Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K Drinking Fountain and Bottle Filling Station Review
Product Overview
The Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K EZH20 Drinking Fountain and Bottle Filling Station with Integral Soft Sides – Stainless Steel is designed to offer a modern, hygienic way to stay hydrated wherever it’s installed. With a combination of a traditional drinking fountain and a touchless bottle filler, this unit helps reduce plastic waste while delivering clean, fresh water. It features intuitive operation with a push-button bubbler and a sensor-activated bottle filler for convenient, hands-free use. Crafted in sturdy stainless steel, it blends durability and sleek style, making it suitable for schools, offices, gyms, and public spaces.
Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K EZH20 Drinking Fountain and Bottle Filling Station
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Key Takeaways
- Combines traditional bubbler and touchless bottle filler for versatile hydration options.
- The sensor-activated bottle filler helps promote hygiene.
- Green Ticker feature tracks plastic bottle savings, encouraging eco-friendliness.
- Some users note it requires professional installation for best results.
Why You Might Need the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K
If you’re looking for a practical way to provide clean water with minimal contact points, this dual-use station is worth considering. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to reduce plastic waste by encouraging reusable bottles but still offer a classic drinking fountain for quick sips. Whether you’re managing a public building, school, or gym, maintaining sanitary conditions is a priority in high-traffic areas. This unit also helps track the environmental impact of your community’s choices, promoting conscious water consumption.
First Impressions: What to Expect
When unboxing the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K, you’ll notice the weight and solid feel of its stainless steel construction. Installation parts are included, but professional assembly is recommended due to plumbing and sensor setup needs. The touchless bottle filler is equipped with an infrared sensor activated by simply placing your bottle below it. The bubbler features an easy-to-use push-button that doesn’t require awkward positioning. The overall design is sleek and modern with softly curved sides that add visual appeal and user comfort.
Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Activation | Touchless sensor (bottle filler), push-button (bubbler) |
| Fill Rate | 1.5 gallons per minute |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Additional Features | Green Ticker bottle savings counter, laminar flow, silver ion protection |
| Model | EZWS-EDFP217K EZH20 |
| Application | Commercial/Public Use |
Specs of Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K EZH20
Design & Build Quality
One standout aspect of the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K is its robust stainless steel build. It resists rust and corrosion even in heavy-use environments. The integral soft sides make the unit safer and more comfortable to use, reducing sharp edges that could cause injury or damage. The smooth laminar flow spout reduces splash and directs water cleanly into bottles or directly to the mouth, enhancing the overall user experience.
Reviewers have praised its solid, commercial-grade feel. One user shared, “The stainless steel finish is not only attractive but tough against daily wear and tear. The touchless sensor works flawlessly every time, which really helps in busy areas.” The green ticker display is subtle but informative, quietly reinforcing your sustainability efforts.
The push-button bubbler is responsive without sticking, allowing easy and hygienic access for quick water sips. The silver ion protection on key plastic components adds an antimicrobial layer to help maintain cleanliness, which is especially important in public or school settings. Overall, the design strikes a balance between function and aesthetics suited for multiple environments.
Real-World Performance
In daily operation, the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K performs smoothly across its key functions. The touchless bottle filler sensor activates quickly with little hesitation, delivering water at a solid 1.5 gallons per minute. This speed means you can refill large bottles without waiting excessively. The laminar flow reduces splashback, keeping users and floors dry even under heavy use.
One gym manager recounted their experience: “Since installing this unit, our visitors have embraced the bottle filler, cutting down on plastic bottle waste significantly. The easy push-button for the fountain portion is great for people who prefer a quick drink. Maintenance has been straightforward as well.”
The green ticker feature is a motivational touch, showing how many plastic bottles your community has avoided by using refillable containers. It’s a nice little reminder that encourages environmentally conscious habits.
Cleaning and maintenance are simplified by the stainless steel body and accessible design. The antimicrobial silver ion technology also gives peace of mind when it comes to preventing bacterial buildup. The unit’s dual functionality keeps all types of users satisfied, whether they prefer reusable bottles or just a quick sip from the bubbler.
Performance of Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to other drinking fountains and bottle fillers like the Haws Halseymount or Oasis Stealth series, the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K delivers a strong combination of hygiene, eco-awareness, and durability. Its touchless sensor is more reliable than some competitor models plagued by intermittent activation. The integral soft sides provide added user comfort and safety, which is less common with other brands. The green ticker is a unique feature that visibly tracks plastic bottle savings, offering users and managers a tangible metric for environmental impact.
In contrast, some competing models lean more heavily on technology but lack Elkay’s solid build or the antimicrobial plastic protection. Others may have similar flow rates but omit the dual function of bubbler plus bottle filler in one neat unit. These differences matter when you want both convenience and longer-term durability.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| Touchless sensor activation for hygienic bottle filling | Installation can be complex; professional help recommended |
| Easy-to-use push-button bubbler | Requires regular cleaning to maintain sensor efficiency |
| 1.5 GPM filling rate offers fast bottle refills | Stainless steel can show fingerprints and needs occasional polishing |
| Green Ticker tracks plastic bottle reduction | May be larger than some wall space allows |
| Laminar flow minimizes splash | Does not include water filtration capability |
Strengths and Considerations of Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K
Who Is It For?
This unit is ideal if you manage or own a high-traffic public or commercial space. Schools and universities benefit from its hygienic sensor-activated bottle filling, reducing cross-contamination risks. Gyms and fitness centers gain a high fill rate and easy access for their active clients. Office buildings looking to foster eco-friendly habits will appreciate the green ticker that motivates workers to use reusable bottles.
If you’re concerned about durability and appearance, the stainless steel finish will stand up well in busy environments while maintaining a polished look. Facility managers or building planners who want a dual-purpose water station featuring clean design and sustainable prompts will find the Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K a dependable choice.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the most out of this water fountain and bottle filler, keep a few tips in mind:
- Schedule regular cleaning, especially around sensors and the bubbler, to maintain smooth operation.
- Use filtered water lines to enhance taste and reduce sediment buildup.
- Position the station in a visible, convenient location encouraging frequent use.
- Promote the green ticker feature as part of your sustainability goals to motivate users.
- Train maintenance staff on sensor calibration and troubleshooting to avoid downtime.
- Encourage users to report any sensor glitches or leaks early to preserve functionality.
With these steps, you can ensure the unit stays hygienic, reliable, and valued by all users.
Maximize Your Elkay Water Station
FAQ
Q: How does the touchless bottle filler sensor work?
A: The sensor detects when a bottle is placed beneath the spout using infrared technology. This activates water flow automatically, so you don’t have to touch any buttons or surfaces, increasing hygiene.
Q: What is the purpose of the Green Ticker?
A: The Green Ticker counts how many 20 oz. plastic water bottles have been saved by using reusable bottles filled at the station. It’s a visual reminder of your sustainability efforts.
Q: Can the fill rate handle large bottles efficiently?
A: Yes, the unit fills water at 1.5 gallons per minute, which is fast enough to refill most personal or sports bottles without long waits.
Q: Is the stainless steel finish easy to maintain?
A: It’s durable and resists rust, but it can show fingerprints. Wiping it regularly with a soft cloth will keep it looking polished.
Q: Does this fountain include water filtration?
A: No, the unit does not include built-in filtration. It’s expected to be connected to a filtered water supply if desired for improved taste and purity.
Q: Can I install the unit myself?
A: Installation involves plumbing and sensor calibration, so professional installation is highly recommended for best performance and warranty compliance.
Q: What is silver ion protection?
A: Silver ions are antimicrobial agents integrated into key plastic parts to reduce the growth of bacteria and maintain cleaner surfaces.
Verdict
The Elkay EZWS-EDFP217K EZH20 Drinking Fountain and Bottle Filling Station with Integral Soft Sides combines sleek design, robust construction, and hygienic functionality. Its dual-use option conforms to the needs of diverse users in busy environments, while the green jacket feature encourages responsible water consumption. If you want to provide a reliable, modern hydration station that supports eco-friendly habits, this model deserves serious consideration.
