Types of toilet paper containers

Different spaces require different solutions, also when it comes to choosing a paper dispenser. A completely different dispenser will work in an apartment than in a frequently visited public toilet. When choosing paper dispensers, factors such as frequency of toilet use, size of the toilet, and its standard should be taken into account.

In addition, the choice of paper dispenser will depend on the bathroom decor and other bathroom accessories. To avoid chaos in the toilet arrangement, it is best to buy complete sets of accessories, which often include a paper dispenser, paper towel holder, soap dispenser, and sometimes also a toilet brush and trash can.

Paper dispensers can be divided based on several factors, such as the size of the paper roll, the material they are made of, and the type of housing. The main distinction is between paper holders used mainly in home bathrooms and paper dispensers used in public toilets. In addition to standard products, we can also find dispensers that cannot be clearly classified into a specific type.

Division of paper dispensers based on the size of the roll

By dividing dispensers based on the size of the roll, we can create a division into dispensers for:

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

Paper dispensers for small rolls

They are characterized by a capacity for rolls with a diameter of 10 to 13.5 cm. Among these dispensers, we most often come across a capacity for two rolls, but we can also find dispensers that can hold four rolls. Sometimes these dispensers have an automatic roll change. They work best in low-traffic public toilets such as those in restaurants, hotels, and offices.

Mini Jumbo Roll Paper Dispensers

They can hold rolls with a diameter of 13.5 to 21 cm. These dispensers usually hold one roll of paper, although sometimes they can hold two rolls. Mini jumbo roll paper dispensers work best in places with medium traffic.

Midi Jumbo Roll Paper Dispensers

Designed for toilet paper rolls with a diameter of 20 to 27 cm. These types of dispensers can hold only one roll of paper. Midi jumbo paper dispensers are recommended for places with medium and high traffic. 

Maxi Jumbo Roll Paper Dispensers

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

Division of paper holders by material

Toilet paper dispensers can be divided according to the material they are made of. The most common materials are plastics (ABS, polypropylene) or matte or polished stainless steel. Occasionally, you can also find holders made of other metals such as aluminum or regular steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are listed below. 

Stainless steel paper holders:

• resistant to mechanical damage
• look very good in their original matte or polished finish
• matte steel is easy to keep clean
• polished steel is more difficult to keep clean, but looks elegant
• we can find steel dispensers in universal colors of white and black
• to clean stainless steel, you should use appropriate chemical agents, otherwise it can be easily damaged

Plastic paper dispensers:

• made of plastic materials, mainly polypropylene and ABS
• easy to keep clean
• available in a wide range of colors
• scratch-resistant
• usually cheaper than metal containers

Paper containers vs. paper holders

Toilet paper dispensers differ from paper holders mainly in the fact that the former are enclosed and the latter are not. This basic difference brings many other differences that affect where a given product will work best and how it should be used.

Toilet paper containers:

• usually more expensive than holders
• the paper roll is enclosed, which protects it from splashing and increases hygiene levels
• can hold larger rolls of paper than holders
• mainly intended for private homes and hotel bathrooms
• most commonly made of plastic, less often of stainless steel

Toilet paper holders:

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

Ryszard Kurek