Tommee Tippee Simplee Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Tommee Tippee was born over 50 years ago by three brothers in the plastic business. They were approached by a doctor to design a toddler cup. While the doctor did not like the design, a British businessman did and he decided to help market the product. The cup had a weighted bottom to avoid tipping, and they put a picture of their dog, Tommee, on the side. Tommee Tippee is very popular in the UK and has become a recognizable name worldwide.
Performance Comparison
Likes
The Simplee is a smaller diaper pail perfect for families who need a compact solution for diaper disposal. The small design is perfect for those living in an apartment or tighter space, or for those that do not want a large eyesore in the nursery. A benefit of the small container is putrid smells don't have the chance to build up like they might in a larger capacity pail. Another pleasing thing about the Simplee is the reasonable cost.
The pail performs well for odor containment with average performance, but the open lid design will release some smell when you make a new deposit.
The design of the pail is modern and simple. It has five different lid color options - gray, bright and pale pink and blue - allowing you the flexibility to find a color that works well with the nursery decor. The minimalist design and high quality make it a natural fit for any home, big or small. It has the right combination of odor containment, eye-pleasing style, and durability.
Dislikes
We aren't big fans of the blade included for bag cutting. In our experience, the blade is dull and not very easy to use. Changing the bag became a blend of cutting and tearing the bag to release it, which was frustrating. You want bag changes to be easy, so you aren't passing out from holding your breath. It might be worth keeping a pair of scissors nearby to make the experience more manageable. Of course, then you need to keep the scissors out of the reach of curious toddlers.
The lid trap door that separates the lower pail from the top is stiff. While it is great for keeping odors contained, it can lead to a messy situation. If you have a full diaper, the contents can spill out because the door is so rigid. Also, when it is time to change the bag, the entire lid needs to come off. You are then left balancing the stinky bag and lid while trying to cut the bag with the unimpressive blade. A hinge would definitely come in handy during this process.
Also because of its small size, you will have to empty it frequently. Tommee Tippee claims that it can hold 18 newborn diapers. We think this is a generous claim and your little one won't be wearing newborn size for long. That means when they get to size 3, 4, or 5 diapers, you may only be able to fit 5-10 diapers inside before a bag change will be necessary. While not a deal-breaker, it is an inconvenience.
Conclusion
The Simplee is a compact, inexpensive pail that does a decent job containing odor. It has a modern look and is sturdy in design. Yes, the blade and lid could use an upgrade, but we believe this is a great choice for those living in a tight space.