A major appliance or cabinet unit integrates an automatically refillable
water bowl including a liquid level sensor and an electrical or
mechanical valve in fluid communication with a source or water. In the
preferred embodiment the appliance is a refrigerator freezer with
plumbing to an ice maker or other accessory to which the bowl can
interconnect, though the invention is equally applicable to other
appliances such as non-combined refrigerators and freezers, stoves,
ranges, dishwashers, trash compactors, and cabinet units. Various
optional accessories are disclosed, including a fan for drying water
spilled from the bowl. The fan may be used for another purpose in the
appliance, as in a condensing unit, or may be provided separately. A
sensor may be included to disable the fan in the presence of a pet. The
appliance preferably includes a cavity into which the bowl is situated,
along with an optional light for illuminating the cavity. The invention
may be factory installed or provided as an option or after-market add-on.
As such, the appliance may include a knock-out panel exposing a cavity
into which the bowl is situated.