Brio CLBL520SC vs Igloo Water Dispenser
Both dispensers use standard 5-gallon bottles and stand about 40 inches tall, so the physical footprint is close. The Brio CLBL520SC comes in at $237.99 with a stainless steel body and tips the scale at 39.9 lb, while the Igloo lists at $139.99 in a plastic cabinet and is notably narrower at 13 inches wide versus 15.6 inches for the Brio. With 7,500 ratings at 4.0 stars, the Brio carries a much larger review base than the Igloo's 1,700 ratings at 3.9 stars, giving buyers more data to judge real-world reliability. The $98 price gap is the central question here: whether the Brio's stainless construction and deeper review history justify the premium over a lighter-footprint, lower-cost alternative.
Quick winner
The Brio CLBL520SC is the stronger all-around pick for durability and peace of mind, but the Igloo is a practical choice if budget and counter space are the top priorities.
Key differences, measured
- The Igloo Igloo is 41% cheaper ($139.99 vs $237.99).
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Brio CLBL520SC Water Dispenser | Igloo Water Dispenser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $237.99 | $139.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Capacity / life | 5 Gallons | 5 Gallons |
| Install | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 15.6 X 12.2 X 41.4 In | 13 X 10.24 X 39.76 In |
The two contenders
Brio CLBL520SC Water Dispenser
The Brio CLBL520SC is a freestanding, corded-electric dispenser built around a stainless steel cabinet, measuring 15.6 x 12.2 x 41.4 inches and weighing 39.9 lb. It accepts standard 5-gallon bottles and is priced at $237.99. The 4.0-star average across 7,500 reviews reflects a broad, well-tested ownership record that is hard to dismiss. Stainless steel construction tends to resist staining and odor absorption better than plastic over time, which matters for any appliance that stays in continuous use. At nearly 40 lb empty, it is not a unit you will move around often, so placement should be decided before setup.
Buy this if: Buyers who want a stainless steel build for long-term durability and easier cleaning should favor the Brio CLBL520SC. People who rely on review volume as a confidence signal will appreciate the 7,500-rating pool backing the 4.0-star score. Households that have a permanent, dedicated spot for a dispenser and do not need to move it will get the most out of the heavier stainless body.
Check price on AmazonIgloo Water Dispenser
The Igloo Water Dispenser is a freestanding plastic-bodied unit designed for standard 5-gallon bottles, measuring 13 x 10.24 x 39.76 inches, making it the slimmer option by about 2.5 inches in width. At $139.99 it comes in roughly $98 less than the Brio, which is a meaningful difference for budget-focused buyers. The 3.9-star rating across 1,700 reviews is solid for a value-tier dispenser. Plastic construction keeps the unit lighter and potentially easier to position, though plastic cabinets can absorb odors more readily than stainless steel with heavy use over time.
Buy this if: Shoppers looking for a functional 5-gallon dispenser at the lowest reasonable price will find the Igloo hard to beat at $139.99. Its narrower 13-inch profile is a genuine advantage in tighter kitchens or smaller apartments where every inch of floor space counts. Anyone who prefers a lighter plastic cabinet for occasional repositioning between rooms will also find it more practical.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
What size water bottles do these dispensers use?
Both the Brio CLBL520SC and the Igloo are designed for standard 5-gallon water bottles, which are the most widely available size at grocery stores and delivery services. You can typically use any brand of 5-gallon bottle with either unit. Make sure to place the bottle on a stable surface before loading, since full 5-gallon bottles weigh about 42 lb.
Is the Brio CLBL520SC worth the extra $98 over the Igloo?
It depends on how long you plan to use the unit and how much you value stainless steel over plastic. The Brio's stainless body resists odor and staining better over years of continuous use, and its 7,500-rating track record provides stronger evidence of consistent performance. If you are buying a dispenser for a rental or a short-term situation, the Igloo's lower price makes more sense and the quality gap matters less.
How do the two units compare in size?
The Brio measures 15.6 x 12.2 x 41.4 inches and weighs 39.9 lb, while the Igloo measures 13 x 10.24 x 39.76 inches with no published weight. The Igloo is meaningfully slimmer, about 2.5 inches narrower and just over an inch shorter, so it fits more easily into tight spots. Both units stand around 40 inches tall, which is a standard height for floor-standing 5-gallon dispensers.
Do either of these dispensers include a filtration system?
Neither the Brio CLBL520SC nor the Igloo includes a built-in water filtration system based on the available specs. Both are designed to dispense water from pre-filled 5-gallon bottles, so the water quality depends on the source you choose. If filtration is important, you would need to select bottled water that has already been treated, or look at a point-of-use dispenser with an integrated filter.