If you love the idea of drinking fresh filtered water, but hate the hassle of frequently filling a pitcher or simply don't want to devote space in your refrigerator to a larger dispenser, then the Brita Water Cooler may be the solution.

This unit resembles a traditional freestanding water cooler, but with one major difference. The Brita Water Cooler comes with a refillable 3-gallon water jug, which you fill with your own tap water. Once the jug is flipped onto its base, the water drips through a filtration bin, outfitted with two standard Brita filters.

The Brita filters have been proven to remove 98 percent of lead, as well as reduce sediment chlorine, copper, mercury, cadmium, and benzene, while leaving a healthy level of fluoride, a water additive in municipal tap water that promotes strong teeth. Plus, the Brita filtration system delivers clean, clear water at less than half the cost of bottled water or home delivery.

The Brita Water Cooler DS1000W has the added benefit of being able to dispense both chilled AND hot water, making it perfect for a quick cup of tea, cocoa, or instant soup. The two dispensing taps have flip-down levers for quick, easy pouring. The cold water thermostat is set to deliver water at approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit; for colder water you can adjust the thermostat by turning the screw. The hot water tap delivers water that is approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit and has a child safety mechanism to prevent accidental scalding.

The white 11x11-inch base stands approximately 48 inches tall and weighs about 35 pounds (not including the weight of the filled water tank).

Additional features of the Brita Water Cooler DS1000W include a removable drip tray, splash-reduction cap on water jug, and bottle cover. The two supplied filters should be replaced every four months or after filtering approximately 80 gallons of water.