If you’re looking to bring a water cooler into your workplace, you’ve probably come across the big question: plumbed-in or water delivery? It’s a bit like choosing between a flat white and a long black—both do the job, but the right choice depends on your setup, your people, and how you like things to flow.

In modern offices with more flexible workspaces, sustainability goals, and health-conscious teams, picking the right cooler isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making a smart, future-ready decision. And with Big Blue’s wide range of hydration solutions, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, here’s a quick refresher:

  • Our water delivery option uses large refillable bottles (usually 15L or 19L) that sit on top of the cooler. Big Blue delivers these bottles directly to your workplace on a regular schedule, and swaps out the empties for full ones.
  • Plumbed-in water coolers (also called mains-connected or direct-connect coolers) are hooked up to your building’s water supply. They filter and chill the water on demand—no bottles required.

Both types dispense clean, chilled water. The difference lies in how the water gets there—and how much flexibility you need.

Where We Deliver

Big Blue has New Zealand’s largest water delivery footprint, and we’re proud to serve a wide range of regions. Our current delivery areas include:

  • Auckland Region – from Orewa to Te Kauwhata
  • Waikato – including Huntly, Hamilton, Cambridge, and Te Awamutu
  • Bay of Plenty – from Western Tauranga through to Te Puke and Rotorua
  • Christchurch – including the wider Canterbury region

If you’re in one of these areas, we can get our delicious, hygienic water to your door—no stress, no fuss. And if you’re outside these zones, don’t worry—we’re expanding all the time.

When Our Water Delivery Option Makes More Sense

Our water delivery option is still a fantastic choice—especially for smaller teams, temporary setups, or locations without easy access to plumbing.

1. No Plumbing? No Problem.

If you’re in a heritage building, a remote site, or a pop-up office, our delivery option is plug-and-play. No installation needed—just plug it in and you’re good to go.

2. Flexibility

Need to move the cooler around? These units are portable and easy to relocate. Perfect for events, seasonal workspaces, or shared offices.

3. Easy to Manage

Big Blue delivers the bottles, swaps them out, and takes care of the rest. You don’t need to lift a finger (except to pour your water).

4. Great for Short-Term Use

Running a conference, festival, or temporary worksite? Our water delivery option is ideal for short-term rentals—and Big Blue offers flexible plans to match.

 

Why Choose a Plumbed-In Water Cooler?

Plumbed-in coolers are a popular choice for medium to large workplaces, especially those with a steady flow of staff or visitors. Here’s why:

1. Unlimited Water Supply

Once it’s connected to your mains, you’ve got water on tap—literally. No need to worry about running out or waiting for bottle deliveries.

2. Lower Long-Term Costs

While the initial setup might be a bit more involved, plumbed-in coolers are cost-effective over time. You’re not paying for bottled water, and there’s less manual handling involved.

3. Eco-Friendly

No bottles = less plastic. If your business is working towards sustainability goals, this is a big tick in the right direction.

4. Sleek and Professional

Big Blue’s plumbed-in models are modern, compact, and designed to blend into any office or commercial space. They also come with high quality filtration, so you’re getting top-quality water every time.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Plumbed-In Cooler Water Delivery Option
Water Source Direct from mains Delivered bottled water
Installation Requires plumbing access Plug-and-play
Portability Fixed location Easy to move
Eco Impact No bottles, lower waste Refillable bottles, recyclable
Best For Large offices, permanent setups Smaller teams, temporary sites
Servicing Included in rental Included in rental
Filter System high quality filtration Pre-filtered water

How Big Blue Helps You Choose

Not sure which option is right for you? Big Blue offers free site assessments to help you figure it out. Their friendly team will visit your workplace, check your plumbing access, chat about your needs, and recommend the best solution.

And because they offer both options, you’re not being pushed in one direction—they’ll help you choose what’s genuinely best for your space and your team.

What’s Included in a Big Blue Rental Plan?

Whether you go plumbed-in or with our water delivery option, Big Blue’s rental plans include:

  • Installation and setup
  • Regular servicing and maintenance
  • Filter replacements
  • 25-step Envirosafe sanitisation
  • Responsive customer support

You get all the benefits of a premium hydration solution—without the hassle of managing it yourself.

Final Thoughts: The Right Cooler for the Right Workplace

Hydration is more than just a workplace perk—it’s part of a healthy, productive, and sustainable work culture. Whether you choose a plumbed-in cooler or our water delivery option, you’re making a smart investment in your team’s wellbeing.

And with Big Blue’s flexible plans, expert advice, and legendary customer service, you can’t go wrong.

Ready to Choose Your Cooler?

Visit www.bigblue.co.nz to explore our full range of water coolers, book a free site visit, or request a quote. Whether you’re in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, or Canterbury—we’ve got your hydration needs covered.

Because when it comes to keeping your team happy, healthy, and hydrated—Big Blue’s got your back.