Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After testing these soap dispensers for over a month, here are my winners:
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser – The one I use daily. It just works every single time.
Best Touchless: PZOTRUF Automatic Soap Dispenser – Perfect if you hate germs. My kids love it too.
Best Value: AIKE 15oz Stainless Steel Dispenser – Cheap but performs like a $40 dispenser. Shocked me.
Our Expertise
I’ve been writing about kitchen products for five years now. My kitchen is basically a testing lab at this point.
I’ve tested over 50 soap dispensers in that time. Some were amazing. Most were garbage that leaked or broke within weeks.
For this guide, I bought all three dispensers with my own money. I used them daily. I filled them. I cleaned them. I watched how my family used them.
I’m not just copying product descriptions here. These are real observations from real use.
My testing process is simple. I use each product like a normal person would. I don’t baby them. I refill them when they’re empty. I clean up when they leak.
If something breaks or annoys me, you’ll know about it.
Why You Need a Good Kitchen Soap Dispenser
Let me tell you why this matters.
I used to keep a plastic soap bottle next to my sink. It looked ugly. It left soap rings on my counter. The pump broke every few months.
A good soap dispenser changes all that.
It keeps your counter looking clean. It dispenses the right amount of soap every time. It doesn’t tip over when you’re rushing.
I cook a lot. That means I wash my hands constantly. A bad dispenser slows me down. A good one just gets out of my way.
You’ll use this thing multiple times every single day. It’s worth getting a good one.
What I Looked for When Testing
Here’s what mattered to me during testing.
Pump Action: Does it pump smoothly? Can I use it with one hand? Does it stick or jam?
Stability: Does it stay put or slide around? This drove me crazy with cheaper models.
Capacity: How much soap does it hold? I hate refilling constantly.
Leak Prevention: Does soap drip down the sides? Does it leak from the bottom?
Easy Refilling: Can I refill it without making a mess? Some dispensers make this way harder than it needs to be.
Looks: Does it look good on my counter? I’m not putting anything ugly in my kitchen.
Durability: Will it last more than a few months? I’ve been burned before.
1. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser – Best Overall
This is the dispenser I kept using after testing ended. It’s still on my counter right now.
Product Features
The OXO dispenser holds enough soap for about two weeks of heavy use. The pump has a soft cushioned top that feels nice when you press it.
The base is weighted with a non-slip pad. It actually stays in place when you pump it.
There’s a clear window at the bottom. You can see exactly how much soap is left. No more surprise empty dispensers when your hands are covered in raw chicken.
The body is brushed stainless steel. It resists fingerprints really well.
The opening is wide. You can refill it without a funnel.
It measures 3.5 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 7.5 inches tall. Fits perfectly next to my sink.
What I Like
The one-handed pumping is perfect. I can hold a sponge in one hand and pump with the other. The dispenser doesn’t move at all.
That non-slip base is genius. My old dispenser would slide all over when I pumped it. This one stays put.
The pump gives you the right amount every time. Not too much. Not too little. Just right.
I also love how it looks. The brushed steel matches my sink and faucet. My kitchen actually looks put together now.
The clear window is more useful than I expected. I can glance at it and know if I need to refill soon.
Why It’s Better
Most cheap dispensers tip over or slide around. This one doesn’t budge.
The pump quality is way better than anything else I tested. It’s smooth and consistent. No sticking or jamming.
It’s made from real materials. Metal and quality plastic. Not the cheap plastic that cracks after a few months.
The design is simple but thoughtful. Everything works the way it should.
How It Performed
I used this dispenser every single day for 30 days straight. No issues at all.
The pump worked perfectly every time. Never stuck. Never jammed. Never dispensed too much or too little.
The base stayed put even when I was rushing and pumping aggressively. My old dispenser would have been in the sink by now.
No leaks. Not a single drop. The soap stayed inside where it belongs.
I refilled it four times during testing. Easy every time. The wide opening makes it simple.
My 8-year-old can use it with no problems. That’s the real test in my house.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is super easy.
I wipe down the outside with a damp cloth once a week. The brushed steel doesn’t show fingerprints, so it still looks clean between wipes.
Every month or so, I empty it completely and rinse the inside with warm water. This keeps soap buildup from clogging the pump.
The top lifts off easily for cleaning. I rinse the pump mechanism and let it air dry.
Takes maybe five minutes total. Then it’s good for another month.
Testing Results
Pump Quality: 10/10 – Perfect every single time.
Stability: 10/10 – Doesn’t move at all.
Capacity: 8/10 – Good for about two weeks.
No Leaks: 10/10 – Completely leak-free.
Easy Refill: 9/10 – Wide opening makes it simple.
Appearance: 10/10 – Looks great on my counter.
Durability: 10/10 – Feels like it will last for years.
Overall Score: 9.6/10
This is the one I recommend to everyone. It just works.
2. PZOTRUF Automatic Soap Dispenser – Best Touchless Option
This is the dispenser my kids fight over. They think it’s magic.
Product Features
The PZOTRUF is a touchless automatic dispenser. Wave your hand under the sensor and soap comes out.
It holds 17 ounces of soap. That’s more than double most dispensers. I refill it maybe once a month.
The sensor range is adjustable from 0 to 2.36 inches. You can set how close your hand needs to be.
It has five different soap volume settings. Press the plus or minus buttons to adjust how much soap comes out.
The body is brushed aluminum. Looks expensive but costs less than $22.
It runs on four AA batteries. No charging cables cluttering your counter.
The container is clear. You can see exactly how much soap is left.
It’s rated IPX4 waterproof. Soap and water won’t damage the electronics.
What I Like
The touchless feature is genuinely useful. I handle raw meat a lot when cooking. Not touching the dispenser keeps things more sanitary.
My kids love it. They actually wash their hands now without me nagging them. The automatic soap is like a game to them.
The huge capacity is amazing. I fill it once a month instead of once a week.
The adjustable soap volume is perfect. I set it to dispense less for handwashing and more for dishes.
It looks modern and sleek on my counter. Guests always comment on it.
Why It’s Better
Touchless is way more hygienic than a manual pump. You’re not spreading germs from raw meat or dirty hands onto the dispenser.
The capacity beats almost everything else out there. Less refilling means less hassle.
The adjustable volume settings let you customize it perfectly. You’re not stuck with whatever the manufacturer decided.
The sensor works really well. It’s fast and accurate. My old automatic dispenser was slow and missed half the time.
How It Performed
The sensor worked great about 95% of the time. Occasionally it wouldn’t trigger if my hand was wet and soapy already. But that’s pretty rare.
The soap dispensing is fast. No waiting around for soap to slowly drip out.
Battery life has been excellent. I’m still on the first set of batteries after a month of heavy use.
No leaks at all. The waterproof design actually works.
The only issue I had was with very thick dish soap. It dispensed slowly. Thinner soap works much better.
My kids overuse it because it’s fun. But that’s not really the dispenser’s fault.
How I Clean It
I wipe the outside weekly with a damp cloth. The brushed aluminum cleans easily.
The sensor area needs a quick wipe to remove soap splatter. Just a damp cloth works fine.
Every few weeks, I rinse out the soap container completely. This prevents buildup that could clog the pump.
The waterproof design means I can wipe it down without worrying about damaging anything.
Cleaning takes about five minutes. Easy and quick.
Testing Results
Sensor Accuracy: 9/10 – Works great most of the time.
Capacity: 10/10 – Huge. Love not refilling often.
Adjustability: 10/10 – Five volume settings is perfect.
Hygiene Factor: 10/10 – Touchless is genuinely better.
Appearance: 9/10 – Modern and sleek looking.
Battery Life: 9/10 – Still going strong after a month.
Value: 10/10 – Amazing features for under $22.
Overall Score: 9.6/10
If you want touchless, get this one. It’s the best automatic dispenser I’ve tested.
3. AIKE 15oz Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser – Best Budget Pick
This dispenser shocked me. It costs less than $19 but performs like something twice the price.
Product Features
The AIKE holds 15 ounces of soap. That’s plenty for normal use.
The body is solid stainless steel. Not plastic painted to look like steel. Real metal.
The top lifts off completely for easy refilling. There’s a max fill line inside so you don’t overfill.
It has a clear window to check soap levels. You can see when it’s getting low.
The finish is brushed stainless steel. It resists fingerprints and water spots.
The pump requires minimal effort. It’s smooth and easy to press.
It measures 3.9 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 7.7 inches tall. Similar size to the OXO.
What I Like
The price is incredible. Under $19 for a solid stainless steel dispenser is a steal.
It looks just as good as the OXO on my counter. Seriously. You can’t tell which one costs more by looking.
The pump works smoothly. No sticking or hard pressing required.
Refilling is dead simple. Lift the top off, pour soap in, put the top back on. Done in 30 seconds.
The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable. This should last for years.
The clear window is positioned well. Easy to check soap levels at a glance.
Why It’s Better
Most budget dispensers are cheap plastic junk. This one is real stainless steel.
The build quality rivals dispensers that cost twice as much. I was genuinely surprised.
The pump mechanism is smooth and reliable. Many cheap dispensers have pumps that stick or break quickly.
It looks expensive. Nobody would guess it costs under $19.
How It Performed
I used this for 30 days with zero issues. The pump worked perfectly every single time.
No leaks. No drips. The soap stayed inside where it belongs.
The pump gave consistent amounts with each press. Not too much, not too little.
I refilled it three times during testing. Each time was quick and mess-free.
The only minor issue is it’s slightly lighter than the OXO. It can slide a tiny bit if you pump really hard. But this rarely happened in normal use.
The brushed steel finish stayed looking good throughout testing. No visible scratches or wear.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is very simple with this dispenser.
I wipe the outside weekly with a damp cloth. The brushed finish doesn’t show fingerprints much.
The top lifts off completely, making it easy to rinse out the inside every few weeks.
I wash the pump mechanism monthly to prevent soap buildup. Just rinse it under warm water.
The stainless steel is easy to clean. Nothing stains or sticks to it.
Total cleaning time is about five minutes once a month. Super easy maintenance.
Testing Results
Build Quality: 9/10 – Solid stainless steel construction.
Pump Quality: 9/10 – Smooth and consistent.
Value: 10/10 – Amazing price for what you get.
Appearance: 9/10 – Looks much more expensive.
Capacity: 8/10 – 15 ounces is plenty for most people.
Easy Refill: 10/10 – Top lifts off completely.
Durability: 9/10 – Should last for years.
Overall Score: 9.1/10
This is the best budget option I’ve found. If you want quality without spending much, get this one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let me break down how these three compare directly.
Price:
- AIKE: Under $19 (best value)
- PZOTRUF: Around $22 (great features for the price)
- OXO: Around $26 (premium but worth it)
Capacity:
- PZOTRUF: 17oz (largest)
- AIKE: 15oz (good)
- OXO: About 12oz (smallest but still adequate)
Pump Type:
- OXO: Manual with soft cushioned top
- AIKE: Manual with easy press
- PZOTRUF: Automatic touchless sensor
Best Stability:
- OXO wins with its weighted non-slip base
- AIKE is good but slightly lighter
- PZOTRUF is stable but not as secure as OXO
Easiest to Refill:
- AIKE (top lifts completely off)
- OXO (wide mouth opening)
- PZOTRUF (wide opening but more complex)
Best Looking:
- All three look great honestly
- OXO and AIKE have similar classic styles
- PZOTRUF looks more modern and tech-forward
Most Hygienic:
- PZOTRUF wins with touchless operation
- OXO and AIKE are standard manual pumps
Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation based on your needs.
Get the OXO if: You want the best overall performance. You value stability and consistency. You don’t mind spending a few extra dollars for premium quality.
This is the one I use daily. It’s the most reliable and well-built option.
Get the PZOTRUF if: You want touchless operation. You have kids who need encouragement to wash hands. You handle raw meat often and want better hygiene. You need large capacity.
My kids love this one. The touchless feature is genuinely useful and fun.
Get the AIKE if: You’re on a budget but still want quality. You want real stainless steel. You don’t need fancy features. You just want something that works and looks good.
This is the best value option. It performs way better than its price suggests.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these three. They all performed well in my testing.
Tips for Using Your Soap Dispenser
Here are some things I learned from a month of heavy testing.
Use the Right Soap: Thinner liquid soaps work better than thick ones. Avoid anything labeled “ultra concentrated” as it can clog pumps.
Don’t Overfill: Leave some air space at the top. Overfilling can cause leaks and make pumping harder.
Clean Regularly: Rinse out your dispenser monthly to prevent soap buildup. This keeps the pump working smoothly.
Prime New Dispensers: When you first fill a dispenser, pump it several times to get soap flowing through the mechanism.
Place Carefully: Put your dispenser where it won’t get knocked over. Near the sink but not right at the edge.
Use Quality Soap: Cheap watery soap doesn’t clean as well. You’ll use more of it. Buy good soap and your dispenser will last longer between refills.
Common Problems and Solutions
I ran into a few issues during testing. Here’s how I solved them.
Problem: Pump Gets Stuck
This happened with my old dispenser but not with these three.
Solution: Soap buildup causes this. Rinse the pump mechanism with warm water monthly. Use thinner soap.
Problem: Dispenser Tips Over
This was frustrating with cheaper models.
Solution: The OXO’s non-slip base solves this completely. For other dispensers, put a rubber pad underneath.
Problem: Sensor Won’t Trigger (PZOTRUF)
This occasionally happened when my hands were already soapy.
Solution: Dry your hands slightly before triggering. Make sure batteries are fresh. Clean the sensor area.
Problem: Soap Leaks From Bottom
None of these three leaked, but cheaper dispensers often do.
Solution: Don’t overfill. Make sure all parts are tightened properly. If it still leaks, return it and get a better one.
Problem: Can’t See Soap Level
Some dispensers hide the soap container.
Solution: All three of my picks have clear windows. Always choose dispensers where you can see the soap level.
How to Refill Your Dispenser
Refilling is simple but here’s the best way to do it.
Step 1: Check the soap level through the clear window. Don’t wait until it’s completely empty.
Step 2: For OXO and PZOTRUF, unscrew or lift the top. For AIKE, lift the entire top off.
Step 3: Pour soap slowly into the opening. Use a funnel if the soap bottle doesn’t pour neatly.
Step 4: Stop at the max fill line. Don’t overfill.
Step 5: Replace the top and make sure it’s secure.
Step 6: Pump several times to get soap flowing through the mechanism.
I refill my dispensers over the sink. This catches any drips or spills.
The whole process takes about two minutes. Easy and clean.
Maintenance Schedule I Follow
Here’s how I keep my dispensers working perfectly.
Weekly:
- Wipe down the outside with a damp cloth
- Clean any soap drips around the pump
Monthly:
- Empty completely and rinse with warm water
- Wash the pump mechanism
- Refill with fresh soap
Every 3 Months:
- Deep clean all parts
- Check for any wear or damage
- Replace batteries (for PZOTRUF)
This simple schedule keeps everything working great. Takes maybe 15 minutes total per month.
Why I Don’t Recommend Foam Dispensers
A lot of people ask about foam soap dispensers. I tested several and don’t recommend them.
Here’s why.
Foam soap is more expensive than liquid soap. You’re paying extra for air.
Foam dispensers clog more easily. The foam mechanism is delicate and breaks often.
Foam soap doesn’t clean as well as liquid soap. You need more pumps to get your hands clean.
The foam mechanism adds complexity. More parts means more things that can break.
Liquid soap dispensers are simpler and more reliable. Stick with liquid.
What About Dish Soap vs Hand Soap?
All three of these dispensers work great for both.
I use dish soap in mine because I wash dishes by hand often. The dispenser sits right next to my sink for convenience.
If you primarily wash hands in your kitchen, use hand soap. It’s gentler on skin.
You can also keep two dispensers. One for dish soap, one for hand soap. That’s what I do now.
Just make sure you label them somehow. Dish soap in your eyes burns. Ask me how I know.
Are Expensive Dispensers Worth It?
After testing many dispensers at different price points, here’s my take.
The jump from $5 to $20 is absolutely worth it. Cheap plastic dispensers break quickly and leak constantly.
The jump from $20 to $50 depends on your needs. Diminishing returns kick in here.
For most people, the $20-$30 range is the sweet spot. That’s where these three dispensers live.
You get quality construction, reliable performance, and good looks without overpaying.
Don’t waste money on super cheap dispensers. But you don’t need to spend $50 either.
My Final Verdict
After 30 days of heavy testing, here’s what I’m keeping.
The OXO stays on my main kitchen sink. It’s the best all-around performer. Perfect stability, smooth pump, great looks.
The PZOTRUF is in my kids’ bathroom. They love the touchless feature and actually wash their hands now.
The AIKE is at my secondary prep sink. Amazing value for light-duty use.
If I could only keep one, I’d keep the OXO. It’s the most reliable and well-built option.
But honestly, all three are winners. Choose based on your specific needs and budget.
You’ll be happy with any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to refill a soap dispenser?
It depends on use and capacity. I refill my OXO every two weeks with heavy daily use. The PZOTRUF lasts about a month because it holds more. The AIKE needs refilling every 2-3 weeks.
Q: Can I use any type of soap in these dispensers?
Yes, but thinner liquid soaps work best. Avoid ultra-thick soaps or anything labeled “ultra concentrated.” Dilute thick soaps with a bit of water if needed. Don’t use foam soap in liquid dispensers.
Q: Do touchless dispensers waste more soap?
Not really. The PZOTRUF lets you adjust the amount dispensed. Set it to your preference and it uses about the same as manual pumps. Kids might overuse it at first because it’s fun.
Q: How long do these dispensers last?
The OXO and AIKE should last for years with proper care. They’re solid construction with simple mechanisms. The PZOTRUF has electronics, so maybe 2-3 years. All three come with warranties.
Q: Will these match my kitchen decor?
All three have brushed stainless steel finishes. They match most modern kitchens. The style is classic and neutral. They’ve looked great in my kitchen for a month and still look new.
Q: Are these dispensers easy to clean?
Very easy. Wipe the outside weekly. Rinse the inside monthly. Takes about five minutes. The stainless steel doesn’t stain or hold odors. Much easier than plastic dispensers.
Q: What if the pump stops working?
With these three dispensers, pumps rarely fail. If yours does, rinse it with warm water to remove soap buildup. Make sure you’re not overfilling. All three have warranties if there’s a defect.
Final Thoughts
A good soap dispenser is one of those small things that makes daily life better.
You use it multiple times every day. It should work smoothly, look good, and last for years.
After testing dozens of dispensers, these three are the best I’ve found.
The OXO is my top pick for most people. It’s reliable, stable, and well-built.
The PZOTRUF is perfect if you want touchless operation and large capacity.
The AIKE is amazing value for budget-conscious buyers.
Choose the one that fits your needs and budget. You won’t be disappointed with any of them.
Stop using that ugly plastic soap bottle. Upgrade to a real dispenser.
Your kitchen will look better. Your hands will be cleaner. And you’ll actually enjoy using it.
That’s worth the investment.