Updated - January 2025
Often overlooked as just a necessity, the pandemic showed us how vital soap dispensers actually are. And, thanks to modern technology and design, they no longer need to be an eyesore in an otherwise modern washroom. Modern soap dispensers can be contactless, can dispense multiple substances and can look fantastic while they do so. In this article we’ll be looking at the best soap dispensers that Handryers UK stock, and what the best situation for each is.
The ‘best’ soap dispenser will depend on the needs and requirements of each facility. We will look at a few categories that may affect your choice of soap dispenser.
The best soap dispenser with a large capacity
Our dispensers come in a range of capacities, which should be dictated by the expected usage. We would class a large dispenser is in the range of 1L to 1.5L. If the dispenser will be placed in a higher-traffic location then we suggest one of the higher capacity ones. This is so you don’t have to refill them as frequently, and larger capacity dispensers are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long term.
Something that is worth keeping in mind, is the ‘amount per pump’ from a dispenser. A 500ml dispenser with a 1ml per shot is going to the last a similar amount of time as a dispenser with a 1L capacity but a 2ml per shot.
The following dispensers are our choice for larger capacity units:
- Dryflow 1.2L Vertical Stainless Steel Liquid Soap Dispenser
- Dryflow 1.2L Horizontal Stainless Steel Liquid Soap Dispenser
The best soap dispenser for liquid soap and sanitiser gel
After the pandemic, alcohol and sanitiser gel dispensers exploded in popularity. But, what a lot of installers don’t realise is that there is specific made dispensers for alcohol gel. This is because the alcohol found in the gel can corrode the valve, and if not properly sealed can actually evaporate out of the dispenser. So a ‘normal’ soap dispenser will not work with sanitiser gel or alcohol gel.
While there are specific models for gel if that is what you require, there are also 2-in-1 models available if you need the flexibility.
The following dispensers can be used as 2-in-1 units:
The best automatic soap dispensers
When you think of a typical soap dispenser, you probably think of one where you have to push a button or lever for soap / gel to come out. And while your hands will of course still be clean after you wash them, there is still risk of cross contamination from the shared contact. It’s also important to remember that not every person properly washes their hands. This is where a non-touch or automatic dispensers comes in.
A no-touch dispenser provides even higher levels of hygiene as the user does not need to come into contact with the unit at all.
The following dispensers are our automatic units:
- Automatic Soap Dispenser / Touch Free Alcohol Hand Gel Dispenser
- Automatic Liquid Sanitiser Spray Dispenser
The ‘best’ soap dispenser is very much dependent on you and your specific needs and requirements, thinking about the location, the users, and the traffic, to name a few things. You may need a larger dispenser for high traffic areas or a 2-in-1 dispenser so that it can also be used for hand sanitiser, or a no-touch unit for extra hygiene purposes. The dispensers we find ourselves recommending for most situations are:
- 0.5L Stainless Steel Foam Soap Dispenser
- Dryflow 1.2L Vertical Stainless Steel Liquid Soap Dispenser
- Dryflow 1.2L Horizontal Stainless Steel Liquid Soap Dispenser
- Automatic Liquid Sanitiser Spray Dispenser
You can view our full range of soap dispensers here. If you need any help in selecting your ideal unit then feel free to contact our product experts on 0114 322 3663 or through our contact form here. They’d be happy to talk you through the options and find what works best for you and your situation.