Section: Questions Category: Halacha | Halacha - water cooler | | Submitted by anonymous Answered by Rav Peretz Moncharsh | | Question: | | Answer: I'm not familiar specifically with the Poland Spring cooler, but I will explain the general issues with water coolers. Most water coolers have a holding tank that maintains a specific quantity of cold water for instant use. When you fill your cup with cold water, new room temperture water enters the unit to take the place of the cold water you removed. When the temperature of the water in the holding tank rises above a designated degree the compressor comes on to cool the water to the desired coldness. Since this is only an indirect and delayed consequence of the action of filling your cup it is generally accepted as being permitted. If practical, it is ideal to open the tap in an unusual manner such as with your elbow.
| | posted:2008-05-04 19:07:28 |
Visitor Comments: 2
Rabbi Peretz Moncharsh, 2012-08-05 15:29:35
Thanks for the complement.
I looked at the brochure for the ZIP Hydrotap and it appears to have a 1.8L tank for chilled water. Consequently, it presumably works similarly to what I described previously, and would be permitted. Hot water is a much more serious issue of cooking on Shabbos, and the hot function may NOT be used on Shabbos.
Anonymous, 2012-08-02 04:54:11
First and foremost, thanks for putting together such an interesting and informative website.
I have seen your helpful answer about water coolers on shabbat.
Can I assume that this also applies to the new hot / cold faucets, such a ZIP Hydrotap, (the email program does not allow me to insert the link to the website, but it's a well-known product).
Further, would the same or different considerations apply to the hot function?
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