The 8 Best Soap Dispensers of 2024, Tested by the Spruce (2024)

Updated on 05/16/23

• Our Picks

• How We Tested

• What to Look for

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

After testing 11 products, the Blomus Sono was a clear winner, earning perfect 5's for quality, design, and effectiveness. We gave it a 4.5 for durability, noting that it's very sturdy and heavier than it looks online but not dishwasher-safe.

Made of ceramic and composite, the Sono has a chic matte finish in your choice of seven neutral hues ranging from black to taupe to white. Instead of a twist-on design, the pump just pushes down and attaches with a rubber seal.

Unless you're opposed to the rounded, minimalist-modern style, we think most people will love the look, feel, and overall design. While this German soap dispenser is on the pricier side, it's not as exorbitantly expensive as some other high-end options.

_{Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.7 x 3.4 inches | Material: Ceramic, composite | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 8.5 ounces}

For folks on a budget, we highly recommend the Umbra Step. It's extremely effective and still stylish for an affordable price.

While the shiny melamine material looks like glazed porcelain, it feels like plastic, which explains the lower price point. We like that this dishwasher-safe soap dispenser has a versatile design—not blatantly modern nor too rustic for contemporary spaces.

_{Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.4 inches | Material: Melamine | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 13 ounces}

If you can swing the steep price, go with Eddi. This forward-thinking soap dispenser clocked perfect scores for quality, durability, effectiveness, and design, thanks to its durable stainless steel and zinc alloy construction and sleek, minimalist-modern appeal.

The brand also offers a Hand Soap Starter Set that comes with three recyclable aluminum bottles of soap that go directly into the container, so you never really need to clean the inside, since it doesn't get soapy. After you receive and love your dispenser, you can buy soap refills on the site for a sustainable switch.

_{Dimensions: 8.2 x 2.6 inches | Material: Stainless steel, zinc alloy | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 9.5 ounces}

The simplehuman Touch-Free Soap Dispenser is an amazing smart option that's perfect for busy moms or avid chefs who need to keep their hands clean in the kitchen. While it's not dishwasher-safe (due to the lithium-ion battery), it is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean.

This rechargeable soap dispenser has a three-month battery life and a sleek metal body. While it's undoubtedly expensive, this is a great option for kitchens, as stainless steel complements most appliances.

_{Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 2.8 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Pump: Automatic | Capacity: 9 ounces}

With a white ceramic body and a contrasting matte black plastic pump, the Container Store's Nomo Soap Pump is notably light and probably not dishwasher-safe (though it's not specified in the product description). The modern, yet versatile, appearance will complement most bathroom décor schemes. The simple black and white body looks great on a bathroom sink, while the ceramic is easy to clean and durable.

_{Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.8 inches | Material: Ceramic | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 10 ounces}

We noted that Crate & Barrel's Marah Dispenser is well-made but not dishwasher-safe, which takes away some of the value. Still, it's surprisingly affordable for Crate & Barrel, and since it's handmade, it has that beautifully imperfect appeal. We love the unique design that has a bit more added interest than a plain dispenser. The plastic pump has a stainless steel-like appearance that adds to the expensive look.

_{Dimensions: 7.7 x 3 inches | Material: Ceramic | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 14 ounces}

We're big fans of the Oggi Glass Soap Dispenser, which is sturdier and heavier than it looks online. Though the glass is thick, this soap dispenser isn't dishwasher-safe. We like that there are a few tiny bubbles in the glass, which adds character and creates a perfectly imperfect hand-blown appearance. Glass options look super-sleek in a bathroom or kitchen, but they aren't the most durable, so they may not be the best option for households with kids.

_{Dimensions: 7 x 3 inches | Material: Glass | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 10 ounces}

If your décor taste leans rustic or industrial, check out this soap dispenser from Jarmazing. On account of the large capacity, affordable price tag, water-tight silicone gasket, and dishwasher-safe container, we love this option for a rustic aesthetic. It's actually a name-brand Mason jar, and the matte black pump balances it out for a modern-farmhouse appeal.

_{Dimensions: 9 x 3.5 inches | Material: Glass | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 16 ounces}

Final Verdict

The best option is the Blomus Sono, a uniquely modern soap dispenser that looks stylish, performs well, and is easy to clean. If you're looking for something more affordable (or not so blatantly modern), we recommend the melamine Umbra Step Liquid Soap Pump Dispenser, which still looks beautiful and has multiple color options, but for a budget-friendly price tag.

FAQ

• How do you clean a soap dispenser?

  Some soap dispensers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, though it depends on the brand and material. If yours isn't dishwasher-safe, you can wash it by hand in the sink like you would a dish using warm soapy water, and then rinse it clean.

  To clean the pump component, run it under warm water in the sink to flush out the tube while pumping it, to get all the soap out. You can also use a little distilled white vinegar to loosen up any built-up residues. Between thorough cleanings, you can just wipe down the outside of the container with the same thing you use to clean your counters.

• How often should you clean a soap dispenser?

  Since people touch the pump multiple times a day, the outside of your soap dispenser can be wiped down and sanitized as often as every day. As mentioned above, you can use the same cleaning products you use for your counters, like disinfectant wipes or an all-purpose spray.

  You don't really need to clean the inside very often. Similar to a shampoo bottle, it's fine to use up the contents without washing out the inside along the way. Each time you refill it, you might want to do a thorough cleaning. If the pump is finicky, flushing it out may help.

• Do you need a special dispenser for foaming soap?

  While the container itself doesn't really matter, in most cases, you'll need a special pump to dispense foaming soap. You'll need to use a particular type of hand wash. Foaming soap is usually a bit thinner than regular hand soap, with a watery consistency, whereas regular soap is more like a gel.

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