In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Munchkin Step Review

Great odor control with a large capacity makes this pail a winner
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Munchkin Step Review (The Step beat out the competition in terms of odor control.)
The Step beat out the competition in terms of odor control.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $74 List
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Manufacturer:   Munchkin
By Juliet Spurrier, MD, and Lindsay Selig  ⋅  Aug 27, 2018
85
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 7
  • Odor Control - 60% 9.0
  • Ease of Diaper Disposal - 25% 8.0
  • Ease of Bag Change - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Munchkin Step diaper pail has impressive odor control which helped it earn our Editors' Choice award. The hands-free pail is easy to use with a convenient foot pedal, large capacity, and the self-sealing system helps keep the odors trapped inside the can with each new deposit. While we weren't big fans of the strong lavender scent and the deposit opening is somewhat small for size 3 and larger diapers, we think most families will be more than happy with what the Munchkin brings to the table. See it rated versus top competitors in our review of the best diaper pails.
REASONS TO BUY
Best odor control
Large capacity
Self-sealing
Durable
Easy bag change
REASONS TO AVOID
Lavendar scent can be overwhelming
Small opening
Expensive
Proprietary bags

Compare to Similar Products

 
munchkin step
This Product
Munchkin Step
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Diaper Pail
Top Pick Award
Perfect Pail for Cloth Diapers
   
Price $74 List
$59.99 at Amazon
$130 List
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$40 List
$39.95 at Amazon
$50 List
$47.99 at Amazon
$25 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
85
81
53
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42
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Superior odor containment that is easy to use makes the continuing liner expense worthwhileOne of our favorite cloth diaper pails that can be used as a great kitchen trash can in the futureColorfully designed, these convenient bags have limited odor control and durabilityPoorly designed clamp makes this a no-go diaper pailUnique diaper pail system keeps things neat and tidy
Rating Categories Munchkin Step simplehuman 38 Lite... Planet Wise Hanging... Playtex Diaper Geni... Diaper One-N-Done
Odor Control (60%)
9.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
1
Ease of Diaper Disposal (25%)
8.0
10.0
3.0
2.0
10.0
Ease of Bag Change (15%)
7.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Munchkin Step simplehuman 38 Lite... Planet Wise Hanging... Playtex Diaper Geni... Diaper One-N-Done
Dimensions 12"W x 10"D x 27"H 15.8"W x 12.5"D x 25.7"H 16"W x 26.5"H 9.4"W x 12"D x 27"H 6"W x 6"D x 11"H
Type of Refill Proprietary Liner Trash Bag No Bag Proprietary Liner Proprietary Liner
Refill Cost $8 $14 $0 $7 $3
Estimated Lifetime Cost of Refills $292 $53 $0 $260 $182
Estimated Total Cost of Ownership $357 $153 $34 $300 $201
One-Handed Operation Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Foot-Pedal Opener Yes Yes No Yes No
Material Plastic Stainless Steel Cotton/PUL Plastic Plastic
Childproof Safety Lock No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Munchkin has developed baby products for almost three decades. The inventory ranges from feeding gear to bath accessories and more. Born and based in Los Angeles, California, they are now a worldwide corporation. Munchkin currently owns over 200 patents and adds to the list regularly. In a bid to help the environment, Munchkin has partnered with different organizations and is committed to planting a tree for every diaper pail sold to help offset emissions from the production process.

Performance Comparison



munchkin step - the step beat out the competition in terms of odor control.
The Step beat out the competition in terms of odor control.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Likes


The Munchkin Step is an easy to use hands-free pail with great odor control. The foot pedal lid lifts effortlessly, giving easy access with a diaper in one hand and baby in the other. We think parents will appreciate making a deposit without juggling dirty diapers and a squirmy baby. The interior door closes after each diaper pushes through keeping interior smells on the inside where they belong.

munchkin step - the easy to use foot pedal on the step makes it easy to toss diapers...
The easy to use foot pedal on the Step makes it easy to toss diapers and hold your baby at the same time.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

When it comes to odor control, we are delighted with the Step's performance. It features a unique self-sealing system that twists the bag when the lid closes, which helps trap the diaper and related odor inside the liner (woohoo!).


This twist and seal process considerably alleviates noxious fumes from emitting when the top is opened to accept a new diaper. The Step also comes with a baking soda puck inside the lid for additional odor control.

munchkin step - the twisting action helps to keep the dirty diaper stink inside the...
The twisting action helps to keep the dirty diaper stink inside the Step.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The container itself is a decent size providing a large capacity that limits the need for daily bag changes (though daily bag changes will help keep odor to a minimum). The hard plastic shell of the can is durable and will hold up well over time, even if it absorbs odors like all plastics. The system makes it easy to remove the bag with an inner blade to cut the liner so you can tie it off and throw it away. The front door swings open and provides enough room to situate and tie the liner end creating a bag for the next round of diapers. The overall style is sleek and unassuming, blending in with nursery decor instead of calling attention to itself.

munchkin step - the convenient blade on the munchkin step makes it a breeze to cut...
The convenient blade on the Munchkin Step makes it a breeze to cut the bag when it is time to empty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Dislikes


While we like the idea of a baking soda puck on the underside of the lid, the lavender scent can be overwhelming for some. It is better than the alternative poop smell, but we wish they offered an unscented puck for sensitive sniffers. The experience of lavender-scented poo can potentially be enough to make you toss your cookies.

munchkin step - we appreciate the baking soda puck on the munchkin step but wish...
We appreciate the baking soda puck on the Munchkin Step but wish they offered it in an unscented version.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The size of the container is nice, but the diaper opening is small. While this helps eliminate extra space for odors to escape, it means pushing the diaper through with a little extra oomph, which can potentially lead to the contents being pushed out of the diaper. Also, a full liner can inhibit the twisting action of the liner as the lid closes. This problem means you'll need to push the diaper firmly through the opening so it will reach the main compartment of the container to allow the lid to shut. If you don't, the diaper can get trapped in the twisting action, which prevents the cover from completely closing. Frequently removing a full liner can help you avoid this problem and being able to tie off the bag means you won't be wasting bag space or materials.

munchkin step - the hole to put diapers through in the step is a bit small for our...
The hole to put diapers through in the Step is a bit small for our preference.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

One of the downfalls of this system, like much of the competition, is the proprietary liner/bag system. The Munchkin has liners especially for this pail, and you'll need to purchase them for the system to work. Requiring a proprietary liner presents two challenges including finding the right refills and a more substantial lifetime investment. If you live in an area with limited shopping, you will likely have to order the refills online and plan to keep multiple backup refills, so you don't run out. The price of the refills means you'll spend more to use the pail over time than products that work with kitchen trash bags. While these issues aren't deal-breakers, they are something to keep in mind while making your final buying decision.

munchkin step - as with several of the diaper pails, the munchkin step uses a...
As with several of the diaper pails, the Munchkin Step uses a proprietary system of bags.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion


If your number one priority in a diaper pail is odor control, then there is no need to look further than the Munchkin Step. It has superior odor containment compared to the competition both as a closed unit and when making diaper deposits. While it has a smaller opening and will cost you more over the long haul than some other options, we suspect most parents will be happy to fork over the extra cash if it means a stink-free nursery and an easy to use unassuming pail.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD, and Lindsay Selig
 

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