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It’s very possible that the dirtiest thing in your kitchen isn’t the trash can or the sink. In fact, it may be the soap dispenser.
After all, it’s the last thing you touch when your hands need a wash. And even though they get clean right after, the germs on the dispenser remain and build up. That’s where an automatic, sensor-based soap dispenser comes in.
The best automatic soap dispensers work well in the kitchen, especially when you need to wash your hands but don’t want to contaminate the device that cleans them. Pairing this with a touch-free faucet is a total game-changer when cooking. They’re also awesome for wherever there’s a sink: bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and even in painting and art studios at home.
What to Look for in an Automatic Soap Dispenser
From high-tech sensors to the amount of soap used, here’s everything to keep in mind.
Sensor: With a touchless soap dispenser, the sensor is center stage. This is what picks up movement and drops the soap into your palm. Seems simple enough, but there are multiple other factors to consider, including its sensitivity. If a dispenser barely registers that your hand is there, it isn’t much help. An inch or two is the sweet spot for a sensor. Anything under is too close, or over is too far.
Amount of Soap Dispensed: This should be quick: ideally under or around two seconds is just enough time for a perfectly practical blast of soap. It’s often affected by the nozzle size — a bigger nozzle means more residual dripping after each dispensing, whereas a smaller one can cut off the flow more efficiently. An inside valve can also get the job done without the mess, and utilize your soap more economically too.
Refills: All of these take liquid soap, but they don’t all take any liquid soap. Some specifically need foaming soap, while others can work with whatever your favorite liquid soap is, as long as you add some water to the mix. Some dispensers even have a meter or clear window so you know how much soap is left.
Footprint: Fortunately, these picks really don’t take up much space, even on a cramped or crowded countertop. But some are bulkier than others, so consider the size of your sink before purchasing.
What Are the Best Automatic Sensor-Based Soap Dispensers?
We’ve picked four of the best soap dispensers to use in your home right now.
