I have gone through two of these things. I agree they are great when they work. But when they fail it just spits out soap all over the place. And it always happens at night and all you hear is the constant drone of the dispensing motor...very annoying.

I like the automated soap dispensers in public restrooms, but at home I don't see the point. I've never had any problem filling the small countertop pump, and if I did I'd simply use a funnel.

i hate these things... anytime i move anything around on the edge of the sink... or wipe up a spill.. or even just get my hand too close i'm left with sticky puddles of soap all over the counter or on me... If one were to sit by my kitchen sink i know it would constantly be dumping soap on clean dishes we've left to dry in the sink or shooting out soap as i attempt to wipe water drops off the back of the sink edge. I've banned my boyfriends automated soap pump from the house and have no intention of allowing it in the near future... I'll never understand how people can have problems using a soap pump... you barely need to touch it!

just because you can doesn't mean you should.

i don't believe the ultimate goal of technology is to eliminate the need to touch anything or exert any effort.

Been thinking of getting one of these, since I don't like pumping soap awkwardly with my forearm to avoid touching the dispenser with raw meaty hands, etc. while cooking. Seems a tad wasteful of battery juice, but it might just be so convenient it's worth it. The comments worry me though -- is the sensor on the underneath where your hands go, or in front of it so it catches every movement? :/

Also, minor omission typo = "And anything that makes dishwashing [easier] is a welcome..."

See also: LYSOL® Healthy Touch No-Touch Hand Soap System ($15 - frequent coupons and sales = $2.50 to $5) which I refill with bulk soap from Sam's Club or Big Lots.

It's less mess, fewer sticky toddler fingers everywhere, and easy to use.

It clogs
It uses too much power
not worth it

i use the the Lysol one in the bathroom. it works great and is a lot cheaper! it also keeps people from using 23 pumps of soap so it lasts a whole lot longer.

Do nature a favor and switch to bar soap. No plastic waste, and it's cheaper, too.

I use bar soap in the bathroom and at the sink BUT I have wanted one of these for awhile. I am just too freaked out now that I have married a meat eater about raw meat and food poisoning. My parents have the one from the sharper image though and it doesn't work very well: actually it's more their fault but they don't get it. The sensor on that model is on the bottom of the dispenser, which means you cannot be standing in front of it because there will not be enough light to trigger it.

Reporting back now in October: heavy, everyday use (two of us cook regularly) without any issues with clogging or dispensing issues.

Use bar soap and a pump dispenser in the bathroom, but I have to say, in the kitchen this device is something you get used to if you're often resigned to dishwashing duty.