Simplehuman: Reinventing the Garbage Can

Simplehuman Product Review

When my husband and I received a simplehuman trash can (all written in lower-case) for a wedding present, we looked at its $130 price tag on-line and immediately considered taking it back and exchanging it for some of the china we didn't get. After talking to some proud simplehuman owners -- one who even admitted an addiction to watching its finger-print resistant butterfly lid open and close -- we reconsidered. When would we ever buy something as useful, yet extravagant, as this for ourselves? Seven months later, we are thankful for our decision to keep the simplehuman, and here's why:

Simplehuman's mission, according to its official web site, is to create "tools for efficient living." Their line of garbage cans, therefore, are easy to use, unobtrusive, and durable. Ours sits quietly in a corner, only noticed when we have to throw something away. Constructed with a stainless-steel body and a dent-proof plastic inner lining, the simplehuman trash can makes waste compact, meaning you will make the most out of each garbage bag you use. Each can comes with a pedal that is designed to last for more than 50,000 steps. The quiet-action lid closes tightly, so even the most potent of smells can't escape.

As the popularity of simplehuman grows, so does its product line. Trash cans are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and functions. Its large trash can (30 liter) comes in round, rectangular, semi-round, narrow, and corner shapes. Simplehuman's newest model, the rectangular sensor can, opens automatically when you your foot triggers its sensor zone. Simplehuman sells smaller cans (4.5 to 12 liter) in a variety of colors, a recycler can with dual buckets to separate recycling items, and in-cabinet cans. The cost of these cans range from $12.99 for a small plastic step can to $199 for the sensor can.