REASONS TO BUY
Perfect for small spaces
Inexpensive
Color choices
REASONS TO AVOID
Blade is awkward to use
Have to empty often
Lid can be difficult
Tommee Tippee Simplee Review
A great inexpensive choice for small spaces but will need bag changes often
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Skinny
The Tommee Tippee Simplee is a compact diaper pail that is our top pick for small spaces or packed nurseries. This small diaper pail does a nice job of containing odors and comes at a great price, earning it our Best Value Award. The internal bag cutting blade does leave something to be desired, as it isn't as easy to use as the competition. Also, while its compact nature is part of the appeal, it does mean more frequent emptying than the competition, but this could translate into less stink overall. We think that this is a great choice for families on a budget or those with limited space who don't mind frequent bag changes.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Tommee Tippee was born over 50 years ago by three brothers in the plastic business. They were approached by a doctor to design a toddler cup. While the doctor did not like the design, a British businessman did and he decided to help market the product. The cup had a weighted bottom to avoid tipping, and they put a picture of their dog, Tommee, on the side. Tommee Tippee is very popular in the UK and has become a recognizable name worldwide.
Performance Comparison
The Tommee Tippee Simplee performed well in our tests, earning it a Best Value Award.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Likes
The Simplee is a smaller diaper pail perfect for families who need a compact solution for diaper disposal. The small design is perfect for those living in an apartment or tighter space, or for those that do not want a large eyesore in the nursery. A benefit of the small container is putrid smells don't have the chance to build up like they might in a larger capacity pail. Another pleasing thing about the Simplee is the reasonable cost.
The compact nature of the Simplee works well in tight spaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The pail performs well for odor containment with average performance, but the open lid design will release some smell when you make a new deposit.
The design of the pail is modern and simple. It has five different lid color options - gray, bright and pale pink and blue - allowing you the flexibility to find a color that works well with the nursery decor. The minimalist design and high quality make it a natural fit for any home, big or small. It has the right combination of odor containment, eye-pleasing style, and durability.
The gray and white color combination of the Simplee is perfect for boys or girls.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Dislikes
We aren't big fans of the blade included for bag cutting. In our experience, the blade is dull and not very easy to use. Changing the bag became a blend of cutting and tearing the bag to release it, which was frustrating. You want bag changes to be easy, so you aren't passing out from holding your breath. It might be worth keeping a pair of scissors nearby to make the experience more manageable. Of course, then you need to keep the scissors out of the reach of curious toddlers.
The blade on the Tommee Tippee Simplee was dull and hard to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The lid trap door that separates the lower pail from the top is stiff. While it is great for keeping odors contained, it can lead to a messy situation. If you have a full diaper, the contents can spill out because the door is so rigid. Also, when it is time to change the bag, the entire lid needs to come off. You are then left balancing the stinky bag and lid while trying to cut the bag with the unimpressive blade. A hinge would definitely come in handy during this process.
The trap door on the Simplee can be so stiff that disposing diapers can turn into a messy situation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Also because of its small size, you will have to empty it frequently. Tommee Tippee claims that it can hold 18 newborn diapers. We think this is a generous claim and your little one won't be wearing newborn size for long. That means when they get to size 3, 4, or 5 diapers, you may only be able to fit 5-10 diapers inside before a bag change will be necessary. While not a deal-breaker, it is an inconvenience.
Conclusion
The Simplee is a compact, inexpensive pail that does a decent job containing odor. It has a modern look and is sturdy in design. Yes, the blade and lid could use an upgrade, but we believe this is a great choice for those living in a tight space.
Manufacturer Video
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Juliet Spurrier, MD and Lindsay Selig
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