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Best Diaper Pails Reviews, FAQ and Buying Guide

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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
What is a diaper pail

Out of all beautiful things happening when you have your first baby, nothing prepares you for the smell of used nappies. Yes, he or she is your little bundle of joy, and there’s nothing more amazing than holding your baby for the first time. However, no one would argue that used nappies are gross. Luckily though, if you use the best diaper pail for the smell, you won’t have to worry about not being able to stay in the room because of the smell. If you get the right product, you will be able to store dirty nappies up to one week or even more without knowing they’re there. Though, most parents think that a DIY solution or simply throwing nappies in the trash is just as good. Well, find out that it’s not a smart idea at all, and you should read this article to know how to handle used ones. So, let’s jump right to it and explain to you all about available top-rated diaper pail out there and what to look for when buying such an accessory for your nursery.

Best Diaper Trash Cans – Top 10

Best Brand
Ubbi Steel Pail
Top Quality Materials
Dekor Plus Hands-Free
Playtex Genie
Munchkin Step
Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail
Ubbi Steel Odor Locking, No Special Bag Required Money Saving, Awards-Winning, Modern Design Registry Must-Have Diaper Pail, Gray
Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail | Gray | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System |Great for Cloth Diapers
Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail with Odor Lock Technology, White
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer, Includes (1) Bonus Toss Disposable Diaper Pail
Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail | White | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System
$79.99
$44.95
$59.99
$64.75
$24.95
-
-
4,405 Reviews
2,498 Reviews
1,295 Reviews
960 Reviews
-
Size
‎15 x 10.75 x 22.48 inches
‎24 x 15 x 11 inches
10.25 x 13.5 x 21.75 inches
12.25 x 27.63 x 13 inches
‎7 x 7 x 10 inches
Material
Steel
ABS Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
‎Plastic
Hands-Free
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Best Brand
Ubbi Steel Pail
Ubbi Steel Odor Locking, No Special Bag Required Money Saving, Awards-Winning, Modern Design Registry Must-Have Diaper Pail, Gray
$79.99
4,405 Reviews
Size
‎15 x 10.75 x 22.48 inches
Material
Steel
Hands-Free
No
Top Quality Materials
Dekor Plus Hands-Free
Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail | Gray | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System |Great for Cloth Diapers
$44.95
2,498 Reviews
Size
‎24 x 15 x 11 inches
Material
ABS Plastic
Hands-Free
Yes
Playtex Genie
Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail with Odor Lock Technology, White
$59.99
-
1,295 Reviews
Size
10.25 x 13.5 x 21.75 inches
Material
Plastic
Hands-Free
Yes
Munchkin Step
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer, Includes (1) Bonus Toss Disposable Diaper Pail
$64.75
960 Reviews
Size
12.25 x 27.63 x 13 inches
Material
Plastic
Hands-Free
Yes
Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail
Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail | White | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System
$24.95
-
-
Size
‎7 x 7 x 10 inches
Material
‎Plastic
Hands-Free
Yes
Safety 1st Easy Saver
Munchkin Arm & Hammer
Bubula Steel
Dekor Classic Hands-Free
Akord Slim Adult Diaper Pail
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail
Munchkin Diaper Pail Baby Registry Starter Set, Powered by Arm and Hammer, Includes 1 Month Refill Supply and Baking Soda Puck
Bubula Steel Diaper Pail, Grey
Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail | Gray | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System
Collections ETC Akord Slim Incontinence Disposal System with Odor Lock, Discrete Style, White, 20in H X 11in W X 9.5in D
$21.12
$49.99
$104.99
$34.95
$56.98
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,250 Reviews
-
-
-
-
Size
15 x 18.38 x 10.88 inches
‎12.31 x 11.56 x 22 inches
‎10.14 x 5.71 x 5.71 inches
12.25 x 21 x 8.75 inches
12.5 x 10.5 x 20.5 inches
Material
‎Plastic
-
Steel
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic
Hands-Free
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Safety 1st Easy Saver
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail
$21.12
1,250 Reviews
Size
15 x 18.38 x 10.88 inches
Material
‎Plastic
Hands-Free
No
Munchkin Arm & Hammer
Munchkin Diaper Pail Baby Registry Starter Set, Powered by Arm and Hammer, Includes 1 Month Refill Supply and Baking Soda Puck
$49.99
-
-
Size
‎12.31 x 11.56 x 22 inches
Material
-
Hands-Free
No
Bubula Steel
Bubula Steel Diaper Pail, Grey
$104.99
-
-
-
Size
‎10.14 x 5.71 x 5.71 inches
Material
Steel
Hands-Free
No
Dekor Classic Hands-Free
Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail | Gray | Easiest to Use | Just Step – Drop – Done | Doesn’t Absorb Odors | 20 Second Bag Change | Most Economical Refill System
$34.95
-
-
Size
12.25 x 21 x 8.75 inches
Material
ABS Plastic
Hands-Free
Yes
Akord Slim Adult Diaper Pail
Collections ETC Akord Slim Incontinence Disposal System with Odor Lock, Discrete Style, White, 20in H X 11in W X 9.5in D
$56.98
-
-
-
Size
12.5 x 10.5 x 20.5 inches
Material
ABS plastic
Hands-Free
Yes

Best Overall - Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail Review

Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
4,405 Reviews
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail

We start our list of reviews with the best diaper genie according to online reviews and buyers’ feedbacks. By getting this one, you will take care of your baby, yourself, and the nursery simultaneously. Made of powder-coated steel, there is no way this device will ever capture odor over time, and it has increased durability. Without a need to buy special bags, you also save a lot of money along the way. Simple but very appealing in design, with an ingenious nappy disposal mechanism in place to keep air circulation to a minimum and a built-in child lock, it’s no wonder Ubbi stainless steel diaper pail won so many prizes. With a maximum capacity of 50 natural diapers, you won’t have to make often trips to a trash can.

Ubbi is worth every cent due to its efficiency and durability, plus, you won’t have to buy special bags.

Why We Like It

  • Big storage capacity – up to 50 pieces at once
  • Special lid that slides sideways for minimum air circulation
  • Stainless steel and rubber seals to block odors completely

Anti-Bacterial Properties: Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail Review

Sale
Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail
2,498 Reviews
Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Out of all diaper genie reviews we’ve been through to present you this final list, Dekor Plus impressed us the most. It has a ton of useful features like the hands-free design or the bacteria-killing lid, especially made to keep your family safe. It can take up to 60 pieces and included odor-blocking features that are excellent for keeping your room fresh. Thanks to its generous size, it can be a solid contestant for the title of the best diaper pail for cloth diapers. All mothers know that cloth models are the best overnight diapers, so you may want to consider this option as well. Its self-sealing trap door does an excellent job, and you can forget about emptying it for a very long time.

Why We Like It

  • Extra storage room
  • Its lid fights bacteria so that you won’t have to worry about touching it before handling your kid
  • Durable materials

Carbon Filter - Playtex Diaper Genie Review

Playtex Diaper Genie Pail
1,295 Reviews
Playtex Diaper Genie Pail

Continuing our journey to find the absolute best diaper trash can for your needs, we have Playtex Genie. In our previous diaper pail reviews, you noticed that we’ve first focused on materials and features rather than storage. Well, that’s the case with this baby diaper trash can model as well since it’s not very big; however, the materials used and the hands-free operations make it one of the best choices out there. A carbon filter is a feature that makes this model truly shine.

This small diaper pail won’t let out any nasty odor during the time it stays closed and thanks to the filter you won’t feel any smell, even when you open the pail to throw another nappy inside. With a useful system to get rid of the bag when it’s full and a foot pedal, you won’t have to lean over every time you need to throw something, Playtex can be the best baby diaper garbage can out there.

Why We Like It

  • Hands-free operation thanks to its foot pedal
  • Specially designed carbon filter to eliminate odors not just trap them inside
  • Easy to replace the bag when it’s full

Bag Self-Sealing - Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Review

Sale
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail
960 Reviews
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

We couldn’t make a list of the greatest products without including this Munchkin Step Arm and Hammer diaper pail. This model has a very easy-to-use dispose system and an amazing cylindrical design that makes it look elegant and modern. By now, you probably figured out all the features such a device has, so we’ll better focus on what this specific model does. And you can’t overlook an innovative system to seal the bag after each use. Another big plus is that this kind of diaper pail uses regular trash bags, so you will also save funds.

Pros

  • Self-sealing system to fight against odor
  • Works with standard bags
  • Exquisite design, easy to fit in any room

Cons

  • Difficult to close

The Best Diaper Pail: Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail Review

Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail

The Dekor Mini Hands-Free Diaper Pail is one of the best bargains for any new parents at this time. This large capacity diaper pail is easy to use and can hold as many as 30 diapers before it gets full. That’s not all.

This unique diaper pail is equipped with a superior odor control mechanism that ensures you don’t have to worry at all about any offensive smell emanating from it.

This small diaper genie can use a Diaper Champ Refill for maximum odor control or use any 13-gallon trash bag. What’s more? This unique product is ready to use with no assembly required.

Pros

  • Excellent odor control
  • Simple and affordable
  • Easy to carry and empty
  • Suitable color

Cons

  • Limited space
  • Fills too quickly

Included Deodorizer Disk - Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail Review

Sale
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail
1,250 Reviews
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

We’ve seen in the Dekor diaper pail review that size can matter if you’re all about not making a lot of trips to the garbage can. However, the best diaper disposal system doesn’t have to be big to do an awesome job. Safety 1st cheap diaper pail that through this small and versatile model that fits excellently in every room. It also includes a deodorizer disk that not only keeps bad smells away but also leaves out a fresh odor whenever you open it. Being made of plastic, there’s a small risk that it will start to build up smell over time, that’s why you need to keep it perfectly clean. However, the ability to use any bag is always welcome since the special ones are pricey.

Pros

  • Compact and versatile
  • You can use any garbage bags with it
  • Included deodorizer

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a child lock; however, being so small you can easily place it somewhere where your baby can’t reach it.

Using Baking Soda - Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Review

Sale
Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail

Another top-rated diaper pail makes its way into our list. We’re talking about Munchkin Arm & Hammer and its innovative use of baking soda to fight bad smell. The combination of the baking soda compartment and the self-sealing system makes this device an excellent choice if your nursery is quite small, and you don’t want to feel the faintest trace of odor. Every time you close the lid, diaper pail deodorizer dispenser sprinkles baking soda, and that makes smell stay inside even when you open the lid for another disposal. Each bag can take up to 25 pieces, and you can easily get it out to replace it when needed.

Pros

  • Innovative use of baking soda dispenser
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Self-sealing system

Cons

  • You need to use a special pail liner with this model; however, the way it fights odor will make an extra investment worth it.

Durable Material - Bubula Steel Diaper Pail Review

Bubula Steel Diaper Pail

We’ve reached the Bubula diaper pail review and wanted to make this very obvious because if you only look at the picture, there’s a big chance you’ll mistake it with the Ubbi diaper pail review. Very similar in design, but with a few distinctive features, this is a model that will get the job done with flying colors. It can double as a standard trash can when your baby grows up, and that’s excellent for those of you that don’t want to invest for a limited amount of time. This covered diaper pail air-tight lid keeps bad smells inside; the safety lock is great if your toddler wants to inspect it, and the fact it uses regular kitchen bags is also a big plus.

Pros

  • Great capacity
  • Slick design and an ergonomic lid
  • Available in various colors, so you can get the one that fits your nursery best

Cons

  • The materials used aren’t top quality; however, that is also reflected in the low price you pay for a perfectly good device.

Top Budget Option - Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail Review

Sale
Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Another Dekor diaper pail finds its way in our list, and this time it’s the Classic version of the one we presented earlier. It’s understandable why it’s so low down our list; however, the fact it beats other similar models says a lot. When dealing with poo, you’ll want to touch as few things as possible and the hands-free operation of this plastic diaper pail model is excellent in that regard. Its lid lifts when you press the foot pedal, and underneath it, you will find OdorKeeper door that is spring activated, so it will only allow the nappy to go through then it will shut. Being capable of dealing with up to 45 newborn size pieces, it may not be comparable to the Munchkin step diaper pail review; however, it’s definitely worth its money.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Double mechanism to keep the odor inside
  • High-quality plastic used

Cons

  • The plastic may start to smell after prolonged exposure to dirty diapers, however, that’s normal for plastic models, and that’s why they’re a lot cheaper.

Top odor control diaper pail for Adults Review

Akord Slim Adults Diaper Pail with Odor Lock
  • Say goodbye to unpleasant odors. This deluxe incontinence disposal system locks in odors to keep things smelling fresh
  • The elegant design is perfect for home use, and the hands-free system makes disposing of adult-sized briefs, pads and other incontinence items both simple and hygienic
  • Simply step on the pedal to open the lid, and drop the items through the extra-large opening
  • Features an easy-to-use continuous liner system and a large 7-gallon capacity; when the bag is filled, simply remove it and the next bag is ready to use| ABS plastic| 20"H x 11"W x 9 1/2"D
  • Shop with confidence! For over 50 years, Collections Etc has been bringing unique, whimsical, inspirational, and home solution products to customers. All Collections Etc products come with a 60 day, easy return policy and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Buyers Guide – Learn Everything About Diaper Disposal

What Is a Diaper Pail?

To put it bluntly, a diaper pail is basically a trash can built so that it perfectly retains odor and allows storage of multiple nappies before emptying the bag in the outside trash can. With various features available on different models, its concept remains the same.

Do You Really Need a Diaper Pail?

That’s the question most parents ask, without knowing that the answer is “YES.” As you noticed in our diaper pail reviews presented, these devices have certain features. Any DIY project will leave you wishing to invest in a high-quality diaper pail because your entire nursery smells badly now.

Types of Diaper Pails

Types of Diaper Pails

There are many models out there competing for the best diaper genie title. However, when talking about various types, we can’t really make a classification. You could be talking about bins that are regular diaper bags and the ones with specially-designed liners, however, it’s still the same principle they’re using.

Benefits

Getting the best product has a lot of benefits. For example, you won’t have to worry about your room smelling like poo. You are comfortable knowing that dirty bags are away from your child. An anti-bacterial system keeps everyone in your house healthy. Due to a hands-free functionality, you can use the best diaper genie without having to touch it.

What Should I Look for in Top Diaper Pails?

Odor Control

Of course, as highlighted by all diaper pail reviews we’ve presented above, the main functionality of such a device is keeping odor as far as possible from your nose. Some models use baking soda, some come with built-in carbon filters, while others use a mix of these elements to get the job done. No matter which one you choose, you have to make sure there’s at least one reliable odor-control system on it. The best diaper pail for odor control will allow you to store old ones up to a week with no problems.

Ease of Bag Change

The best diaper pails will do a great job at keeping the smell inside and also allow you to change the bag easily. What’s the point of having a perfectly sealed model if you spend ages trying to remove the bag from it and odor escapes anyway?

Ease of Diaper Disposal

Ease of Diaper Disposal

How hard could it be to throw a dirty nappy? Don’t underestimate this question because things are a lot different when you need to quickly get back to your baby and feed or continue changing him/her. A hands-free model or one that can be easily opened is ideal for quick procedure and keeping bacteria away from your hands, making it the best diaper pail 2023 has to offer.

Lifetime Cost

The best diaper pails do not require further investment. And while not everyone may agree with this statement, if you make a bigger initial investment in a model with efficient odor-control systems, you won’t have to waste money every month buying special bags. So, even if a first significant investment may seem like something you want to avoid, in the long run, you’re wasting more money with cheaper products that require a constant purchase of liners.

Size

Size is also important, however, not that important as with other nursery accessories. Even the smallest model can easily hold up to 25 charges, and that’s more than enough for 24 hours. You can easily dispose of a bag every day to keep everything clean and tidy. An excellent example in this direction comes from Safety 1st Easy Saver diaper pail, doing a great job at a tiny size.

FAQ

Do You Need a Diaper Genie with Cloth Diapers?

Cloth diapers need to be used in combination with the best cloth diaper pail. Just like disposable models. Even though these devices were made for disposable nappies, they do a great job with cloth ones as well. Talking about large-capacity genies combined with a washable liner, you will find out that dealing with cloth models is very easy.

How Do I Keep My Diaper Pail from Smelling?

Odor Control feature

Even though such pails will do an awesome job at keeping odors locked inside while not allowing the bad smell to stick on them, prolonged use in high temperatures may lead to contamination. There’s nothing to worry about, though. There are a lot of ways to keep it from smelling.

  • Clean it properly using baking soda and vinegar to make sure all odors are removed.
  • Use essential oils to fight off bad smell
  • Besides the liner used in a device, you can put napkins in those small dog poop bags for extra protection
  • Make sure to dry it properly in a place with lots of air and sun
  • Deodorizer discs are also very useful – some models come with such an accessory

How Do You Get the Smell out of a UBBI Diaper Pail?

Considered by most moms the best diaper pail, UBBI is a model that simply won’t give you this problem. Due to its materials and structure, it is basically maintenance-free. Its powdered steel will never absorb odor. So, this is one less thing to worry about when deciding to buy this model from UBBI.

Will Diaper Genie Refills Work in Munchkin?

Yes, Nursery Fresh Refills, for example, are compatible with various Diaper Genie models like Elite, Complete or Essentials while also being a good match for Munchkin diaper pail. And this is just one example; there are multiple foils refills out there that can be used across a broader range of devices so that you get the best fit for your needs and the best trash can for nursery.

Which Huggies Diaper Is Best?

Well, that depends on what kind of diaper you are looking for. Huggies are known to deliver excellent products ranging from the best swim diaper to disposable or even cloth. Since most of their products have a certain activity in mind, you need to choose those that are suited for what your child is going to do. If you’re looking for an excellent pair of overnight diapers, Huggies OverNites provides excellent absorbing capacity, allowing your little wonder to sleep comfortably.

Our Recommendation for 2023

It’s been quite a long journey through various models, each with its strengths and weaknesses. We at Parenthoodroutine.com presented you models that can easily compete for the number one position and still have a great chance as the best diaper pail for twins thanks to their big capacity. After checking out all reviews of best garbage cans for diapers, pros, cons, buying considerations, and frequently asked questions, it’s time to draw a conclusion. And while we’re aware, there’s no magic formula to fit all types of infants and their parents, in our opinion the best diaper pail for both adults and children that would make your nursery smell good and fresh remains UBBI Steel Diaper Pail. It gets this position as the best diaper pail 2023 thanks to its innovative powdered steel construction, the ease with which you can dispose of dirty diapers and the fact you won’t have to perform maintenance on it.

Topics:
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PRODUCTS TESTED BY Parenthoodroutine.com
How We Tested

Our team of experts collected exactly 30 used diapers in the Baby Trend diaper pail to test its superior odor control mechanism. And yes, they stayed close enough to the pail for many hours and confirmed the odor control was second to none in the whole industry.

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COMMENTS

    • Pam
    • 28 September, 2019
  • Generally I do not learn post on blogs, however, I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Thanks, nice article.