Hands-Free, Odor-Trapping Pails Keep Your Nursery Fresh
What are the Best Diaper Pails?
Motherhood Loves Community Awards nominees have been carefully chosen by our team. We may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our site.
A trash can solely for diapers may sound like a needless luxury until you’ve been hit with the dreaded stench of a dirty diaper. Odor control, ease of use, capacity, and durability—we considered them all as we created this list. These diaper pails stop smells in their tracks with features like self-sealing bags, stainless-steel bodies, and airtight lids. Pedal-operated or motion-sensing, you choose the best hands-free option to make middle-of-the-night changes a breeze. Our list includes a variety of price points too, so whether you’re a one-and-done or a cheaper-by-the-dozen family, you’ll find the most durable diaper pail for your home.
Our nominees were researched and selected as the top products in their category. We then turned to the experts—the Motherhood Community—to place their votes and determine the best of the best! The votes are in, and the winners are...
- Dekor Plus
- Munchkin Step Diaper Pail
- Diaper Genie Platinum Pail
- Diaper Genie Signature Pail
- Dekor Classic
- L.A. Baby Magic Odorless Diaper Pail
- simplehuman Diaper Can
- PurePail Classic
- Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
- Prince Lionheart Diaper Twist'R® Diaper Pail
Best Diaper Pail of 2024 Winners
Dekor Plus
An upgraded option of their first model, the Dekor Plus has the largest opening of any pail on the market, making it ideal for cloth diapers, and holds up to 60 newborn diapers. It also features ABS plastic, providing the odor-blocking perks of metal without the worry of rust. With multiple color selections, you can enjoy a pail that complements your nursery’s theme.
Dekor
Munchkin STEP™ Diaper Pail
Munchkin’s foot-operated STEP™ pail uses a multifaceted approach to combat smelly diapers. The self-sealing mechanism keeps each bag closed when the lid opens so parents aren’t blasted by bad smells. In between changes, a lavender-scented baking soda puck captures any lingering odors. These models also have a universal refill system that is compatible with two different types of Arm & Hammer bag refills.
Diaper Genie Platinum Pail
The Diaper Genie Platinum Pail holds odors in with its stainless-steel body and locking clamps around the lid. Thanks to the foot-operated cover, you’ll never fumble to open it with a dirty diaper in hand. Each pail can hold up to 47 newborn diapers, and you can choose from four colors to match your nursery’s palette.
Angelcare Diaper Genie Platinum Pail
Diaper Genie Signature Pail
The OG of diaper pails with over two million sold since just 2020, the Diaper Genie Signature Pail stays on top for good reason. In addition to the lid that keeps smells in and opens with the touch of a toe, its Easy Roll refills can last up to five months, and the bags have an antimicrobial film and effortlessly tear off when full.
Dekor Classic
One of the most affordable options for disposing of dirty diapers, the Dekor Classic can handle up to 45 newborn nappies and is made of ABS plastic, which won’t absorb odors over time. The foot pedal opens the pail when your hands are full, and the self-closing lid is super quiet so that it won’t jolt your drowsy baby awake. Earth conscious? You’ll avoid wasting plastic with their continuous liner.
Dekor
L.A. Baby Magic Odorless Diaper Pail
Designed with a patented 100% odor-free system, the Magic Odorless Diaper Pail captures dirty diaper smells with its one-handed opening. But a childproof lock also stops curious little hands as your child grows. Earning points for flexibility, this pail allows parents to choose between regular trash bags or a brand refill package that handles over 1,000 diapers.
Simplehuman Diaper Can
Narrow but deep, the 18-liter Diaper Can by Simplehuman is a sleek choice for tight spaces. Parents appreciate the silent-close lid and odorsorb pods and liners; no sound or smell will disturb your baby’s sleep. But the steel pedal is a pretty remarkable selling point too, since it’s built to withstand over 150,000 steps, meaning you could easily use this can until your kids move out.
PurePail™ Classic
Sensitive to fragrances? The PurePail™ Classic relies on charcoal filters and a bag-sealing feature to soak up odors rather than mask them. You can easily open the pail with one tap and then slide the child safety lock back to avoid dirty diaper disasters later. Its polypropylene body repels odors and can be cleaned and sanitized with household cleaners.
Ubbi Stainless Steel Diaper Pail
Engineered by parents tired of smelly nurseries, the Ubbi Stainless Steel Diaper Pail was the first steel diaper can on the market and continues to be a popular choice worldwide. With 15 designs and color choices, the pail promises to integrate into your baby’s room with style. Every can is easy to clean, uses regular kitchen-size trash bags, and holds 55 newborn diapers.
Prince Lionheart Diaper Twist’R® Diaper Pail
Eliminate odors with the turn of your hand when you use the Diaper Twist’R® Diaper Pail. Each self-sealing bag opens after you close the lid and rotate the handle, trapping smells in with a seven-layer barrier. The impressive eight-liter liner can also hold over a week of diapers, so you won’t need to fuss with emptying the pail as often.
