The most common types of paper towels include multifold paper towels, C-fold towels, rolled paper towels, and other variations designed to fit specific dispensers.
If you’re planning to buy dispensadores de toallas de papel for your home, choosing the right type of paper towel for your commercial paper towel dispenser ensures efficiency, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness.
This article today explores just that. So, read on to learn more.
Why Choosing the Right Paper Towel Matters
In commercial settings, hand hygiene is critical, and the type of paper towel used can significantly impact convenience and waste management.
Whether in restrooms, kitchens, or office spaces, selecting the right paper towel ensures that dispensers function properly and users get an efficient drying experience.
Let’s break down the types of paper towels available and their compatibility with different commercial paper towel dispensers.
5 Common Types of Paper Towels for Different Types of Dispensers
1. Multifold Paper Towels
Multifold paper towels are a popular option due to their space-saving design and ease of use. They are folded in three sections and stacked neatly in a dispenser.
✔ Best for:
- Multifold paper towel dispensers
- High-traffic restrooms
- Reducing waste (since users pull out one towel at a time)
Pros:
✅ Compact and efficient for wall-mounted dispensers
✅ Dispenses one sheet at a time, reducing overuse
✅ Absorbent and suitable for quick drying
Cons:
❌ Requires a compatible multifold towel dispenser
❌ Can jam if overfilled
2. C-Fold Paper Towels
C-fold towels are another common option, though slightly different from multifold towels. These towels are folded into a “C” shape, allowing them to be stacked but not interlocked.
✔ Best for:
- C-fold towel dispensers
- Offices and restaurants
- Facilities where a simple towel stacking method is preferred
Pros:
✅ Convenient for stacking in open or enclosed dispensers
✅ Absorbs well for hand drying and spill cleanup
✅ Easy to grab multiple towels at once
Cons:
❌ More wasteful, as users often pull out more than needed
❌ Not interlocked, leading to towels falling out of open dispensers
C-Fold vs. Multifold Paper Towels
- Multifold towels are interlocked, making them more efficient in controlled dispensing.
- C-fold towels are easier to grab but can cause more waste.
- Dispenser compatibility: Multifold towels need a specific dispenser, whereas C-fold towels fit into both C-fold and some open multifold dispensers.
3. Rolled Paper Towels
Rolled paper towels are common in high-traffic restrooms and kitchens. They come in two main types: manual pull and automatic (touchless) dispensers.
✔ Best for:
- Commercial automatic paper towel dispensers
- Manual pull dispensers
- High-traffic areas like hospitals, airports, and malls
Pros:
✅ Cost-effective in large rolls
✅ Great for touchless, automatic dispensers
✅ Less maintenance since rolls last longer
Cons:
❌ Requires specific roll towel dispensers
❌ Can be wasteful if the dispenser does not regulate usage
How Wide Is a Paper Towel Roll?
The width of commercial rolled paper towels typically ranges from 7.5 inches to 9 inches, depending on the dispenser brand and design.
How Long Is a Paper Towel Roll?
Standard paper towel roll dimensions vary, but most commercial rolls are between 350 and 1,000 feet long, making them ideal for high-use environments.
4. Folded Paper Towels
Folded paper towels include various types, such as single-fold, C-fold, and Z-fold towels. They are designed to fold paper towel dispensers, which can be mounted on walls or placed on countertops.
✔ Best for:
- Offices, restrooms, and healthcare facilities
- Spaces where a simple dispenser is needed
Pros:
✅ Compact and easy to store
✅ Can be used in different folded paper towel dispensers
✅ No moving parts—simple and reliable
Cons:
❌ Prone to excessive use if not dispensed properly
❌ Not as hygienic as automatic dispensers
5. Touchless Paper Towels
With hygiene concerns on the rise, many businesses are shifting to commercial solutions for touchless paper towel dispensers. These dispensers use sensors to automatically dispense paper towels, reducing the spread of germs.
✔ Best for:
- Hospitals, restaurants, and office restrooms
- Businesses focusing on hygiene and reducing waste
Pros:
✅ Hygienic—no need to touch the dispenser
✅ Reduces paper towel waste with controlled dispensing
✅ Works with battery-operated towel dispensers
Cons:
❌ Requires power (batteries or an electrical connection)
❌ More expensive than traditional dispensers
Battery-Operated Towel Dispensers
Some commercial automatic paper towel dispensers run on batteries, allowing for easy installation without the need for wiring.
However, batteries need replacement, which adds maintenance costs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paper Towels
Beyond dispenser compatibility, several key factors should guide your decision when selecting hand paper towels for your facility.
1. Absorbency
- High-traffic restrooms and kitchens require highly absorbent paper towels to minimize waste.
- Multifold and rolled paper towels tend to be the most absorbent options.
2. Cost Efficiency
- Rolled towels typically offer the best value for bulk use.
- Multifold and C-fold towels can be more expensive per sheet but reduce waste if properly dispensed.
3. Environmental Impact
- Look for recycled paper towels or biodegradable options to reduce waste.
- Some paper towels are Green Seal-certified for eco-friendly use.
4. Hygiene Concerns
- Touchless paper towels offer the best hygiene, as users don’t need to touch the dispenser.
- Multifold and C-fold towels may be exposed if left in open dispensers, increasing contamination risks.
Choosing the Right Paper Towel for Your Dispenser
When selecting a hand paper towel, consider the type of commercial paper towel dispenser you have. Here’s a quick guide:
| Paper Towel Type | Compatible Dispenser | Best Used In |
| Multifold Towels | Multifold Dispensers | Offices, public restrooms |
| C-Fold Towels | C-Fold Dispensers | Restaurants, small businesses |
| Rolled Paper Towels | Manual & Automatic Roll Dispensers | Airports, hospitals, malls |
| Folded Paper Towels | Folded Towel Dispensers | Offices, clinics |
| Touchless Towels | Automatic Dispensers | Healthcare, food service |
Understanding hand towel dimensions and standard hand towel sizes ensures you select the correct paper towel that fits your dispenser.
Paper Towel Types: Final Thoughts
Selecting the right types of paper towels ensures a seamless, hygienic, and cost-effective experience in commercial settings.
Whether choosing multifold, C-fold, rolled, or touchless paper towels, the right selection depends on your commercial paper towel dispenser and usage needs.
Resources:
Understanding Paper Towel Dispensers
