The 4 Best Diaper Pails

Our Picks of Diaper Pails

Best Overall Diaper Pail

Munchkin STEP

Type of Refill	Proprietary Liners
One-Handed Operation	No
Foot-Pedal Opener	Yes
Material	Plastic
Dimensions	9" x 11.5" x 26"

The Munchkin STEP nails what matters most: odor control. Of all the diaper pails we tested, this one stands out, outperforming all the rest. Its success mainly comes from the design, which uses a self-twisting mechanism to seal in odors after each use, and an Arm & Hammer baking soda puck that helps absorb and mask any sneaky smells. The twisting mechanism worked reliably during testing, and the step-to-open lid made disposal easy, even when juggling a baby. Our testers noticed the difference. “I completely forgot there were dirty diapers inside, that's how well it controls odors.”, one said. Another added, “Even when it's full, there's no burst of stink when you open it or lingering smells in the nursery.”

At first, we weren't sure about the Arm & Hammer puck. When we opened it, the scent was strong, and added fragrance isn't usually our thing. But over time, it faded and settled into a mild scent level we actually came to like. “You get a little scent every time you toss in a diaper, and honestly, I like it,” one tester said. Still, it might not be for anyone sensitive to fragrance. The good news? It's removable if you'd rather skip it. Also, the Munchkin STEP isn't completely hands-free. While the step pedal opens the lid, you'll need to push the diaper to get it past the twist and close the lid manually. It also requires purchasing proprietary refill bags, which adds to the long-term cost. If you'd rather not deal with special refills, the Foundations Tall accepts standard trash bags, and bag changes are quick and easy. Minor trade-offs aside, if your main goal is not smelling what's inside, the Munchkin STEP performs better than anything else we've tested. It's been a standout across multiple years of testing, and the fact that it's still holding strong in our latest round says a lot.

Best Bang for Your Pail Buck

Dekor EKO

Type of Refill	Standard Trash Bag or Proprietary Liner
One-Handed Operation	Yes
Foot-Pedal Opener	Yes
Material	70% Recycled ABS Plastic
Dimensions	12" x 8.5" x 20.7"

The Dekor EKO is an affordable pail with a bit more versatility than most. It's made from closed-cell ABS plastic, which is designed to prevent odor buildup over time. It also features a child-proof lock, which is convenient for parents with curious little ones who think every container is a toy box. We appreciate Dekor's eco-friendly efforts, even if some of it is marketing hype. The pail and its refills are made with 70% GRS Certified recycled materials, and the continuous liner system helps reduce waste by letting you use only what you need. “I liked that I could empty it whenever I wanted without feeling like I was wasting a bag,” one of our in-lab testers noted. You can also use standard trash bags to cut costs, though they might not fit as snugly or control odor as well as the proprietary refills. For families using cloth diapers, we recommend the Dekor Cloth Diaper Liner as a washable, waterproof option that fits the pail.

Odor control is the main reason the Dekor EKO didn't rank higher; some odors do escape. We've tested this pail before, and this issue remains. If locking in odors is your top priority, the Munchkin STEP, with its self-twisting system and proprietary liners, might be worth the investment. We also noticed that the pail's plastic feels flimsy, lacking the sturdiness of some other contenders. One tester shared, “While emptying bags among different diaper pails, I quickly noticed how flimsy the plastic on this one feels.” Loading a new refill can also be a bit fiddly, especially since the lid won't stay open by itself. But once it's set up, the pail is pretty straightforward to use. Overall, a tester summed it up nicely: “It offers more than you'd expect for its price.” We couldn't agree more. It's a practical pick for budget-minded parents who don't mind a little compromise on odor control.

Best for Capacity and Bag Freedom

Foundations Tall

Type of Refill	Standard Trash Bag or Proprietary Liner
One-Handed Operation	No
Foot-Pedal Opener	No
Material	Plastic
Dimensions	15" x 11" 37"

The Foundations Tall isn't our top pick overall, but the more we used it, the more we came to appreciate what it offers. It's a solid choice for families who need extra capacity, like those with twins or just lots of diaper changes, and for anyone tired of paying for proprietary refill bags. This pail works with any standard trash bag, giving parents more flexibility. During testing, we especially came to appreciate its tall design. “Honestly, I didn't expect to care about the height, but with all the diaper changes in a day, my back definitely noticed the difference compared to shorter pails,” one tester commented. We also like that the pivoting flip lid rotates smoothly and can be easily operated with just one hand.

The Foundations might not wow you with odor control, but it still performs well compared to some others. Based on our testing, one thing is clear: when it comes to odor control, the Munchkin STEP takes the crown. No other pail we tested sealed in dirty diaper odors quite as well. Additionally, this pail has a higher upfront cost, but as one tester pointed out, “You're not locked into pricey proprietary refills, which can save money over time.” For parents looking for capacity, convenience, and long-term savings, the Foundations Tall really stands out.

Our Pick for Cloth Diapers

Hibaby Large Hanging Wet/Dry

Type of Refill	Reusable
One-Handed Operation	No
Foot-Pedal Opener	n/a
Material	PUL
Dimensions	17.7" x 25.2"

Need a bag to stash dirty cloth diapers until laundry time? The Hibaby Large Hanging Wet/Dry gets the job done. “It's a simple solution that makes the whole process way easier,” said our tester. Made with PUL (polyurethane laminated) material, it keeps moisture contained. It's lightweight and includes a front zipper pocket for storing dry items. During testing, we hung it in the nursery, keeping it off the floor, and it performed well even when fully loaded. The zippers worked smoothly, and there are several cute patterns to select from (why not make diaper duty a little more fun?). We recommend having a second bag in rotation so you're not stuck mid-change with nowhere to toss the mess if one's in the wash. Plus, at a budget-friendly price, you can stock up without overspending.

While odor control is a win for disposable diapers, cloth diapers are a little different. They actually need some airflow. Sealing them up tight can worsen the ammonia smell over time. That's why the Hibaby works well; it allows for air to circulate. Again, you must adjust your expectations as it's not odor-proof. And it's not meant for long-term storage, but for daily use and regular washing. From our hands-on experience, one tester shared, “It worked well for our cloth diaper routine. I'd toss diapers in throughout the day and dump the whole thing into the wash at night.” Remember to flush solids before putting diapers into the bag. Breastfed stools generally wash out easily and don't carry the strong odor of formula or solid-fed stools, so rinsing isn't always necessary. If you're doing a hybrid of cloth and disposable diapers, a budget-friendly pail like the Dekor EKO could be a good fit. It offers a convenient place for disposable diapers without breaking the bank. Bottom line? The Hibaby is super affordable for cloth users, and some parents even use it as a laundry hamper once diapering days are gone.

How We Tested

To find the best diaper pail, we spent several weeks testing in real homes to see how it performs. We filled them with soiled diapers and bagged dog poop to mimic heavy, everyday use and sniff-tested regularly to check how effectively each pail contained the stink. Odor containment is everything (trust us, it matters). We also looked at how easy it was to toss in a diaper, did it drop in smoothly, or did we have to push it through? Is the opening wide enough to handle bulkier diapers without a mess? And we noted how straightforward (or frustrating) changing the bag was. Lastly, we evaluated each diaper pail's size, materials, and durability. Since diapering can last for years, the right pail can make a big difference.

Our testing of diaper pails is divided into three rating metrics:

• Odor Control (60% overall score weighting)
• Ease of Diaper Disposal (25% of weighting)
• Ease of Bag Change (15% of weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

We've been testing diaper pails for years, and while it's a smelly business, it's one we take seriously. This review is a labor of stinky love led by BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Spurrier. Dr. Juliet Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two whose quest for a smell-free diaper pail began in 2009. After testing multiple pails in several reviews since 2013, she is the definitive expert on diaper pails and odor control. The team also includes Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz. Wendy is also a mother of two and has considered and tested diaper pails since her first baby was born in 2010.

Analysis and Test Results

We evaluated odor control, how easy it is to toss in a diaper, and how smooth the bag-changing process feels.

What's the Best Value?

It's essential to consider the pail's upfront cost and ongoing expenses. Some options require proprietary refill liners (bags specifically made for the pail), others accept regular trash bags, and some accept both. Proprietary refills are typically more costly than standard trash bags because they're designed with odor-trapping qualities and thicker construction. In addition to bags, a few pails have extra odor-fighting accessories, like neutralizers or deodorizers, which add to ongoing cost. We suggest considering all factors when searching for the best on a budget choice.

While the Munchkin STEP has a higher upfront cost, we consider it reasonable because it's a clear winner for odor control by a landslide. Its superior performance truly surpasses the competition, but the ongoing expenses of proprietary refill liners will add up over time, and you'll need to replace the Arm & Hammer baking soda puck. However, you can reduce this expense by buying refill liners in bulk and taking advantage of sales or subscription discounts. Skipping the puck is also a way to save a little money, but we consider it as part of the pail's odor-fighting system. Overall, this contender is worth every penny for its unmatched stink control.

If you're open to less odor control in exchange for a lower price, the Dekor EKO is worth considering. Its ongoing cost depends on your chosen bag, such as Dekor's proprietary refills or standard trash bags. We tested with standard kitchen bags, and it worked well. For cloth users, Hibaby is a budget champ. Washing this bag and avoiding a disposal bag system could save you a couple of hundred dollars over your diapering years. It's the lowest total cost of ownership.

Odor Control

We consider odor control non-negotiable. Let's face it, if a pail can't handle smells, it's not doing its job. To evaluate performance, we filled each pail with a mix of soiled baby diapers and bagged pet waste and monitored the smell.

The Munchkin STEP blew away the competition in odor control. Its self-twisting system is the real hero, sealing off each diaper to keep smells trapped. The liner also helps trap odors, and the Arm & Hammer puck attaches to the pail's lid and adds a layer of defense, absorbing and masking smells that may escape. It didn't matter if the lid was open or closed; there was no nasty blast of diaper odor or stink in the air.

No other product scored as high for odor control as the Munchkin STEP, but some runner-up options include the Foundations Tall, followed by the Dekor EKO and Diaper Genie Platinum. If your nose isn't super sensitive, these options get the job done, but they aren't smell-free. We had higher hopes for the Diaper Genie, given its carbon filter with activated carbon to absorb and neutralize odors, a tight-fitting lid, and a spring-loaded flap. While it does a decent job of trapping odors when the lid is closed, you get hit with an unpleasant smell when making a new deposit.

A few pails were so stinky we'd pay almost anything to avoid them. We had high hopes for Ubbi Steel and its powder-coated steel design. In theory, steel shouldn't absorb odors like plastic can, but something in this pail holds onto smells. It struggled to contain odors; it had a lingering smell even when empty (no bag or diapers). Cleaning and airing it out in the sun helped, but not enough to save it. It remains the smelliest option in our lineup.

The simplehuman Diaper Can also fell short for odor control, even with its “odorsorb pod” and liners. The pod under the lid uses a plant oil-based formula to neutralize smells for up to 45 days, and the carbon-infused liners are designed to trap and neutralize odor molecules. While these features help to some extent, they can't compensate for the gap between the split lid that has no gasket or seal. This allows odors to escape even when closed.

Ease of Diaper Disposal

We focused on how effortlessly you can drop a dirty diaper into the pail. Key features we appreciate include easy-to-use, hands-free systems. Often, these are foot pedals that pop the lid open, plus a wide diaper slot that prevents diapers from getting stuck.

The easiest diaper disposal belongs to the simplehuman. Thanks to its split-lid design and foot pedal, it offers quick, mess-free deposits. The wide opening makes tossing diapers in effortless, which is a big help when holding a baby. We also like the Dekor EKO because it's hands-free with its foot pedal, and the average diaper's weight was enough to activate the trap door.

On the flip side, both the Ubbi Steel and LA Baby Magic performed poorly for ease of diaper disposal. The Ubbi's smaller slot can cause bulkier diapers to get stuck, requiring you to push them in with your hand. The LA Baby Magic has a rotating hopper that is easy to operate, but it's crucial to rotate it back to the receiving position for odor control. Luckily, stickers on the hopper indicate which position means it's shut, but a parent can easily forget this extra step.

The Munchkin STEP has a convenient foot pedal to open the lid, which we appreciate, but its self-twisting system can make diaper disposal trickier. Sometimes, you have to push the diaper through, increasing the chance of contact with diaper mess. Plus, the lid doesn't close automatically; you must close it yourself.

Both Hibaby Large Hanging Wet/Dry and wegreeco Reusable Hanging Wet Dry have a zipper that opens and closes. While it's not challenging, you'll need both hands to operate the zipper, which isn't ideal when managing a baby.

Ease of Bag Change

Changing diaper pail bags can be a dreaded chore, and one you need to do quickly before the noxious fumes make you ill. However, you'll do this chore multiple times a week for a few years, making a smooth process important.

Top-scoring products in this metric are the Hibaby and wegreeco bags. Since they are reusable, no bag changing is required. Just dump the diapers and toss the bags in the wash. However, washing dirty diaper bags isn't for everyone and is more common for those using cloth diapers.

We also like the simplehuman because the process is intuitive and quick. Because it's basically a trash can, the inner plastic is removable and easy to access, and the custom liners fit well. The Ubbi and Foundations Tall are close behind with bag versatility (they both accept regular trash bags) and have a similar straightforward bag change.

For the Diaper Genie Platinum, the instructions felt more complex than the actual process. This pail uses liners with perforated ends, and the refill rolls slide into a built-in compartment at the bottom - there's even space for two. We like this design because it keeps extras out of sight but easily accessible from inside the pail.

The hardest bag changer is the Dekor EKO, which has a continuous liner system. Pull it out, cut when you're done (it has a built-in child-safe cutter on the service door), tie it off, and start fresh; it requires a lot of steps and hands-on manipulation. Replacing the refill is also a challenge.

How to Pick the Best Diaper Pail

Specialized diaper pails offer a level of odor control unmatched by ordinary trash cans. While a tight-sealing lid is a good start, the best pails go the extra mile with clever features to trap odors. A well-designed pail also considers mechanisms to reduce air exchange and keep those diaper fumes where they belong when making a diaper deposit.

Cloth or Disposable

Your first consideration is what kind of diapers you plan to use. While odor control is the primary job, cloth diapers have slightly different needs, as ammonia odors can intensify when airflow is lacking. So, something that allows more air to circulate is preferred. While diaper duty systems designed specifically for cloth diapers are ideal, a few alternatives could work. For example, you might pair a more traditional trash can style pail with a reusable liner, or opt for a wet/dry hanging bag system that's easy to wash and allows for airflow.

Lifetime Costs

Each pail requires an internal bag for containment and disposal. Proprietary bags mean an elevated level of responsibility to have new bags on hand. It also means an investment in lifetime costs, which can be substantial over time. Alternatively, units that only require a basic trash bag can be more straightforward and put less dent in your pocketbook and supply closet.

Smell Containment

While smell containment is important, we encourage you to be realistic. If you are collecting multiple human waste deposits in a single bag, things will stink, and the longer they sit there, the harder your pail will have to work. No pail is perfect, but better pails can provide better smell containment and decrease how often you need to do a bag change. If you find the smell is strong or more than you'd like, it might not be the pail itself, but just time for a change to the internal bag.

Conclusion

Some say changing diapers is the least glamorous part of caring for a baby, but the right diaper pail can make the job easier. Of course, poop is poop, and it smells like poop (surprise!), so have realistic expectations for how much odor a pail can contain and avoid excessive build-up by remembering to change bags regularly. Our hands-on testing and research are the most comprehensive ever completed. We love products that keep odors at bay and are easy to use and we think you will too.