laravel check if record exists without refreshing code example

Example 1: laravel check record exists

$user = User::where('email', '=', Input::get('email'))->first();
if ($user === null) {
   // user doesn't exist
}

Example 2: if notexists in laravel query

if (User::where('email', '=', Input::get('email'))->exists()) {
   // user found
}