9 Best Diaper Pails [Tested and Reviewed]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.