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Oct 14, 2024

The 13 Best Soap Dispensers, Reviewed by BHG

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These stylish soap dispensers are the perfect pair of stylish and functional. In

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These stylish soap dispensers are the perfect pair of stylish and functional.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob

While a soap dispenser may seem like an arbitrary object, the small yet necessary accessory can elevate your space and make daily tasks more convenient. Investing in a permanent soap dispenser not only cuts down on the plastic waste of buying a new container every time you need a refill but is an easy way to bring a fresh look into your kitchen or bathroom as well.

“Beyond functionality, soap dispensers are another home decor opportunity to showcase a little personality by your sink,” says Christine Vroom, interior design expert and owner of Christine Vroom Interiors. Besides aesthetics, choosing a dispenser made of durable materials and a quality pump will ensure it lasts through numerous refills.

To find the best soap dispensers, we researched a variety of picks, taking into consideration material, capacity, and style.

A clear window at the base allows you to see when it’s time to refill.

Only comes in a stainless-steel finish.

This classic soap dispenser from OXO has our vote for the best overall soap dispenser. Not only does it have a sleek look, but the manual dispenser also features a large pump that is made from one solid piece, so you don’t have to worry about the spout breaking off after extended use.

In addition to being durable, the stainless-steel finish has a fingerprint-proof finish to ensure the surface stays looking neat and tidy throughout use. We like that you can choose between a liquid or foam pump, so you can continue using your favorite hand soap.

You’ll appreciate the clear window at the base, allowing you to see when it’s time to refill this 12-ounce dispenser so you’ll never run out of soap mid-hand-wash.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5x3x7.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone | Capacity: 12 ounces

It’s made of sturdy glass and a stainless-steel pump.

The glass bottle is more fragile than other options.

This Jasai design is the best soap dispenser to consider if you’re looking for a less expensive option. The soap dispenser is made of sturdy glass and has a rustproof stainless-steel pump. It can hold 12 ounces of liquid and is refillable from the top.

The diamond texture adds elegance and interest, allowing this soap dispenser to easily fit into any decor scheme. It even comes with a removable, fully customizable, blank wooden tag as an extra detail.

If you’re looking for a high-quality soap dispenser with an elevated appearance, this is the best choice for your home. Just keep in mind that while the glass is sturdy, it’s more fragile than other materials so just be mindful while you refill it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 7x3x3 inches | Material: Glass | Capacity: 12 ounces

There are two ways to dispense soap and it’s transparent, so you’ll be able to tell when you need to refill.

The floral design may not fit all design aesthetics.

The Scrub Daddy Dual Action Dispenser dispenses soap two ways, so it’s the best soap dispenser for when you’re cleaning dishes. Just press down on the top to apply soap directly onto your scour pad, sponge, or hand. Alternatively, you can squeeze the sides to shoot soap into pots and pans for a scrub down or soak.

Since it’s made entirely of plastic, it is both durable and waterproof. The bottom even has a nonslip finish so it’ll be stable even on wet countertops. It’s transparent as well, so it’s easy to tell when the dispenser needs a refill.

The top dispenser has a floral accent that adds visual interest to an otherwise straightforward design, though that might be a dealbreaker depending on your personal design preferences.

Product Details: Dimensions: 5.7x3.7x3.4 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 8.5 ounces

The clear reservoir adds an appealing yet practical design element and the low battery indicator is a convenient feature.

Rechargeable batteries won’t work with this dispenser, and depending on your choice of soap, it may need regular cleaning.

Looking for a touch-free, hygienic, and efficient way to scrub up at the kitchen sink? This automatic dispenser from Secura is a smart choice. The water-resistant dispenser takes four AA batteries and its infrared sensor can sense your hand from nearly 3 inches away. You’ll know when it’s time to replace the batteries thanks to the blinking indicator light.

Keep in mind that rechargeable batteries are too low in voltage to work properly with this dispenser, which does create a bit more waste. Also note if you use a thicker hand soap, you’ll likely need to clean the feed tube by pumping warm water or even rubbing alcohol through it. However, regular cleanings aren’t a bad idea just to keep everything nice and tidy.

Made of plastic, we love how easy it is to see when the dispense is getting close to empty. It comes in six different finishes like chrome and antique copper that are sure to complement any bathroom or kitchen decor.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.3x6x8.7 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 17 ounces

It’s sold individually or as a set, so you can choose which suits your needs.

Since it’s made of glass, it may be more fragile than some other options.

This frosted-glass foam soap dispenser by Williams Sonoma is the best soap dispenser to add elegance to your countertops. The durable stainless-steel pump ensures long-lasting use, while the neutral, frosted color makes it easy to match with any existing design elements in any room.

The 16-ounce capacity ensures you won’t have to refill the dispenser often. Plus, it's offered either individually or as a set of two, as well as with the option to add a caddy, so you can choose which suits your needs best. Just keep in mind that since it’s made of glass, it’s a bit more fragile than some other picks.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.33x3x7.33 inches| Material: Frosted glass | Capacity: 16 ounces

You’ll be able to choose between a variety of patterns and colors, as well as pump finishes.

Shipping may take longer than other options, and there’s an additional shipping cost.

For a stylish, glass option, try this pick by MeDecor. With seven colors and patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find one that best fits your personal style and decor. Plus, you’ll be able to choose from various pump finishes to further customize the look.

The bottle has a 14-ounce capacity, making it perfect for storing liquid dish soap, hand soap, hand lotion, or any other liquids you need to keep at hand. The high-capacity metal pump dispenses 0.1 ounces per pump, ensuring that you have plenty of soap or lotion with each use.

Because of the immense customization options, this soap dispenser makes a great gift for a variety of occasions, including housewarming, birthdays, Mother's Day, weddings, and holiday celebrations. Its versatile design fits in any kitchen or bathroom theme, whether you prefer a farmhouse, rustic, or modern look.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3x3x7 inches | Material: Glass | Capacity: 14 ounces

The dispenser offers sleek, minimalist lines, is easy to clean, and will resist scratches and corrosion.

The 10-ounce capacity is on the smaller end of the spectrum.

Modern decor often involves sleek lines and minimalism, which makes this soap dispenser the perfect option if you’re after a more modern vibe. Made of stainless steel, this beautiful dispenser will be right at home on your kitchen or bathroom counter. Plus, it will resist rusting, scratches, and corrosion—all pluses for its home by the sink.

There’s only one color available, which is a brushed nickel finish. The capacity is on the smaller side at just 10 ounces, but that also means it’s a great choice for tight spaces and when you don’t have a lot of counter space to spare. When it comes time to clean the dispenser, simply wipe it down with warm, sudsy water for quick cleanup.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.27x2.76x3.15 inches |Material: Stainless steel |Capacity: 10.14 ounces

It’s offered either individually or as a set.

It’s made of glass, so it’s more fragile than other options.

If you lean towards farmhouse decor, this Mason jar style is the best soap dispenser for your space. The clear design is finished with a stainless steel pump that’s painted black, offering a vintage flair. Plus, you can either buy it individually or as a set.

The hardware is rust and corrosion-resistant but keep in mind that the body of the dispenser is made of glass, which is more fragile than other options. It has a 16-ounce capacity, however, which is more than some other styles, so it likely won’t need to be refilled as often.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5x3.5x9 inches | Material: Glass and stainless steel | Capacity: 16 ounces

It’s less expensive than other options and has a decorative design.

Since it’s opaque, it may be harder to tell when you need a soap refill.

If you are yearning for a ceramic piece in your space, consider this pick from SKL Home. The Alanya soap dispenser boasts blue and white tones that create a fluid, wave-inspired appearance that is topped off with a lustrous silver-tone pump.

This soap dispenser is less expensive than other options and is an easy way to bring color and texture into a space thanks to the sturdy ceramic base. The ceramic is easy to clean and is resistant to wear and tear, making it made to last. Just keep in mind that since the design is opaque, it may be harder to tell when it needs a refill.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.92x2.37x7.22 inches | Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 14.4 ounces

This automatic dispenser lets you choose from five dispensing levels, comes in four finish options, and has a sizable capacity for fewer refills.

You’ll need to leave 10 to 14 inches between the dispenser and your countertop for the sensor to work properly.

Sometimes, there just isn’t enough counter space by the sink for everything you need to keep close at hand. In that case, this wall mounted dispenser is a hands-free way to dispense soap without taking up more countertop space.

It comes with a window so you can easily see how soon a refill is needed. Plus, you won’t have to refill this dispenser continuously, because it has an impressive 27-ounce capacity. It’s a breeze to fill with its wide opening at the top of the dispenser. And you get to choose one of five dispensing levels to control exactly how much soap comes out each time.

Keep in mind that you’ll need 10 inches of space between the dispenser and a non-reflective counter for the sensor to activate—14 inches if your counter is reflective. This can be challenging if your bathroom wall space is limited. You’ll need four AA batteries for this dispenser, which we all tend to have on hand since it’s a common size.

This automatic dispenser comes in brushed or polished stainless steel, black, and off-white. It’s also free from nickel and BPA.

Product Details: Dimensions: 5.12x4.33x9.45 inches | Material: Stainless steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | Capacity: 27 ounces

You can choose between a single, twin, or triple mount, depending on your needs.

There are no built-in labels, such as shampoo or conditioner, so you’ll have to remember which is which.

This wall-mounted pump from Simplehuman is ideal if you want to free up space in your shower by consolidating your soaps and shampoos. We love that you can choose between a single, twin, or triple dispenser, allowing you to choose which suits your needs best.

It has a sleek design and a clear carafe, so you can easily see when you need a refill. The hardware is made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum as well, meaning the design is durable and won’t rust over time.

Thanks to its easy-to-use lever, you’ll get the right amount of soap, shampoo, or conditioner with ease. Plus, the wide opening makes refilling fast and spill-free, and the smartly designed hooks provide a place to keep your razor, loofah, or other shower accessories. The best part? It's easy to install with some double-sided tape.

Product Details: Dimensions: 4.75x3.75x10.88 inches | Material: Plastic, steel | Capacity: 8.5 ounces

It has a generous capacity with a design that appeals to kids and adults alike.

The opaque plastic material won’t let you see at a glance whether a refill is needed.

Ensuring that your littles wash their hands is important, and one way to do that is to pick out a fun soap dispenser. However, some of the dispensers that appeal to youngsters don’t always offer the aesthetic adults prefer. This Pillowfort dispenser from Target blends the best of both worlds—a colorful, fun polka-dot design that appeals to the child in all of us without feeling overly juvenile. Its multicolored dots lend themselves well to almost any decor scheme while adding a dash of whimsy to your kiddos’ bathroom counter.

Its plastic material will hold up well in case of accidents, and you can even use this manual dispenser for lotion if you prefer. The plastic is opaque, making it difficult to see at a glance whether a refill is needed. But its respectable 15-ounce capacity means fewer refills in general, making it a convenient choice as well as a kid-friendly one.

Product Details: Dimensions: 7.12x3x3 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 15.2 ounces

This two-dispenser set includes a bamboo tray for corralling drips and offers color and label combinations to fit your preferences.

The glass material may break if dropped or knocked over.

Finding dispenser sets for the kitchen or bathroom is just plain convenient—no mixing and matching needed. This set of two glass dispensers comes with a bamboo tray to catch any drips or spills and includes a bamboo-ringed stainless-steel pump for an attractive design element.

The set comes in all black, all white, or one black and one white. You can choose either the “hands” and “dishes” pair or opt for the “soap” and “lotion” label combination, depending on where you want to place them.

Though the glass material adds an elevated touch, it may not be ideal for homes with small children, since the glass may break if dropped or tipped over by little hands. Overall though, this set adds a bit of personality and practicality to any countertop thanks to its chic bamboo tray and coordinating dispensers.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.5x6.55x3.15 inches | Material: Glass, bamboo | Capacity: 16 ounces

Overall, the best soap dispenser is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser. The soap dispenser is made of durable stainless steel and has a clear window at the base, allowing you to see exactly when it’s time to refill.

Soap dispensers are generally all around the same size, and most will fit on your countertop with no issues, but if you have a pedestal sink or are placing it on a shelf or windowsill, check the dimensions to be sure it will fit properly.

“Size is a factor to consider as it wouldn’t be appealing to have a large pump next to a small powder room sink, but capacity would be a plus next to your main sink faucet,” Vroom says.

Many dispensers hold 14 to 16 ounces of soap, while others can hold substantially less. For high-traffic areas, such as your main bathroom or kitchen sink, you may want to opt for a bottle with a larger capacity that is also easy to refill, whereas in areas like a guest bathroom, opting for a lower capacity is fine. Of course, if you don’t mind a more frequent refill cadence, any capacity will suffice.

Soap dispensers are made out of a variety of materials, including resin, ceramic, stainless steel, glass, and plastic. Materials can dictate the aesthetic of the dispenser in addition to its durability. “No one wants to be swapping dispensers every few months because of rust, clogs, or breakage” Vroom shares. Dispensers made from metal, plastic, or resin are less likely to break if that’s a concern of yours.

Should you go with foaming or regular soap dispensers? “The foaming soap dispensers seem to last longer as they are mixed with air and fewer pumps are needed,” Vroom says. On the other hand, she points out that you’ll have “an endless array of dispensers” to choose from if you opt for traditional soap. In short, if design is a priority for you, you might want to choose regular soap so you have more dispenser options to choose from.

No matter what style you go with, soap dispensers can make hand and dishwashing a more functional and fluid experience. They’re also a more environmentally friendly option as you’d be refilling a reusable container instead of purchasing new plastic bottles every time you need more soap.

Vroom adds that a soap dispenser can also add a touch of personality to your bathroom, whether you choose an option that adds a splash of color or a sleek, modern style to blend into your countertop.

When it comes to soap dispensers, you’ll most likely need one in your bathroom and kitchen, as well as your laundry room and anywhere else you have a sink. When it comes to proper placement, you’ll want to be mindful of making it easily accessible near the sink faucet while also ensuring that it’s not too close to the edge of the sink where it can easily fall and break.

When it comes to choosing an automatic dispenser or a traditional option, Vroom states it comes down to personal preference. She adds, “You won’t be able to find as many aesthetically appealing dispensers, but they are nice to have if you prefer to be a hands-off household.” She feels automatic dispensers are a good idea in the kitchen—say, when you’ve been handling raw meat and don’t want to touch the soap dispenser. Vroom doesn’t feel they’re as necessary in bathrooms.

This article was written by Courtney Kittel and Brittany VanDerBill, freelance writers for Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, they consulted Los Angeles-based interior designer Christine Vroom to learn more about how to choose a soap dispenser and what features to consider. The two spent several hours researching soap dispensers by comparing product reviews, customer recommendations, overall design, and product specifications.