One area of parenting that many parents don’t enjoy is diaper changing especially when it’s your turn to handle the smelly one! Disposable diapers make changing your baby so much easier. But, disposing of it is often a challenge which is why you’re exploring the Ubbi vs Diaper Genie pails for your baby’s nursery.
I picked the Ubbi Diaper Pail for its steel construction and other features, making it a convenient disposable bin. Read on as I compare both the Ubbi and Diaper Genie diaper pails in full detail. This way, you can decide which one you would choose for your baby’s nursery.
What is Better: Diaper Genie or Ubbi?
When deciding which is better, Diaper Genie or Ubbi diaper pail features share differences and similarities. Diaper Genie is cheaper but the Ubbi pail is more cost-effective, using normal trash bags instead of branded types. Both do an excellent job of controlling nasty smells.
Diaper Genie vs. Ubbi – Differences (and Similarities)
When trying to decide which diaper pail to buy for your baby’s nursery, it helps to compare the differences and similarities of the Diaper Genie and Ubbi pails in terms of the features they offer. This way, you’ll be well-informed on what is good and what is bad about each diaper pail.
Ubbi vs. Diaper Genie Smell
Any diaper pail is going to smell bad when you open it to discard used diapers. However, what makes a diaper pail an invaluable item to any baby’s room is its ability to contain the smell when closed. This is where the Ubbi Diaper Pail becomes a popular choice for many parents.
The Ubbi Diaper Pail is constructed with steel which is excellent for keeping the smells in as long as the door is kept shut. On the other hand, the Diaper Genie shuts tightly and uses an activated carbon filter to control the smells. However, it’s constructed with plastic which is known for absorbing smells over a period of time. This means the pail will eventually become smelly no matter how often you clean it.
Capacity
The Diaper Genie can hold up to 270 newborn diapers with its continuous refill bag. You’ll need to pack the diapers in a certain way to get the most out of each refill bag. Some parents claim they only need to replace it every three to four weeks.
The Ubbi Diaper Pail can hold up 55 newborn diapers at one time and 20 larger size diapers. A conventional 13-gallon trash bag can be used to hold the diapers in the Ubbi Diaper Pail. When looking for a Diaper Genie alternative that doesn’t require using specifically designed refill bags, Ubbi is one to consider. For a complete list of options, check out my article on the best bags for an Ubbi diaper pail.
Size
The Diaper Genie measures 9.38 x 12.06 x 27 inches compared to the Ubbi Diaper Pail which is 12.5 x 8.75 x 21.6 inches in size. The Ubbi Diaper Pail is slightly smaller than the Diaper Genie which is a good 5 inches taller. Both diaper pails are compact enough to fit into even smaller baby rooms without getting in the way.
Functionality
The Ubbi Diaper Pail is opened using a sliding door mechanism on the top of the bin. A childproof lock is included to prevent curious little fingers from opening the pail. While the sliding door mechanism is simple to operate, it does require using one hand and bending over the bin. This could be inconvenient when holding your baby at the same time.
The Diaper Genie uses a foot pedal to open and close the lid. This does make it easier to dispose of the dirty diapers when holding your baby PLUS you don’t need to bend over to open the lid. The closing mechanism also activates the double air-tight clamps on the bag.
Material
The Diaper Genie is constructed with high-quality plastic. The Ubbi Diaper Pail is made with steel which is durable.
Odor Control
I’ve already mentioned how the steel construction of the Ubbi Diaper Pail helps to lock in the smells inside, preventing the bin from becoming smelly over time. The sliding door also shuts tightly, another way of controlling odor from escaping.
The Diaper Genie plastic construction does mean it absorbs odor over time, making the bin smell. However, both the bin and refill bags have built-in odor control features and antimicrobial agents for helping to minimize the bad smells. Double air-tight clamps also prevent any odors from escaping the bin.
Price
Diaper Genie wins hands down for being cheaper than the Ubbi Diaper Pail. This makes it the best pick for parents on a tighter budget. However, it must be remembered that the Diaper Genie uses branded refill bags which add to the cost of using this pail over a long period.
Kitchen trash bags can be used with the Ubbi Diaper Pail, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Ubbi vs. Diaper Genie Refills (Bags)
The Ubbi Diaper Pail Disposable Plastic Bags can be used in the brand’s bin. These 13-gallon bags are made with 20% recyclable materials, making them a great choice for eco-conscious parents. Each bag holds between 40 to 42 bags depending on the size of the diapers.
However, as kitchen trash bags can also be used with the Ubbi Diaper Bag, you’re not required to only use the brand’s refill bags. These refill bags will fit most other diaper pail brands.
Playtex Baby Diaper Genie Refill Bags are designed to hold up to 270 newborn diapers. The bags have a Max Odor Lock feature which includes antimicrobial to control bad smells and protect against germs. An opaque blueliner also prevents any smells from escaping every time you open the bin.
Can You Use Diaper Genie Bags in Ubbi?
The answer is no. Diaper Genie continuous refill bags can’t be used in Ubbi Diaper Pail Because they’ve been designed specifically to fit Diaper Genie pails. The Diaper Genie refill bags also can’t be used in other diaper pail brands.
Diaper Genie Diaper Pail
Out of all the diaper pails available on the market, Diaper Genie is one of the most popular designs. It’s easy to open and close with a foot pedal and the odor control features are good for managing bad-smelling diapers. The disposed of diaper is sealed in the continuous refill bag as soon as the lid closes.
Each refill lasts for three to four weeks which may seem unhygienic. However, the design of both the refill bags and bin include antimicrobial substances for minimizing the build-up of bacteria and germs.
Features
- Foot pedal for opening and closing the lid
- Double air-tight locking clamps for keeping the odors locked in the bags
- Carbon filter in lid to trap and filter odors
- Antimicrobial for stopping bacteria and germs building up
- Continuous refill bags holding up to 270 diapers
- Comes in a range of colors
Pros
- Well-priced for tight budgets
- Hands-free operation
- Lightweight and easy to clean
Cons
- Need to be emptied every couple of days
- Charcoal inserts for carbon filter not included
Watch this video to find out how the Diaper Genie works.
How Many Diapers Does a Diaper Genie Hold?
The manufacturers of Diaper Genie claim that each refill bag can hold up to 270 newborn diapers. This number will change when using larger-sized diapers. It’s also essential to fold up the used diapers flat before disposing of in the pail if you want to get more than less into the bin.
Can You Use Regular Bags in Diaper Genie?
While you could use a regular garbage bag in the Diaper Genie pail, you’ll lose out on the odor-controlling features of the refill bags. And, if you intend to keep dirty diapers for a long time in your pail, you’ll not get the benefit of the antimicrobial agents found in the Diaper Genie refill bags. You’ll also need the refill bag ring to hold the garbage or any other regular bag in place.
Ubbi Diaper Pail
A durable and solid bin, the Ubbi Diaper Pail will look attractive in any nursery. It does need you to open it with one hand with its sliding door on the top. While this allows odors to escape, the bin is good at locking in bad smells with its steel construction. It’s easy to use and a childproof lock prevents other kids in the house from opening it.
The exterior is powder-coated for easy cleaning and maintenance with a dry or damp cloth. The bonus of using this diaper pail is that it takes regular trash or kitchen bags. This is a huge cost-saving on having to purchase specific refill bags.
Features
- Solid steel construction which controls odors
- Has a sliding door mechanism for opening the bin
- Holds up to 55 newborn diapers
- Child safety lock
- Available in 11 different colors
Pros
- Recyclable refill bags are available
- Can be used as a standard trash bin
- Easy to load and to empty
Cons
- No hands-free operation
Best Trash Bags for Ubbi Diaper Pail
If you decide to use trash bags in your Ubbi Diaper Pail, opt for the heavy-duty plastic-type with odor-eliminating features. This way, you can keep the odors under control without worrying about the bag breaking when you lift it out for emptying. You also need to get the 13-gallon capacity to optimize the number of diapers that can be disposed of at one time.
The Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags have a 13-gallon capacity, are extra-strong, and have a drawstring for closing the bag when full. These bags also have a patented odor-control feature for dealing with those nasty-smelling diapers! The bags are resistant to rips, leaks, and punctures which help to keep your Ubbi Diaper Pail clean at all times.
Another option for the Ubbi Diaper Pail is the Glad ForceFlex Kitchen Trash Bags. These are also 13-gallon capacity and have OdorShield technology for fighting odor and bacteria. These extra-tough bags have leak protection as well as rip guard features. A durable drawstring helps to keep the bag in place when installed in the pail.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, the Hippo Sak Tall Kitchen Bags is a good solution. They’re made from plant-based materials, include handles for easy carrying when emptying, and have a reinforced bottom. The material is ultra-strong so you don’t need to worry about rips and tears. These 13-gallon bags are USDA-certified biobased product meaning they’re renewable and recyclable.
If you can find trash bags with odor-eliminating substances, consider using a baby-safe air freshener in your nursery. These products help to remove any unpleasant odors from the air including those produced by dirty diapers!
Conclusion
Parents are always looking for baby products that’ll simplify the task of parenting. With diaper changing being one area that always needs some extra help, if you need a diaper pail, check out these two products. Both the Diaper Genie and Ubbi Diaper Pail will ensure all unpleasant odors are well-contained. They also minimize the number of times you have to rush outside to dispose of dirty diapers in the trash can.
I picked the Ubbi Diaper Pail as my favorite but would you also go with that one? Or, will the Diaper Genie be your top pick based on the information I’ve shared in this article and when comparing Diaper Genie vs Munchkin?
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
