A Water Dispenser Comparison: The B4 vs E6

Thinking of moving from a B4 and a E6? Left asking “what are the differences?” and “is the new model really worth it?” – Our specialists are here to help you.

Here at Borg & Overström, we have achieved a world-wide presence through over 20 years of design-led manufacturing, and as the manufactures of both the B4 and the E6, we know both their strengths and weaknesses. But which water dispenser suits your needs?

In this comparison article, you will learn about the major differences between the two models, and by the end, you’ll know exactly which water dispenser best suits your needs.

Hot, Cold, and Sparkling Water Dispensers: How Many Dispense Options Do You Need?

One of the most important questions that will help match the perfect water dispenser to you is: “What dispense options do you need?”

Both the B4 and E6 feature a hot dispensing option, however, the E6 does take this one step farther in its available dispense options.

Previously, as is the case with the B4, renters or purchasers could only enjoy up to three of the four (chilled, ambient, sparkling, hot) dispense options. This includes:

• Chilled & Ambient
• Chilled, Hot & Ambient
• Chilled, Ambient & Sparkling
• Chilled, Hot & Sparkling

The reason behind this limitation of only having 3 out of the total 4 options is simple – it was the technology of the time.

In comparison, the E6’s demonstrates the latest technological advancement by featuring all 4 available dispense options, and is capable of dispensing all four options in a single model. This includes:

• Chilled & Ambient
• Chilled, Sparkling & Ambient
• Chilled, Ambient & Hot
• Chilled, Sparkling, Ambient & Hot

Put simply, the E6 is capable of dispensing all 4 options in a single dispenser: chilled, sparkling, ambient & hot – a perfect solution to the end-user who needs a variety of dispense options.

Our research has continually revealed that a significant and rising number of customers want their units to include ambient options; not everyone prefers chilled water.

With this in mind, the E6 has the versatility to cover all end-user preferences and no office space goes without. But do you need to cover all bases?

Take a moment to consider how many end-users will be using your dispenser, what their preferences may be and whether or not there is already a hot tap, coffee machine or kettle to make hot drinks.

B4 vs E6: Comparing Dispense Height

When evaluating the floorstanding models, the E6 boasts a higher dispense height than the B4. With the E6 dispense height being 290mm to the B4’s 270mm, there is a difference of 20mm.

Both countertop units share the same 415mm of overall height and are equally valid choices for height alone – capable of refilling water bottles and sport performance bottles alike.

Water Dispenser Protection: Comparing Hygiene

Both of these dispensers are designed with size efficiency in mind, coupled with a simple aesthetic design and integrated advanced technology.

The B4’s touch panel has an entirely flush, even surface with no indentation around the buttons. This design prevents germs from building up.

The E6’s design takes this one step farther. The new design features an improved touch panel with the added attribute of antimicrobial coating. This coating reduces the need for routine wiping, as it breaks down bacterial multiplication automatically.

The divergence here is how big a priority infection control is for your workspace.

Both B4 and E6 are compatible with the extra hygienic bonuses of footswitch and remote app-controlled dispensing. The difference here is that the E6 comes with the latter pre-installed.

As such, the facilities manager who doesn’t want to go through the extra steps of getting accessories retrofitted, would be better served by the E6.

Here is an example of a footswitch price from a distributor’s website. This difference, like many, is reflected in the price. A higher fee for a E6 now means you aren’t paying an extra £100+ after acquiring your B4. 

The same can be said of our Totality^® methodology. One of the more prominent milestones in this six-part achievement is ultraviolet water treatment, which the E6 will debut.

This newest incarnation of UV filtration comes in the form of an LED bulb; a step beyond the current mercury lamp. Longer lasting and more efficient, the new LED addition comes built into the E6 as a factory-fitted option and is not an external accessory added on.

Also found on every E6 is Biomaster^® – protective antimicrobial technology which prevents bacteria from multiplying and mould from growing, further reducing maintenance costs and labour.

Will you get by with the main touch point (the control panel) being protected, or will your dispenser see such frequent usage and contact that this extra precaution is needed?

B4 vs E6: Comparing Performances

The E6 delivers 80 litres-per-hour on the dispensing front, firmly bypassing the B4’s peak of 35, and with no extra wasted energy.

That’s good for those who require such a high output, but outside of certain environments (namely HORECA) your dispenser may not often be running at capacity.

This increased dispense output has been made possible by switching all E6 dispensers to Dry Chill^® technology.

Previous models like the B4 use ice bank technology, which relies on water as a coolant. Though effective, this means water must be retained within the model, ultimately stagnating if the unit goes unused for a long time. But this is only a problem if your B4 sees extended periods of inactivity, and is easily fixed.

Dry Chill^® on the other hand, consists of a compact aluminium block which is a superior conductor of heat transfer and requires no water to be kept in a tank – reducing the risk of any stagnation or water leakages.

Borg & Overström: A New Water Dispenser Generation

Due to our innovation roadmap, the E6 wins this category outright for one reason: it is part of our certified Maktens Borg range. This range comes with a seal of craftsmanship reserved only for our nearshore manufacture products, marking it as the standard bearer for a new generation of our products.

This is the story of Maktens Borg.

B4 vs E6: Comparing Water Dispenser Technology

The E6 is more advanced on the technological front from a standpoint of sophistication. But, this does not necessarily make the E6 a better fit for your particular business.

The B4’s main appeal here applies to just about every other category in this comparison, and one we revisit in our honest review of the B4: It’s a less intricate version of the same function. It’s time tested and has successfully satisfied end-user needs on many fronts for many years.

The core of the E6 demonstrates progress, and comes with qualities which have laid the groundwork for upcoming technological advancement without major hardware changes.

A E6 means a more expensive purchase or rental, with an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of how the next generation of water dispensers will feel and operate. As covered in our cost article of the E6, the added expense provides better specifications and different end-user convenience. One such example that we have already covered is the option of having all four (hot, sparkling, ambient, and cold) dispense options. You can find a full list of features and limitations in our in-depth review of the E6.

In comparison, the B4’s advantage is the same one it retains in all comparative categories: it’s a tried and proven water dispenser which has stood the test of time in serving end-users and helping distributors thrive.

B4 vs E6: Comparing Installation Specifications

For the first time, a Borg & Overström water dispenser will be installable with a three-quarter inch male BSP (British Standard pipe) connection base, above the old quarter-inch Push Fit connection.

This means the E6 can accommodate different fittings and tubing sizes without restriction. Users anxious to keep the features of their B4 will find them preserved, with even more flexibility for these extra parts.

Previous products had no PRV (pressure reducing valves), which were only an optional part of the install kit. Starting with the E6, all new watercoolers will have this built-in.

More options for fitting means more compatibility and versatility, wherever you choose to keep your water dispenser.

B4 vs E6: Comparing Sustainability

All E6 dispensers are manufactured with R290 refrigerant gas – a far less wasteful option which massively reduces emissions and damage to the ozone layer. Borg & Overström has now established a confident streak of improving the eco-friendliness of its products with each new release and upgrade.

Note: only B4s manufactured after the December 21 2021 deadline come with this gas, but the green credentials of these newer models are not lessened in any way.

When evaluating the power consumption during usage, the B4 comes out on top. Its minimal output is 100W and its peak is 650W. Compare the figures on the image below.

B4 Specifications:

E6 Specifications:

However, favouring the E6 on this front is Eco mode software.

EcoMode software is built into every E6 and is unavailable on the B4.  Eco mode saves the user money by auto-regulating power consumption when the dispenser is idle, inducing a “sleep mode” that the E6 can be instantly pulled out of.

B4 vs E6: Which Water Dispenser Is Best For You?

As we have explored, both the B4 and E6 are:

• Compact
• Aesthetic
• Powered by advanced technology
• Energy-efficient
• Environmentally-friendly
• Built with hygiene features for user safety

Their differences are predominantly found in the added features of the E6, against the time tested reliability of the B4.

Before making your final decision, consider how much weight each factor holds in their unique workspace and which dispenser holds the edge for those factors.

As manufacturer and designers of both the B4 and the E6, providing all the comparative information is all we can do – the final decision is yours.

Here at Borg & Overström, we understand the importance of making a financial investment, and as such, want you to feel wholly comfortable and know that you’re investing in the perfect water dispenser for you.

If you’re looking for more information on the B4, our experts have dedicated their time to help provide you with a complete and comprehensive review of the B4. From strengths to weaknesses, everything ‘B4’ is covered in this extensive review.

Similarly, if you’re looking for more information on the E6, our specialists behind the design and manufacturing of the E6 have sat down and provided you with a thorough and honest review of the E6. Listing the key benefits to the possible limitations, this review provides you with an all-inclusive overview of the E6.

To learn more about the technical specifications of either the B4 or E6, visit their respective products pages: E6 product page – B4 product page.

We’re here to help you. Specialising in the constantly changing landscape of the water industry, we’ve helped hundreds of customers find their ideal fit. So, if you have any further questions or information regarding recommendations – contact us – our expert staff are ready and waiting to help you.