August 17th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

If any of us were in any doubt as to the importance of handwashing, then surely we all appreciate just how integral a part it plays in infection control now? Not only are hand washing facilities vital in public and multiple occupancy buildings, but we must also consider how they can be used to remain as hygienic as possible.

In the ‘new normal’ that we now have to adopt in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, not only is it important to provide hand soap to staff and visitors, we must provide access to it in a way that minimises contact and, therefore, risk.

Automatic soap dispensers, that dispense soap using a sensor, rather than physical touch, are fast becoming the most popular solution in washrooms all over the country.

Here are 5 examples of the best ones, for a variety of reasons:

1. The Cost-Effective Model

If you want value for money, you should look at the Bulk Fill Automatic No Touch Soap Dispenser because it’s one of the most cost-effective models on the market. Despite its low price tag, it still has all the features you’d expect from a quality dispenser.

It has a stylish design and the clear viewing window means that you can see when it’s getting low on soap. The pump can be removed for cleaning and servicing and, because it’s battery operated and comes with a fixing kit, it is really easy to install anywhere. You don’t need to worry about wiring it in! All of this makes it a really good, no-frills model that offers great value for money.

2. The ‘No Mess’ Model

We’ve called the Automatic Hand Sanitiser and Soap Dispenser with Drip Tray the ‘no mess’ model because of the simple addition of a drip tray. With the best will in the world, spills and drips will happen – if people leave their hands under too long or pull them away too quickly, for example.

These drips can collect on the surface of the sink or even the floor, and they’re not only unsightly and tricky to remove, but they also attract dust and grime. They can even become a slip hazard. The simplest designs are often the best and the drip tray prevents this becoming an issue. It also doesn’t cost the Earth, so it’s great value for money.

Automatic Hand Sanitiser and Soap Dispenser with Drip Tray 1L

Price: £71.99

Buy Now

3. The Stylish Model

Public and workplace washrooms do tend to be more functional than our home bathrooms but there’s no reason that fittings have to be completely utilitarian. This Rubbermaid Chrome and Black Automatic No Touch Auto Foam Dispenser looks smart with its combination of chrome and black – deal if you want something with a bit of style to it.

It also uses refill cartridges rather than bulk filling, so changing the soap is easy, with no risk of spillages. Just open the dispenser, pull out the empty cartridge, and fit the new one in its place.

Rubbermaid Chrome and Black Automatic No Touch Auto Foam Dispenser, 1.1 Litres

Price: £102.98

Buy Now

4. The Minimalist Model

If you thought number 3 was stylish, check out the designer Rubbermaid Soapworks Under Counter Polished Chrome Tap One-Shot Automatic Soap Dispenser! This tap-style soap dispenser is simple, yet very elegant in design and is great for bathrooms in buildings that just require a little more elegance in every area, such as bars, restaurants, clubs and corporate offices.

You don’t mount this dispenser on a wall. Instead, it sits on the counter and the refill bottle is hidden out of view below the dispenser. This gives it a clean, minimalist look. It looks especially great on marble or granite counter-tops!

5. The Precision-Engineered Model

Anyone who appreciates fine workmanship, high-end design and German precision engineering will love the Ophardt Hygiene Anti Fingerprint Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser. This is the Ferrari of soap dispensers. Fabricated from high-grade German steel, it also has an anti-fingerprint coating, which means it always looks clean and professional. It stands for no messing about with a vandal-proof backplate to prevent it being ripped from the wall and a scratch-resistant body.

It is the most expensive model in our top five, but it will last for around 20 years. When you consider that the lifespan of most soap dispensers is just 2 years, that makes it great value for money. If you’re after a long-term investment, you need to look no further!