Are Smart Trash Cans Really Worth The Investment? Here's What Buyers Say

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When it comes to home maintenance, it makes sense to use just about as many simple cleaning hacks as you can find. Some smart devices, such as robotic vacuums or electric spin scrubbers, can save time that can be used for other chores or even leisurely activities. Others, such as smart trash cans, come with their own set of perks that both make kitchens look more inviting and simplify cleaning. However, just like many smart home appliances, these evolved trash cans can be a costly investment, so it's worth knowing what you're getting into before you pay the price.

There are plenty of things that make smart trash cans so appealing. For one, they're sensor-activated, meaning the lids automatically open and sanitize the area around them, making them a much more sanitary option than the traditional trash can. Some models can even replace the bag inside and reduce smelly odors from occupying your kitchen and other areas in the home. Their modern look can also be convenient aesthetic-wise, especially if you have a contemporary or minimalist interior decor style.

On the other hand, however, smart trash cans can also have their downsides. Besides the upfront costs, maintenance can also rack up. Many smart trash cans require specific trash bags that are typically pricier than regular ones. Plus, often, you'll have to ensure that sensors are working, and still, there's a chance that your smart device can malfunction, and repairs can be hard to justify the convenience of self-sanitizing and self-changing appliances. With all of this in mind, if you're still on the fence about whether to purchase a smart trash can, it might help to learn what buyers are saying about the product to decide if it's worth the investment.

As with any smart cleaning devices, no two are the same. Smart trash cans may have similar features, but models are going to be different. For that reason, we're narrowing our focus to the Airdeer Self-Sealing Smart Trash Can, which has basic smart features, including  an automatic lid, self-disinfection, and self-changing trash bags.

Retailing at $103.99 on Amazon, the Airdeer Self-Sealing Smart Trash Can has a rating of 4.4 stars out of 380 total reviews. Many customers rave about its functionality and the sleek, aesthetic design. According to one 5-star review on Amazon's website, "The actual self-bagging feature worked flawlessly and quickly, heat-sealing the bag for clean removal, and it has a cool suction feature that fully expands the replacement bag to the full cavity size," adding that even though they keep the lid open most of the time, they've used it for several months and haven't had to recharge it yet.

While many share this sentiment, one 4-star review notes that, "Works well but refill too expensive." Others explain that they had trouble getting the product to work after several months. As one 1-star review shares, "the product stopped working completely...It's a shame because it's an amazing product as it lasts, but it's not worth the money that costs!"

Bottom line, if you want the ease of an automatic sensor that you don't need to push your foot down to open, paying upwards of $100 might not be the most sensible decision. However, if you're someone who could benefit from self-cleaning and self-replacing trash bags, or your kitchen always feels dirty no matter how much you clean, it may serve you well to consider a smart trash can to do the heavy lifting of keeping your waste area sanitary.