The condenser type is a real decision, driven by your ambient temperature, water rates, and local code.
| Air-cooled | Water-cooled | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most kitchens with decent airflow | Hot, tight, or poorly ventilated spaces |
| Water use | None for cooling | Significant — uses water to reject heat |
| Room heat | Adds heat & needs clearance/airflow | Rejects heat to the water, not the room |
| Code | Widely allowed | Restricted or banned in some areas over water use |
Default to air-cooled unless the space runs hot or is starved for airflow. Choose water-cooled for hot/tight rooms — but check local code and your water rates first, and consider a remote condenser (mounted outside) as a third option for heat and noise.