17 Types of Soap Dispensers Explained [Commercial + Household]

Do you still have traditional soap bars in your bathroom or kitchen? But, now you are aware that soap bars are unhygienic and are searching the internet for replacing bars with hygienic soap dispensers. 

While searching for soap dispensers, you may have seen a variety of styles. Thus, the selection process might get overwhelming since they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, finishes, etc. 

The good news is that you no longer need to search through hundreds of websites trying to find different types of soap dispensers. Why? Because, in this article, we have compiled an extensive list of all soap dispenser types currently available in the market, along with their descriptions. 

Let us directly get down to business and find out these types of soap dispensers and scrutinize them based on use, eco-friendly, appearance, and so on. 

List of 17 Types of Soap Dispensers 

Before looking at soap dispensers, let us quickly go through a few important things to consider while buying a soap dispenser.

• Foam or Liquid Soap

Many people like the feel of foaming soap dispensers, and it is also easier to rinse. However, foaming soap -as a germ-killer is not effective as liquid soap. In addition, a pump of foam has less detergent than a liquid soap dispenser. However, the instant lather of a foaming soap saves handwash time. 

• Refillable or Disposable 

Disposable containers are affordable yet convenient to buy and use. But, each dispenser must be discarded after all its soap is used up. The long-term costs of disposable soap dispensers are higher than refillable dispensers, and they are also harmful to the environment. In contrast, some grocery and retail stores don’t stock refills; refilling some dispensers can be messy and difficult.

• Materials 

The commonly used materials for manufacturing soap dispensers include plastic, stainless steel, resin, ceramic, wood, metals, and so on.

Now, let us dive into what varieties are available in soap dispensers. There are two basic variations in dispensers -manual and automatic. 

Manual Soap Dispensers

Manual soap dispensers are the most basic and affordable type available. They are pump-operated, meaning you either push a button or press the top of the pump. Plastic is mainly used to construct these dispenser units, and they feature an open design that allows us to see how much soap is utilized. 

However, increasing concerns about the spread of viruses, germs, and bacteria have made people less inclined to use manuals. 

According to mounting style, manual soap dispensers are available as countertop models, wall-mounted, sink-mounted, and shower-mounted. The countertop model doesn’t require installation as it sits in any convenient place. The other styles are:

Wall Mount

Are you a person who does not like to store the soap on the counter but wants the use of a pump dispenser? Wall-mounted soap dispensers are perfect for you. 

As the name suggests, this type of dispenser is designed to be wall-mounted. In general, they are mounted above or near sinks/washing machines. The press button on it will deliver the soap. They feature a built-in faucet for easy hand-rinsing after washing 

These types of dispensers have a filling port or removable soap change container somewhere on the dispenser itself. Manually operated buttons come in a variety of sizes and designs

Sink Mount 

Unlike a wall-mounted soap dispenser, sink mount soap dispensers sit in the separate hole created to the dispenser in the sink itself. Most importantly, this type of dispenser is convenient and alleviates mess on the kitchen counter. 

Shower Mount 

If you want to solve the problem of dropping shampoo, conditioners, body wash bottles in the wet showers, install this multi-compartment shower mount soap dispenser. Similar to standard soap dispensers, they function similarly, but are waterproof and are easily installed in the shower

Additionally, pump dispensers allow you to decide how much soap you use. However, their installation can be tricky to waterproof the meeting point of the wall and housing. 

Lavatory Mount

Lavatory mounted soap dispensers are mounted to the deck. Generally, you’ll find a spout and a soap container underneath the countertop. 

With different sizes available to choose from and no visible soap container underneath, you can have enough soap that doesn’t need refilling frequently. Consider the area underneath the sink before deciding the size of the soap dispenser. 

Automatic Soap Dispensers 

Unlike manual, automatic soap dispensers are sensor-based, and hence, it uses sensors to deliver the soap. Some automated soap dispensers come with timers and alarms that notify you when to replace their bottles. 

As automatic dispensers run on batteries, the only setback is replacing batteries now and then. Due to its modern design, you may not be able to find one that suits your bathroom or kitchen design. 

Automatic soap dispensers have different types based on the mounting style, just like manual dispensers.

Wall Mount

Wall-mounted, as the name implies, is mounted on the wall. Thus, these automatic wall mount soap dispensers can mount on any wall of your home. Almost all of these dispensers are sensoryzzz-operated, meaning it features a sensor that senses hand movements. 

Sink Mount

Typically, a sink mount automatic soap dispenser is seen in public restrooms and commercial spaces. It is cost-effective, sensor-operated, and easy to install since almost everyone owns a sink already. 

Shower Mount

Shower mount soap dispensers are designed to fit your showers, which are comparatively smaller spaces. Some manufacturers provide shower mount versions of their wall mount counterparts. 

Following are some other types of soap dispensers available on the market besides those mentioned above

Semi-Automatic Soap Dispensers

Are you looking for a soap dispenser that is manual and automatic at the same time? There is a type which is semi-automatic soap dispensers. It gives you the option of operating it manually or automatically. 

This type has two parts: a top section for placing the container and a bottom section that sprays the soap. Semi-automatics are ideal for tiny spaces such as powder rooms or children bathrooms, although they are less common than fully automatics.

Refillable Soap Dispensers

One of the common types seen in most homes is the refillable soap dispenser. It comes in several materials such as plastic, stainless steel, glass, resin, etc. As well as being easy to use, they are affordable.

However, the only setback to the refillable soap dispenser is that it requires refilling frequently. Since you need to open the top and pour the refill content into the narrow neck of the container, it can be messy.

Disposable Soap Dispensers

An easy-to-use and low-maintenance type of soap dispenser is the disposable soap dispenser. Since they are cheaper than getting individual soap bars, the advantage of having this type of dispenser is that it saves your money. 

However, purchasing soap every time you wash hands is the only disadvantage of getting a disposable soap dispenser.

Handheld Soap Dispensers

If you are searching for a good alternative for your traditional pump-style dispenser, check out a handheld soap dispenser.

With this dispenser, you can usually trigger the button and use just the amount of soap you need without filling up the reservoir first. You can find a brush or a sponge included for cleaning in handheld dispensers.

Foam Soap Dispensers

Another most preferred type of soap dispenser is foam soap dispensers. In this type, the dispenser uses air pressure to push the soap from the nozzle and creates foam soap. 

Since they do not tend to develop limescale, they are easy to clean and hence, popular. Nevertheless, it takes longer for it to refill But, if you add water, you can even use regular soap to refill. 

Battery-Powered Soap Dispensers

Battery-powered soap dispensers are somewhat similar to automatic. Featuring inbuilt lights is a unique characteristic of battery-powered dispensers. The lights will turn themselves off after 30 minutes of inactivity, and to restart, all you have to do is push a button. 

While some of these devices function by drawing power from the light switch, others from solar panels. Regardless of how you choose to use them, these types of dispensers require little or no electricity other than what batteries provide.

Desktop Soap Dispensers 

People who do not want their soap dispensers wall-, sink-, shower-mounted can always choose a desktop type of soap dispenser. The best feature of this dispenser is that it does not require installation and can be placed anywhere you want. For instance, it can sit next to the tap of your sink or on your counter. However, it is just going to take up more space.

Large Capacity Soap Dispensers

If you often have guests coming over or a big family or a habit of washing your hands frequently, you might need a large capacity soap dispenser. It will store enough soap and won’t make you refill again and again. Since it is a large capacity dispenser, it may not fit in some faucets or standard-sized dispenser cutouts. 

Conclusion 

Choosing an appropriate soap dispenser that fits your checklist requires research. But, now we know all the types of soap dispensers available straight from manual, automatic, to disposable, and refillable. It will help you get the best as per your liking. 

For some people, the deciding factors may be budget and functionality, while others may decide based on their appearance and design. Either way, it boils down to your choice and preferences.