Automatic Foaming Soap Dispenser

The argument for a sensor dispenser is not novelty, it is the pump handle. A manual dispenser gets touched by whichever hands are dirtiest, then wiped, then touched again, and in a kitchen the handle collects whatever was last being prepared. Holding a palm underneath instead removes the problem entirely, and after a week the habit is automatic.

An infrared sensor in the nose reads a hand at a few centimetres and delivers a measured dose of foam rather than liquid, which spreads further and wastes less - a 280ml reservoir lasts considerably longer than the same volume of gel would. The nozzle is designed against drips, so the surface underneath stays dry, and the matte white body wipes down without showing water marks the way a chrome finish does.

It charges by USB rather than running on disposable batteries, so a full charge lasts weeks of normal household use. Use a UK-approved mains adapter, which is not supplied. Fill it with foaming hand soap or a diluted liquid soap - thick undiluted gel will clog the pump. Rinse the reservoir when changing soaps, and wipe the sensor window if the response gets erratic. Fill it two-thirds full rather than to the brim, which keeps the pump priming reliably.

• Touch-free infrared sensor with a measured foam dose
• 280ml reservoir and a drip-resistant nozzle
• Matte white body that wipes clean without water marks
• USB rechargeable - use a UK-approved mains adapter, not supplied
• Use foaming or diluted liquid soap; thick gel will clog the pump
• Rinse the reservoir between soaps and keep the sensor window clean