Stern-Williams 5380 vs 5400: refrigerated or standard fountain?
The Stern-Williams 5380 is the refrigerated pedestal fountain; the Stern-Williams 5400 is the standard all-weather pedestal fountain. Buy the 5380 if chilled water matters. Buy the 5400 if it doesn't and you want the lower price. Both are ADA-oriented, single-pedestal public fountains from the same manufacturer, so the decision comes down to one axis: cold water or not.
- Stern-Williams 5380 delivers 8.0 GPH of refrigerated water; buy it for heavily used, hot-weather sites.
- Stern-Williams 5400 is the non-chilled pedestal fountain built for constant use in any climate; buy it to save budget.
- Both are ADA-oriented pedestal fountains, so the choice is chilled versus standard water.
- Buying many units for a park? Mix them: refrigerated at hubs, standard along trails.
Why this matters in 2026
A pedestal fountain is a multi-year purchase, and the wrong model is expensive to swap once the concrete is poured. The 5380 and 5400 look similar on a spec sheet, but they solve different problems. Pick on how your visitors use water, not on appearance.
If you are speccing a whole site, start with the guide on how to choose a commercial drinking fountain for parks, then come back here for the model decision.
At a glance
| Dimension | Stern-Williams 5380 | Stern-Williams 5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hot climates, sports sites, high-traffic hubs | Parks, trails, and general outdoor use |
| Water | Refrigerated, 8.0 GPH | Standard (non-refrigerated) |
| Mounting | Single pedestal | Single pedestal |
| ADA | Yes | Yes |
| Vandal resistance | Yes, heavy-duty build | Built for constant use |
| Climate positioning | Confirm install conditions on the product page | Sold as tough enough for any climate |
| Pricing model | Higher; you pay for the chiller | Lower; no refrigeration |
| Standout feature | Chilled water at 8.0 GPH | All-weather simplicity |
The 5380 is the better fountain for cold water
The 5380 delivers 8.0 GPH of refrigerated water. That is its whole reason to exist. On a hot day, people walk past warm tap water and head for the vending machine. A chilled fountain keeps them at the fountain.
The tradeoff: refrigeration adds a component that a plain fountain doesn't have. If your site has no one to look after equipment, that matters.
Verdict: Buy the 5380 where heat and crowds drive demand.
The 5400 is the better fountain for simple outdoor use
The 5400 is described as all-weather, ADA-compliant, and tough enough for any climate. It has no chiller, so there is less to go wrong and less to pay for. For a trail head, a ball field, or a quiet park corner, plain water on demand is the job, and the 5400 does it.
If your climate sees freezing, read the guide to frost-resistant outdoor drinking fountains for cold climates before ordering any pedestal model, and confirm the details on the product page.
Verdict: Buy the 5400 for most parks and general public use.
Both meet accessibility needs
The 5380 and 5400 are both listed as ADA-oriented, so neither wins here. If accessibility compliance drives your project, the ADA-compliant drinking fountain guide for parks covers what to check before you buy. Always confirm clearances and mounting on your own site plan.
Verdict: Tie.
Both are built for public abuse
The 5380 is sold as vandal-resistant with a heavy-duty build, ready for nonstop public use. The 5400 is engineered for constant use. Neither is a lightweight residential unit. For sites with real vandalism risk, the 5380 states the vandal-resistant claim outright.
Verdict: Slight edge to the 5380 on stated vandal resistance.
Pricing: predictability versus feature cost
The 5400 is the lower-priced unit and the 5380 is the higher-priced unit. The difference is the refrigeration system. Check current pricing on each product page, since it changes.
If you are comparing against other Stern-Williams pedestal choices, Stern-Williams 7700 vs 7925 shows how this manufacturer's models stack up at the bottle-filler end.
Scorecard
| Dimension | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cold water | 5380 |
| Simplicity | 5400 |
| Lower purchase cost | 5400 |
| ADA orientation | Tie |
| Stated vandal resistance | 5380 |
| Pet-friendly variant (5400-90) | 5400 |
Final verdict
Choose the Stern-Williams 5380 if you run a high-traffic, warm-weather site such as a sports complex or busy park hub, and visitors expect cold water.
Choose the Stern-Williams 5400 if you are outfitting trails, quiet park areas, or many locations on a budget, and standard water is enough.
For outdoor sites in general, see the guide to the best outdoor drinking fountain for parks and trails.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Stern-Williams 5380 and 5400?
The 5380 is a refrigerated pedestal fountain rated at 8.0 GPH. The 5400 is a standard, non-chilled pedestal fountain. Everything else is similar in format.
Which is better for a park, the 5380 or the 5400?
The 5400 suits most parks because it is simple and lower priced. Choose the 5380 for hot-weather hubs where cold water drives use.
Is the Stern-Williams 5380 ADA compliant?
The 5380 is listed as ADA-oriented and vandal-resistant. Confirm clearances and mounting against your own site plan before ordering.
Is the Stern-Williams 5400 ADA compliant?
The 5400 is listed as ADA compliant and built for constant public use. Verify your site's reach and clearance requirements.
Does the 5400 have a pet option?
Yes. The 5400-90 pairs a single pedestal drinking fountain with a pet fountain, and is sold as a separate model.
Does the 5380 need more maintenance than the 5400?
The 5380 adds a refrigeration system, so it has more components than the plain 5400. Plan for that if no one maintains the site.
One last thing
You don't have to pick one model for the whole site. Put the 5380 where crowds gather and heat builds, and use the 5400 along quieter paths. That keeps cold water where it counts and holds the total order down in 2026.
Open both product pages above, check current pricing and specs for your install conditions, and order the model that matches your site.