Visqueen Ultimate Bin Liners vs SimpleHuman's 'bag tuck'
The challenge? To see if Visqueen bin liners (50L) could rise to the challenge of resisting the sharp-edged jaws of our SimpleHuman semi round bin's 'bag tuck' (a particularly vicious circle of plastic that supposedly keeps the liner neat and invisible, but instead tears a rather irritating vertical strip through the bag every time we empty the bin....
Q1. What were your overall impressions of Visqueen Ultimate bin liners? First impressions differed across our family:
DH 'they're just stupidly expensive bin bags. Why can't we test something better like a dyson or a car?'
Me 'the box dispenser is rather handy and I quite liked the white colour which gives a clean, clinical design. Bags feel strong and durable. Very easy to separate from the roll.
DS(5) 'What are they? Can I have the box when it's empty? Puurleease?'
DD(4) 'Mummy, do they have those in Ben and Holly?'
Q2. Are you generally satisfied or frustrated with typical bin liners that you use? How do Visqueen Ultimate bin liners compare to them?
DH 'I hate bin liners. And emptying the bin. The bags always tear on that f*ing jagged plastic hole thingy inside the bin. But these seem strong.'
Me 'We usually buy normal black bin liners from the supermarket because DH doesn't think the SimpleHuman ones are worth the money. The Visqueen ones are much stronger and sturdier. But also far more expensive, so you'd expect better quality.'
DS 'Is the box empty yet mummy? I really need it to copy Mr Maker's turning rubbish into 'art' latest creation.
DD 'Can we get sparkly fairy ones?'
Q3. In terms of strength, how would you rate Visqueen Ultimate bin liners compared to other bin liners you have tried in the past?
DH, despite his initial scepticism about testing bin bags, has come to appreciate the quality, durability and tear-resistance of the Visqueen liners. 'I hope you're giving a good review!' he insisted.
Me 'The Visqueen bin liners have fared well against the aforementioned bin 'bag tuck' terror. There have been a few occasions were the bag has been scraped by the plastic teeth, but the damage wasn't enough to cause a split. Hurrah for Visqueen! Their strength makes it very easy to empty the bin and carry the full bag outside. And the superior quality keeps all the nastiness neatly inside the wheelie bin for fortnightly refuse collections.
DS and DD were both dismayed that the dispenser box impeded them from unfurling the roll of liners across the floor. So they proceeding to 'decorate' the stairs with loo roll instead....
Q4. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Visqueen Ultimate bin liners if you were in need of bin bags?
At 21p a bag, these are cheaper than the SimpleHuman ones (26p each) which DH always refused to buy. However, having now tested the Visqueen ones, he has just informed me (whilst I type), that we should 'just buy these, they are actually quite good.' I think a lower price would appeal to more consumers.
Q5. If you are willing to purchase Visqueen Ultimate bin liners, how likely are you to consider purchasing them online (e.g. on Amazon)?
Unlikely as we usually just include them in supermarket shopping. Purchasing online via Ocado or other grocery service yes, but to purposely order just bin liners from a separate website wouldn't be worthwhile the time and effort.
Q6. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Visqueen Ultimate bin liners to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
DH initially guffawed quite rudely at this question...'why yes, in my next regular conversation about bin liners....let me just go and put together a powerpoint presentation about their merits...'
I haven't pointed out to him that on several occasions, he's spoken about the Visqueen liners to visitors to our house and even offered bin bag samples for them to take away: 'We're testing these for Mumsnet. Here, have a very expensive bin bag to try...'
The kids just want to know if it's pronounced 'Viss-queen' or with a silent 's' like 'Vye-queen'.