Customer Reviews

Primo Water Cooler & Dispenser Bottom Loading Hot & Cold Water Stainless Steel Dual LED Night-lights

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I bought one of these six months ago because I thought bottom loading was a great idea. Even after following the cleaning instructions in detail the water still tasted of plastic and a few days later the unit started smelling of burnt plastic. I called Primo customer support and they told me the unit must be faulty and I should return it. I returned it and I got another one and the water tasted fine. A couple of months later and the unit constantly beeps and flashes indicating the water bottle must be replaced. The problem is the water bottle is full or half full when it does that and when I take the bottle out it is under tremendous pressure since no water is flowing into the unit. I called Primo again and they had no solution. Its too late to return it. Money down the drain. I absolutely would not recommend this to anyone. Primo should recall these dispensers and issue a full refund, but its probably too late for me anyway since I now equate Primo with Problemo.

This unit was looks very good. The water is a bit pricey ($12 for 3 gallons and $17 for 5 gallons) The refills are not much cheaper. Anyway, go the unit and the water tasted terrible. Had to run 4 gallons of water mixed with 32 oz white distilled vinegar to get the aweful taste out. After that, the water tasted normal. Had it for 2 weeks and the pump went out. The water was not filling up the reservoir so no water at all anymore. Had to return it. I am glad it broke this early before the warranty runs out on it.

Cold water stopped being cold. Called the manufacturer, who ran me threw adjusting the thermostat. That didn't work. They then told me the compressor was probably broken. Returned it and arranged for bottled water delivery.

It's a beautiful unit. I've had no problem with it maybe only time will tell. Water tastes great I followed the instructions pertaining to dispensing and disposing of at least one quart of water prior to drinking any water. Very happy with PRIMO Model# 900129A. Easy to load the bottles compared to top loading of which I had problems with as I'm a female senior citizen.

This water cooler looks attractive and works well, HOWEVER, the taste of the water it dispenses is AWFUL! We tried many different types of water, tried cleaning it per instructions several times and still...bad tasting water. It tastes like plastic...not very healthy!

We live in an area with bad water, so this is our primary drinking source. We use it all the time, and after 8 months there isn't a single hitch. Cleaning is easy and minimal. It's sturdy and looks nice in the kitchen. It was recommended by other people in our squadron because I wouldn't be capable of changing a top loading 5 gallon bottle on my own while my husband is deployed. This way, I can change the bottles as easily as my husband can. The hot water is hot enough to brew a good cup of tea...and I'm a tea water snob (pro kettle, anti microwave), so that says a lot. The cold water dispenser gives refrigerator-temp water. The safety button on the hot water is good for toddlers, but I hear older kids can use it easily. The metal sides also allow magnets. If Amazon is out of stock, try Lowes. They carry it nation wide. Note: We originally bought bottles from WalMart, but the "standard" bottle didn't fit with this dispenser. We then bought a Primo bottle from Lowes, and it fit beautifully. They say you can use any 5-gallon bottle, but save yourself the hasstle and just get a Primo one. At least they have a great recycle program that saves you money when you return the bottle for a new one.

I bought mine online from a chain home improvement store. There are a few different model numbers of this one out there. And as far as I can figure out there is no difference between them except some having a slide out tray or two seperate on/off switches for the hot and cold water. But also some sites aren't up to date with their listings. As far as I can tell with some research and reading other reviews is that the earlier models had a slide out tray but the new ones don't. Some models have one on/off switch for only the hot or cold instead of both. So I guess it might be hit or miss with some features. But other than those two issues the unit is basically the same between all of them. The stainless steel one is the most common one. Sam's club has one online that is like an off white oatmeal or something like that. But that model has a hot/cold and room temperature. It is about [...]+shipping. Lowes has one that is about [...]+shipping which is light charcoal grey with just hot/cold.

The water cooler is made of thin aluminum and can be easily dented. Except for the black parts of the macine which is made of plastic. There are some cosmetic quality control issues, but oh well. Mine came with dings on it and I had to return it for another. Also it is recommended that things with refrigerant be in the upright position. Well who knows what position they are in and how they are being tossed around during shipping. So I wonder if this affected some peoples water coolers complaining about the off taste because of the fluids in the pumps and what not. It is recommended you let the unit sit upright for several hours first before setting it up.

I was debating about sticking with the standard top mount bottle because of less parts to worry about breaking down. I.e. motor, pump, hoses, seals, etc. But on the other hand bottom load safer than top load tipping over and top load unsightly. Unit does make a little noise when pumping, but brief and not annoying. It is a little noticeable when water heats though. Green led lights helps when filling up cup because the water reflects and you can see the water level.

It is easier to load the water from the bottom than lifting it up and pushing down on the jug to pop the seal on the cap on a top loader. But you do have to do some work with the bottom loader. You have to remove the cap on the bottle and place the cap from the unit that has a rubber sleeve that slides over the neck of the bottle. You then have to screw down the tightening nut by hand. Kind of awkward because the nut is roughly about 4 inches in diameter because it fits around the rubber sleeve and bottle neck. You can't just use one hand and tighten it down becasue of the hoses and it sits lower from the top of the base of the set up that goes onto your bottle. So you have two use both hands (one on each side) to screw it down, and it does take a little effort. Something you might wan't to consider if you have arthritis. I question how long this set up will last because it is made of a rubber sleave and plastic screw down. I found I do not need to screw it all the way down to the bottom and it works just fine. Didn't want to put stress on the cheap parts.

I cleaned with bleach per the instructions. I am on my second 5 gallon jug and the water does have a plastic taste to it. There is also a slight plastic aroma from the machine. I am assuming it is from the pump. And is probably infusing the the water with the air it draws in to pressurize the bottle.

I will update if the taste persists or if any other problems arise later on.

I purchased a Primo bottom loading water cooler and it apparently has a plastic reservoir inside it for the water. It tastes terrible! I followed the directions from the factory and my water distributor by running hot lemon juice through it (many times!) and several gallons of vinegar (also boiling hot) --- to no avail. The taste is too bad to keep the cooler. I tried two (2) of them and took them both back --- finally to just get my money back! YUK! and .... lots of luck if you buy one!!