Elkay Wall Mounted Bottle Filler Combo Review
Product Overview
The Elkay LMABFTL8WSK EZH20 is a wall-mounted, bi-level bottle filler station designed for convenience and hygiene. It offers touchless, sensor-activated bottle filling and a mechanically-activated bubbler for easy use, even during service interruptions. With a built-in cooler, it delivers chilled water to quench thirst, while a high-quality filter reduces impurities and odors. This combo helps you stay hydrated efficiently while minimizing contact and splash.
Elkay LMABFTL8WSK EZH20 36-5/16″ Wall Mounted Bi-Level Station Hands Free Bottle Filler Combo with Cooler – Stainless Steel
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Key Takeaways
- Hands-free bottle filler with touchless sensor for hygienic water dispensing
- Bi-level design caters to all users, including children and wheelchair users
- Built-in refrigeration ensures water stays refreshingly cold
- Filter monitors water purity and signals when a replacement is needed
- The mechanically-activated bubbler still works during power or sensor outages
- Requires wall mounting and some installation effort
Why You Might Need Elkay Bottle Filler Combo
If you want to eliminate constant contact with shared fountain handles or actively reduce germs in public or workplace settings, this hands-free bottle filler is designed for you. It’s ideal if you want chilled water ready at all times and need a station that includes a bubbler for versatility. The bi-level design means it works well for varying heights and accessibility needs. Plus, if maintaining water purity is a priority, the advanced filtration system will keep impurities, odors, and tastes at bay.
First Impressions: What to Expect
Unboxing this Elkay combo reveals a solidly built unit with stainless steel construction that feels premium and durable. The package generally includes the wall-mounted station, filter cartridge, and cooling components, along with instructions. Installation is more involved than a tabletop dispenser—you’ll need basic plumbing skills or professional help, but the effort pays off with reliable performance. Right away, the sensor technology stands out for its quick and responsive feel.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 36-5/16" height |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cooling Method | Hermetically sealed refrigeration system |
| Fill Rate | 1.1 gallons per minute |
| Flow Type | Laminar flow with minimal splash |
| Filtration | 3,000-gallon filter certified NSF 42 & 53 |
| Filter Certifications | Lead, Class 1 particulate, chlorine, taste, odor reduction |
| Activation | Touchless sensor bottle filler + mechanical bubbler |
Elkay LMABFTL8WSK EZH20 Specifications
Design & Build Quality
The Elkay bottle filler combo boasts a sleek and sturdy stainless steel frame, delivering a professional look suited for offices, gyms, schools, and public spaces. Its bi-level design is particularly thoughtful—it accommodates younger users or those with accessibility needs without requiring adjustments. The touchless sensor for bottle filling feels responsive and contributes to reducing the spread of germs.
A customer shared on Amazon that “the sensor activates quickly, and the water stays chilled even on warm days. The filter monitor LED is a handy feature, so I never worry about water quality.” This indicates well-thought-out practical features that make everyday use enjoyable.
The bubbler’s mechanical activation ensures water dispensing even when the sensor or cooler is offline, adding a layer of reliability. The laminar flow technology controls splash, keeping surrounding areas dry and clean, a detail that’s often overlooked but critical in busy locations. Mounting the unit requires a fixed wall surface and plumbing access, but its solid construction promises long-term durability against heavy-use environments.
Solid Stainless Steel Design
Real-World Performance
Using the Elkay LMABFTL8WSK in a busy office setting highlights its efficiency. The touchless sensor provides very quick water flow (1.1 gallons per minute) without the mess of splashing, which means less cleanup and happy users. The cooling system keeps water refreshingly cold throughout the day, and the filter’s LED indicator simplifies maintenance by letting you know exactly when the filter needs changing.
A user recounted, “Employees love not having to touch handles. The water stays crisp, and kids use the lower level easily. It’s a big upgrade.” The mechanical bubbler is a great backup feature that ensures constant water availability, especially during sensor or electrical issues.
Overall, the combo handles high traffic without hiccups and promotes healthy hydration habits. It’s easy to see why it works well in schools, gyms, and healthcare facilities where cleanliness and accessibility are priorities.
Efficient Hands-Free Hydration
What Makes It Stand Out?
When compared to other water dispensing stations, the Elkay LMABFTL8WSK shines with its dual-activation system. While competitors like the Elkay EZH2O bottle filler or Oasis Contemporary cooler offer touchless features, not all provide a mechanical bubbler backup. This combo ensures water flow even in outages or sensor malfunctions—a vital plus for heavy-use areas.
Its built-in NSF-certified filter, rated for 3,000 gallons with lead reduction, surpasses many simpler dispensers that do not prioritize filtration or education via LED indicators. The chilled water system is hermetically sealed, promising sanitary, refreshing hydration with minimal maintenance concerns.
Additionally, the bi-level design makes this model more inclusive than many single-level units, catering to children, adults, and wheelchair users in one installation. For those focused on hygiene, accessibility, and reliable cooling with robust filtration, this unit stands apart as a comprehensive hydration station.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| ✅ Touchless sensor with mechanical bubbler backup | ❌ Requires wall mounting and plumbing access |
| ✅ Hermetically sealed refrigeration for chilled water | ❌ Bulkier than standalone bottle fillers |
| ✅ NSF certified 3,000-gallon filter reduces lead, chlorine, taste, odor | ❌ Filter replacement needed roughly after 3,000 gallons |
| ✅ Laminar flow reduces splash for cleaner refilling | |
| ✅ Bi-level design accommodates multiple user heights | |
| ✅ Visual LED filter status indicator |
Strengths and Considerations
Who Is It For?
This Elkay bottle filler combo is perfect for workplaces, schools, gyms, and healthcare centers aiming to promote health and hygiene. If you’re responsible for a busy environment where multiple users need easy access to chilled drinking water without touching controls, this combo meets that demand. Facility managers looking for a durable solution that also addresses accessibility and filtration needs will find it a smart fit.
If you seek an upgrade from basic fountains or standalone coolers, this combo blends modern sensor tech with reliable mechanical backups for peace of mind. Families with active kids could also benefit from the low-level bottle filler, which makes hydration effortless for all ages and abilities.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the best from the Elkay LMABFTL8WSK, install it in a central, easy-to-reach location to encourage frequent use. Regularly check the LED filter indicator and schedule timely cartridge replacements to maintain water quality. Keep the bubbler nozzle clean and inspect the sensor window to ensure optimal responsiveness.
If your setting has frequent outages, remember that the mechanical bubbler keeps water flowing, so train users how to activate it manually. Encourage environmentally-friendly habits by pairing this bottle filler with reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. Finally, consider professional installation to guarantee secure mounting and plumbing connections for long-term reliability.
Expert Tips for Optimal Use
FAQ
Q: How does the touchless sensor work?
A: The filler’s sensor detects your bottle approaching and activates the water flow automatically. This reduces the need to touch handles, making it hygienic and easy to use.
Q: What happens if the sensor or power fails?
A: The mechanical bubbler can be pressed manually to dispense water, ensuring uninterrupted access even during outages or sensor issues.
Q: How often should I change the filter?
A: The filter lasts about 3,000 gallons. The unit has an LED indicator that alerts you when it’s time to replace it, ensuring consistently clean water.
Q: Is this unit accessible for children and people with disabilities?
A: Yes, its bi-level design includes a lower station perfect for children and wheelchair users, promoting inclusivity.
Q: Does it provide chilled water?
A: Yes, the built-in refrigeration system is hermetically sealed to keep water cool and fresh throughout the day.
Q: What contaminants does the filter reduce?
A: The certified filter helps reduce lead, particulate matter, chlorine, taste, and odors, improving overall water quality.
Q: What installation is required?
A: It requires wall mounting and proper plumbing access. Professional installation is recommended for best results but experienced DIYers can also handle it.
Verdict
The Elkay LMABFTL8WSK EZH20 wall-mounted bottle filler combo is an excellent choice for anyone wanting hygienic, chilled water dispensing with dependable backup features. Its robust design, accessible bi-level configuration, and advanced filtration make it suitable for busy locations with diverse users.
