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Did you know there are many different kinds of toilet roll dispenser? It’s probably not something you’ve ever given a lot of thought to, but if you’re looking to refurb your business washrooms, it might be a good idea to start. After all, your loo is something you, your staff, and your customers will use every day! Picking just any old toilet roll dispenser means any number of things can go wrong – it might not fit in the toilet cubicle properly, it might be too lightweight for the amount of use it’ll be getting, it might only be able to hold a very specific or expensive kind of toilet paper, and so on – and being caught short with a faulty toilet roll dispenser isn’t fun for anyone!
Our buyer’s guide will walk you through absolutely everything you need to know about toilet roll dispensers so you know your centrefeeds from your mini jumbos. This will help you make the right call for your business, so read on – it could save you time, money, and a lot of stress!
What to Look Out For
There aren’t many toilet paper experts in the world, so if you’re not one of them, you might find it useful to know a few key things to look out for.
Core Size
Core size tells you the diameter of the cardboard core of a toilet roll. Check your roll’s core size is the right fit for your dispenser before placing any orders. The most common size is between 2 and 3 inches.
The Difference Between Toilet Rolls and Toilet Tissue
Don’t pick up a toilet roll dispenser and a pack of toilet tissues – they’re slightly different things! Toilet tissue is traditionally packed flat, so won’t fit into a toilet roll dispenser. Both have their uses – we’ll explain more about that later.
Lock and Key
Most washroom dispensers come with a simple lock to prevent your customers from opening the unit. However, some cheaper models don’t. This is a really important vandal-proofing system, so if you’re going to be installing your unit in a public washroom or a school, you need to look out for this.
Vandal-Proofing
Toilet roll dispensers can come with a few other vandal-proofing measures, too. If you’re worried about vandals in your washroom, look out for a toilet roll dispenser that’s made of grade 304 stainless steel. This is durable and rust-resistant, so it’s ideal for public bathrooms. You should also check the quality of the dispenser’s backplate – this is what fixes your unit to the side of your cubicle, so a weak backplate may be prone to being ripped off the wall. When you see a toilet roll dispenser described as ‘vandal-proof’, it should be made or grade 304 stainless steel and have a strong backplate.
1 Ply, 2 Ply, or 3 Ply
Toilet tissue comes in three types – one, two, or three ply. This describes how many layers are on a single sheet of toilet paper. It’s easy to assume that thicker paper is just better, but it’s not quite that simple. Thicker toilet paper is more comfortable to use, and anyone who uses your bathroom will appreciate it. However, it’s less economical as you get less of it per roll, and it’s also more likely to cause blockages in your pipes. Weigh up what’s most important for your business when deciding which toilet paper to buy – it could save you a lot of expensive problems in the future!
Types of Toilet Roll Dispenser
We’ll walk you through the different types of toilet roll dispenser below, and explain which kinds of businesses they’re suitable for.
Mini Jumbo
Despite the slightly confusing name, mini jumbos are the most popular kind of toilet dispenser. This is because they combine a relatively large toilet roll capacity with a small housing, so they give you basically as much toilet paper as you can get without being too bulky. In addition, mini jumbo toilet rolls are extremely common and don’t cost much, so you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a very specific kind of loo roll to fit in it.
As they’re so common, mini jumbo toilet roll dispensers come in a variety of colours, designs, and finishes if you want something to fit your brand. Likewise, if you’re looking for a vandal-proof mini jumbo dispenser, you’ll be able to find an affordable grade 304 stainless steel unit quite easily. This makes the mini jumbo toilet roll dispenser a versatile, all-purpose option for any washroom.
Best For: Average-sized washrooms
Bulk Pack Toilet Tissue Dispensers
If space is really tight, you’ll want to use a bulk pack toilet tissue dispenser. These don’t use rolls, but rather use packs of individual toilet tissues which are doled out to the user one at a time. What this means is that they can be more tightly packed into the dispenser, so you can get more toilet paper into a smaller space. If you have very small toilet cubicles, this means a bulk dispenser is the best option for you.
As toilet tissue dispensers give out a single sheet of toilet paper at a time, they’re also a great choice for any business looking to reduce waste. Bathroom users are far less likely to pick up large handfuls of toilet paper if they’re only given one at a time, so they’re a really economical choice, too.
Best For: Small washrooms or businesses looking to reduce waste
Toilet Roll Holders
Sometimes, you just don’t want a bulky toilet roll dispenser on your wall at all. Maybe you’re going for a very particular look in your washroom, or perhaps space is too tight for even a bulk pack dispenser to fit there comfortably. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look at a toilet roll holder! Toilet roll holders are essentially dispensers without the bulky outer housing, so they give you a more rustic look for your washroom.
Best For: Very small washrooms or washrooms with a specific rustic, simple décor
Twin Toilet Roll Dispensers
You’re always going to have to replace your toilet roll supplies when your dispenser runs out – that’s unavoidable. However, it makes sense to reduce the number of times you need to replace your toilet rolls as much as you can. If you have the room in your toilet cubicles, a twin toilet roll dispenser is the perfect way to do this. As the name suggests, it fits two rolls of toilet paper as opposed to just one, so its supplies will last you half as long. This makes them a more convenient choice if your business has very busy washrooms that need a lot of maintenance.
