Soap dispensers might seem like a small detail, but they have a big impact on hygiene, running costs and day-to-day use. With so many options available, from touchless and manual models to foam and sanitiser dispensers, choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward.
The truth is, there isn’t a single “best” soap dispenser that suits every setting. What works well depends on how the space is used, how many people pass through it and what you need most, whether that’s higher hygiene standards, durability, low maintenance or better cost control. Below, we break down the main types of soap dispensers you’ll come across in commercial and public facilities and explain how they differ, helping you choose the right option with confidence.
Automatic and Touchless Soap Dispensers
Automatic soap dispensers use built-in sensors to release soap without the need for touch, helping reduce shared contact points and improve hygiene. This is why they’re commonly used in healthcare settings, schools and busy public environments.
They also give users added reassurance, creating a cleaner and more hygienic feel overall. In high-traffic environments, that visible focus on cleanliness can help boost confidence and comfort.
Some of our best selling products include:
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Designer Touchless Hand Soap Dispenser
Built for frequent daily use, this model is well suited to public facilities where durability and reliable performance are essential. -
Delabie Electronic Soap Dispenser
A sensor-operated dispenser with a clean, modern look, making it a good fit for customer-facing and contemporary facilities. -
Stainless Design Automatic Foam Soap Dispenser
A touch-free option that helps control soap usage while maintaining strong hygiene standards, ideal for busy environments.
Overall, automatic soap dispensers are well suited to busy areas where frequent use makes touch-free handwashing more practical.
Manual Soap Dispensers with Button or Lever Operation
Manual soap dispensers use a push button or lever to release soap and remain a popular choice. They’re simple to use, reliable and easy to maintain, with no electronics or power requirements.
Because of this, they’re often used in offices, staff facilities and lower-traffic areas where straightforward maintenance and dependable performance are more important than touch-free operation.
Popular options include:
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Classic 900 ml Liquid Hand Soap Dispenser
A simple, refillable dispenser that works well for public facilities use.
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Bulk Fill Pump Action Wall Mounted Soap Dispenser
Available in a range of finishes, making it easy to match them with different interior styles.
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Lever-Operated Soap Dispensers
Designed to be easier to use, these are a good option for environments where accessibility is a key consideration. Our range of lever-operated soap dispensers includes options designed for reliable everyday use in healthcare, education and workplace settings.
Overall, manual soap dispensers are a solid choice where simplicity, durability and low maintenance are the main priorities.
Foam Soap Dispensers
Foam soap dispensers mix soap with air to create a light foam that spreads easily across the hands. Because less soap is needed per wash, many organisations choose foam systems to help control usage and reduce costs.
Foam soap is also popular with users, as it feels lighter, rinses off quickly and delivers a comfortable, efficient handwashing experience.
You’ll find options such as:
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Wall-Mounted Sensor Activated 1L Automatic Foaming Soap Dispenser
A touch-free foaming dispenser with a large capacity, ideal for high-use facilities looking to reduce soap usage and maintain high hygiene standards. -
Dan Dryer LOKI Manual 600ml Foam Soap Dispenser
A compact manual foam dispenser that’s easy to maintain, making it a practical option for offices and staff facilities.
Foam soap dispensers work particularly well in high-traffic environments where efficiency, user experience and cost control all matter.
Liquid Soap Dispensers
Liquid soap dispensers are the most familiar option and are still widely used. They’re reliable, easy to refill and compatible with a wide range of liquid hand soaps, making them simple to manage day to day.
Available in both manual and automatic versions, they suit a wide range of spaces and are often chosen because they support familiar handwashing routines and work with standard liquid soaps that are easy to refill and maintain.
Within this type, dispensers are split into two main categories, with a wide selection available to suit different needs:
Manual Liquid Soap Dispensers
A practical choice for offices and lower-traffic areas.
Automatic Liquid Soap Dispensers
A touch-free option that improves hygiene without the need to switch to a different soap format.
Overall, liquid soap dispensers offer a versatile, no-nonsense solution that works well in most everyday situations.
Soap Bar Dishes and Dispensers
Soap bar dishes offer a simple, no-fuss approach to handwashing in the right settings. By keeping solid soap securely in place, they help maintain a tidy sink area and prevent soap from being misplaced or wasted. This makes them an appealing option for spaces looking to cut down on liquid soap or adopt a more traditional, low-waste setup.
Soap bar systems are typically chosen for specific operational or sustainability goals, rather than for general use in areas with high-traffic.
So in summary, the best soap dispenser really depends on the space it’s going into. Touchless models work well in busy public facilities, foam systems can help cut down on soap usage, and manual dispensers are often ideal for offices and staff areas. Understanding the differences between dispenser types makes choosing an option that supports good hygiene, keeps maintenance simple and improves the overall experience much easier.
If you’re reviewing your existing setup or planning a new installation, exploring our range of soap dispensers is a great place to start. And if you’re not quite sure which option is right for your space, feel free to contact us. Our team is always happy to talk things through and help you find a solution that delivers long-term value.
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