To help you find the perfect option, we sent our tester home with 11 pump bottles at varying price points. After evaluating each one for quality, durability, design, and overall value, our tester’s top pick is the Blomus Sono Soap Dispenser, a sturdy rubber container with a modern matte finish. Here are the best soap dispensers currently on the market. After testing 11 products, the Blomus Sono was a clear winner, earning perfect 5s for quality, design, and effectiveness. Our tester gave it a 4.5 for durability, noting that it’s very sturdy and heavier than it looks online but not dishwasher-safe. In terms of overall value, this soap dispenser scored a solid 4.8 out of 5. 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. Price at time of publish: $39 While the shiny melamine material looks like glazed porcelain, it feels like plastic, which is why it earned a 3.5 for quality. We like that this dishwasher-safe soap dispenser has a versatile design—not blatantly modern nor too rustic for contemporary spaces. Price at time of publish: $12 It’s expensive, though, which is why our tester gave it a 4.5 for overall value. The Hand Soap Starter Set 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. Price at time of publish: $85 Our tester gave this rechargeable soap dispenser a 4.2 overall score on account of the three-month battery life and sleek metal body. While it’s undoubtedly expensive, this is a great option for kitchens, as stainless steel complements most appliances. Price at time of publish: $70 With a white ceramic body and a contrasting matte black plastic pump, it’s 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. Price at time of publish: $18 In terms of overall value, this ceramic soap pump scored a 4.5. It’s surprisingly affordable for Crate & Barrel, and since it’s handmade, it has that beautifully imperfect appeal. Price at time of publish: $15 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. Price at time of publish: $14 On account of the large capacity, affordable price tag, water-tight silicone gasket, and dishwasher-safe container, our tester gave this dispenser a 4.2 score for overall value. It’s actually a name-brand Mason jar, and the matte black pump balances it out for a modern-farmhouse appeal. Price at time of publish: $14
What to Look for in a Soap Dispenser
Size
Most options will fit on your countertop, no problem. But if you’re placing it on a shelf, windowsill, or another narrow ledge, be sure to check the dimensions. Additionally, bottles range in terms of capacity. Many hold 16 ounces of soap, while others hold substantially less. If you don’t mind refilling the bottle more often, a smaller one is fine. However, if it’s a nuisance, you might want to opt for something with a larger capacity.
Material
Soap dispensers can be made of glass, plastic, melamine, resin, ceramic, stainless steel, or recycled substances. The choice is partly about aesthetics, though resin, melamine, metal, and plastic are less likely to break. Also, depending on where you live, some materials are more recyclable than others.
Pump
Most dispensers have a manual design, meaning you use your free hand to pump the soap into your other hand. Manual designs are great for a majority of spaces, but if you’re placing a soap dispenser in a high-traffic area, you might consider getting an automatic model, as it’ll be more sanitary.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019 and covers cleaning products, home décor, and furniture. As a seasoned commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, interior design, and home improvement, she knows how to find the best decorative accents and functional accessories at every price point. 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. 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. But each time you refill it, you might want to do a thorough cleaning. And if the pump is finicky, flushing it out may help. For this article, Theresa personally tested 11 soap dispensers at home, carefully assessing each one in terms of quality, design, durability, effectiveness, and overall value. Then she narrowed it down to those with the highest scores in each category. You can scope out more of Theresa’s work on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Verywell Mind.
