The decision regarding soap dispensers is really very important for Australian businesses as they keep up good hygiene standards, control costs, and provide a pleasant restroom experience. The underground (manual pump or bottle-style) dispenser and the other one is a modern, automatic, touchless dispenser. Although both of them perform the same primary function, their differences are in maintenance, aesthetics, and security. The following guide will help you to go through the pros and cons and finally make the right decision for your commercial toilet.
Why Soap Dispenser Choice Matters
Your bathroom speaks of your brand and your health standards. The expectations of hygiene are more demanding than ever and at the same time, there is an increase in the number of visitors, especially in locations with a lot of traffic. The right dispenser investment can bring you the following benefits:
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Better hand hygiene compliance
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Less soap wastage and lower operational costs
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Less time for maintenance
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Improved appearance of your property
Let’s take a close look at each dispenser type and then we will see their comparison.
What Are Under-Bench Soap Dispensers?
Under-bench dispensers are usually manual dispensers and are installed hidden from sight under the benchtop. The soap is delivered through a spout that is leveled with the counter; hence a neat and simple look is provided. They are commonly found in places like offices, restaurants, and other similar locations where looks are important.
Pros of Under-Bench Soap Dispensers
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Sleek, Unobtrusive Design: The contemporary bath appearance is not only not obstructed but also improved with the use of these dispensers, as the benchtop looks clean and uncluttered.
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Budget-Friendly: The cost of electronic sensor dispensers is always lower than that of the latter, thus making it very attractive for fit-outs or projects that are very tight on budgets, so they are budget-friendly.
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Easy to Refill: The majority have a refill container that can be accessed from the area below the sink, which greatly reduces the chances of spills and dirt.
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No Power Needed: No batteries or wiring are a must; thus, the maintenance is almost nonexistent, and the failure of electronics is out of the question.
Cons of Under-Bench Soap Dispensers
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Manual Contact: Users are required to push or pump for soap dispensation, which, in a way, increases the spread of germs, especially in public places or densely populated areas.
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Capacity Limitations: The refill period will vary according to the model and the amount of traffic in the area.
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Lot of Maintenance: If not maintained regularly, the pumps get stuck, especially thick soap liquids.
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No Control for the Portion: Users are likely to pour out more soap than they should, leading to uneven soap usage, and thus, wastage.
What Are Touchless Soap Dispensers?
Touchless or sensor-operated dispensers are the ones that use infrared or motion sensors to non-invasively give a certain amount of soap in the user’s palm. Such systems are already there in hospitals, shopping malls, airports, and offices where cleanliness and productivity are the top priorities.
Pros of Touchless Soap Dispensers
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Hygiene Revolution: These machines that do not need manual contact at all, significantly minimize the risk of the spread of germs to an extent that is very advantageous in flu season or germ-infected areas.
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Controlled Dispensing: It provides a constant quantity of soap which in turn reduces waste and provides better control over the cost of consumables being used continuously.
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Dynamic Look: Elegant, high-tech surfaces give an additional reason for people to love modern washrooms.
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User-Friendly: It is designed for all ages and every capability so that it is usable by children, elderly, and disabled people, etc.
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Less Cleaning and Maintaining: The need for cleaning pump handles has gone, controlling dispensing and features like auto-stop result in less mess left on countertops.
Cons of Touchless Soap Dispensers
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Higher Upfront Costs: Initial investment is typically 50–100% higher than manual dispensers.
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Requires Batteries or Power: Most models require regular battery changes, though some can be hardwired. Dead batteries can leave stations inoperable.
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Sensor Malfunctions: Errant triggers or sensor failures (often due to soap build-up or maintenance neglect) can disrupt dispensing.
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Sensitive to Placement: For reliable operation, correct installation location and sensor calibration are crucial.
Direct Comparison: Under-Bench vs Touchless Soap Dispensers
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Feature |
Under-Bench Manual |
Touchless/Sensor-Operated |
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Hygiene |
Hand contact required |
Fully touchless, no cross-contamination |
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Installation & Power |
Simple, no wiring needed |
Needs batteries or wiring |
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Upfront Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
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Ongoing Maintenance |
Minimal, pump cleaning needed |
Battery/sensor checks |
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Capacity |
Varies, often moderate |
Usually higher; refills take longer |
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Design/Aesthetics |
Discreet, seamless |
Modern, visible, sometimes “statement” pieces |
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Portion Control |
None |
Consistent, preset measures |
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ADA & Accessibility |
May not suit all users |
More inclusive, easier for all |
How to Choose the Best Option for Your Facility
Consider the following when making your decision:
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Traffic Volume: Touchless is best for busy public spaces, while under-bench suits boutique, staff-only, or lower-traffic bathrooms.
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Aesthetics: Under-bench options keep counters clear and visually serene; touchless units project a modern, high-end image.
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Maintenance Policies: If your site is short on maintenance time, touchless dispensers with larger capacity and auto-stop features may save time in the long term.
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Budget Constraints: Under-bench manual dispensers shine in value-focused refits, while touchless options pay off over time through reduced soap waste and enhanced user experience.
The Final Word
With ongoing public health vigilance and stricter compliance standards across Australia, many business owners are moving towards touchless technology. However, under-bench manual dispensers still provide great value for smaller, more design-oriented spaces that don’t demand round-the-clock bulk soap dispensing.
Ready to Upgrade Your Washroom? The broad range of manual and touchless soap dispensers, from luxury office suites to high-traffic retail, is in stock at OzWashroom. For expert advice and customized solutions that fulfill your hygiene requirements and compliance needs, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Get in touch with OzWashroom for a quote or visit our website to see the complete range and enjoy the difference that clean and efficient washrooms make in your workplace.