Elkay Hands Free Bottle Filler Review
Product Overview
The Elkay EMABFTLDDWSK EZH20 36-1/4" Wall Mounted Bi-Level Station Hands Free Bottle Filler Combo in stainless steel offers a sleek, modern way to stay hydrated. Designed with both convenience and hygiene in mind, this station delivers touchless bottle filling with a sensor-activated feature. It also includes a mechanically-operated bubbler that works during water service interruptions—great for continuous access. The system fills bottles quickly at 1.5 gallons per minute and promotes sustainability by tracking plastic bottle savings. Its thoughtful design minimizes splash and standing water for a clean experience.
Elkay EMABFTLDDWSK EZH20 36-1/4″ Hands Free Bottle Filler
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Key Takeaways
- Touchless, sensor-activated bottle filler promotes hygiene and ease of use.
- Mechanically-activated bubbler delivers water during interruptions, ensuring constant supply.
- Laminar flow reduces splashing, delivering clean fills every time.
- Some users might find installation requires professional help because of plumbing needs.
- The green ticker display encourages sustainable habits by counting saved plastic bottles.
Why You Might Need Elkay Hands Free Bottle Filler
If you’re looking to upgrade a public or workplace water station with an improved, hygienic option, this Elkay bottle filler fits the bill. With growing concerns over germs and contamination, touch-free technology removes the need to handle faucets. It’s perfect for busy schools, offices, or gyms where multiple users refilling bottles demand convenience and cleanliness. Additionally, if you want a water station that keeps functioning during service interruptions, this combo’s mechanical bubbler ensures water access isn’t interrupted.
First Impressions: What to Expect
When you unbox the Elkay EZH20 station, you’ll notice its sturdy stainless steel construction right away. It feels durable and built to withstand heavy traffic areas. The unit includes the wall-mounted bi-level filling system and bubbler fixture, ready for plumbing connections. You won’t find unnecessary extras, but everything you need for a professional installation is there. The smooth sensor surface and green plastic bottle savings ticker provide modern touches. The overall impression is that of a robust, well-designed hydration solution.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fill Type | Touchless Sensor + Mechanical Bubbler |
| Flow Rate | 1.5 gallons per minute |
| Mount Type | Wall-mounted |
| Height | 36-1/4 inches |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Special Features | Plastic bottle savings counter, Laminar flow, Real drain system |
| Ideal Use | Public or commercial |
Elkay EZH20 Station Technical Specs
Design & Build Quality
One standout feature of the Elkay EMABFTLDDWSK is its dual-function design—a sensor-operated bottle filler sits above a traditional bubbler fountain. This bi-level setup lets everyone, including children and wheelchair users, fill their bottles comfortably. The brushed stainless-steel frame resists fingerprints, corrosion, and everyday wear.
Users have praised its "solid build and corrosion resistance," making it suitable for both indoor and semi-outdoor environments. The sensor activation has a quick response time and is sensitive enough to detect bottles without requiring awkward positioning. The laminar flow is designed to minimize splash, which is not only convenient but also keeps the surrounding area clean.
The green ticker that counts the number of saved plastic bottles adds a motivational nudge towards sustainability. Some buyers noted that the bubbler’s mechanical activation is reassuring for times when water pressure or electricity might be temporarily out.
You will likely appreciate how the real drain system eliminates stagnant water, preventing mold and unpleasant odors from developing under the spout. Overall, you get a hygienic, robust water station that feels thoughtfully engineered.
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the Elkay EZH20 truly shines. Its touchless bottle filler makes refilling quick and sanitary. In an office setting, users found it easy to get the right amount of water without fumbling or splashing. The fill rate of 1.5 GPM means you’re not standing around waiting for your bottle to fill, which helps keep traffic moving in busy areas.
One gym owner shared how switching to this model meant fewer maintenance calls. The bubbler provided a reliable backup during water service interruptions, unlike simpler models that became unusable. The clean laminar water flow ensures minimal splash and mess even with different bottle sizes.
If you host events where refillable bottles are encouraged, the green ticker becomes a conversation starter and helps promote environmental awareness among visitors. The durable stainless steel also holds up well against occasional knocks or bumps common in public places.
Elkay EZH20 Bottle Filler Real-World Use
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to similar bottle filler stations, the Elkay EZH20 stands out mainly with its dual-function setup and hygiene focus. While many refill stations offer only sensor-activated filling or bubbler fountains, this union ensures accessibility for all and continuous water flow even during outages.
For example, the Oasis Bi-Level Bottle Filler is touchless but lacks a mechanical bubbler backup, which may leave users without water if electrical or pressure problems arise. On the other hand, traditional bubblers like those from Halsey Taylor are robust but lack sensor-activated technology, meaning more physical contact and potential contamination.
Elkay’s real drain system also keeps the unit cleaner and drier, a feature missing in many competitors, leading to less maintenance and fewer hygiene worries. The plastic bottle savings ticker is another differentiator geared towards promoting environmental responsibility, creating an interactive user experience.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| ✅ Touchless, sensor-activated bottle filler | ❌ Installation may require a plumber |
| ✅ Mechanical bubbler functions without power | ❌ Larger footprint due to dual levels |
| ✅ Quick fill rate at 1.5 GPM | ❌ May be overkill for low-traffic areas |
| ✅ Green ticker tracks plastic bottle savings | |
| ✅ Laminar flow for minimal splash | |
| ✅ Real drain system prevents standing water |
Elkay EZH20: Strengths & Trade-Offs
Who Is It For?
This bottle filler combo is ideal for institutions and environments where hygiene, accessibility, and water availability are paramount. Schools, for example, will benefit from the dual-level design that serves both children and staff with ease. Office buildings and corporate campuses can promote healthier hydration with the touchless technology, reducing the spread of germs.
Fitness centers or recreational facilities will appreciate the mechanical bubbler’s fallback during water pressure interruptions, ensuring athletes always have reliable water. Sustainability-minded organizations can use the green tickers as a motivational tool to reduce plastic bottle waste among visitors and employees.
If your location sees moderate to heavy foot traffic and you want an efficient, robust hydration station that encourages eco-friendly habits, this model is built for you.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the most from your Elkay EZH20, ensure it’s installed according to the manufacturer’s plumbing and electrical guidelines. You might consider professional installation to guarantee optimal sensor calibration and proper bubbler plumbing.
Place the unit in a location that supports easy access for all users, including children and wheelchair users, to benefit fully from the bi-level design. Pair the station with visible signage encouraging reusable bottle use and sustainability, amplifying the impact of the green ticker.
Regularly clean and maintain the sensor area and bubbler to maintain hygienic conditions and alertness of the water flow. Periodic checks of the drain system will keep standing water issues at bay.
Lastly, educate your staff or building occupants about the benefits of touchless refilling and the eco-friendly plastic savings tracker to foster lasting community engagement.
Expert Tips for Elkay EZH20 Use
FAQ
Q: How does the touchless bottle filler work?
A: The sensor detects the presence of a bottle under the spout and activates water flow automatically without needing to press a button. This helps prevent germ transfer.
Q: What happens if there is a power failure?
A: The mechanically-activated bubbler fountain continues to provide water manually, ensuring you aren’t left without access in service interruptions.
Q: Is the unit suitable for children and wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the dual-level design allows easy access for people of different heights and abilities. The lower bubbler and upper bottle filler cover diverse user needs.
Q: How fast does it fill a bottle?
A: The fill rate is about 1.5 gallons per minute, which is quicker than many standard fountains.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Regular cleaning of sensor areas, periodic checks of plumbing connections, and drain system inspections help maintain hygiene and performance.
Q: Does it help reduce plastic waste?
A: Yes, the green ticker displays the estimated number of saved 20 oz plastic bottles by using refillable containers, helping raise awareness and promote sustainable habits.
Q: Can it be installed outdoors?
A: While it is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, check local warranty and installation guidelines to confirm if it suits your outdoor environment.
Verdict
The Elkay EMABFTLDDWSK EZH20 bi-level bottle filler combo is a top choice for hygienic, accessible hydration in commercial and public spaces. Its sensor-activated touchless operation coupled with a reliable mechanical bubbler offers unmatched convenience. Eco-conscious features and a durable stainless-steel build make it a smart pick to promote wellness and sustainability.
