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Diaper Genie VS Munchkin Step

Updated: Aug 10, 2023

Ditch the Diaper Genie – get a Munchkin Step Instead! The Munchkin Step diaper pail is known for its excellent odour control capabilities surpassing other competitors like the Diaper Genie and keeping even the most foul smelling diapers contained. However, it comes with certain drawbacks that may affect your decision. The pail uses expensive specialized bags and requires you to manually push dirty diapers through a tight slot, which can be inconvenient and potentially messy, unfortunately I am speaking from experience.


One of the reasons behind the Munchkin Step's effectiveness in controlling odours is its plastic teeth that cover the opening, sealing the bag tightly when the lid is shut. However, pushing diapers through the small opening by hand can be problematic, especially if they are messy or overloaded. If you're not meticulous about wrapping diapers tightly before disposal, the bags will fill up quickly, and there's a good chance you'll have a rogue finger in some hot diarrhea.


To combat odours, the Munchkin Step utilizes scented bags and a baking soda puck. While these measures are effective, some parents found the scent of the bags to be artificial and off-putting. Additionally, the pail only accepts Munchkin's proprietary refills, which are more expensive than regular garbage bags. This makes the Munchkin Step one of the costliest options in the long run.


The pail's proprietary refills are a con, and can become costly over time. It cannot accommodate lined bags for cloth diapers or be used without refills in case of emergencies. Changing the bags is more complicated compared to other pails, as it requires cutting and tying a tube-like sleeve, resulting in unnecessary plastic waste. Furthermore, if you opt for the Snap, Seal & Toss bags, you'll find that the pail fills up quickly, requiring more frequent emptying.


The Munchkin Step features a foot pedal for hands-free operation, which some taller individuals may find convenient. However, the pail's larger size and glossy finish make it more noticeable in a room compared to other models. It also tends to produce a LOUD noise when opening and closing. The pail is ready to use out of the box, similar to the Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail.


Despite its drawbacks, the Munchkin Step has been recognized by BabyCenter as the "Best Odour-Blocking Diaper Pail." Lucie's List also named it one of their top picks, particularly praising its odour control capabilities. If odour control is a priority for you and you don't mind the cost and specific bag requirements, the Munchkin Step could be a suitable choice.

The article also briefly mentions the Playtex Diaper Genie as a market giant. The older Diaper Genie II Elite model received positive reviews for its hands-free operation and effectiveness in containing odours. However, the current lineup of Diaper Genie models did not surpass its performance. The Diaper Genie Complete offers an antechamber design to trap odours, but it fills up quickly and uses proprietary refills, making it less efficient and more expensive in the long run. The Playtex Diaper Genie Essentials is basic and flimsy, while the Diaper Genie Expressions obstructs the opening and requires force to operate.


In conclusion, the Diaper Genie VS Munchkin Step battle is won by Munchkin because it excels in odour control making it an easy winner, although, its reliance on expensive proprietary refills are a drawback. I hope this helped you determine the best diaper pail for you. If you liked this article and want to read more – join the family and be the first to find out about new posts, updates, and our monthly newsletter!

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