Types of toilet paper dispensers

Different spaces require different solutions, including in the choice of toilet paper dispensers. A completely different dispenser will be suitable for a home compared to a frequently used public restroom. When choosing paper dispensers, factors such as the frequency of toilet use, the size of the restroom, and its standard should be considered.

Additionally, the choice of a toilet paper dispenser will depend on the bathroom decor and other bathroom accessories. To avoid introducing chaos into the toilet arrangement, it is best to purchase complete sets of accessories, which usually include a paper dispenser, a paper towel dispenser, and a soap dispenser, and sometimes also a toilet brush and a waste bin.

Toilet paper dispensers can be divided according to several factors, including the size of the paper roll, the material they are made of, and the type of casing. The basic distinction is between paper holders mainly used in home bathrooms and paper dispensers used in public restrooms. Besides standard products, there are also dispensers that cannot be clearly classified into a specific type.  

Division of Paper Dispensers by Roll Size

Dividing dispensers by roll size creates categories of dispensers for:

• small rolls
• mini jumbo rolls
• midi jumbo rolls
• maxi jumbo rolls

Dispensers for Small Rolls

These are designed for rolls with a diameter of 10 to 13.5 cm. Among these dispensers, the most common capacity is for two rolls, but there are even dispensers that can hold four rolls. Sometimes these dispensers have an automatic roll change feature. They are best suited for public restrooms with low traffic, such as those in restaurants, hotels, and offices. 

Dispensers for Mini Jumbo Rolls

These hold rolls with a diameter of 13.5 to 21 cm. These dispensers usually hold one roll of paper, although there are occasionally dispensers that hold two rolls. Mini jumbo paper dispensers are best suited for medium-traffic areas.

Dispensers for Midi Jumbo Rolls

These are designed for toilet paper rolls with a diameter of 20 to 27 cm. These dispensers hold only one roll of paper. Midi jumbo paper dispensers are recommended for medium- to high-traffic areas. 

Dispensers for Maxi Jumbo Rolls

These dispensers are designed for toilet paper rolls with a diameter of 26 to 35 cm. These dispensers hold only one roll of paper. Dispensers for maxi jumbo rolls are particularly recommended for high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, sports facilities, and airports.

Division of Paper Dispensers by Material

Toilet paper dispensers can be divided according to the materials they are made of. Most often, they are made from plastics (ABS, polypropylene) or stainless steel, either matte or polished. Rarely, but still occasionally, you can find dispensers made from other metals such as aluminum or ordinary steel. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, which are listed below. 

Stainless Steel Paper Dispensers:

• durable and resistant to mechanical damage
• look very good in their original matte or polished finish
• matte steel is easy to maintain
• polished steel is more difficult to maintain but looks elegant
• stainless steel dispensers can be found in universal colors like white and black
• appropriate chemical agents should be used to clean stainless steel to avoid damage

Plastic Paper Dispensers:

• made from plastics, mainly polypropylene and ABS
• easy to maintain
• available in a wide range of colors
• scratch-resistant
• usually cheaper than metal dispensers

Paper Dispensers vs. Paper Holders

Toilet paper dispensers differ from paper holders mainly in that the former are enclosed while the latter are not. This basic difference brings many other differences, affecting where a product is best suited and how it should be used.

Toilet Paper Dispensers:

• generally more expensive than holders
• the paper roll is enclosed, protecting it from splashes and increasing hygiene
• can hold larger rolls of paper than holders
• mainly intended for private homes and hotel bathrooms
• usually made from plastics, less often from stainless steel

Toilet Paper Holders:

• due to their more elegant appearance and small capacity, they are mainly used in private bathrooms and hotel rooms
• do not fully protect the roll, though they often have a flap to facilitate paper dispensing and cover the roll from one side
• hold only small rolls of paper
• usually made from stainless steel, less often from plastics

Ryszard Kurek