At a busy sink the soap and the sponge are used together dozens of times a day: a squirt on the sponge for the pot that held frijoles de la olla, another for the blender jar after a batch of salsa roja, then the sponge goes down wet somewhere. Keep the two apart and you get a slick bottle in one corner and a soggy sponge sitting in a puddle in the other.
A soap dispenser with a sponge holder solves that with one fixture. This guide looks only at that narrower kind: pumps and press dispensers with a caddy for a sponge or brush. It covers seven from simplehuman, Casabella, mDesign, iDesign, S&T INC. and OXO, chosen from the makers’ specifications and the Amazon listings. For every type of kitchen soap dispenser, including stand-alone pumps and built-in sink models, see our parent guide to the best kitchen soap dispenser.
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Quick verdict: which soap dispenser with a sponge holder to buy
For most sinks, the best kitchen soap dispenser with sponge holder is the simplehuman Pulse Pump with Sponge Caddy, 16 oz: a large steel pump with a no-drip spout and a magnetic caddy that holds the sponge upright, and no batteries to charge. For a touchless pump, the rechargeable simplehuman Liquid Sensor Pump with Caddy, 9 oz. To keep hand soap and dish soap side by side, the Casabella Sink Sider Duo. For a steady plastic pump with room for a sponge and a brush, the mDesign Omni Soap Pump Caddy, and to press dish soap straight onto the sponge, the S&T INC. Dish Soap Dispenser and Sponge Holder.
The parent guide already covers the simplehuman 14-ounce sensor caddy, the OXO soap-dispensing sponge holder and the Casabella Sink Sider Solo, so none of those three is repeated here. Two picks are close relatives of them, and we say why in each section.
Five soap dispensers with sponge holders compared
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of sink, with pump type, capacity and sponge storage as each maker or listing states them. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Dispenser | Best for | Pump type | Capacity and caddy | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
simplehuman Pulse Pump with Sponge Caddy, 16 ozBest overall
|
A busy dish sink, no batteries | Manual push-down pump | 16 oz; integrated sponge caddy | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Liquid Sensor Pump with Caddy, 9 ozBest touchless
|
Greasy hands, smaller counters | Touchless sensor, rechargeable | 9 oz; integrated sponge caddy | View on Amazon |
Casabella Sink Sider DuoBest for two soaps
|
Hand soap and dish soap together | Two manual pumps | 14.5 and 11 fl oz; sponge or brush compartments | View on Amazon |
mDesign Omni Soap Pump Caddy, 16 ozSteadiest base
|
A steady plastic pump | Manual pump | 16 oz; two-compartment caddy | View on Amazon |
S&T INC. Dish Soap Dispenser and Sponge Holder, 13 ozBest soap-onto-sponge
|
Pressing soap straight onto the sponge | Press-down plate | 13 oz; dispenses onto the sponge | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities, materials and warranties are as each maker or listing states them; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best kitchen soap dispenser with sponge holder
These seven cover the real choices at a sink: steel or plastic, a manual pump or a sensor, one soap or two, and a caddy beside the pump or a sponge that sits on top of it. Each pick says who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. simplehuman Pulse Pump with Sponge Caddy, 16 oz – Big Steel Pump, Dry Sponge
This is simplehuman’s manual answer to its sensor caddy. A push-down pump sits on a 16-ounce reservoir, and an integrated caddy beside it holds the sponge. The listing says the caddy keeps the sponge dry, off the sink and at your fingertips; simplehuman’s own product page describes the caddy as magnetic.
For a dish sink, the capacity matters. Sixteen ounces is the largest reservoir among the steel pumps here, which simplehuman says means fewer refills in a busy kitchen, and the wide refill opening takes any liquid dish soap. The spout is built to stop cleanly: simplehuman says a reverse-flow valve draws soap back into the nozzle so it does not drip onto the base, which is where most pump-and-caddy units get sticky.
There is nothing to charge. simplehuman says the die-cast steel pump head is tested to more than 150,000 pumps, and the body is stainless steel that the listing says resists rust, fingerprints and water spots. It comes in brushed steel, matte black and white. The Amazon listing gives a two-year warranty, while simplehuman’s own site lists five years for this model, so keep your receipt and check with simplehuman.
Why we like it
- 16-ounce reservoir with a wide refill opening
- Integrated caddy holds the sponge beside the pump
- No-drip spout with a reverse-flow valve, per simplehuman
- No batteries or charging
Key specifications
| Model | KT1224 (brushed); KT1226 matte black, KT1225 white |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Manual push-down pump |
| Capacity | 16 oz |
| Material | Stainless steel; die-cast steel pump head |
| Sponge or brush storage | Integrated sponge caddy (magnetic, per simplehuman) |
| Refill | Wide refill opening |
| Warranty | 2 years (Amazon listing); 5 years (simplehuman site) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that washes a lot of pots by hand and wants a large, steady pump with the sponge right beside it, without batteries.
Skip it if you want to see how much soap is left at a glance; the steel body hides the level.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest steel reservoir here
- Spout designed not to drip
- Three finishes
Cons
- Soap level not visible
- Holds one sponge, not brushes
- Warranty length differs between listing and maker site
2. simplehuman Liquid Sensor Pump with Caddy, 9 oz – Touchless and Rechargeable
When your hands are covered in raw chicken for tinga or pork fat from carnitas, not touching the pump at all is the point. This sensor pump dispenses when you put a hand under the spout, and the amount changes with distance: close for a little, farther away for more, according to simplehuman. An integrated caddy holds the sponge upright.
Why list it when the parent guide already picks simplehuman’s 14-ounce sensor caddy? This is a different, smaller model with a different power source. The 14-ounce version runs on batteries; this 9-ounce one is rechargeable through a magnetic charging puck, and simplehuman says a charge lasts up to three months. It is also rated IP67, which the listing gives as the reason it is easy to wipe clean, and it has the same no-drip spout as the Pulse Pump.
The trade-off is capacity. Nine ounces is the smallest reservoir in this guide, so in a kitchen that runs through dish soap it will need refilling more often than the 16-ounce Pulse Pump. The listing gives a two-year warranty. This ASIN is the matte black finish; simplehuman sells other finishes under separate listings.
Why we like it
- Touchless, so dirty hands never touch the pump
- Variable dispense by hand distance
- Rechargeable, up to three months per charge, per simplehuman
- IP67 rating for wiping down
Key specifications
| Model | ST1089 (matte black) |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Touchless motion sensor |
| Capacity | 9 oz |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Sponge or brush storage | Integrated caddy, holds a sponge upright |
| Refill | Not stated; rechargeable via magnetic puck |
| Warranty | 2 years (Amazon listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who handles raw meat and greasy food often, has a smaller counter and would rather charge a pump every few months than buy batteries.
Skip it if you wash dishes for a big household every night; the 9-ounce reservoir will run out quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No contact with the pump
- No batteries to replace
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Smallest reservoir here
- Needs charging
- Steel body hides the soap level
3. Casabella Sink Sider Duo – Hand Soap and Dish Soap in One Unit
Most kitchens end up with two bottles at the sink: hand soap for washing up after chopping onions, and dish soap for the pans. The Sink Sider Duo puts both on one base, with two pumps and built-in compartments for sponges or brushes between them. Casabella lists it for both dish soap and hand soap.
This is the two-pump version of the Casabella Sink Sider Solo, which our parent guide already covers. We include the Duo because it is the only pump-and-caddy unit from an established maker we found with two separate reservoirs; if you only need one soap, read about the Solo there instead. According to the listing, the two dispensers hold 14.5 and 11 fluid ounces, and the whole unit measures 8 by 4 by 4 inches.
Refilling and cleaning are simple: you pull a tab up to open each bottle, and the base comes off for washing, which matters because the bottom of any sponge compartment collects water. This listing is the black and chrome finish; a white and chrome version is sold separately. The listing does not state the material or a warranty.
Why we like it
- Two pumps, so hand and dish soap stay separate
- Compartments for sponges or brushes
- Pull-tab refill
- Base comes off for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | 8550031 |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Two manual pumps |
| Capacity | 14.5 fl oz and 11 fl oz |
| Material | Not stated; black with chrome plating |
| Sponge or brush storage | Built-in compartments for sponges or brushes |
| Refill | Pull tab opens each bottle; base removable |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that wants hand soap and dish soap at the sink without two loose bottles and a separate sponge dish.
Skip it if counter space by the faucet is tight; at 8 inches long it is the widest unit here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two soaps, one footprint
- Room for a sponge or brush
- Comes apart for cleaning
Cons
- Material and warranty not stated
- Widest unit here
4. mDesign Omni Soap Pump Caddy, 16 oz – Two Compartments, Weighted Base
mDesign’s Omni caddy pairs a 16-ounce pump bottle with a holder divided into two compartments, so a sponge can sit on one side and a brush or scrubber on the other. mDesign says a steel insert in the base adds stability, which is a real advantage at a sink where you reach for soap with wet, greasy hands.
The listing describes shatter-resistant plastic with a chrome-finish pump head, a removable pump and a wide mouth for refilling, and side pockets for small items. mDesign lists it for hand or dish soap, and gives the size as 3 by 6 by 8 inches high.
mDesign says to clean it with mild soap and water and not to put it in the dishwasher. The listing does not state a warranty or whether the caddy drains, so look at the photos to see how the sponge sits.
Why we like it
- Steel insert in the base for stability, per mDesign
- Two compartments for a sponge and a brush
- 16 oz bottle with a wide mouth
- Stated dimensions
Key specifications
| Model | 18198MDK (Omni, clear/chrome) |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Manual pump |
| Capacity | 16 oz |
| Material | Shatter-resistant plastic; steel insert in base |
| Sponge or brush storage | Two-compartment caddy plus side pockets |
| Refill | Removable pump head, wide mouth |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who knocks bottles over at the sink and wants a plastic pump that will not rust, with room for both a sponge and a brush.
Skip it if you want steel or a dishwasher-safe unit; mDesign says to wash it by hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Weighted base
- Two caddy compartments
- Large 16 oz bottle
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Warranty and drainage not stated
5. S&T INC. Dish Soap Dispenser and Sponge Holder, 13 oz – Press the Sponge, Get Soap
This one works differently from a pump with a caddy beside it. The sponge holder and the pump are one piece: you press down on the top plate and, according to S&T INC., it dispenses dish soap directly onto the sponge. You never pick up a bottle, which is quick when you are scrubbing a stack of plates after a taco night.
It is a low, wide unit: the listing gives 5.5 inches wide, 3.6 inches deep and 4 inches tall, and says it holds up to 13 ounces of dish soap. Non-slip feet keep it in place next to the faucet, and a sponge is included. S&T INC. also suggests using it with dish rags or other scrubbers.
The idea is the same as the OXO soap-dispensing sponge holder in our parent guide; this is a lower, wider alternative from a different maker. The listing does not state the material of this metallic silver version or how it comes apart for cleaning, and the guarantee is short: S&T INC. replaces defective items within 60 days of purchase.
Why we like it
- Press the top plate to put soap on the sponge
- 13-ounce capacity
- Low profile, 4 inches tall
- Non-slip feet and a sponge included
Key specifications
| Model | 592401 |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Press-down top plate |
| Capacity | 13 oz |
| Material | Not stated; metallic silver finish |
| Sponge or brush storage | Built-in sponge holder; sponge included |
| Refill | Not stated |
| Warranty | Replacement within 60 days for defects |
Why we recommend it
It suits a sink used mostly for dishes, where soap only ever goes onto a sponge, and a cook who wants the fastest one-handed refill of the sponge.
Skip it if you also want hand soap from the same unit; it is built for dish soap on a sponge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast, one-handed soap on the sponge
- Low and stable
- Sponge included
Cons
- Not suited to hand soap
- Only a 60-day guarantee
- Material not stated
6. OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Sponge Holder + Sinkware Caddy – A Sponge Station and a Brush Caddy
If your sink kit is more than one sponge, this OXO set splits the job in two. The sponge holder dispenses soap straight onto the sponge when you press it, and a separate stainless steel sinkware caddy keeps sponges and dish brushes organized and close at hand, with ventilation holes so they dry.
Both pieces have drip trays to catch water, and OXO says the caddy’s tray has a pour spout for draining. The sponge holder comes apart for cleaning, and the caddy has a removable divider, so you can set it up for a tall brush and a scraper side by side.
The listing does not give the soap capacity, the size or a warranty, and it does not say whether either piece is dishwasher safe. Like any holder for wet sponges, the trays need emptying and rinsing regularly.
Why we like it
- Separate caddy for sponges and dish brushes
- Press-to-dispense soap onto the sponge
- Drip trays on both pieces, per OXO
- Sponge holder comes apart for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (two-piece set) |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Press-down sponge holder |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Material | Stainless steel (per title) |
| Sponge or brush storage | Sponge holder plus caddy with removable divider |
| Refill | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a sink where a dish brush, a scraper for the comal and a sponge all need a home next to the soap.
Skip it if you want a pump you can also use for washing hands; the soap goes onto the sponge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most tool storage here
- Steel caddy drains through vents
- Soap straight onto the sponge
Cons
- Two pieces take more counter space
- Capacity and warranty not stated
7. iDesign Morley Sink Caddy with Soap Dispenser, 12.4 oz – Raised Grooves for Airflow
iDesign’s Morley caddy pairs a clear pump bottle with a holder sized for one sponge or a steel wool pad. The detail worth noting is underneath: iDesign says raised grooves at the base let air circulate so the sponge can dry, rather than sitting flat in water.
The bottle holds 12.4 ounces and has a brushed-finish pump head. An elevated brushed base adds stability, and iDesign says the plastic insert makes cleaning and maintenance easy. All the parts are BPA-free, shatter-resistant plastic. iDesign gives the size as 3.2 by 6.5 by 8.75 inches high and says to clean it with mild soap and water.
It is similar in idea to the mDesign Omni but smaller in storage: it is built around one sponge rather than a set of brushes. The listing does not state a warranty.
Why we like it
- Raised grooves under the sponge for airflow
- Clear bottle shows the soap level
- Plastic insert iDesign says is easy to clean
- Shatter-resistant, BPA-free plastic
Key specifications
| Model | 40286 (Morley) |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Manual pump |
| Capacity | 12.4 oz |
| Material | BPA-free, shatter-resistant plastic |
| Sponge or brush storage | Holder for a sponge or steel wool pad |
| Refill | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small sink where one sponge and one soap are all you need, and you want to see the soap level.
Skip it if you also keep brushes by the sink; there is room for a sponge, not a set of tools.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed to let the sponge dry
- See-through bottle
- Small footprint, 3.2 by 6.5 inches
Cons
- One sponge only
- Warranty not stated
How to choose a soap dispenser with a sponge holder
A caddy beside the pump, or a sponge on top of it
There are two designs. Most units, like the simplehuman, mDesign and iDesign picks, put a pump next to a holder: you pump soap onto the sponge, then set it down. The S&T INC. unit and the OXO set, whose sponge holder is also in our parent guide, combine the two: you press the top plate and soap goes straight onto the sponge. The second is faster for dishes; the first also works for washing hands.
One soap or two
If you want hand soap and dish soap at the same sink, either buy a two-pump unit like the Casabella Duo or pair a pump-and-caddy with a separate hand-soap dispenser. Dish soap is usually thicker; check that a sensor pump’s maker allows it before filling one with dish soap.
Drainage and drying
A sponge that sits in water stays wet. Look for a caddy that holds the sponge upright, as simplehuman’s do, or one with raised grooves under it, like the iDesign. Whatever you buy, a base that comes apart, like the Casabella’s, makes it easy to rinse out the water that collects.
Capacity and seeing the level
For a kitchen that does dishes by hand every night, look for 12 ounces or more; 16 ounces, as on the simplehuman Pulse and the mDesign, means fewer refills. Clear bottles, such as the iDesign, show when you are running low; steel and opaque plastic do not.
Steel or plastic
Steel units look tidier and the simplehuman listings say their steel resists rust, fingerprints and water spots. Plastic ones are lighter and will not dent, and mDesign’s Omni adds a steel insert in the base for stability. Neither is better for every sink; match it to your faucet and how roughly the sink gets used.
Sponges are part of the set
A holder only works with a sponge that fits it, and sponges wear out. Keep spares in the cabinet; our guide to cabinet organizers covers ways to keep the space under the sink in order.
How we chose these seven dispensers
We began with the parent guide’s research and left out its sponge-holder picks, the simplehuman 14-ounce sensor caddy, the OXO soap-dispensing sponge holder and the Casabella Sink Sider Solo, so this page adds new options rather than repeating them. We then searched Amazon for pumps with a built-in sponge or brush holder from makers with their own product lines, read each listing’s specifications through Amazon’s product data, and checked simplehuman’s own site for the Pulse Pump. We wrote “not stated” wherever a maker was silent. Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked, and we found no recall for any of these brands in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database.
We have not used these dispensers ourselves, and we found no independent review that compared them, so we quote none. We left out the Umbra Sling sink caddy with a soap pump (limited stock), the Yamazaki and Joseph Joseph caddies (they hold a bottle but have no pump), a Brabantia set without a sponge holder, and several sets from sellers with little maker information.
Soap dispenser and sponge holder questions, answered
What is the best kitchen soap dispenser and sponge holder?
For most sinks, the simplehuman Pulse Pump with Sponge Caddy: a 16-ounce steel pump with a no-drip spout and an integrated caddy, with no batteries. If you want touchless, the 9-ounce simplehuman sensor caddy does the same job without touching the pump.
Can I put dish soap in a hand soap dispenser with a caddy?
Usually. simplehuman says the Pulse Pump’s opening takes any liquid dish soap, Casabella lists the Duo for dish and hand soap, and mDesign lists its Omni caddy for hand or dish soap. With a sensor pump, check the maker’s instructions for thick soaps.
How do I stop the sponge holder from getting slimy?
Let the sponge drain upright or on raised grooves, empty any water from the base, and rinse the caddy regularly. A unit with a removable base, such as the Casabella Duo, is the easiest to clean.
Are steel soap dispensers better than plastic?
Not necessarily. Steel looks tidier and resists water spots, according to simplehuman, but hides the soap level. Plastic is lighter and can be clear, so you can see the soap level.
Do I need a touchless dispenser in the kitchen?
It helps most if you often handle raw meat or greasy food, because you never touch the pump. The trade-off is charging or batteries and, on the 9-ounce simplehuman, a smaller reservoir.
Our final pick for soap and sponge at the sink
Buy the simplehuman Pulse Pump with Sponge Caddy if you want a large, battery-free pump with the sponge beside it. Choose the simplehuman 9-ounce sensor caddy for touchless soap, the Casabella Sink Sider Duo for two soaps, the mDesign Omni for a steady plastic pump with room for a sponge and a brush, the OXO set for a press-down sponge holder plus a steel caddy for brushes, or the S&T INC. unit to press soap straight onto the sponge. For stand-alone pumps, sensor dispensers and built-in sink models, go back to our guide to the best kitchen soap dispenser.
The rest of the sink works as a set: a sink caddy for brushes and scrubbers, a dish rack for what you wash and dish towels for drying. And on nights when the dishes can wait, see our menu and call to order.