As a parent who has navigated the chaos of diaper changes with two kids, I know how crucial it is to have a reliable diaper pail that keeps odors locked away and makes disposal effortless. In this article, I compare the Dekor Classic and Dekor Plus hands-free diaper pails to help you decide which one fits your family best. Both are solid choices, but one often edges out depending on your nursery setup, number of kids, and how often you want to empty the pail.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dekor Classic | Dekor Plus |
| Capacity (newborn diapers) | Up to 45 | Up to 60 |
| Opening size | Smaller trap door | Largest on the market, ideal for bigger items |
| Best for | Single child, smaller spaces, secondary pail | Multiples, cloth diapers, fewer empties |
| Footprint | Compact, similar height but narrower | Slightly larger overall |
| Hands-free operation | Yes, foot pedal | Yes, foot pedal |
| Odor control | Triple system: trap door, lid, liner | Same triple system, but larger volume can hold more stink if not emptied often |
| Refill type | Continuous liner (specific to Classic) | Continuous liner (specific to Plus) |
| Converts to trash can | Yes | Yes |
My Experience With Dekor Classic
I started with the Dekor Classic when my first baby arrived. The nursery was small, and I needed something that wouldn’t take over.
Setup was straightforward— it came pre-loaded with a refill, ready to go.
The foot pedal became a lifesaver. Holding a wiggly baby while stepping to open the lid and dropping the diaper felt seamless. No fumbling with hands full of wipes.
Odors stayed contained well for pee diapers, and even poopy ones didn’t overwhelm if emptied regularly. I appreciated the triple protection: the lid, trap door, and liner worked together.
As my baby grew, bigger diapers fit fine through the opening. Refills lasted longer than expected since you only use what’s needed.
We moved it to the bathroom after potty training and removed the trap door—now it’s our everyday trash can. Durable and versatile.
One time, I overfilled it during a growth spurt, and a slight smell escaped, but that was my fault. Lesson learned: empty more often with heavier use.
Pros Of Dekor Classic
- Compact size fits anywhere: I placed mine in tight nursery corners or even upstairs without it dominating the room. It works perfectly as a second pail if you have multiple changing spots.
- Holds plenty for one child: It manages up to 45 newborn diapers, which meant emptying every few days with my first baby, not daily.
- Truly hands-free and simple: Step on the pedal, drop the diaper through the trap door, and it’s done. No bending or twisting, which saved me during those one-armed changes.
- Cost-effective refills: The continuous liner system lets you use only what you need, cutting waste compared to fixed-size bags.
- Doesn’t absorb odors: Made from closed-cell ABS plastic, it stays fresh longer than metal options that rust or hold smells.
- Childproof features: The access door and cutter keep little hands safe, and it converts easily to a regular trash can later.
- Quiet operation: The pedal and lid close softly, avoiding waking a sleeping baby nearby.
- Eco-friendly updates: Recent models use recycled materials, which feels good for long-term use.
- Great for smaller nurseries: If space is premium, this one blends in without overwhelming the room.
- Reliable trap door: It snaps shut quickly, sealing odors effectively for moderate loads.
Also read: Comparison of Pipette And Tubby Todd
Cons Of Dekor Classic
- Limited capacity for heavy use: With twins or a toddler producing bigger diapers, it fills up faster, requiring more frequent emptying.
- Smaller opening: Bulkier items like overnight diapers or cloth ones can be trickier to drop in without nudging.
- Potential odor escape when full: If you push it to max, smells can waft out more than with a larger model.
- Refills are size-specific: You can’t swap with Plus refills, so stock up on the right ones.
- Trap door needs weight: Very light pee-only diapers sometimes don’t drop through easily.
- Plastic construction: While durable, it lacks the premium feel of steel pails like Ubbi.
- No extra-large option for cloth: Cloth diapers take more space, making it less ideal if that’s your setup.
- Pedal can wear over time: Heavy daily use might loosen it eventually.
- Visible contents when emptying: The side door shows the bag, which isn’t the most pleasant sight.
Maintenance Tips For Dekor Classic
- Empty regularly: Do it every 2-3 days to prevent odor buildup, even if not full.
- Clean with household products: Wipe inside and out with bleach or all-purpose cleaner since it won’t rust.
- Check the trap door: Ensure it springs back fully; wipe hinges if sticky from residue.
- Use genuine refills: They fit perfectly and have end-of-liner marks to avoid surprises.
- Air it out occasionally: Leave the lid open in a ventilated area if smells linger.
- Replace pedal if needed: Parts are available, but gentle use extends life.
- Tie knots tightly: This seals each section of the continuous liner for better odor control.
- Store extras properly: Keep refills in a dry spot to avoid degradation.
- Deep clean monthly: Remove the liner holder and scrub thoroughly.
- Convert post-diapers: Remove the trap door for regular trash use.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Versus Ubbi: Ubbi uses steel and any trash bags, great for no proprietary refills, but requires hands to slide the lid—no pedal.
- Versus Munchkin Step: Munchkin excels at odor control with baking soda pucks, but refills cost more long-term.
- Versus Diaper Genie: Genie is cheaper upfront, but pushing diapers through can get messy; Dekor feels more hands-free.
- Better for cloth than most: Larger trap door handles cloth better than narrow competitors.
- More eco options: Recycled materials beat many plastic-only rivals.
- Quieter than flip-lid models: No loud snaps that wake babies.
- Longer-lasting plastic: Doesn’t dent or rust like some metal ones.
- Easier emptying: Built-in cutter beats tying individual bags.
- Versatile sizes: Dekor line offers Mini, Classic, Plus—more choices than single-size brands.
My Experience With Dekor Plus
When baby number two came, we upgraded to the Plus.
The capacity difference was night and day—fewer empties during those newborn weeks.
Cloth trials went smoothly thanks to the big opening. No struggling to fit soaked inserts.
Odors stayed managed with regular emptying. The trap door handled heavier loads reliably.
It’s bulkier, but fit fine next to the changing table. Pedal still perfect for busy moments.
Refills went further with the larger size. Worth the switch for our setup.
Now it’s our main bathroom trash—holds so much more than standard cans.
Minor gripe: when super full, a whiff escapes on opening, but that’s any pail.
Read more: Comparison of Pampers Pure And Swaddlers
Pros Of Dekor Plus
- Huge capacity: Holds up to 60 newborn diapers, perfect for twins or fewer trips to the trash.
- Largest opening: Easily accommodates cloth diapers, overnights, or bulky disposables.
- Ideal for cloth diapering: Extra room and opening make it a top choice for washable diapers.
- Same hands-free ease: Pedal and drop system shines with higher volume.
- Strong odor sealing: Triple system handles more waste before smells build.
- Durable and cleanable: ABS plastic wipes down easily, no rust.
- Eco-conscious build: Recycled materials align with sustainable parenting.
- Child-safe design: Lock and cutter prevent accidents.
- Long-term versatility: Converts to large trash can post-diapers.
- Great for multiples: One pail handles heavy daily loads.
Cons Of Dekor Plus
- Larger footprint: Takes more floor space, less ideal for tiny rooms.
- Higher initial cost: Slightly pricier than Classic.
- Odors if overfilled: Bigger volume can trap more stink when packed.
- Heavier when full: Emptying requires more effort.
- Specific refills needed: Can’t use Classic ones.
- Trap door challenges: Light diapers may stick occasionally.
- More plastic use: Larger size means more material.
- Potential for leaks: If not sealed properly during empty.
Maintenance Tips For Dekor Plus
- Empty often despite capacity: Prevents overload and keeps air fresh.
- Sanitize regularly: Use bleach on the large interior.
- Inspect trap door: Clean for smooth operation.
- Stock Plus refills: Avoid running out mid-change.
- Ventilate after cleaning: Dry fully to avoid moisture.
- Secure liner knots: Extra important with more waste.
- Deep clean trap area: Residue builds faster here.
- Use cloth liners if applicable: For cloth diapering ease.
- Check pedal stability: Larger size gets more use.
- Repurpose wisely: Great for bigger trash needs later.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Versus Ubbi: Plus holds more and has pedal; Ubbi better for any bags.
- Versus Munchkin: Similar odor tech, but Plus great for cloth.
- Versus Diaper Genie: Larger opening beats Genie’s push system.
- Stands out for size: Few match the Plus capacity.
- Better cloth compatibility: Outperforms narrow openings.
- Eco edge: Recycled build over many competitors.
- Hands-free advantage: Pedal wins over manual lids.
- Cost savings long-term: Continuous liner efficient.
- More versatile: Converts better than fixed systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Plus is larger, holds up to 60 newborn diapers (vs 45 in Classic), and has a bigger opening, making it better for cloth or multiples.
There are three: Mini (smallest, up to 25 diapers), Classic (mid-size), and Plus (largest).
The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail often tops ratings for odor control and durability, though preferences vary.
Up to 60 newborn diapers.
Conclusion: For Dekor Classic And Dekor Plus
I’ve used both the Dekor Classic and Plus through different phases of parenting, and I can say they both make diaper duty far less dreadful. If you’re expecting one child or need something compact, go with the Classic—you’ll appreciate its efficiency and space-saving design. But if you have multiples, plan on cloth, or just want fewer empties, the Plus is worth it for that extra room and ease. Whichever you choose, you’ll get reliable, hands-free performance that keeps your home fresher. Trust me, the right pail makes those early years smoother.