The Best Rated Diaper Pails: Odors Neutralized

Diapers are a parenting reality, but the smell doesn't have to be. The best diaper pails not only trap odors, but are also easy to use and may even match your nursery. Which diaper pail can you trust to get the job done?

Top 5 Top Rated Diaper Pails

How can you choose the best diaper disposal system? Some of the most popular pails on the market make substantial promises about controlling odors. But, do they follow through? Read on to learn about the pros and cons of top-rated diaper pails.

1. Best Diaper Pail Overall: Ubbi Stainless Steel

Praised by parents and loved by our Customer Experience Director, Giselle Valenzano, Ubbi's steel diaper pail is a winner overall. The pail strikes the ideal balance between function, style, and cost. The stainless steel construction offers a sturdy pail that will last several years of diapers - it might even get you through several babies. The 3-year warranty guarantees it.

Functionally, the Ubbi is one of the simpler pails. With no complicated bag loading or removal, the diaper pail operates with a sliding lid. The lid also features a child lock to keep your mischievous toddler from getting into the dirty diapers. Fully remove the top lid to change out bags.

The Ubbi has also won many awards thanks to its durable construction, odor-containment, and ease of use. Popular features and no-hassle design have made Ubbi's diaper pail a bestseller, and we agree with popular sentiment.

What to Know:

• Material: Stainless steel construction
• Capacity: Holds up to 55 newborn diapers or 20 large diapers
• Mechanism: sliding lid
• 16 color choices
• No special bags required, use your favorite kitchen trash bag
• 3 year warranty for manufacturer defects
• Child lock system
• No foot pedal
• Some parents complain about the height. It's just below 20 inches tall, which for some parents means more lower back pain.

What Parents Say:

Our team member, Giselle, used the Ubbi herself. She says, "I liked it because it was super easy to clean, sleek, and pretty minimal. I was also able to use my own garbage bags, it did not require special bags. You could not smell anything when it was closed.

I personally disliked the smell of the lavender odor absorbing packs. But I guess that smell is better than the alternative."

2. Best Germ-Free Diaper Pail: Munchkin Diaper Pail with UV Light

Along with soiled diapers and diaper changes come germs. Munchkin's innovative UV light system keeps germs at bay, zapping them away after each lid close. Plus, an electric system twists the bag open and closed with each diaper deposit, eliminating odor issues.

To change the diaper bag, simply slide the side panel open. You'll need to rip off the bag and pull down a new one. Although the Munchkin doesn't require proprietary bags, you can't use regular kitchen trash bags either. You'll need to purchase special refill rolls that are compatible.

Many parents love this model thanks to its odor-busting capabilities and ease of use. However, some complain that the lid doesn't fully close. Others argue that the plastic feels cheap and flimsy, especially given the price-point. Another common complaint is that you have to push the diaper through the twisted bag opening, which can be a challenge with messy poopy diapers.

What to Know:

• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: Unclear, each roll of bags holds up to 272 newborn sized diapers
• Mechanism: Foot pedal for hands-free opens, push lid to close
• White
• Self-sealing system keeps bag closed, even when disposing a diaper
• Requires specific refill bags from Munchkin, Snap, Seal & Toss bags, or Up & Up and Nursery Fresh refills
• Child safe system
• Must be plugged in
• UV light system kills 99% of germs including Staph, E. Coli, and Klebsiella

What Parents Say:

"This is seriously the best diaper pail I've ever owned. I have a high sense of smell and with this diaper pail the only time I ever smell anything is when the lid is open and it’s full.

It contains all the nasty smells and holds a good amount of diapers. I definitely got my money's worth. I’ve had it for a year now and use it every day." - Adri

3. Best Hands Free Diaper Pail: Dekor Eko

Toss diapers hands-free, with the Dekor diaper pail. This practical pail is easy to use and is available at a competitive price. Also, the trap door and rubber seals do a great job of keeping odors contained.

Unlike other models, this diaper pail closes automatically. They even designed it to close quietly so you don't disturb baby. Also, most diaper pails are designed for disposable diapers, but the Dekor also works well for cloth diapers. Taller than other models, the Dekor doesn't make you bend over.

Parents love the Dekor because it works well and is easy to use. One possible downside reported by some parents is that it doesn't completely contain the smell. Another issue is that the trap door pushes down into the pail, meaning you can't fit as many diapers in.

What to Know:

• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: Unclear, users report 30 to 50 diapers
• Mechanism: Foot pedal for hands-free opens
• Gray 
• Dekor promotes specific refill bags that you tie and cut off, but you can use any bag
• Child lock system

What Parents Say:

"We probably put like 30-50 diapers in this thing before emptying. We originally were going to get the Diaper Genie, but I saw a YouTube video saying that this is the way to go. They were totally correct.

It uses an infinity bag, so you just tear off the bag or canister is full, tying it off so you have a brand new bag. It’s also very affordable and definitely conceals the baby diaper odor. We don’t even notice this thing!" - Selket

4. Best Diaper Genie Option: Diaper Genie Platinum

Diaper Genie is a popular brand that took off in the mid-1990s, offering an impressive line of diaper pails. The Platinum Pail is made of stainless steel and provides a sturdy, parent-approved diaper pail. Use the foot pedal to open the pail and push the diaper into the bag. Plastic flaps hold the bag shut, helping reduce leaking odors.

Diaper Genie also sells the refill bags, although you might be able to use other brands of bags. Parents generally love the design, especially the hands-free feature. One con is that to replace bags, you need to turn the whole diaper pail upside down.

What to Know:

• Material: Stainless steel
• Capacity: Up to 47 newborn diapers
• Mechanism: Foot pedal for hands-free opens
• Choose from four colors
• Requires specific refill bags
• Holder for a carbon filter to reduce odor
• Child lock system

What Parents Say:

"I've been using the Diaper Genie Platinum Pail, and it has been a fantastic upgrade from the plastic pail I used before. Made of durable stainless steel, this pail effectively locks in odors, keeping my nursery smelling fresh. The hands-free operation with the foot pedal is incredibly convenient, especially when dealing with a squirmy baby." - Liane

5. Best Budget Diaper Pail: Playtex Diaper Genie

If you're on a budget, but still want a diaper pail that will help reduce odors, try the Playtex. For a lower price point, this Diaper Genie keeps smells hidden away with a clamping mechanism that closes the bag tightly. Replacing the carbon filters can also help keep smells at bay.

On the downsides of the Playtex, the plastic is strong, but may not withstand many years of use. Also, parents note that curious toddlers can break their way into the pail, so watch out!

What to Know:

• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: Unclear, one roll of bags holds up to 270 diapers
• Mechanism: Foot pedal for hands-free opens
• Choose from four colors
• Requires specific refill bags
• Holder for a carbon filter to reduce odor

What Parents Say:

"The Playtex Diaper Genie Complete is an absolute must-have for any parent dealing with diapers. It’s incredibly easy to use with its hands-free foot pedal, which is a lifesaver during busy diaper changes. The odor-locking system works wonders, keeping unpleasant smells completely contained, even in a small nursery.

I also appreciate how large the capacity is—it reduces the number of times I need to empty it. The sleek design fits seamlessly into my nursery decor, and the added carbon filter is a thoughtful touch for extra freshness." - P. Ayub

How to Choose the Best Diaper Pail

Wondering how to make your choice? As parents who've changed hundreds of diapers, here are our top areas to consider.

Ease of Use

You don't want to face a fight with your diaper pail every time you dispose of a diaper. Ideally, you can operate the pail with just one hand, as you'll be holding your baby with the other hand.

A foot-operated pail is often ideal, but beware of models that require you to push the diaper down into the pail. This can spread the mess. A simple sliding door can be just as functional.

Odor Containment

Some people consider diaper pails glorified trashcans. After all, they function as trashcans with a lid. That said, a quick and easy open/shut mechanism can help contain the smell. While some models include a carbon filter, you can also use home remedies like a sprinkle of baking soda to help reduce odor.

Ultimately, some parents are sensitive to smell and notice odors no matter which diaper pail they use. If that sounds like you, the best solution is to empty your diaper pail often.

Plastic or Metal?

Stainless steel is notoriously durable, while plastic is practical. Which should you pick? Choosing a material comes down to preference.

Dekor argues that using plastic makes the diaper pail easier to clean. They explain that stainless steel models may rust if they get wet. While true, plastic pails often absorb odors more readily than metal.

Accidents happen, and you might need to give your diaper pail a thorough clean. With a plastic model, you can hose it down and air it out outside. That said, stainless steel pails aren't difficult to clean. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or dry wipes and dry it well before returning it to the nursery.

Budget

Spending a bit more on a diaper pail may mean you can get more use out of it in the long term. However, reasonably priced diaper pails also have great reputations, with parents claiming they've used them for multiple children.

Also, consider how many diaper pails you'd like to have when thinking through your budget. You may decide to buy two, one for your child's nursery and another for a diaper changing station elsewhere in your home.

The Best Diaper Pail for Your Needs

Navigating diapers is something parents do every day for years. Choosing an easy to use, functional diaper pail can make that job a little bit easier. Do you have a favorite diaper pail? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.