Elkay ezH2O RetroFit Bottle Filling Station Kit for EZ Famil
✅ PROS
- Genuinely simple install on existing Elkay EZ coolers — most buyers finish in under 30 minutes with basic tools
- Compatible with both filtered and non-filtered EZ series units, so you don't need to replace the entire fountain
- Includes the ezH2O activation sensor and mounting hardware — no hidden parts to source separately
❌ CONS
- Requires an existing Elkay EZ fountain — this is not a universal retrofit for other brands
- Does not include a filter; filtered models need the separate RCTLKIT-1 replacement cartridge
- Some buyers report the plastic mounting bracket feels lighter than expected for the price point
The Verdict
The Short Version: If you already own an Elkay EZ-series drinking fountain, this retrofit kit turns it into a modern bottle filler without the $1,200+ cost of replacing the whole unit. It’s a smart upgrade for schools, offices, and gyms — but it’s not for everyone.
What You Actually Get
The kit ships with the ezH2O bottle filling station head unit, the infrared activation sensor, mounting screws, and a template for drilling. It’s designed specifically for Elkay’s EZ series of wall-mounted coolers — the ones with the rounded front panel and push-button or sensor activation. If you have one of those, this is a direct fit. If you have a different brand, stop reading and look elsewhere.
Installation: Where This Kit Shines
Here’s the thing that surprised me reading through 215 ratings: installation is genuinely straightforward. One verified buyer put it this way: “Took me about 20 minutes on our EZ cooler. The template made hole placement foolproof, and everything lined up perfectly.” Another noted they’re “not handy at all” and still managed it solo.
The process involves removing the existing fountain top, mounting the filler head using the included template, and wiring the sensor to the existing power supply. No plumbing changes needed — the filler taps into the same water line. That’s the big selling point: you’re not cutting pipes, you’re swapping a faceplate.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
The filler head itself is solid — the stainless steel basin and nozzle are what you’d expect from Elkay, a brand that’s been making commercial fountains since the 1920s. The sensor is responsive, and the flow rate is strong enough to fill a standard 16-ounce bottle in about 10 seconds. That matches the spec sheet, and buyers consistently confirm it.
Where the kit stumbles slightly is the mounting bracket. It’s molded plastic rather than metal, and a few reviewers note it feels lighter than expected. One wrote: “Works fine, but for the price I expected more heft in the bracket. It’s been up for 8 months with zero issues though.” That’s the tradeoff — it’s functional but not overbuilt.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
- Cost savings versus full replacement — this is the dominant theme in positive reviews. Buyers repeatedly mention saving $600–$900 versus buying a new combo fountain/filler unit.
- Fast install — most report 20–45 minutes with a drill and screwdriver.
- Compatibility — works across the EZ family including EZSTL, EZH2O, and EZ series with or without filters.
Where It Falls Short
The biggest limitation is the filter situation. The kit itself doesn’t include a filter cartridge. If your existing EZ fountain is a filtered model, you’ll need to buy the Elkay RCTLKT-1 replacement separately (about $30–$40). Buyers who missed this in the listing were annoyed, so read carefully before ordering.
Second, this is not universal. If you don’t have an Elkay EZ cooler, this kit won’t fit. That’s not a flaw in the product, but it’s a real constraint worth stating plainly.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You have an Elkay EZ-series fountain in a school, gym, office, or church and want to add bottle filling without a full replacement. You’re comfortable with basic drilling and wiring (or have a maintenance person who is). You want a name-brand solution with replacement parts available for decades.
Skip it if: You have a different fountain brand, want a filtered filler without buying a separate cartridge, or expect commercial-grade metal construction throughout. In those cases, look at the full ezH2O combo units instead.
FAQ
Q: Will this fit my Elkay EZSTL8 fountain? A: Yes. The EZSTL8 is part of the EZ family and uses the same mounting pattern. Just confirm your model starts with “EZ” before ordering.
Q: Does it include the filter? A: No. The kit includes the filler head, sensor, and hardware only. Filtered models need the RCTLKT-1 cartridge sold separately.
Q: Can I install this without a plumber? A: In most cases, yes. The water line stays intact — you’re only swapping the top assembly and wiring the sensor to the existing power. If you’re comfortable using a drill and connecting two wires, you can handle it.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5 — This is a well-designed upgrade that solves a real problem: how to modernize an existing fountain without throwing it away. The plastic bracket keeps it from a perfect score, and the filter gotcha is annoying. But for the money saved versus a full replacement, this is a smart buy for facilities managers and homeowners with an EZ cooler.
Buy it if you have an Elkay EZ fountain and want bottle filling on the cheap. Skip it if you need a filter included or have a different brand.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.