Soap dispensers are a small, affordable way to make a big change to your daily cleaning routine. Their sleek silhouettes and durable pumps are made to stand the test of time compared to their single-use counterparts—plus, they instantly upgrade your countertop aesthetic. Interior designer Cristina Lehman touts soap dispensers as a simple way to help streamline your home, explaining that they’re “more aesthetically pleasing than a branded plastic dispenser with labels all over it.” Lehman makes a point of seeking out soap dispensers with metal pumps, which she notes are more durable and tend to last longer than plastic. The best part is that soap dispensers are reusable, ultimately saving you money and reducing the amount of single-use plastic going into landfills—so you’ll be keeping your hands and the planet clean. There’s no need to struggle with a slippery bar of soap or a sticky cap ever again—we’ve rounded up the best soap dispensers on the market to simplify your home, from wall-mounted options to automated pumps and dispensers designed for dish soap. Our Top Picks Best Overall Soap Dispenser: Best Budget Soap Dispenser: Best Foaming Soap Dispenser: Best Wall-Mounted Soap Dispenser: Best Automatic Soap Dispenser: Best Soap Dispenser Set: William Sonoma Hold Everything Soap & Lotion Dispenser at Williams-Sonoma ($30) Best Glass Soap Dispenser: Best Ceramic Soap Dispenser: Best Metal Soap Dispenser: Best Soap Dispenser for Dish Soap: What Stands Out The stainless steel coating features a fingerprint-proof finish to keep the dispenser looking brand new. What Could Be Improved It’s not compatible with foaming soap. OXO is one of the most reliable kitchenware brands, and this stainless steel soap dispenser is a perfect example of why. Designed with an angled spout, it’s positioned to make pumping liquid soap directly onto a sponge or into your hands a mess-free experience. The manual dispenser is easy to maneuver even with wet hands, thanks to an efficient one-handed pump that’s made to last and a non-slip base that keeps it firmly stationed on your counter. The cushioned pump is one single piece, which contributes to its impressive durability, as it won’t snap off even with frequent use. The best thing about this dispenser is how easy it is to clean—and how infrequently you’ll need to do it. The stainless steel finish wipes down easily, plus it boasts a fingerprint-proof coating that minimizes any unsightly marks. We particularly appreciate that the spout never clogs up with old soap between uses, which also helps to keep the dispenser looking brand new. Another feature that makes OXO’s dispenser stand out is the clear window at the base, which helps you see how much soap you have left and ensures that you’ll never run out. Refilling is a breeze as well, as the opening is wide, and there’s a maximum fill line to help guide you. While you can’t use foaming soap, feel free to fill it with your favorite hand soap, dish soap, or even lotion. Type: Manual | Material: Stainless steel, plastic, silicone | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3 x 7.5 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces What Stands Out The chic, farmhouse-style labels will look elegant on a countertop and help to identify the bottle’s contents. What Could Be Improved While the glass is thick, there’s a higher risk of it breaking if dropped or knocked over than with a metal or plastic dispenser. This all-glass dispenser has a beautiful, antique aesthetic that will instantly upgrade any sink in your house. For the price, you could pick up two dispensers as they would make the perfect pair for hand soap and lotion, and the 6-included waterproof farmhouse-style labels will help you to know which is which. The heavy, weighted glass has a sturdy feel to it, which can withstand being knocked over—but unlike a metal or plastic dispenser, it may not survive a fall from your countertop. The fact that it’s fully see-through makes it ultra easy to know when you’re running low on soap, while the ample 12-ounce capacity helps reduce the frequency which you’ll need to refill it. And with such an affordable price, this is a great value buy. Type: Manual | Material: Stainless steel, glass | Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 x 7.8 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces What Stands Out The pump is touch-sensitive and makes it easy to extract as much or as little soap as you want. What Could Be Improved It can be difficult to gauge if you’re overfilling it. OXO’s foaming soap dispenser shares all of the same great qualities as our overall top pick from the brand—a smudge-proof coating, an easy-to-wipe-down stainless steel body, a reliable nonstick base, a comfortably padded pump, and a handy clear window to monitor when it’s time to refill. The primary difference is the pump, which in this case, is designed for use with your favorite foam soap—however, it can also be used with liquid soap if diluted with water. The best feature of this dispenser is the highly responsive pump, which makes it simple to dispense a small or large amount of soap depending on the pressure you apply—which ultimately can help you use less soap and extend the amount of time between refills. It can be a little difficult to determine if you are overfilling it when filling it with soap, so just pour it in slowly. Overall, this is a high-quality foam soap dispenser. Type: Manual | Material: Stainless steel, glass | Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.3 x 7.8 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces The Best Bath Towels I Tried While Testing 22 Different Towels Over Six Weeks What Stands Out The unique T-bar handle makes dispensing a breeze. What Could Be Improved The adhesive used to attach it can leave behind a residue if you choose to remove it. Simplehuman’s wall-mounted dispenser boasts significantly more stability than a handheld model, as it attaches to any surface—even textured ones—with a grippy adhesive tape (which does leave a sticky residue if you take it down). You can also screw it in for maximum steadiness. It’s a game changer for showers in particular, where it can be mounted solo or in multiples in order to allow easy access to your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It’s a simple solution to minimizing clutter in your shower, and having your toiletries at arm’s reach means there’s no need to fumble for products in a shower caddy or on the lip of your bathtub. The ergonomic handle is what takes this dispenser to the next level, as the die-cast t-bar lever is ultra-durable and rust-resistant. We also love how easy this is to refill, as the dispenser can be removed from the wall plate, and there’s an extra-wide opening to ensure a spill-free transfer. Type: Manual | Material: Acrylic, stainless steel | Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.7 x 9.6 inches | Capacity: 15 ounces What Stands Out You can adjust the amount of soap dispensed by moving your hand closer or farther from the sensor. What Could Be Improved The 9-ounce capacity means you’ll likely need to refill more often. Who couldn’t use a little more hands-free convenience in their life? An automatic soap dispenser means you don’t need to stress over passing along germs or leaving fingerprints all over the stainless steel. If it needs a quick cleaning, feel free to rinse it in the sink—this model has an IP67 waterproof rating. This dispenser also allows you to adjust the soap flow: Move your hand closer to the sensor for less soap or farther away for more. We appreciate that it’s rechargeable and can last up to three months on a single charge—although, with just a 9-ounce capacity, you’ll likely have to refill it more frequently. (Luckily, it’s also available in 14-ounces or 32-ounces.) While this is more of a splurge than the other options on this list, it’s also one of the most high-quality and durable models. Crucially, it can also be used with hand sanitizer, which makes this an excellent pick for entryways and businesses, in addition to kitchens and bathrooms. It’ll be a breeze to match it to your personal aesthetic as well, as it’s available in six shades and finishes, including a chic rose gold. Type: Automatic | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.8 x 6.8 inches | Capacity: 9 ounces What Stands Out These tasteful glass dispensers can be used with soap and lotion—plus, they’re dishwasher safe. What Could Be Improved They don’t come with bottle labels to distinguish between the contents. These timeless twin pumps are ideal for pairing hand soap and lotion side-by-side on your kitchen or bathroom counter. While they don’t come with labels, minimalists will appreciate their streamlined aesthetic and how the clear glass allows you to still distinguish their contents. The rust-resistant, durable stainless steel pump features an elegantly raised design that will complement any sink hardware, while the heavy-duty glass bottle offers a modern aesthetic. Cleaning is made quick and easy thanks to the dishwasher-safe bottle, but be sure to handwash the pump. You can also purchase them with a coordinating caddy to complete the look. Type: Manual | Material: Glass, stainless steel, zinc alloy | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.25 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces 12 Must-Have Under-$30 Organization Tools From Amazon, According to Professional Organizers What Stands Out The ribbed design is a chic step up from everyday glass bottles. What Could Be Improved The zinc alloy pump can show fingerprints more easily than stainless steel. If your priority is finding a chic, stylish upgrade to your branded soap bottles, then look no further than CB2’s Athena Ribbed Glass Soap Pump. Made of sturdy glass, the manual bottle has a solid heft to it that offers peace of mind that it won’t tip over on a slippery countertop—but it’s important to note that glass is still more prone to shattering than more rugged plastic or stainless steel. While this may not be the most durable option on the market, it’s one of the most sophisticated. We love how the ribbed design sets it apart from simpler, more straightforward glass bottles; it looks much more luxe than its affordable price tag. Type: Manual | Material: Glass, zinc alloy | Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 8 inches | Capacity: 12 ounces What Stands Out The trendy, minimalist dispenser is easy to refill thanks to an extra-wide mouth. What Could Be Improved The spout is shorter and straight, so the soap can drip onto the bottle if you don’t put your hand close enough. Ceramic pumps are one of the more durable materials to choose from, as they’re made from high-quality, durable plastic that adds an immediate dash of personality to your kitchen or bathroom. While the thickness of the cap makes the actual capacity feel smaller than the listed 11 ounces, we love that the manual bottle’s low profile fits easily in small bathrooms, including some shorter medicine cabinet shelves. The spout isn’t as long as we’d like, but we appreciate how easy the pump is to remove and replace, as well as how sturdy the wide base is, which makes it easy to refill. Type: Manual | Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 3.62 x 3.62 x 4.92 inches | Capacity: 11 ounces What Stands Out It has a fingerprint-resistant coating and a one-touch pump for easy dispensing. What Could Be Improved The design is fairly utilitarian and might not suit those who want a sleeker silhouette. Aike’s stainless steel dispenser shares a fair amount in common with our top pick, OXO’s similarly-designed stainless steel dispenser. It also features a fingerprint-resistant coating that helps to maintain a clean aesthetic and a highly responsive one-touch pump that can be easily maneuvered with one hand. However, if you want a sleeker silhouette, this design is fairly utilitarian and may not be the best choice. We love how there’s a “max fill” tab at the lip of the bottle, so you’ll never waste soap by overfilling the bottle. While the neck isn’t particularly wide, there’s still plenty of space to refill without spilling—and the convenient glass bottom makes sure you know when you’re running low on soap. This is a great option for hand or dish soap, as well as lotion—just note that it’s not compatible with foaming soap. Type: Manual | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 3.9 x 3 x 7.7 inches | Capacity: 15 ounces What Stands Out The generous 20-ounce capacity means you’ll rarely need to think about refills, while the built-in sponge caddy is a brilliant storage solution. What Could Be Improved It takes up a fair amount of counter space. Washing dishes just got… fun? This charmingly chubby soap dispenser is a great design hack, as it features a built-in pouch for scrubbers (there’s even one included!) or sponges in order to keep things extra organized. You can also use it to keep track of small essentials, like hair elastics. While the opaque ceramic coating means you can’t keep an eye on when you’re due for a refill of your favorite dish soap, the large 20-ounce capacity ensures you won’t have to worry about that often. The modern, rounded design looks great on any countertop, and we love that it comes in more playful colorways than most classic dispensers—think avocado green and teal. Just keep in mind that it does take up a bit of counter space. Type: Manual | Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 8 inches | Capacity: 20 ounces What Stands Out It captures the coveted Aesop aesthetic without the hefty price tag. What Could Be Improved The mouth of the bottle is relatively small, making the refill process a more delicate maneuver. Aesop’s fan-favorite soap is instantly recognizable and highly sought-after—so why not snag your own dupe at a fraction of the price? MaisoNovo, which is a women-led small business, makes a trio of wall-mounted dispensers with similar waterproof labels that identify what’s in each bottle (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc). The fashionable and functional design is easy to mount with adhesive strips that won’t leave a sticky residue. The mouth of the bottle is small, which can make refills difficult, but luckily you can remove the bottles from the mount in order to refill them. Ultimately, these are somewhat more stylish than durable, as they’re made of plastic and likely won’t stand the test of time as well as a metal or ceramic dispenser. But they’ll look darn cute while you’ve got ‘em! Type: Manual | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 8.2 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches | Capacity: 16 ounces What Stands Out The wall mount makes this extra easy to dispense and is a great space saver on your countertops. What Could Be Improved It takes up a fair amount of space on a wall, which might be tricky in more narrow washrooms. Although this is a bulkier choice than a bottle, we opted for this design as it has a much higher capacity and a more intuitive refill and pour system. The spacious mouth and generous capacity make it easy to load it up with a full container of your favorite laundry detergent, while the backboard allows for a simple and adjustable pour into your measuring cup. We also love that it’s wall-mounted, which frees up space and helps declutter your laundry room. However, it may take up a lot of wall space in narrower washrooms. Type: Manual | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 9.66 x 3.74 x 12.2 inches | Capacity: 96 ounces Our go-to pick is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser. Its durable stainless steel design is easy to keep clean and intuitive to use, plus it has a handy clear window to keep you on top of refills. When shopping for a soap dispenser, deciding whether you want a manual or automatic pump is a good place to start. While manual pumps offer more control over the amount of product dispensed, automatic pumps allow for hands-free convenience. Do you have little kids? You may want to opt for a manual pump, as they’re easy for all ages to use and reduce the amount of germs and fingerprints on your dispenser. You may also want to consider the intended use of your dispenser: Are you looking to primarily use it for hand soap? If so, a well-angled pump makes all the difference between a clean dispenser and a sudsy mess. For dish soap, a solid, non-slip base is key. If you’re looking to save counter space, consider a wall-mounted option like the Simplehuman Single Wall Mount Shower Pump or MaisoNovo Wall Mount Dispenser. The size of your dispenser depends largely on your intended use. Hand soap dispensers typically range from 9 to 12 ounces, while dispensers made for dish soap or shower toiletries tend to span from 16 to 32 ounces. Laundry detergent dispensers will typically run larger (up to 98 ounces), as the best options are designed to replace the bottle that the detergent comes in. Whatever capacity you opt for will impact how frequently you need to refill your pump. For hand and dish soap, minimizing the amount you have to think about refills is ideal—so choosing a generous size that still fits your space is key. Cristina Lehman suggests seeking out metal pumps over plastic, as they feel sturdier and more reliable. While there are some high-quality plastics available, metals, ceramics, and glass will likely outlast them—although glass is a more fragile material than the others and poses its own breakage risks. Foaming soap is only compatible with certain dispensers that feature a specific pump design. Foam soap has a different consistency than liquid soap—more air and water content create a light and frothy feel, which requires a wider spout than what most liquid soap dispensers provide. There’s no set amount of time, but all the soap dispensers on this list are designed to stand the test of time. Rust-resistant materials and sturdy pumps play a big role in their longevity. Overall, if properly cleaned and maintained, a soap dispenser can last for years. For refilling and recharging (or replacing batteries), you’ll likely need to manage that at least once every three months. Certain devices can go longer between refills, depending on their capacity, but most will need to be recharged within that time span. This article was written by Sophie Dodd, a contributing commerce writer for Real Simple who specializes in travel and lifestyle content. She researched dozens of soap dispensers across a wide array of brands to curate a list of our top recommendations, considering their ease of use, durability, aesthetic, and overall value. She also received insight from interior designer Cristina Lehman, the owner of C. Lehman Home, on what features to prioritize when shopping for soap dispensers.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Soap-Dispensers-RS-tout-5f3a9c0d79bf41a786b624d2e01f18b5.jpg "The 12 Best Soap Dispensers to Upgrade Your Countertop (1)")
Best Overall Soap Dispenser
OXO Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser
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Best Foaming Soap Dispenser
OXO Foaming Soap Dispenser
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Best Wall-Mounted Soap Dispenser
simplehuman Single Wall Mount Shower Pump
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Best Automatic Soap Dispenser
simplehuman Sensor Pump
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Best Soap Dispenser Set
William Sonoma Hold Everything Soap & Lotion Dispenser
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Best Soap Dispenser for Dish Soap
Umbra Joey Soap Pump
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Final Verdict
How to Shop for Soap Dispensers Like a Pro
Type
Size
Material
Questions You Might Ask
Does foaming soap work in all dispensers?
How long do soap dispensers last?
Take Our Word for It
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FAQs
How many soap dispensers do I need? ›
Generally you should have a soap dispenser next to each sink to reduce or eliminate soap or water spills. Mounting one dispenser between two adjacent sinks is acceptable, but one dispenser per sink or user is the best ratio.
What is the best hand soap dispenser for your house? ›Final Verdict. Our best overall pick is the Jasai Clear Glass Soap Dispenser, which has a gorgeous textured bottle and stainless steel pump for both style and durability. If you prefer a touch-free operation, we recommend the Secura 17oz automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser (best automatic).
Are built in kitchen soap dispensers worth it? ›The convenience of a built-in dispenser encourages more frequent hand washing, as it's readily accessible and doesn't require searching for a soap bottle. This can lead to better overall hygiene practices.
Should soap dispenser match faucet? ›The trend today is to coordinate all of the accessories needed at the sink with the faucet itself. Every element—including soap dispensers, air switches for garbage disposers, and both hot- and cold-water dispensers—[should] perfectly coordinate.
How to choose a soap dispenser? ›When shopping for an automatic soap dispenser, choose one constructed of metal and plastic. These materials ensure water resistance, facilitating use in kitchens and washrooms. Consider durability and component quality before purchasing. Plastic soap dispensers should employ high-grade BPA-free materials.
Is a bar of soap better than a dispenser? ›Both liquid soap and bar soap are effective against bacteria and viruses, but they have slight differences. Liquid soap can be less drying, since it tends to have added moisturizers. But the friction created by rubbing bar soap against your hands can be more effective at removing visible debris like dirt.
Are automatic soap dispensers worth it? ›Touch-free soap and sanitiser dispensers remove a cross-contamination point, helping to provide safe hand hygiene. As no physical touch is necessary, the risk of contact with germs among users is eliminated whereas a manual dispenser requires the push of a button to dispense soap.
What are the disadvantages of automatic soap dispenser? ›Disadvantages to choosing automatic soap dispensers include limited battery life, expendable costs of replenishing batteries, and the appeal of potential vandalism. Manual soap dispensers, on the other hand, are typically more affordable than their automatic counterparts.
What hand soap do chefs use? ›We also turned to our own food experts, Kitchn editors Meghan, Kelli, and Lisa, for their take, and they also picked Mrs. Meyer's as their favorite kitchen hand soap. Kitchn Food stylist Jesse agrees: “It's affordable, natural, and, honestly, just works well,” he says.
Where is the best place to put a soap dispenser in the kitchen sink? ›The ideal position is 7 to 8 inches from your faucet. The goal is to create a comfortable space to wash your hands without the dispenser getting in the way.
Are touchless soap dispensers worth it? ›
Benefits of Automatic Soap Dispensers
An automatic soap dispenser is touchless, providing a clean solution that cuts down on the passing of germs by not only sluffing them away but also reducing touchpoints in germ-filled areas.
Provided that the soap itself hasn't run out, the most common reasons for this may be: If your dispenser has not been used in a long period of time it may become clogged. The sensor may be damaged, the batteries have run out or the wiring is faulty (in the case of automatic soap dispensers).
What side of the sink should the soap dispenser be on? ›The answer depends on your sink's design and set-up, as well as personal preference. If you have a double sink and you tend to wash dishes on the right and dry them on the left, then the dispenser should go on the right. For a single basin sink, either corner would work.
What side of the bathroom sink does hand soap go on? ›I keep a pump bottle of hand soap on the left side of every sink, including the kitchen sink. The reason being, the soap is pumped into the left hand. At the kitchen sink, I keep a large pump bottle of dishwashing liquid on the right side of the faucet (and the hand soap bottle on the left).
How far should soap dispenser be from sink? ›Q: What is the recommended distance between faucet and soap dispenser sensors on a sink? A: On a trough style sink we typically place the soap dispenser 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) from the faucet. That dimension can change depending upon the soap dispenser location and the under-mount bowl size.
How many pumps of soap should you use? ›Pump soap into one hand – one or two pumps should suffice – more soap doesn't nessecary mean – more clean.. Rub your hands well to create a lather and make sure you get your whole hand – including fingers, the back of your hands and even under your nails if you can.
Is one pump of soap enough? ›Even if someone takes the proper 20 seconds to wash their hands, it also matters how much soap they are using. If a person just takes one small pump of hand soap for example, that probably is not enough to rid their hands of the adequate number of pathogens to be properly hygienic.
What are the ADA guidelines for dispensers? ›According to ADA requirements, toilet tissue dispensers should be installed on the nearest side wall, a minimum of 19 inches above the floor and a maximum of 36 inches from the rear wall.
Where should soap dispensers be placed in a bathroom? ›In both residential and commercial settings, the ideal location is typically within arm's reach of the user when they are at the sink. This placement ensures that individuals can easily access soap before and after washing their hands, promoting a consistent hand washing routine.