Momma Told Me: home appliances

This post was sponsored by Luna Comfort's B.R.E.W. Crew. All opinions below are original and mine alone.

Momma Told Me: And everyone would gather round the water cooler.

Before I existed, Momma worked a 9-5 office job assisting with copy-writing for a marketing firm. I wasn't around, but I hear many stories, growing up, of how her and her office-mates would gather round the water cooler and dish about the latest gossip and what was on the television the night before. I never really quite understood the magical effects of this simple appliance, but I knew, someday, I wanted a water cooler of my own. Of course, the water dispensers of my time are a bit more advanced then those quick draining cabinets of Momma's work years. They are also becoming increasingly popular inside consumer homes.

Whether you're considering a water cooler to simply offset the cost of filter pitchers and individual bottles, or have a high traffic area in your home where it's required, there are several things to consider. My first suggestion is to buy a water cooler outright from a manufacturing company, such as NewAir, that does not have a stake in which water you use, or how long you own the appliance. Buying an affordable model, such as the WCD-210BK NewAir water dispenser will allow you to choose your bottles sizes (2, 3, or 5 gallon) and refill at your own convenience through delivery or a refill station.

While all water dispenser makes and models might seem identical at face value, small thoughtful features, such as the WCD-210BKs 'Spike Seal Puncture' means you can easily install a sealed water bottle without the worry of water overflow and spills. Many modern models still require you to remove the water bottle's wax-like seal and quickly turn the heavy bottle upside down, as installing. This particular unit also has the benefit of hot or cold dispensing with a temperature range of 41F - 201F; which can turn your water cooler into a hot water dispenser during those blustery Fall and Winter months.

You will also want to consider the materials your water cooler is made of; as plastic water basins can sometimes add an aftertaste to dispensed water. This particular unit has a thoughtful stainless steel drum which not only keeps the unit operating more efficiently, but eliminates aftertastes and added plastic flavors.

Many first time water cooler buyers worry about the convenience of the system setup, and consequential continued operation. Back in my childhood there were two primary methods of refilling your water cooler; a costly delivery (to your door) service, or hauling the empty jog down to a spout-fill station. These days there are affordable and eco-friendly options, such as branded refill stations where you can receive a recycling credit for used bottles, refill owned bottles, or buy an entirely new filled and sealed bottle. Naturally, how you choose to keep your water dispenser full will be determined by how often you drain your jugs, and if you have a water brand preference.

When it comes to setting up your brand new water dispenser; don't be intimidated. NewAir offers a wide range of water coolers direct to your door. The WCD-210BK requires little to no initial setup. Simply be mindful not to place the unit in direct sunlight, and ensure that it is stored on a flat, stable, surface. You'll spend more time deciding whether to put it in the garage or rec room!

What Daughter Says: Create a hub everyone will buzz around in your home, with an in-home water dispenser.

*I received the following product as part of the NewAir Brew Crew in hopes I would share my honest opinions on setup and operation. Any thumbs up on YouTube towards my setup video will go towards account as a vote in a Brew Crew competition.

NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser, Water Cooler, for the Fan Cave, Office, or Home

Momma Told Me: Your father is the only man I know who could actually overdose on water.

My father is a camel. Okay, so that may not be one of the more flattering analogies, as we lead up to Father's Day, or even the right comparison, but it's been typed and we're not going back. What I mean is that my father will drink water all day long, and in as large of a quantity as he can get. As a young girl I remember marveling at the 64oz (soft drink) jugs he'd bring home from the gas station to fill with his filtered water. And, just like some people are in tune with wine or the finer notes of a good beer, he is a water snob. He can detect the most minute of imperfections and even 'flavoring' of water from it's source. Having fresh, clean, tasty (yes tasty) water on hand at all times within his home is a must. So, naturally, having a water dispenser is a logical step to the continuation of his Fan Cave.

When I was a little girl my father spent most of his time home in his office. Now an eligible bachelor with no children in the house his 'office' has turned into his living room (Shhhhh, you didn't hear that from me.) And that's understandable since it's filled with some of his favorite things, mementos of the Red Sox, La-Z-Boy recliners, and a 75" HD Flat Screen television that puts off enough heat to warm the entire room in the Winter. But my father is picky about what goes into his home- no 'unsightly' appliances sit on counters or out in the open where guests can see them. Let's face it, water dispensers aren't typically the most 'sexy' appliance. Luckily, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser is made with complimentary design in mind. It's sleek white profile is polished, simplistic, and fits in perfectly right by the patio door leading out of my father's Fan Cave.

Now, it wouldn't be a very good Father's Day gift if I just dumped the mailing box at his house and left; so I was a good daughter and stayed to help with the setup process. We first had to leave the unit standing in it's intended spot for 2 hours to allow for any settling in shipping or transit. Then we prepared our 5 gallon bottle (we'd bought at our local grocery store, which had a refill station posted outside) by removing the sanitary seal and refill plug, and wiping it down. We next installed the bottle, which is as simple as placing the bottle upside down in the unit, plugged the water dispenser in, and flipped both the hot and cold switches on. We then tested the water flow through the Hot valve, to pull water down into the unit, then let it sit for 30 minutes before beginning a cleaning.

You will want to clean and maintain your water dispenser regularly (I recommend once every 3 months, or 3 bottle changes,) and also when you first set it up, as dust may have accumulated in the factory. To do so we turned the unit off after it's 30 minute cycle, unplugged the base, and removed the water bottle. We then drained both the hot and cold valves, and the drain cap located on the back of the unit. This was about 3/4 gallon of water, which we used to water plants and whatnot. After clearing all of the water you are ready to go through the simple setup process again and enjoy your unit.

Water dispensers have come a long way from when Momma was a young girl, and even my father was impressed with the quiet nature of the unit. The WCD-200W can heat and cool water at the same time, or you may only run one temperature function as needed (hot in Winter, etc) to save energy (though it is Energy Star approved.) You may also run the unit without power to dispense room temperature water when power is not available.

One of our favorite features, however, is the small storage compartment on the bottom of the dispenser that opens by a magnetically closed door. This is the perfect place to store instant coffee packets and cups; since that steaming 176F-203F water makes a mean hot beverage in the middle of an early morning Sox broadcast! For those worried about tiny hands, the unit has a special hot water dispenser toggle that requires deliberate force and intention to dispense- and the hot water function may always be flipped off via the switch in the back.

In all, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser was a home run (see what I did there?) of a Father's Day gift, and I know it will enjoy many years of use in my father's Fan Cave.

What Daughter Says: Now my father can supplement his water addiction without missing a single bunt, foul, or home run!