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Lugging heavy bottles of water back from the supermarket could be a thing of the past claims Water (for Work and Home), as the UK water cooler company prepares to launch its range of models for the home.

The line includes floor-standing and countertop units that can hold 10, 12 or 19 litres of natural Kent water, including the machine pictured, which the firm believes is set to become the latest must-have kitchen gadget.

“We are all used to grabbing a cup of chilled water from the office cooler, so why not at home?” explained Managing Director Ben McGannan. “Coolers free up space in the fridge normally taken up by bulky plastic bottles.

"Water is essential for our health and wellbeing. Research has shown that drinking the recommended eight cups of water a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain cancers (particularly colon), and it helps to maintain healthy kidneys too. Hydration also has a big impact on mental performance and learning, so it’s particularly important for children.”

Following product trials carried out by staff at home, which brought back primarily positive feedback, a specific age group seemed especially taken with the units. “Children particularly seem to adopt the water cooler habit, even encouraging their friends to use the cooler when they visit,” said McGannan. “We think it’s because they see it as a fun thing to do, and of course it’s easier for small hands to operate a cooler than a tap over the sink.

The firm recently debuted the range at a Kent shopping centre, where passers-by were shown the coolers in action and encouraged to take advantage of a free seven-day trial, as well as an on-the-spot health check. A series of flexible packages have been devised specifically for the home user, which start at £6.99 a week.