Stern-Williams 5300 vs 5315: single or two-level fountain?
Choose the Stern-Williams 5300 if you need one wall-mounted drinking fountain at one height. Choose the Stern-Williams 5315 if you need two fountains at two heights in one wall-mounted unit. Both are ADA compliant and vandal-resistant, so the decision is about how many users you serve and who has to reach the water.
- Stern-Williams 5300 is a single wall-mount drinking fountain: buy it for one-station installs.
- Stern-Williams 5315 is a double, two-level wall-mount fountain: buy it when you want two heights in one footprint.
- Both models are listed as ADA compliant and vandal-resistant.
- Pick the 5315 for busy public areas where one station would create a line.
The decision in one table
| Dimension | Stern-Williams 5300 | Stern-Williams 5315 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One drinking station on a wall | Two stations, two heights, one unit |
| Configuration | Single wall-mount fountain | Double two-level wall-mount fountain |
| ADA compliance | Listed as ADA compliant | Listed as ADA compliant |
| Vandal resistance | Listed as vandal-resistant | Listed as vandal-resistant |
| Mounting | Wall mount | Wall mount |
| Standout trait | Simple, sleek, tough single unit | Serves two heights at once |
Why this choice matters
A wall-mounted fountain is a one-time purchase that people use every day for years. Buying a single unit where traffic calls for two creates lines at the fountain. Buying a two-level unit where one station is enough costs more and uses wall space you may not need to give up.
The real question is not quality. Both are built for high-traffic public use. The question is capacity and access: how many people drink at once, and at what heights.
The Stern-Williams 5300 is the better single-station fountain
The 5300 Series is a single wall-mount drinking fountain. Stern-Williams describes it as sleek design with toughness, aimed at clean, accessible hydration in high-traffic areas.
Pros
- One station, one clean wall footprint.
- ADA compliant and vandal-resistant as listed.
- Fits places where a second fountain would never be used, such as a small corridor or a single restroom alcove.
Cons
- One drinking point. During a rush, people wait.
- No second height in the same unit, so if you want both heights you buy and rough in two separate fountains.
Verdict: Buy for low-to-moderate traffic spots where one accessible station covers the need.
The Stern-Williams 5315 is the better high-traffic fountain
The 5315 Series is a double, two-level wall-mount fountain. Stern-Williams positions it as durable and inclusive: two drinking heights in one unit, listed as ADA compliant and vandal-resistant.
Pros
- Two drinking points, so two people drink at once.
- Two heights in one installation instead of two separate fountains.
- ADA compliant and vandal-resistant as listed.
Cons
- Larger footprint on the wall than the 5300.
- More unit than you need where traffic is light.
Verdict: Buy for schools, rec centers, parks buildings and any corridor where people line up for water.
Where they tie
These are tied on the points buyers ask about most:
- ADA compliance. Both are listed as ADA compliant.
- Vandal resistance. Both are listed as vandal-resistant for public use.
- Wall mounting. Both mount on a wall, so neither needs pedestal or in-ground work.
Neither wins here. Do not pay a premium for either on these three traits, because both models already carry them.
Which one fits your site
- Single restroom alcove or small hallway: 5300.
- School corridor between classroom wings: 5315. Two users at two heights keeps the line moving. See the best wall-mounted drinking fountain for schools for how to place them.
- Retrofit where you want to add one accessible station: 5300.
- New build where you want to meet the accessibility requirement without installing two separate fountains: 5315.
- Public building with heavy daily traffic: 5315.
If you are also deciding between stainless steel options, the Stern-Williams SF-5100 vs BF-5000 comparison covers that choice in the same single-versus-dual format. If you are weighing refrigerated models, read Stern-Williams 5380 vs 5400.
Compare and buy
Both models are shown below with current store listings. Open the product page for the full spec sheet, mounting details and current availability before you order.
Scorecard
| Dimension | Winner |
|---|---|
| One-station installs | 5300 |
| High-traffic corridors | 5315 |
| Two heights in one unit | 5315 |
| Smaller wall footprint | 5300 |
| ADA compliance | Tie |
| Vandal resistance | Tie |
FAQ
What is the difference between the Stern-Williams 5300 and 5315?
The 5300 is a single wall-mount drinking fountain. The 5315 is a double, two-level wall-mount fountain. Both are listed as ADA compliant and vandal-resistant.
Which is better for a school, the 5300 or the 5315?
The 5315 suits busy school corridors because two people can drink at once at two heights. Use the 5300 for a single low-traffic spot.
Are both fountains ADA compliant?
Yes, both product listings state ADA compliance. Confirm the exact mounting height against your local requirements before ordering.
Are the 5300 and 5315 vandal-resistant?
Yes. Both are listed as vandal-resistant and built for high-traffic public use.
Do I need one 5315 or two 5300 fountains?
A 5315 gives you two heights in one unit. Two 5300 units mean two separate wall installations. Choose by wall space and how you want to rough in the plumbing.
Where can I buy the Stern-Williams 5300 and 5315?
Both are sold by The Fountain Direct. Use the product cards above to open each listing and check current availability.
One last thing
If you are specifying a building with several fountains, mixing models is normal. Use 5315 units at the busiest corridors and 5300 units at quiet single-use spots. You get the capacity where you need it without paying for a second station everywhere. Browse the full range at The Fountain Direct and order your 2026 fixtures before the install schedule locks.