The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a series of public safety measures, including maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, and improving hygiene. Hand sanitizer becomes an important part of this reaction because many bacteria and viruses are spread through cross-contamination on common surfaces. However, a major problem with hand disinfection is the safe and effective way to dispense the disinfectant solution. Some hand sanitizer dispensers have automatic "non-contact" technology that can sense the presence of hands. Others use a mechanism to deposit a certain amount of disinfectant, soap or lotion.

The key to buying an ideal hand sanitizer dispenser is to assess the specific needs of your home or business in terms of hygiene and capacity. The hands-free mode may be perfect for busy offices or small businesses, but the home mode may not require contactless to be effective. One of the best hand sanitizer dispensers for institution or home use is the CalmMax automatic hand sanitizer dispenser with adjustable stand. This is an economical, free-standing, non-contact dispenser that includes a sign and a sturdy stand. Easily placed near the entry point or existing sanitary station.

There are basically three common designs of dedicated hand sanitizer dispensers, including models that can dispense other products, such as lotion or hand sanitizer. The cheapest hand sanitizer dispenser is used on countertops. A bottle of pump-driven disinfectant can be provided with other products on the bathroom sink, sanitary station, or waiting room table. One disadvantage of countertop dispensers is that cross-contamination can occur due to common contact points.

Wall-mounted hand sanitizers can be manual or automatic, and usually have a higher capacity than countertop models. The user may need to use a public pump to dispense the disinfectant, but the installation allows it to be placed near the bathroom sink or entrance.

The higher end of the price range is a free-standing hand sanitizer, which is almost always equipped with an automatic or non-contact dispenser for maximum hygiene. Free-standing hand sanitizer dispensers can be placed near elevators, lobby entrances, and church sanctuary, or they can include signs that encourage use.

For homeowners who walk the least, they may only need hand sanitizer with a hand pump. There are countertop dispensers that can be converted into hand sanitizer dispensers, or inexpensive wall-mounted dispensers that can be added to the bathroom, kitchen or entrance. Wall-mounted manual dispensers can also be safely used in small offices or institutions, as long as they are cleaned regularly to reduce cross-contamination.

The automatic or non-contact hand sanitizer dispenser provides additional protection because the user does not need to touch the dispenser itself. An infrared sensor or other electronic mechanism detects the presence of hands and automatically dispenses a certain amount of hand sanitizer. Household non-contact hand sanitizer dispensers are not necessarily expensive, but they do require batteries and refills. Commercial-grade non-contact dispensers are a good investment for offices and institutions with a large flow of people.

Free-standing non-contact hand sanitizers for commercial use often include a method of creating custom signs to identify products, encourage their use, or promote services or brands. However, wall-mounted or countertop dispensers usually do not have this function.

Some countertop hand sanitizer dispensers are equipped with a small container of commercial hand sanitizer, so users must perform one-to-one replacements at some point. Buying commercial hand sanitizers in bulk may make good economic sense. Wall-mounted or free-standing non-contact dispensers may require users to refill bags or bottles with new bulk disinfectant. When the low-volume sensor is activated, there may also be disposable refill bags for refills.

Many dispensers that can dispense hand sanitizer can also be used to dispense other sanitary products, such as hand sanitizer, degreaser or lotion. Using non-contact methods of dispensing these other cleaning products can make the whole process more hygienic.

Personal hand sanitizer dispensers designed to be worn on the wrist cost less than US$15, but models suitable for the whole family retail for US$20-50. Free-standing non-contact hand sanitizer dispensers for offices, churches or classrooms retail for $80 or more.

A. High-quality hand sanitizer is effective against household bacteria and viruses, but should not be regarded as a substitute for traditional soap and water. Before using hand sanitizer, you should thoroughly wash and dry your dirty hands for maximum protection.

A. If your hand sanitizer is considered non-contact or non-contact, you should still be able to use it without cross-contamination. However, if you need to use a pump or open the lid to dispense product, you should consider using a separate supply until you fully recover.

CalmMax automatic hand sanitizer dispenser with adjustable stand: available on Amazon

Our view: This free-standing automatic disinfectant dispenser is very suitable for large families, small businesses and offices that require non-contact systems.

What we like: The non-contact dispenser works automatically. The device provides drips and nozzles for different disinfection products. The bracket is adjustable for children and adult users, with a solid steel base. A detachable sign promotes use, and the container is refillable.

What we don't like: the booth has stability problems. There are some complaints about product leakage.

PLUSSEN automatic soap dispenser wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser: available on Amazon

Our view: Plussen drinking fountains are affordable and ideal for families with multiple bathrooms and workplaces and multiple entrances.

What we like: The dispenser uses infrared sensors for non-contact services. The 20-ounce capacity reduces the need for replenishment. The device is easy to install on the wall or door. It is designed to dispense hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, lotion and other products.

What we don’t like: Some people complain that the water dispenser is not turned off after use. The battery compartment may be difficult to access.

Alpine Industries manual hand sanitizer dispenser: available on Amazon

Our view: Large capacity and easy operation make this mid-end hand sanitizer dispenser attractive for use in hospitals, schools, libraries and other institutions.

What we like: The manual button dispenses the least amount of disinfectant and reduces waste. The design complies with ADA standards for users with disabilities. It can also dispense other liquids, such as hand sanitizer and liquid detergent. A clear window allows the user to measure the remaining level of hand sanitizer.

What we don’t like: product leakage is the most common consumer complaint. The plastic casing is not as durable as expected.

Michael Pollick is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.