Elkay vs Oasis at a Glance
A quick comparison of Elkay and Oasis across filtration, compliance, product choice and maintenance features. Specifications vary by model, so check the current product datasheet before specifying a unit.
| At a glance | Elkay | Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| NSF/ANSI-certified filtration options | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certified lead-reduction filters | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chilled, filtered and touch-free models | ✓ | ✓ |
| Indoor and outdoor model ranges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brand-compatible retrofit bottle-filling kits | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filter monitoring and bottle-counting features | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microplastic-reduction filter options | ✓ | ~ |
| PFAS-reduction filter options | ✓ | ~ |
| WRAS-approved options for UK projects | ✓ | ~ |
| NSF/ANSI 401 certification on the standard comparison filter | ✓ | ✕ |
| 10,000-gallon filter option | ✓ | ✕ |
| Automatic filter recognition and monitor reset | ✓ | ✕ |
| Automatic filter flushing after installation | ✓ | ✕ |
Elkay
Supplied & Supported by WRGZurn Elkay Water Solutions, USA. Supplied, stocked and serviced across the UK and EU by Water Refill Group, with WRAS approval across the range and genuine parts held in UK stock.
Oasis
For ComparisonOasis International is part of Culligan and is based in the USA. Its products are supplied through regional and third-party distributors, with European operations in Ireland and Poland. Water Refill Group does not supply Oasis and includes it here for comparison.
| Application | Chilled filtered combi | Filtered in-wall | Barrier-free cooler | Slim surface-mount | Mains-free mechanical | Outdoor pedestal | Outdoor wall-mounted | Retrofit filler kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkay model | ezH2OLZO8WSS2KN | ezH2O In-WallLZWSM82K | ezH2O ADA CoolerLMABF8WSS2KN | ezH2O Surface-MountEZWSSMJO | ezH2O MechanicalEMASMB | Outdoor PedestalLK4400BFEVGWR | Outdoor Single-ArmLK4405BFEVG | ezH2O Retrofit Kit |
| Closest Oasis equivalent | VersaCooler IIPG8EBF | Essence In-Wall | VersaCooler IIPGN8EBF | Aqua Pointe surface-mount | No direct equivalent | Outdoor pressure fountain | Outdoor wall fountain | VersaFiller Retrofit Kit |
| Chilled | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – | – | – |
| Filtered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – | – | ~ |
| Touch-free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | – | – | ✓ |
| Best suited to | The default UK school and office specification | Flush fit-outs; needs a recess formed early | Healthcare and quiet spaces; check Part M heights | Tight-plan interiors; ambient water only | Sites where an electrical first-fix would be disruptive | Parks and exposed sites; 316 marine-grade stainless | Constrained external walls and high-turnover areas | Upgrading a sound existing fountain |
When specifiers compare Elkay vs Oasis, they usually ask about filtration, approvals, servicing and whether an existing fountain can be upgraded. Here are clear answers to the questions we hear most often about the Elkay range.
We don't supply Oasis, and we'd rather answer these questions honestly than pretend the brand doesn't exist. If you're weighing Elkay vs Oasis, these are the things worth checking before you commit either way.
| What we compared | Elkay WaterSentry | Oasis VersaFilter III | Simple verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical filter | WaterSentry 51300C | VersaFilter III 041145-001 | Always check which filter fits your exact station. |
| How the filter works | Uses activated carbon and a prefilter to improve taste and reduce contaminants. | Uses carbon and additional filter media to improve taste and reduce contaminants. | Draw: both use proven carbon filtration. |
| Filter certification | Certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. The 51300C is also certified to NSF/ANSI 401 for microplastic reduction. | The VersaFilter III specification lists NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certification. | Elkay wins: it has broader documented certification. |
| Lead reduction | ✓ Certified to reduce lead | ✓ Certified to reduce lead | Draw: both offer certified lead reduction. |
| Chlorine, taste and odour | ✓ Improves taste and reduces chlorine odour | ✓ Improves taste and reduces chlorine odour | Draw: both help water taste and smell better. |
| Cyst reduction | ✓ Available on applicable WaterSentry filters | ✓ Included with VersaFilter III | Draw: both provide certified cyst reduction. |
| Microplastic reduction | Selected WaterSentry filters are specifically certified to reduce microplastics. | Microplastic reduction is not listed on the current VersaFilter III specification. | Elkay wins: choose Elkay if microplastics are a priority. |
| PFAS reduction | Dedicated Elkay filters are available for certified PFAS reduction. 71300C reduces PFOA and PFOS | PFAS reduction is not listed for the VersaFilter III filter. | Elkay wins: fit the correct PFAS-rated cartridge. |
| Sediment and small particles | Reduces fine particles, while the prefilter catches larger pieces of sediment. | Reduces fine particles, dirt and rust down to a stated 0.5 microns. | Oasis has an edge: it publishes a specific particle rating. |
| Scale protection | Scale protection is not a stated feature of the standard 51300C filter. | Designed to help reduce scale and corrosion build-up. | Oasis wins: useful in areas affected by scale. |
| Standard filter capacity | 3,000 gallons Approximately 13,638 litres | 4,750 gallons Approximately 21,594 litres | Oasis wins: its standard filter has greater capacity. |
| High-capacity filters | Compatible options range from 6,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons on selected systems. | The VersaFilter III is rated for 4,750 gallons. | Elkay wins: it offers more high-capacity choices. |
| When to replace the filter | Replace after reaching its rated capacity or after 12 months. | Replace after reaching its rated capacity or after 12 months. | Draw: both normally require an annual change. |
| Changing the filter | A quick quarter-turn connection makes the filter easy to remove and replace. | A tool-free cartridge is designed for straightforward replacement. | Draw: both are designed to be easy to change. |
| Automatic water shut-off | Water automatically shuts off when the filter is removed. | Water automatically shuts off when the filter is removed. | Draw: both help prevent spills during filter changes. |
| Filter status display | Compatible stations show when the filter is working or needs replacing. | Compatible stations include filter monitoring and a bottle counter. | Draw: check the features included with the exact model. |
| Can the filters be swapped? | Elkay filters must be matched to a compatible Elkay station. | Oasis filters must be matched to a compatible Oasis system. | No: Elkay and Oasis filters are not interchangeable. |
| Best choice for | Projects that need microplastic or PFAS reduction and a wider choice of filter capacities. | Projects that want a high-capacity standard filter with stated scale protection. | It depends: choose according to your water quality and required certification. |
| Overall winner | Offers more filter choices and stronger options for microplastics, PFAS and high-usage locations. | Offers a strong standard filter with good capacity and stated scale protection. | Elkay wins overall for its wider filtration range and broader documented contaminant reduction. |
Find Elkay Here
Why Choose Us?
Exclusive UK Elkay Partner
We’re proud to be the exclusive authorised partner for Elkay bottle filling stations in the UK. That means direct access to genuine parts, faster support, and expert knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. When it comes to Elkay, we’re the people to trust.
Approved & Accredited Technicians
All of our engineers are fully vetted, trained, and approved to service Elkay and other leading hydration systems. You can count on consistent service quality, full compliance, and peace of mind with every visit.
Fast Response Times
When issues arise, we’re ready. With nationwide coverage and priority call-out availability, we’re structured to respond quickly and efficiently - helping you minimise disruption and keep your refill points flowing.
Maintenance, Parts and Expected Downtime: Elkay vs Oasis
Maintenance requirements are similar for Elkay and Oasis bottle filling stations, but access to replacement parts and qualified support can make a significant difference to downtime. For UK projects, buyers should check who holds parts locally, who will complete repairs and what response times are available before selecting either brand.
| What we compared | Elkay | Oasis | What this means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine maintenance | Regular cleaning, sanitisation, filter changes and safety checks are recommended. | Regular cleaning, sanitisation, filter changes and safety checks are also recommended. | Similar: both brands need planned maintenance to remain hygienic and reliable. |
| Filter replacement | Uses a quick-disconnect cartridge with a quarter-turn connection and automatic water shut-off. | Uses a tool-free cartridge with automatic water shut-off inside the filter head. | Similar: both filters are designed to be changed without complicated tools. |
| Time needed to change a filter | Selected enhanced ezH2O models provide front and side access, allowing a trained person to change the filter in under a minute. | Selected VersaFiller models position the filter at the top of the unit for easier access, although no standard change time is published. | Elkay has an edge: selected models publish a clear filter-change time. |
| Filter-change alerts | Compatible stations use coloured status lights to show when the filter is approaching the end of its life. | Compatible stations include a filter monitor and bottle counter. | Similar: both can help maintenance teams plan filter changes before performance is affected. |
| Automatic diagnostics | Selected enhanced ezH2O models can display system alerts when the station detects an operating problem. | Maintenance information and parts diagrams are available, but diagnostic features vary by model. | Elkay has an edge: automatic alerts can help identify some problems earlier. |
| Access to internal components | Access varies by model. Enhanced units with drop-down panels are designed to make filters and service components easier to reach. | Selected models provide top filter access, external adjustments and service panels for common maintenance tasks. | Check the model: service access can differ considerably across both ranges. |
| Replacement filters | Water Refill Group holds genuine Elkay filters in UK stock for the models it supplies. | Availability depends on the Oasis distributor, cartridge and model selected. | Elkay has a UK advantage: local stock can reduce delays caused by importing filters. |
| Replacement parts | Genuine Elkay parts are available through Water Refill Group’s UK and EU supply network. | Oasis publishes detailed parts breakdowns, but UK availability should be confirmed with the chosen distributor. | Ask before ordering: confirm that commonly needed parts are physically held in the UK. |
| UK servicing | Water Refill Group offers installation, planned servicing, filter changes and repair support for Elkay equipment. | Service coverage depends on the company that supplied or maintains the Oasis equipment. | Elkay is more predictable through WRG: supply, parts and servicing can be managed through one provider. |
| Warranty | Selected refrigerated models include five-year refrigeration-system cover and 12-month cover for electrical and water-system components. | Warranty terms vary by market. Some Oasis documentation provides five-year refrigeration cover in the USA and Canada, while export terms may be shorter. | Confirm in writing: check the warranty for the exact UK model rather than relying on a US datasheet. |
| Planned maintenance downtime | Filter changes and routine servicing can normally be completed during a planned maintenance visit. | Routine servicing can also normally be completed during a planned visit when the correct filter and parts are available. | Usually low: planned maintenance should cause only a short interruption. |
| Downtime for common repairs | Downtime may be reduced when the required part and an approved engineer are available locally. | Downtime will depend on whether the distributor has the correct part and suitable engineer available. | Parts availability matters most: the brand name alone does not determine repair time. |
| Refrigeration-system downtime | A compressor or sealed refrigeration fault requires a qualified engineer and may take longer than a routine repair. | Refrigeration faults also require specialist diagnosis and may take longer to resolve. | Similar: major cooling faults are likely to create the longest downtime for either brand. |
| Best option for multiple sites | Suitable for estates wanting one UK contact for equipment, filters, parts and planned servicing. | Can be a sensible choice where an estate already uses Oasis and holds compatible spares. | Standardisation helps: using one brand across an estate simplifies stock, training and maintenance. |
| Overall verdict | Strong UK parts and servicing support when purchased and maintained through Water Refill Group. | Can be equally serviceable when backed by a distributor with local parts and qualified engineers. | Elkay offers the lower UK downtime risk through WRG, while Oasis buyers should confirm local stock, service coverage and export warranty terms before ordering. |
How can you reduce bottle filling station downtime?
Whichever brand you choose, the best way to reduce downtime is to arrange planned servicing and keep the correct replacement filter and common service parts available. Multi-site operators should also standardise their models where possible, so maintenance teams do not need to manage several filter types, spare-parts lists and service procedures.
Before placing an order, ask the supplier which parts are held in the UK, whether engineers cover your location, what response time is offered and which costs are excluded from the warranty.
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