by Fern Shaw | Feb 4, 2026 | Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers
This was supposed to be a straightforward, C-for-serious blog about hot water bottles and the clever clogs (as me mum used to say) who invented these marvellous little body warmers. Truly. Pure intentions all round.
It started sensibly enough. I’d been reading about bed warmers for years, vaguely picturing something cosy and civilised. Then I watched a period drama and – lo and behold – the mystery was solved. An olde metal contraption, pre-heated and slid into the bed like some kind of medieval hot brick. I can only assume you weren’t meant to climb in while it was still there. Thankfully, we’ve moved on.
Modern hot water bottles are far less … perilous. According to Wiki:
Modern day conventional hot water bottles were invented in 1903 and are manufactured in natural rubber or PVC, to a design patented by the Croatian inventor Eduard Penkala. They are now commonly covered in fabric, sometimes with a novelty design.
By the late 20th century, their popularity dipped as homes became better heated and electric blankets muscled in on the night-time warmth market. That said, hot water bottles never really went away. They remain popular in Ireland and the United Kingdom, developing countries and rural areas. They’re widely used in Chile (where they’re known as a guatero) and have even enjoyed a resurgence in Japan as an eco-friendly, thrifty way to keep warm.
Now – important note – none of the above should be confused with an AquAid hot water boiler. That’s for keeping your insides warm, not your outsides. A subtle distinction, perhaps but a distinction, nonetheless.
During the colder weather we’re now experiencing; when you ‘ave to get up out of shoebox at twelve o’clock at night and lick road clean wit’ tongue before heading off to work – it’s comforting to know that once you arrive – salvation awaits. A well-positioned hot water boiler, keeping water at a steady 98 °C. Ready. Reliable. Fully capable of supplying piping hot water for any stomach warming hot drinks.
Just don’t try using the hot water boiler as a hot water bottle. If nothing else, it’s an unsightly, soggy mess to be cleaning up after.
Happy keeping warm and toasty this winter. And no – you may not use the water from your hot water boiler to fill your hot water bottle … nice try.
A note on the blog image, selected purely for amusement: while sourcing hot water bottle images to head up this blog, inserting entirely sensible keywords, a series of … unexpected images appeared. If anyone can explain the connection, we’re all ears.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 27, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, water cooler, Water Coolers
International LEGO Day gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the most brilliant inventions ever built from the ground up. The humble LEGO block – small in size but mighty in creativity, with the power to inspire ideas and construct entire worlds from a handful of bricks.
From its origins in Denmark to its now-legendary interlocking design, LEGO has been shaping curious minds for generations. What looks like simple play is, in reality, a masterclass in learning. Problem-solving, spatial awareness, patience and teamwork are all meticulously woven into those brightly coloured bricks that invite us to build, dismantle and rebuild, again and again. No instruction manual required.
Which is just one reason LEGO has found a natural home in classrooms as well as playrooms. Teachers have long recognised its value as an educational tool, helping learners of all ages explore maths, engineering and creativity through hands-on play. It’s learning without the hard sell – engaging, intuitive and memorable precisely because it’s enjoyable.
And then there’s creativity for creativity’s sake. Whether you followed the instructions to the letter or proudly produced something entirely ‘unique’ (often with questionable structural integrity), LEGO has always encouraged us to think beyond the ordinary. Castles, spaceships, cities and creatures that defy known biology – if you can imagine it, LEGO helps us bring it to life on any available surface.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without acknowledging one universal truth: we have all experienced the sharp reminder that comes from stepping on a stray LEGO block. It’s a rite of passage, really – a shared moment of pain that connects builders everywhere, balanced by the joy of creating something remarkable from a pile of pieces.
While we – AquAid – haven’t yet used LEGO to build our water coolers; the water dispensed from our coolers is for drinking, see – staying well hydrated does play its part. Drinking water supports cognitive function, focus and creativity, helping us continue building amazing LEGO creations at any age, whether at work, in school or after hours.
And a final thought: perhaps it’s time to suggest a modest LEGO supply near the office water cooler. After all, what better way to refresh the mind while refilling your water cooler bottle than with a little creative construction?
by Fern Shaw | Jan 23, 2026 | water cooler, Water Coolers
International Environmental Education Day focuses on how learning shapes the way we care for our planet and in turn, ourselves. At its core, environmental education is about more than understanding climate change or conservation – it’s about empowering people with the knowledge and practical skills to build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.
The significance of environmental education
Environmental education helps people understand how their everyday actions connect to the wider world. It encourages critical thinking, long-term planning and a sense of shared responsibility for natural resources. Most importantly, it turns awareness into action.
When environmental education is done well, it supports:
- Sustainable use of land and water
- Improved food security
- Healthier ecosystems and communities
- Greater resilience to climate and environmental change
Education becomes even more powerful when it’s paired with practical solutions that people can use immediately in their daily lives.
Constant water supply and sustainable farming
Access to clean water is one of the strongest foundations for environmental education. Without it, communities are forced to focus on survival rather than sustainability.
For decades, AquAid has supported charities that do far more than provide safe, clean drinking water. These organisations work directly with communities to implement long-term, sustainable water solutions – and crucially, to educate people on how to protect and maximise those resources.
This education often includes teaching communities how to:
- Farm more sustainably
- Grow diverse, nutritious crops
- The ability to feed livestock
- Sell surplus produce to generate income
- Reinvest in land, tools and future harvests
The result is not just clean water, but stronger local economies, healthier environments and communities that are equipped to support themselves long into the future.
Small actions, huge outcomes
Which is why choosing an AquAid water cooler is about more than hydration in the workplace. Every installation automatically contributes to continued environmental education across Africa – supporting sustainable water projects and the practical knowledge that helps communities care for their land, grow food and build stronger, more secure futures.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 19, 2026 | water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers
Every January, the third Monday rolls around with a gloomy reputation. Dubbed Blue Monday, it was once claimed to be the most depressing day of the year – a rather sad mix of dark mornings, cold weather and festive cheer well and truly packed away. No wonder so many of us wake up humming “I don’t like Mondays” (thanks, Boomtown Rats).
But what if we flipped the script?
From Blue to Brew
In recent years, Blue Monday has been reimagined as Brew Monday – a much warmer, kinder idea. Instead of dwelling on the blues, it encourages us to pause, make a cup of tea, coffee (or indeed, any hot water drink you like) and check in with the people we care about. A quick phone call, a message, or even a virtual cuppa can make a real difference. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that lift the heaviest moods.
The Comfort of a Cuppa
There’s something deeply reassuring about a hot drink. The ritual of boiling water, choosing a mug and taking that first sip feels grounding – especially on a chilly January day. It’s a reminder to slow down, breathe and be present. And let’s be honest, many of life’s problems feel at least a little more manageable with a hot drink in hand and warming us up on the inside.
Keeping the Good Stuff Flowing
Of course, any good hot drink starts with hot water. If you’re the sort of person who finds comfort in frequent cuppas – at home or at work – having a reliable supply of piping hot water can make those moments even easier. A hot water boiler or hot & cold water cooler quietly does the job in the background, ready whenever you are. No fuss, no waiting, just instant warmth when you need it most.
Chase the Blues Away
So, whether you call it Blue Monday or Brew Monday, perhaps the answer is the same: connect, be kind to yourself and make good use of your hot water boiler. One cup, a quick chat with a workmate – in person or remotely – that’s how we turn a gloomy Monday into something a little brighter.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 13, 2026 | Water, water cooler, Water Coolers
Just like that, the festive lights are packed away, the last mince pie crumbs have mysteriously disappeared and we’re easing ourselves into another brand-new year. December often feels like a blur of celebrations, cosy moments and perhaps one too many helpings of everything – but we wouldn’t have it any other way. From catchups with friends and family to those quiet, in-between days where time seems to slow down, the festive season has a habit of leaving us both content and slightly disoriented.
We hope you had a joyful festive season, full of laughter, rest and maybe even a little mischief. And we have to ask … did anyone actually decorate their water cooler? We like to imagine a few tinsel-wrapped taps, a stray string of fairy lights and perhaps even the occasional Santa hat making a surprise appearance in the office or kitchen. After all, if you’re going to hydrate, you might as well do it in style.
As we step into brand spanking new year, filled with purpose, clarity, vision and healthy hydration habits, there’s a quiet sense of excitement in the air and, hopefully, a renewed commitment to looking after ourselves. January doesn’t have to be about drastic changes or unrealistic resolutions. Sometimes it’s simply about resetting, refocusing and choosing to do the small things a little better.
This year, how about we focus on creating small habits that make a big difference. Taking a moment to pause during a busy day. Remembering to refill your water glass before it’s empty. Choosing progress over perfection and feeling good about the direction we’re heading in, even if it’s one sip at a time. However you prefer to refresh your drinking water – hot, cold or ambient, remember, you’ll find the perfect solution among AquAid’s range of high-quality water dispensers.
There’s something refreshing about a new year – a chance to bring intention into our routines and clarity into our goals, while keeping things light-hearted and achievable. Healthy routines don’t have to be complicated; often, they start with the simplest choices.
Here’s to a year of clear minds, steady momentum and well-hydrated days ahead. We’re looking forward to every moment of it – and we’re glad you’re coming along for the journey.
Cheers to the year ahead!
by Fern Shaw | Dec 8, 2025 | water cooler, Water Coolers
As the year winds down and the evenings draw in, there’s something unmistakably magical about the UK festive season. Maybe it’s the scent of mince pies wafting from every bakery, or the way even the most ordinary high street suddenly looks like it’s auditioning for a Christmas card. Whatever it is, December brings a cheer that’s impossible to ignore.
When the Decorations Come Out
Nothing says festive spirit like the great unboxing of the decorations. Every household has that one tangled set of fairy lights that still, somehow, works after ten years. There’s also the annual debate: tasteful and coordinated, or full-on ‘Santa’s grotto exploded’? (Let’s be honest, both bring joy in their own way.)
And it’s not just homes getting into the swing of things. Offices across the UK are also donning their seasonal sparkle. If you’re feeling creative, you might even find yourself decorating your water cooler like it’s your very own Christmas tree. Just remember – while tinsel is delightful, it’s best to keep it well away from the dispense area unless you want your colleagues sipping festive fibre.
Festive Flair, the Inventive Way
One unexpected trend? Using water bottles to create a makeshift Christmas tree. Yes, really. Stack them just right and you’ll have a surprisingly impressive, eco-friendly centrepiece. A star on top is optional but highly recommended for maximum cheer.*
Small Moments, Big Comfort
Beyond décor, the season invites us to lean into little pleasures: that first mug of mulled wine at a market, the cosy jumpers that practically hug you back and the joyful excuse to eat ‘just one more’ Quality Street.
Whether you’re writing cards, planning gatherings, or simply enjoying the glow of the sparkling lights, the festive season nudges us to slow down, savour the moment and appreciate the warmth of connection.
Wrapping Up the Year
As we edge towards the end of the year, there’s comfort in looking back – and excitement in looking forward. The festive season reminds us that even in the chill of winter, there’s plenty of warmth to be found.
So, here’s to twinkling lights, good company, decorated water coolers and the joyful spark that only the UK festive season can bring. Cheers to a bright and merry end to the year!
*We’re not actually suggesting you use your office water bottles for this – they should be returned to your local AquAid depot for cleaning, reuse and eventually, recycling.
