Diaper pails block unpleasant odors from spreading throughout the house. Brands like Munchkin, ubbi, and Diaper Genie offer various types of diaper pails. Some use cartridge refills that contain deodorizing bags, while others simply require regular household trash bags. They also come in different sizes and have varying features that can complicate making the decision on which one is right for you.
We rigorously tested 9 bestselling diaper pails to recommend the best for you. mybest defines the best diaper pail as one that allows you to easily and quickly dispose of diapers without having to endure any unpleasant odors. We ranked the top-performing models, and we'll help you choose in our buying guide.
Margaret "Maggie" Howd has been a nanny for 12 years but has worked with children professionally for over 15 years. She received a Bachelor's degree in psychology but took many classes in child development in her school work. After undergrad, she was a preschool teacher for two years. She wanted to do more for children and got her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It was while obtaining her Master's degree that she fell in love with nannying. It took getting a master's degree for her to find her passion for helping families raise their children. She has been with her current family for seven years, and when you find parents you work in harmony with, nothing can be better. She truly loves her work!
With six years of experience as an in-house sales representative for a stroller manufacturer, Kensuke has extensive experience and knowledge about strollers and European car seats. Accredited by the Japan Traffic Safety Education Association, he is a certified car seat instructor and is currently responsible for overseeing baby and children's products at mybest. Having verified over 300 childcare products, Kensuke uses his expertise to compare, evaluate, and report on the best products for parents to make life easier while raising their children. As a father of one himself, Kensuke understands the struggles and joys of raising a child.
We looked for diaper pails that do not emit any unpleasant odors whether opened or closed. We also made sure we rated products highly that prevented the transfer of bad smells to the receptacle.
We checked for models with a hands-free mechanism for opening and a wide opening for easy disposal.
You will want a pail that can hold diapers for over a week for frequent diaper changes, so we tested for products that will help you keep with babies 2 months or older.
We set out to find products high in safety by looking for products that are child-proof and have a low risk of tipping and causing accidents.
Costs can add up when raising a child, so we evaluated each model based on the affordability of annual costs. We looked for pails whose cost for refills and other related items throughout the year would remain lower than the cost of the product itself.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
Since diaper pails are designed for one purpose only—to get rid of soiled diapers—they trap odors, unlike regular trash cans. Some products have deodorizing and antibacterial properties within the pail itself. Others use brand-specific bags that can also eliminate odors and promote a sanitary environment.
Moreover, many diaper pails have a twisting mechanism on the upper part that holds the bag. This feature prevents odors from permeating the room even when you open the lid to discard a diaper. We tested which products do this the best to help you choose a diaper pail.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Diaper Pails.
There are two types of diaper pails: the cartridge type, which requires a specific type of bag, and the type that uses regular garbage bags. If odor resistance is your top priority, then we recommend the cartridge type.
A diaper pail cartridge's ability to stave off odors comes from the deodorizing treatment it undergoes during manufacturing. And because the bag is twisted closed when you turn the lid/dial, odors are less likely to escape when opening the lid.
Changing the cartridge is also easy. The lid's dial action twists the upper part of the bag, thereby closing it tightly at the opening of the pail. This makes changing bags convenient and odor-free.
Compared to the diaper pails that use regular trash bags, cartridge types come with a higher price tag. However, if you value high odor resistance and don't mind a slightly higher annual cost for cartridge replacement, we recommend this type.
Our tests showed that Munchkin's UV Diaper Pail and Munchkin's STEP were less likely to leak odors and had minimal odor transfer into the pail. Both of these pails will keep your nose safe from dirty diapers, making them our top choices.
If you're looking to save money annually on trash bag replacements, you can opt for diaper pails that use regular bags. However, because they lack the dial action that twists and seals the bag's opening, you can expect some odor to escape when opening the lid. You'll want to close the lid quickly with these types of pails.
Considering how often you'll be using this diaper pail, you'll want a model that's user-friendly. We put together the top factors that will help you choose an easy-to-use pail.
There are two different opening methods among diaper pails. One is the foot pedal that opens the lid when you step on it. The other involves a lid that opens at the push of a button. For diaper changes, the pedal is what you need for hands-free opening.
Additionally, a tall diaper pail allows for easier access to the opening and less strain on your back. After testing, we found that diaper pails 2 feet and over are the best for your back. Shorter ones will make you bend over constantly when throwing away diapers.
A diaper pail with these features is helpful during the postpartum period. During the newborn phase, babies require frequent diaper changes, thus making this quality important for making diaper changes easier.
To make throwing away a diaper seamless, you will want a wide enough opening. Since a rolled-up diaper is approximately 3.54 inches wide (yes, we checked), the ideal width of the receptacle's opening is 4.33 inches or more. An opening this wide will let you dispose of diapers easily.
If your diaper pail has a narrow opening, you can try twisting the diaper to get it to fit, but that can feel unsanitary. A wider opening enables faster and smoother disposal—with very little handling.
If you place the diaper pail within reach of young children, make sure the lid has a child-proof lock and that the design is child-friendly.
Choose a product with a child-proof lock on the lid or a lid that you can turn to twist the bag closed (like a cartridge type). Either type will prevent your child from reaching inside the pail and grabbing a diaper, helping you maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
Products that lack these features pose a risk for children coming in contact with dirty diapers. This is important when babies start crawling and pulling themselves up. Relocating the pail to a hard-to-reach place will also help prevent accidents.
Pails with a non-slip base prevent it from slipping out of place or tipping even when something knocks against it. This feature decreases the chances of accidents and injuries.
Additionally, you might opt for a pail that's round in shape, as opposed to having sharp corners. The curved edges keep injuries from occurring when a toddler bumps into it.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Odor containment | Ease of disposal | Diaper capacity | Child safety | Yearly cost | Width | Depth | Method of opening and closing | Odor control | Number of diapers pail fits | With lock | Width of opening | Height of opening | Yearly cost | ||||||
1 | Munchkin UV Diaper Pail | ![]() | 4.72 | mybest's Top Choice: Odor Resistant, Hands-free Opening, and Added Bonus of UV Sterilization | 5.00 | 4.82 | 3.79 | 3.73 | 4.17 | 12 in. | 12 in. | Pedal | unknown | 4.33 in. | 24.80 in. | $86 | |||
2 | Munchkin STEP | ![]() | 4.65 | Odor-Proof With a Pedal for Easy Opening | 4.86 | 4.82 | 3.79 | 3.68 | 4.17 | 12 in. | 12 in. | Pedal | 18 diapers | 4.33 in. | 24.80 in. | $86 | |||
3 | Prince Lionheart Diaper Twist'R® Diaper Paill | ![]() | 4.53 | High Capacity and Low Annual Cost for Refills | 4.79 | 4.29 | 4.86 | 4.05 | 4.65 | 10.5 in. | 10.5 in. | Twist Lid Handle | 46 diapers | unknown | 5.71 in. | 18.50 in. | $55 | ||
3 | Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail | ![]() | 4.53 | High Diaper Capacity and Opens at the Touch of a Button | 4.68 | 4.38 | 5.00 | 3.78 | 5.00 | 15 in. | 10.88 in. | Manual | 55 diapers | 5.17 in. | 18.11 in. | $20 | |||
5 | Diaper Genie Diaper Genie Complete Pail | ![]() | 4.47 | Ideal Height and Cost Effective | 4.40 | 4.82 | 3.79 | 3.62 | 4.54 | 12.06 in. | 9.38 in. | Pedal | 18 diapers | unknown | 4.33 in. | 26.37 in. | $66 | ||
6 | Dekor Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail | ![]() | 4.46 | Non-Slip Design with a Pedal-Operated Lid | 4.40 | 4.56 | 4.54 | 4.29 | 4.29 | 13.5 in. | 9.63 in. | Pedal | unknown | 5.90 in. | 21.25 in. | $54 | |||
7 | PurePail Classic Diaper Pail | ![]() | 4.13 | One-Touch Button for Opening, but Narrow Opening Complicates Disposal | 4.79 | 3.57 | 4.18 | 4.05 | 4.65 | 9.75 in. | 9.75 in. | Single-touch | 27 diapers | 1.96 in. | 20 in. | $20 | |||
8 | Munchkin Pail | ![]() | 4.07 | Compact and Prevents Odor Escaping | 4.82 | 3.57 | 3.65 | 3.83 | 4.17 | 12 in. | 12 in. | Single-touch | 16 diapers | 5.17 in. | 18.50 in. | $86 | |||
9 | ubbi Diaper Pail | ![]() | 3.99 | Steel Body Locks in Odor, but Could Be Taller | 4.57 | 3.40 | 4.75 | 4.17 | 5.00 | 8.4 in. | 11.4 in. | Manual | unknown | 20 diapers (larger size) or 55 diapers (newborn sized) | 4.10 in. | 20 in. | $20 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 4.33 in. |
Height of opening | 24.80 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Munchkin's UV Diaper Pail uses refill cartridges and has a UV sterilization feature that eliminates 99% of bacteria from the lid's surface. You're less likely to experience exposure to odors due to the lid's twist-action that closes the bag tightly. Plus, the refill bags are odor-resistant so that you can dispose of diapers without unpleasant odors filling the room. Since the pail has a height of 24.80 inches, you can dispose of the diaper with minimal bending down. Another perk is the pedal for opening the lid and the 4.33-inch wide opening that makes for convenient and sanitary disposal.
The pail's upper part keeps the bag twisted shut, which prevents children from making direct contact with diapers in the unlikely event of opening the lid by themselves. Therefore, you have no worries about your child touching a germy diaper. The bottom of the pail doesn't have non-slip grips, so it could tip if a child runs into it. Also, you'll need to place the diaper pail close to an electrical outlet since it needs to be plugged in.
Method of opening and closing | Pedal |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | unknown |
Yearly cost | $86 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 4.33 in. |
Height of opening | 24.80 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Munchkin's STEP is another cartridge-type product, but unlike Munchkin's UV Diaper Pail, it doesn't come with UV sterilization. In our test for odor resistance, we found out that the bags were treated with a deodorizing substance and acted as an effective barrier against odors when sealed. It also comes with a lid that turns like a dial, thus twisting the bag shut. Another advantage is the odor-absorbing baking soda puck that is attached to the lid's interior. You also won't have to bend down far to dispose of a diaper since the pail measures 24.80 inches in height. The combination of the foot pedal and the 4.33-inch opening allows for smooth disposal without having to smush the diapers. Even if a child opens the lid, the bag is twisted tightly, preventing direct contact with a diaper and keeping the area sanitary.
The base doesn't have a non-slip feature, so you may want to consider placing the pail against a wall or in a corner. Emptying this diaper pail is also simple with the cutter that's attached underneath the opening inside the receptacle. You just use the cutter to snip off the top and tie it in a secure knot. However, you might find the storage capacity to be inadequate over time since it accommodates only 18 diapers. We estimate the annual costs to be $86, which is on the high end, but with the added odor resistance from the treated bags and deodorizing puck, along with the user-friendly design, we think this product is great.
Method of opening and closing | Pedal |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 18 diapers |
Yearly cost | $86 |
With lock | unknown |
---|---|
Width of opening | 5.71 in. |
Height of opening | 18.50 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Prince Lionheart's Diaper Twist'R Diaper Pail, a cartridge-type model, has a round design that works well with any decor. The refill bags have a 7-layer system to block odors. Since the bag twists shut at the top, no odors will escape into the air in your room. The 18.50-inch height allows easy access to the opening, and the width spans 5.71 inches across, so you don't have to compress the diaper to get it to fit. However, you do have to manually open and close the lid which can get bothersome when you're working with just one hand free. Since the bags are tightly closed, you won't have to worry about your child coming into contact with dirty diapers.
The pail has a non-slip design on the bottom, so you can place the pail almost anywhere without worrying about it tipping over. Emptying the pail and replacing the bag is easy and convenient. You just remove the entire bag without fussing with a cutting tool or having to spend time tying knots. With a max capacity of 46 diapers, it provides enough space. This product sits at the lower end of annual costs for replacing cartridges at $55. This diaper pail is an ideal option to prevent odors after diaper changes without breaking the bank.
Method of opening and closing | Twist Lid Handle |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 46 diapers |
Yearly cost | $55 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 5.17 in. |
Height of opening | 18.11 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Safety 1st's Easy Saver Diaper Pail has a rounded design and uses household garbage bags. In our odor-prevention test, we noted that the lid has a small compartment for holding a deodorizing pack to prevent odors from permeating the room. However, because the bag doesn't twist closed, odors escape every time you open it. Topping out at 18.11 inches in height, you won't have to bend far to reach the opening. The opening itself spans 5.17 inches in diameter for easy disposal. The one-touch push button that opens the lid allows you to quickly dispose of a diaper using one hand. Its large capacity, which can hold 55 diapers, also reduces the frequency of changing out bags.
This model lacks a child safety lock, and the open bag design (as opposed to the twisted and sealed bag) could allow children who get curious to reach inside. Additionally, you'll want to place the pail against a wall or in a corner since it lacks a non-slip bottom. Changing out the bag proves to be quick and easy since all you have to do is attach the new one after taking out the old bag. The annual cost comes in at around $20 since it uses regular trash bags. We recommend this product if you're looking at cutting down on expenses while reducing the frequency of bag replacements.
Method of opening and closing | Manual |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 55 diapers |
Yearly cost | $20 |
With lock | unknown |
---|---|
Width of opening | 4.33 in. |
Height of opening | 26.37 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Diaper Genie's Diaper Genie Complete Pail utilizes a cartridge for refills. It's supposed to have the ability to lock away odors with the deodorizing carbon filter and a double Air-Tite clamp. In our odor resistance test, we noted that the brand-specific bags have an odor-resistant coating which helps lock in odors once sealed. However, it doesn't prevent odors from escaping when you open it. The pail stands at 26.37 inches high, making disposal easy and comfortable. Plus, the pedal-operated lid reveals a 4.33-inch opening that allows for effortless disposal without having to squash the diaper.
The pail twists the top of the bag closed, so you will not have to worry about your child getting in contact with dirty diapers. We noticed the lack of a non-slip feature which could mean tipping if you don't place it against something. Bag disposal and replacement are easy. You cut the top of the bag with the built-in cutter and tie the end in a knot. Then, you just pull the replacement bag from the cartridge into place. The max capacity of the pail is rather low, holding only 18 diapers. The annual cost is fairly low for replacement cartridges at $66. It's a reasonable option if you want to use a replacement at a lower price.
Method of opening and closing | Pedal |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 18 diapers |
Yearly cost | $66 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 5.90 in. |
Height of opening | 21.25 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Dekor's Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail is a cartridge-type model that features a pedal that opens the lid for quick and easy diaper disposal. During the odor leakage test, we found that the bag has deodorizing properties which helps combat odors from spreading. However, the bag doesn't twist closed, which allows some odor to escape. This pail also has a shorter height at 21.25 inches, so you might find yourself bending over, but the 5.90-inch wide opening is ideal for easy disposal without smooshing the diaper. Plus, the pedal-operated lid adds to the product's convenience.
The Dekor has a child-proof lock to prevent children from making contact with the diapers. It also has a non-slip base and appears to be quite stable, with little worry of tipping over. This model also comes with a built-in bag cutter, making trash removal easy. Setting up a new bag is simple as well since you just pull the new bag from the cartridge and tie the end in a knot. Additionally, it has ample space for up to 37 diapers. This pail also is cost-effective for a cartridge type with an annual cost of $54.
Method of opening and closing | Pedal |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | unknown |
Yearly cost | $54 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 1.96 in. |
Height of opening | 20 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The PurePail Classic Diaper Pail that uses cartridge refills has a charcoal filter attached directly underneath the lid to absorb odors. However, since the upper part of the bag is not twisted, there is a tendency for some odor to escape when opening the lid. This pail measures only 20.5 inches in height, so you may have to bend when disposing of diapers. It has a one-touch button that opens the lid smoothly, but the opening is quite narrow at 1.96 inches wide. So, you have to push the diaper through, making the disposal feel a bit unsanitary. Also, the unit can generously hold 27 larger-size diapers.
The pail features a child-proof lock that keeps children from reaching in and making contact with dirty diapers. You may need to place the diaper pail against a wall to prevent it from tipping over, as it lacks a non-slip bottom. Fortunately, changing out the bags doesn't prove to be too difficult as it is easy to remove the old ones. The annual cost comes in at $20 since you can substitute brand-specific bags for regular trash bags. This makes the PurePail Classic an inexpensive option for those who are looking for a product that doesn't require frequent bag replacements.
Method of opening and closing | Single-touch |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 27 diapers |
Yearly cost | $20 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 5.17 in. |
Height of opening | 18.50 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Munchkin Pail, a cartridge-type model, comes in a compact size that offers convenient and versatile placement. In the odor prevention test, the pail scored highly. The bags are designed with deodorizing properties to contain odors once the bag has been twisted and sealed. The unit also has a deodorizing baking soda puck attached to the underside of the lid to mitigate odors. This product measures 18.50 inches in height which calls for some bending to reach the opening. Its 5.17-inch wide opening works well for quick and sanitary diaper disposal. One drawback is you need both hands to open the lid manually.
The structure is designed to prevent direct contact with the diaper even if a child opens the lid. We do recommend placing it against something to avoid tipping over since it doesn't have a non-slip bottom. It is easy to dispose of bags with the built-in cutter. To set up a new bag, just pull it from the cartridge and tie the end. This pail only holds about 16 diapers, and at $86, you're also looking at a higher annual cost. However, if you need a compact pail with excellent deodorizing properties, this product could be for you.
Method of opening and closing | Single-touch |
---|---|
Odor control | |
Number of diapers pail fits | 16 diapers |
Yearly cost | $86 |
With lock | |
---|---|
Width of opening | 4.10 in. |
Height of opening | 20 in. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
ubbi's Diaper Pail is constructed from steel with a powder-coated interior. It uses regular trash bags, and its round shape makes it child-friendly. Because the pail is made of steel, there's less chance that odors will escape into the air. However, the opening doesn't allow for the bag to twist, so odors may escape when you open the lid. The height of the pail is a bit short at 20 inches, and you have to manually open and close the lid, which is not convenient when you only have one hand free.
This product features a child-proof lock, minimizing concerns about safety and hygiene. Although it doesn't have a non-slip bottom, the weight of the steel structure makes the pail stable enough not to worry about falls. As for changing out bags, you simply remove that bag that's full and replace it with a new one. No cutting or extra tying is involved. The $20 annual cost makes ubbi's pail a budget-friendly option.
Method of opening and closing | Manual |
---|---|
Odor control | unknown |
Number of diapers pail fits | 20 diapers (larger size) or 55 diapers (newborn sized) |
Yearly cost | $20 |
At mybest, we think the best diaper pail is one that allows you to easily and quickly dispose of diapers without having to endure any unpleasant odors.
We chose 9 best-selling diaper pails sold on Amazon, Walmart, and other sites and tested them based on the following criteria:
Products we tested
We looked for diaper pails that do not emit any unpleasant odors whether opened or closed. We also made sure we rated products highly that prevented the transfer of bad smells to the receptacle.
Odor evaluation expert Eiichi Ishikawa checked the scent of each product after it had been artificially tainted with odors. He assessed the amount of odor emitted while opening the lid and sealing the bag. He also checked the amount of odor transfer after removing the diaper. Products were placed 1 meter away from the evaluator.
We checked for models with a hands-free mechanism for opening and a wide opening for easy disposal.
Testers assessed each product's performance in regards to ease of disposal on a point scale with the criteria below.
You will want a pail that can hold diapers for over a week for frequent diaper changes, so we tested for products that will help you keep with babies 2 months or older.
Testers checked for models with high capacity by rating the products on a recommendation scale based on the following criteria.
We set out to find products high in safety by looking for products that are child-proof and have a low risk of tipping and causing accidents.
Costs can add up when raising a child, so we evaluated each model based on the affordability of annual costs. We looked for pails whose cost for refills and other related items throughout the year would remain lower than the cost of the product itself.
※Price calculation as of October 2023
No. 1: Munchkin|UV Diaper Pail
No. 2: Munchkin|STEP
No. 3: Prince Lionheart|Diaper Twist'R® Diaper Paill
No. 3: Safety 1st |Easy Saver Diaper Pail
No. 5: Diaper Genie|Diaper Genie Complete Pail
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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