Customer Reviews

Nine Stars Infrared Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

First, this trash can does what it is designed to do. The infrared sensor works. The lid opens. It closes. It looks good. It is a good size. And, it lets you put trash in.

The problem is the design of the canister. For some unknown reason, the lip at the top of the can is to the inside.

Don't see the problem? With the lip on the inside, the body of the can is larger than the lip. So, when you try to pull the bag out, it hangs and tears the bag. So 90% of the time (even with expensive, thick bags) I end up cleaning up a mess on the floor.

Our solution: we took a large piece of cardboard, cut it to size and lined the can with it so the body of the can is the same size as the lip.

I purchased this item as a replacement for my original infrared can, when a plastic gear broke after several years of use. I thought it was a direct replacement based on the picture. The item I received is a different design. The on/off switch is on the inside so it can be flush against a surface without accidentally turning it off. The opening runs along the widest demension of the can making it much easier to deposit larger items like plastic plates. Best of all, it is almost silent unlike my original purchase.
Although I could be disappointed that I didn't receive the pictured item, this turns out to be a much better design.

These points are why I love this garbage can:
- Large Capacity (We now only take the garbage out on trash night vs. 2/3x a week)
- Touch-less (Stays a lot cleaner and more sanitary {I'm a germ freak})
- Stainless finish (Easier to clean {We've yet had to really scrub this down; been a month since ownership})
- Bag-less appearance (Keeps the trash looking neater w/o that messy overhang)

Before making this purchase, I read the previous reviews and was hesitant after seeing some of the lower ratings. I have no idea why people had such a bad experience (maybe lemons to begin with?) as I've had nothing but good experiences with mine. Some reviews said taking the trash out was hard, I don't think it is. Sure you have to be careful with the inner ring (as it is something you wouldn't want to break), but what do you expect if you want to hide the trash bag? It's a given and I believe this can was well designed. I do wish the top part was a little more appealing to look at (possibly all stainless top w/ black plastic lid?), but in all - a great buy.

Highly recommended this item as it was the only trash can that I found featuring:
- Stainless
- Touch-less
- 15+ Gallon Capacity

Other trash cans didn't come close to the last feature, and if any, were twice the price! This is a great buy, highly recommended for 2+ people households.

I purchased one of these at costco. In less than a month the lid would only open a little over half way. I changed batteries and nothing changed. I returned the unit and got another one that was slightly different from the same company. My hope was that this model would be better. Less than one month later the lid would not close, it would just keep opening every time it closed less than one inch. I called the customer service number, that was conveniently located under the lid, several times over the last two weeks and have yet to talk to a human being. The message states the business hours and customer service extension but then states customer service is unavailable and prompts me to leave a message. Several messages later I have not received a call back. Do not buy anything from this company they are useless and sell poor products!!

We bought this & really loved it for the first 6 months we had it. Then the lid started opening only sporadically so we replaced the batteries & cleaned & lubricated the mechanism but it still only opens completely only about a quarter of the time. It is very difficult to open the lid manually. Perhaps we wore it out by walking by it as it would open every time we passed it. Also, my cousin had one that stopped working shortly after he bought it, too.

Bought this as a Xmas gift and have heard nothing but compliments. Sensor is up high enough that pets won't open it as they walk by. Bag comes out easily because the plastic ring that holds it in removes with no problems. Kids like it. It makes throwing away trash more fun than you could ever imagine. Price is reasonable and parts are replaceable if they break, so you don't have to buy a whole new unit if something happens. Buy it, use it, love it.

This trashcan is big and nice. It works well but it pops open every time someone walks by it which can be a little annoying. I paid a very good price (60 bucks) which is totally worthy it. I would not pay regular price for it though.
It is now June 2011, 7 months after I bought this trash can and I decided to come back here to tell you that it went crazy and now it opens and closes all by itself, all the time. it drives you crazy! We tried cleaning the sensor, changing batteries, it doesn't work. I read somewhere that you can buy a replacement lid from Nine Stars for about 37 dollars, still not a great solution. When it worked it was great, unfortunately it is not well made and not meant to last, so I am changing my 4 star review to a 1 star only. Simply not good. Stay away,specially at full price. It is not worth it.

It's not clear where the beam is pointed to get the trashcan to open. It opened at the oddest times, but not when standing directly over it...and that was the first week. Now it barely opens at all.

I purchased this for my mom for Christmas..It takes C batteries! I purchased the combination packet that is recommended when adding to the cart. So, I spent the extra money ($12.99) for the wrong size batteries. I didn't even think to double check knowing she would need the batteries for it, I trusted the suggestion. Good news, she really likes the gift after she put her own batteries in it. I'm sure it will cost more to return the 8 D batteries, therefore, I didn't get the savings I hoped for.

Construction: Very durable, shiny stainless body, with matching plastic silver top. Lid is made of black plastic - thin, but solid.
Usage: The IR sensor points almost straight up and detects anything blocking its view. The lid reacts in about 1 second from detection - it is quick, responsive, and has never broken or failed to detect my hand waving over it. The batteries I installed haven't run out yet, and I've owned it for almost 1 year and use it constantly when at home. I love the 21 gallon size - most weeks I only have to empty it once! The lid does a great job of containing the smell, although things like fish and raw chicken will eventually get out - which is inevitable unless you want an air-tight trash can. The lid and body are very easy to clean - quick wiping down with clorox or lysol cleaning wipes, and the body shines up really nicely with stainless steel polish.
Price: Probably more expensive than most people would want to spend on a trash can, but you definitely get the quality you pay for.
Conclusion: I absolutely LOVE this trash can and would buy again in a second. It is very high quality, modern looking, super convenient touchless feature, and extra large size for those households than need a high-capacity trash can. Definitely buy!