Is the simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can Worth the Upgrade?

As an Amazon Associate, My Indoor Space earns from qualifying purchases.

Quick verdict

The 45L rectangular steel simplehuman is worth a premium when you will use its liner pocket, tidy rim and slow-close lid every day. A basic pedal bin is enough if it fits your bags and closes reliably. Do not pay for stainless styling before checking lid clearance and the long-term cost of the liner system.

Research-based buying guide, researched October 18, 2026. We have not tested these products hands-on. Manufacturer specifications and attributed owner experiences inform the recommendations.

Paper waste inside a small office bin
Waste-collection context; the simplehuman kitchen bins are not pictured.

Who should buy—and who should skip

Buy if: you want a full-size kitchen bin with foot operation and a conveniently stored supply of liners.

Skip if: you mainly need the lowest purchase cost, need separate waste and recycling compartments, or have insufficient room for the lid to open.

Compare the practical differences

Option Best reason to choose it Main tradeoff
45L rectangular steel with liner pocket Daily convenience and hidden liner edges Premium purchase and liner costs
Basic pedal bin Simple hands-free disposal Fewer convenience details
Dual-compartment bin Two waste streams in one footprint Less capacity for each stream

Identify the specific 45L can

This guide concerns the steel rectangular liner-pocket can; the checked brushed model is CW2024. Simplehuman also sells plastic rectangular, slim, hybrid and other 45L products. The same capacity does not mean the same lid, dimensions, liner system or warranty.

The manufacturer’s U.S. page identifies Code M custom-fit liners for the 45L rectangular version. Confirm the code on the actual listing and under the purchased lid. Search results may mix 45L and 55L sizes, so do not buy refill bags from a photograph alone.

The convenience is in the bag changes

The rim holds the bag edge out of sight, and the rear pocket stores a pack of liners. Those features matter most when changing bags is a frequent task and spare liners would otherwise be in a distant cupboard. They contribute less if you empty a small household bin only occasionally.

Custom liners should be compared by cost per bag rather than pack price. Divide delivered pack cost by bag count and multiply by your usual changes per month. That gives a meaningful running-cost estimate without assuming that this can will save money or reduce household waste.

Measure the open lid as well as the floor

Leave space for the pedal, your foot and the lid’s full movement. A can that fits under a counter when closed may be unusable there. Check the current dimension drawing for the exact variant and test the route where the bag will lift out.

A 45L label is capacity, not a schedule for emptying. Food scraps, household size and your collection system determine how often it makes sense to take rubbish out. A larger bin is not better if you would prefer to remove smaller bags more frequently.

Separate durability claims from guarantees

The maker advertises a pedal engineered for more than 150,000 steps and lists a 10-year warranty on the checked steel model. Those are manufacturer claims and terms, not our test results or a promise that every component lasts a particular number of years.

Care also differs by material. The steel page instructs users to use a soft cloth and mild detergent and avoid abrasive or unsuitable cleaners. Instructions for a plastic simplehuman can should not be copied onto the steel finish. Confirm local support and proof-of-purchase requirements before relying on the warranty.

Buying in the United States or Canada

Check whether the price includes a starter liner pack and whether Code M refills are readily available in your country. A U.S. sticker price and a Canadian delivered price are not directly comparable. Compare taxes, shipping, return freight and regional support before importing a bulky bin.

The buttons open country-specific Amazon searches. Check the exact model, seller, included parts, delivered cost and return policy in the results; a similar name does not establish that it is the same version. No fixed Amazon price or stock level is promised.

Questions before you order

Must I buy the custom liners?
The advertised system uses its specified liner code. If using another bag, verify fit and closure; do not assume the same result.

Is 45L enough for recycling too?
This model is a single compartment. Choose a separate recycling solution or a different bin if you need sorting.

Final buying decision

Upgrade for daily bag-change and lid convenience after confirming space and running costs. Keep a dependable basic pedal bin when those extras would not change your routine.

Related guides

Sources and research

Scroll to Top