lifting it onto the top. Choose top loading if seeing the bottle level is useful and lifting the bottle is manageable.

The Brio 520 and 420V2 are bottom-loading models in this group, while the Brio 130 and Limited Edition are top loaders. The 400 is bottleless, so its supply setup depends on a water-line connection instead.

Check the room around the cooler, too. Measure the floor or counter space, route for any water line and access needed to replace a bottle or filter.

For a built-in alternative, compare under-counter ice and water dispensers.

Which temperature and cleaning features matter?

Three-temperature models offer hot, cold and room-temperature water, while the Brio 130 offers hot and cold. Self-cleaning features appear on the Brio 520 and 400, and the 800 has a hot-clean function.

Choose temperatures based on what you regularly drink and prepare. A hot-water safety lock is useful in a home where children may reach the dispenser.

Cleaning features don't remove the need to follow the model's care instructions. Keep filter changes, drip-tray cleaning and other routine maintenance in mind when comparing the options.

What should you check before buying a Brio water cooler?

Measure the available space and choose the supply type first. Then confirm the loading style, temperature settings, safety lock and maintenance tasks that fit your household.

For a bottleless model, plan for its water-line connection and the space needed to change filters. For a bottled dispenser, decide whether you'd rather see the bottle level or avoid lifting it onto the cooler.

A Brio base can raise compatible dispensers, but its fit depends on the model number. Check compatibility before choosing the base, and use a separate water cooler buying guide if you're comparing brands or dispenser types.

Which Brio water cooler should you choose?

Choose the Brio 520 for bottom loading, three temperatures and UV self-cleaning, or the Brio 400 if you want a bottleless model with two-stage filters. Pick the Brio 130 when visible bottle levels matter more than avoiding bottle lifting.

The 800 is the countertop bottleless pick, while the 420V2 and Limited Edition suit different bottled-water preferences. If your search is specifically for a Brio water cooler bottleless model, start by comparing the 400 and 800's setup and footprint.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser
    Best for bottom-load convenience

    Brio 520 Series Self Cleaning Water Dispenser

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
    Best for a simple three-temperature setup

    Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water
    Best for filtered bottleless water

    Brio 400 Series Self-Cleaning UV Bottleless Water

    9.1/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Which Brio water cooler is best for most homes?

The Brio 520 Series suits households that want bottom loading, hot, cold and room-temperature water, UV self-cleaning and a hot-water safety lock. Choose the Brio 400 if you want a bottleless model connected to a water line, or the Brio 130 if you prefer a top-loading bottled-water cooler.

Is a Brio bottleless water cooler right for you?

A bottleless Brio can suit you if you have a suitable water-line connection and want to avoid replacing large bottles. The 400 Series includes two-stage filters and UV self-cleaning.

Read our bottleless water dispenser guide to understand the setup tradeoffs.

Should you choose a Brio bottom-loading water cooler?

Choose a bottom loader if you want to slide the bottle into a lower cabinet instead of lifting it onto the dispenser. Brio's 520 and 420V2 models both offer hot, cold and room-temperature water.

Our bottom-loading cooler guide explains how the bottle and pump setup works.

What should you check before buying a Brio water cooler?

Check the water supply type, loading style, available floor or counter space, temperature settings and safety features. For bottleless models, plan for a water-line connection and filter changes.

Our water cooler buying guide walks through these decisions.