Does the Korbell nappy bin really trap odours?

Price on writing: £40 | Buy now at Amazon

How we tested the Korbell nappy bin

Holly used the Korbell nappy bin for around eight weeks with her five-month-old son as part of everyday family life. During this time, the bin was used on average around three times a day for regular nappy changes, giving Holly a good sense of how practical it was to use day to day.

Over the testing period, she assessed everything from odour control and hygiene to how often the bin needed emptying and how easy the refill system was to manage. Overall, the Korbell scored most strongly for ease of use and hygienic hands-free operation, while size, capacity and overall value for money were the areas Holly felt were slightly less impressive in everyday use.

The Korbell 9L nappy bin can comfortable hold around 25 newborn nappies

Does the Korbell nappy bin require any set up for initial use?

Yes, it requires only minimal setup before first use. Holly found this model straightforward to get started with. She explains, “You have to put the bin bag in, pull it down and tie a knot then it’s ready to go!”

Once the initial liner is in place, the bin is essentially ready for everyday use straight away, with no complicated assembly required.

How does it look?

Holly describes the Korbell as having a fairly classic nappy bin design, explaining that it’s “white with a grey base and rim, and on the taller side.” While it doesn’t have the more premium steel finish of bins like the Ubbi Steel Odour Locking Nappy Bin, she found that it still blended into her living room well and didn’t feel too bulky or intrusive in everyday use.

The 9L version Holly tested is the smaller of the two Korbell sizes, making it a better fit for smaller nurseries or homes where space is limited. There’s also a larger 16L version available, which can hold up to around 45 nappies at a time and may suit busier households or those wanting to empty the bin less frequently.

The hands-free pedal opens the lid smoothly, while the double-seal design helps lock odours inside once closed.

Does it actually keep smells contained?

It does - provided the lid is properly closed. Holly found that the Korbell generally does a good job of trapping odours thanks to its sealed lid system and double-layer closure, which helps keep smells contained between uses. The hands-free design also means nappies are dropped straight inside without needing to leave the lid open for long, which helps minimise any lingering odours escaping into the room.

However, like most nappy bins, whether odours linger or not depends on how full it is and how regularly it’s emptied. Holly found that once it starts to reach capacity, smells are more likely to build up if it’s not changed in time.

How easy is it to empty and refill?

It’s relatively easy to empty and refill, although it does rely on Korbell’s own refill liners rather than standard bin bags.

Holly found the system quite convenient in use, as it feels like one continuous bag inside the bin. When it’s full, you simply cut and tie off the used section, while the rest of the liner remains in place and ready to go, so there’s no need to fully replace a bag each time.

The downside is that you’re tied into buying specialist Korbell refill liners, which can add to the ongoing cost over time. Holly also found the bin typically needed emptying around once every two weeks, depending on usage.

How childproof and secure is the Korbell nappy bin?

The Korbell nappy bin is designed to be childproof, and in early use Holly found that it does a good job of keeping contents safely out of reach thanks to the lid system and hands-free pedal operation.

She explains, “For now it’s childproof but once [my son] is standing, he’ll be able to open the lid at the top and take nappies out.”

In practice, Holly found it secure during the earlier baby months, although she felt the top opening may become easier for toddlers to access as they grow more mobile. While she didn’t see this as a safety concern, she felt the bin would likely need to be moved out of reach at that stage.

The hands-free pedal design means you can dispose of nappies one-handed while keeping the other hand safely on your baby.

What are the standout features of the Korbell nappy bin?

For Holly, the biggest standout feature was the hands-free pedal opening system. She explains, “The ability to open the bin with just your foot, meaning you can keep one hand on your child. We have a high changing table so are finding this increasingly important as he’s starting to move more.”

In everyday use, this makes the Korbell feel particularly practical during quicker nappy changes, especially once children become wriggly and harder to keep still. Holly also felt this was a noticeable improvement compared to the Tommee Tippee nappy bin she had used previously.

Other standout features include the quiet-closing lid, child-locking system and the continuous refill liner design, which means you don’t need to fully replace a new bag every time the bin is emptied.

Is the Korbell nappy bin good value for money?

Holly wasn’t completely convinced by the price of the Korbell 9L nappy bin, particularly once you factor in the ongoing cost of refill liners. She explains, “It feels a little pricey for what it is in my opinion […]”

That said, she did feel the hands-free design added genuine everyday convenience, especially during nappy changes. “We really appreciate the hands-free design as it makes the baby changing process more hygienic, convenient and safe,” she adds, although she still felt it was “a little overpriced for the look, feel and functionality though.”

At the time of writing, the 9L Korbell bin Holly tested costs around £40, while the larger 16L version sits closer to £50. Part of that price reflects the eco-conscious design, with the bin made from 70% recycled materials and biodegradable refill liners available separately.

Overall, if you value hands-free operation, good odour control and a more environmentally conscious refill system, the Korbell offers some useful practical benefits over a standard nappy bin, although whether it feels fully worth the price will depend on how much use you expect to get from it day to day.

About the author

Tammy Jacks has over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, holding key roles such as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa, and Assistant Editor for Living and Loving - a parenting title focused on children’s health and development.

She has contributed to a wide range of lifestyle publications (including magazines, journals and newspapers) and has edited books for fitness influencers and health professionals. As a researcher and writer, Tammy specialises in children’s development, wellbeing and safety. Over the years, she has reviewed countless toys and developmental aids, as well as essential baby products for everyday family life, from baby monitors and sleep aids to feeding equipment like highchairs and nursery must-haves, alongside baby travel gear such as baby carriers, child bike seats and lightweight strollers.

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All prices are correct at the time of writing.