Are Elkay or Oasis bottle filling stations better?

Both are reliable commercial brands. Elkay is known for documented filtration performance and easy maintenance access, while Oasis emphasizes energy efficiency and retrofit flexibility.

Do both Elkay and Oasis filters remove lead?

Yes. Both Elkay WaterSentry and Oasis VersaFilter III filters are certified to NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction and particulate removal.

How often should filters be replaced?

Filters on both Elkay and Oasis systems should be replaced approximately every 3,000 to 4,750 gallons of use or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

Elkay vs Oasis: Full Comparison of Filters, Fountains, and Bottle Filling Stations

Posted by The ProDrinkingFountains Team on Nov 5th 2025

Comparing Elkay and Oasis

Elkay and Oasis are two of the most trusted names in commercial bottle filling stations and drinking fountains. Both have long histories of reliability and service support, but their systems differ in design, filtration, and maintenance features. This comparison outlines the real-world differences so you can choose the best fit for your building and link back to our Ultimate Guide to Commercial Bottle Filling Stations and Drinking Fountains for deeper reference.

Elkay Filtered Bottle Filler

Elkay vs Oasis at a Glance

Feature	Elkay	Oasis
Typical chilled output	8.0 gallons per hour at 50°F drinking water based on 80°F inlet and 90°F ambient air	8.0 gallons per hour at 50°F drinking water under the same conditions
Filter certification	Filters certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 for lead, chlorine, and particulate reduction	VersaFilter III certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 for lead, chlorine, and microplastics
Activation	Hands-free bottle filler sensor and mechanical bubbler push bar	Contactless bottle filler activation with manual bubbler push pads
Accessibility	ADA compliant when mounted per manufacturer specifications	ADA compliant when mounted per manufacturer specifications

Top Model Comparison: Bottle Fillers and Coolers

Use Case	Elkay Example	Oasis Example	Notes
Chilled filtered combo with bubbler	LZS8WSLK ezH2O	PG8EBF VersaCooler II	Both are top-selling chilled, filtered units widely used in schools and offices
Wall-mounted bottle filler only	ezH2O wall or recessed format	PGN8EBF refrigerated bottle filler	Wall models save space and suit corridors or high-traffic areas
Retrofit bottle filler kit	LZWS-RF ezH2O Retrofit Kit	PWEBF or PWSMEBQ VersaFiller Retrofit Kits	Ideal for upgrading existing fountains without full replacement

Filtration Comparison

Feature	Elkay WaterSentry Filters	Oasis VersaFilter III
Certifications	NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401	NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401
Capacity	About 3,000 gallons or one year	Up to 4,750 gallons or one year depending on use
Filter change indicator	LED visual monitor	Smart monitor with bottle counter
Access	Front-accessible quick-twist cartridge	Front service door for easy filter change

Both brands use activated carbon and particulate media to remove lead, chlorine, taste, and odor. Filter life depends on local water quality and usage volume, but both are designed for simple, tool-free replacement.

ADA, Safety, and Compliance Considerations

All current Elkay and Oasis drinking fountains and bottle filling stations use lead-free materials that comply with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Both meet ADA and ANSI accessibility standards when installed correctly. For green-building projects, many chilled units contribute toward LEED points or Energy Star efficiency benchmarks.

Maintenance and Serviceability

Elkay’s front-access filter door and LED status light make filter changes straightforward for maintenance teams. Oasis offers similar ease of service with tool-free access on VersaFilter III systems. Both manufacturers provide wide distribution of replacement filters and components, ensuring quick parts availability. Standard refrigeration warranties generally cover five years on the sealed cooling system and one year on other components.

Best Bottle Filling Station Models by Use Case

Use Case	Elkay Model	Oasis Model	Key Features
Schools and Universities	LZS8WSLK ezH2O	PG8EBF VersaCooler II with VersaFiller	Chilled, filtered combination units; ADA compliant; LED filter status light; 8 GPH chilling; reliable for high-traffic use
Corporate and Office Buildings	LZ8WSSP ezH2O Surface-Mount	PWEBF VersaFiller Retrofit Kit	Compact wall-mount or retrofit design; filtered and touchless; ideal for offices and staff lounges
Healthcare and Hospitals	LZS8WSLP ezH2O	PGN8EBF VersaCooler II	Filtered, ADA compliant, antimicrobial surfaces; low-noise refrigeration suitable for healthcare environments
Outdoor and Parks	LK4400BF1UDB Outdoor Bottle Filler	P8AC or P8ACSV Outdoor Cooler	Heavy-duty, weather-resistant design; non-refrigerated or chilled options; lead-free materials; optional pet station and freeze-resistant valves
Retrofit and Renovation Projects	LZWS-RF ezH2O Retrofit Kit	PWSMEBQ Retrofit Kit	Converts existing fountains to bottle fillers; filtered options; quick installation for schools or offices upgrading older models
Childcare and Early Education	EMABF8 Combination Unit	P8EBFT VersaCooler II	Dual-height, ADA, filtered and child-accessible; durable, tamper-resistant design

Choosing the Right Model for Your Facility

Use the chart below to quickly compare top Elkay and Oasis bottle filling stations by key features like chilling capacity, filtration, ADA compliance, and touchless operation. Whether you’re upgrading an older fountain, outfitting a new school, or planning for outdoor hydration, this selector makes it easy to find the best match for your environment and maintenance needs.

Bottle Filling Station Model Selector

Model	Brand	Chilled	Filtered	ADA Compliant	Touchless	Best For
LZS8WSLK ezH2O	Elkay	✔	✔	✔	✔ (sensor filler)	Schools, universities, public buildings
LZS8WSLP ezH2O	Elkay	✔	✔	✔	✔ (sensor filler)	Healthcare, high-traffic indoor areas
LZ8WSSP ezH2O Surface Mount	Elkay	✔	✔	✔	✔	Offices, corporate campuses
LZWS-RF Retrofit Kit	Elkay	— (non-chilled)	✔ (optional)	✔	✔	Retrofit upgrades, limited-space installs
LK4400BF1UDB Outdoor	Elkay	Optional (add-on)	✔ (optional)	✔	✔	Parks, outdoor schools, recreation sites
PG8EBF VersaCooler II + VersaFiller	Oasis	✔	✔ (VersaFilter III)	✔	✔ (contactless filler)	Schools, office buildings, gyms
PGN8EBF VersaCooler II	Oasis	✔	✔	✔	✔	Healthcare, libraries, quiet indoor areas
PWEBF VersaFiller Retrofit Kit	Oasis	— (non-chilled)	✔ (optional)	✔	✔	Retrofit projects, existing fountains
PWSMEBQ Retrofit Kit (QUASAR UV)	Oasis	— (non-chilled)	✔ (optional)	✔	✔	Sanitary retrofits, high-sensitivity areas
P8AC Outdoor Cooler	Oasis	✔	Optional	✔	—	Outdoor installations, playgrounds, sports fields

Feature Key

✔ = Included or standard
— = Not applicable or optional

Summary

Chilled units such as the Elkay LZS8WSLK and Oasis PG8EBF are ideal for high-traffic environments that require continuous cold water availability. Filtered systems across both brands use NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certified filters, ensuring clean, great-tasting water. Touchless operation is standard on most modern models, and all units listed meet ADA accessibility standards when installed per manufacturer specifications. Both manufacturers comply with lead-free construction standards under NSF/ANSI 372.

Find the Right Bottle Filling Station Today

Every facility has unique needs, and both Elkay and Oasis offer proven, high-quality solutions for schools, offices, hospitals, and public spaces. If you’re planning a new installation or upgrading older drinking fountains, our team can help you choose the best combination of performance, filtration, and compliance for your project. Explore our full selection of Elkay, Oasis, Haws, Halsey Taylor, and Murdock bottle filling stations at ProDrinkingFountains.com or contact us for expert guidance and fast quotes.