Water refill guide
Primo vs. Watermill Express: how the refill machines compare
Short answer: both sell filtered water that goes through reverse osmosis, from self-serve machines. Machines from Primo (including Glacier machines) sit inside or outside grocery and big-box stores. Watermill Express runs drive-up stations, many of which also sell ice.
Our pick: it comes down to how you get there, because the water is made the same way. If you drive and want ice too, pick Watermill Express, since its drive-up stations sell both. If you're already doing your grocery shopping, pick a Primo machine in that store. Both use reverse osmosis, so our inference is that the condition of the machine in front of you matters more than the brand. Skip any machine that fails the 30-second check.
Side by side
| Primo (including Glacier machines) | Watermill Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Inside stores, in vestibules, or outside the entrance | Standalone drive-up stations |
| Paying | Pay-at-kiosk machines: at the kiosk. Machines inside Publix, Walmart and similar stores: at the store checkout | At the machine |
| Treatment (per the company) | Primo describes sediment and carbon filtration, reverse osmosis and a final disinfection step at its self-service machines | Watermill describes filtering and purifying its water with reverse osmosis |
| Extras | Some stores sell empty Primo bottles nearby. Primo also runs a jug exchange program | Many stations also vend ice |
| Price | Set by the store or location, so check the machine | Check the machine |
| On PureWaterFinder | Primo Water stations | Watermill Express stations |
Sources for the treatment row: Primo's own explainers on its filtration steps and its self-service refill water, and Watermill Express's site. Both are the companies' own descriptions.
What's the same
- Both dispense filtered water treated with reverse osmosis, and both let you fill your own containers.
- Both are maintained by the operator. Condition varies machine to machine, so do the 30-second check either way.
- A recent study of US water kiosks (from several manufacturers, not named by brand) found lead from some plumbing parts after the reverse osmosis step. It's covered in our safety checklist. It isn't a finding about either brand specifically.
What's different
- Access: Watermill is built for drive-up. Primo is often inside a store you're already shopping at.
- Hours: indoor Primo machines follow store hours. Outdoor machines of either brand may run longer. Check the listing.
- Ice: many Watermill stations also sell ice.
Which should you use?
- Already at the grocery store? A Primo machine inside saves a stop.
- Need water late, or ice too? A drive-up Watermill station may fit better.
- Either way, check the station page for hours, water types and recent reviews before you go.
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