Sensor Bins
If you’re looking for a new motion sensor bin with the convenience of an automatic lifting lid, you’ll find reviews of the best bins available on this site.
If you’ve had it with traditional pedal bins and want technology to be of service in your home, you’re in the right place to find out an automatic bin for you. All of the bins we review are intended for household waste only.
We’ll be featuring brands such as Tower, VonHaus, Morphy Richards, Dihl, Brabantia and Swan, taking a deep look into what each of sensor bins has to offer. We’ll cater for all budgets too, from low budget right up to the premium end of the market.
Throwing away your trash is made easier and more hygienic when using a bin with automatic sensor. Simply approach and place your hand near the bin sensor and the lid will automatically open, and then close a few seconds after no-activity.
The sensor bins we review have a variety of colour and material finishes to suit all tastes and needs. Some are fingerprint resistant, which if you have young children may be something to consider. All bins require batteries and we will, where possible, indicate which battery type and the quantity require to power each bin.
Contents
- 1 Sensor Bins
- 1.1 Tower Square 58 Litre
- 1.2 Final thoughts...
- 1.3 VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin
- 1.4 Final thoughts...
- 1.5 Dihl Sensor 50L Bin
- 1.6 Final thoughts...
- 1.7 NETTA 50L Stainless Steel
- 1.8 Final thoughts...
- 1.9 VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin – Black Steel Finish
- 1.10 Final thoughts...
- 1.11 Swan Retro Square Sensor 45L Bin
- 1.12 Final thoughts...
- 1.13 Morphy Richards Pro Recycling Sensor 75L Waste Bin with Two Compartments
- 1.14 Final thoughts...
- 1.15 Tower Square Sensor 58L Bin – Black and Rose Gold
- 1.16 Final thoughts...
- 1.17 AmazonBasics Automatic Stainless Steel Dustbin – Rectangular, 60L
- 1.18 Final thoughts...
- 1.19 Morphy Richards Chroma Square – Stainless Steel, 42 Litre
- 1.20 Final thoughts...
Tower Square 58 Litre
This Tower bin is a stylish looking addition to any kitchen and with a 58 litre capacity, it will meet the disposal needs for most families. It features infrared motion sensing, located at the front of the lid, and automatically senses movement when your hand approaches.
Closer look
The lid will automatically close after 5 seconds of inactivity has passed. The stainless steel bin body features a non-corrosive coating, meaning no rust will appear from any splashes during use.
Manual Mode
You can turn the bin opening to manual mode if you want to have the bin lid open for extended periods of time. This is controlled by a simple on/off button control on the lid.
As with any motion sensing bin, batteries are needed to power it and this Tower model requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries. We recommend Duracell batteries as these always perform well in our tests.
Guarantee
Finally, this bin comes with a generous 5-year guarantee so you can be confident that should anything fail in those first 5 years, you’ll be covered. Details of how to claim in the event of a failure can be found in the box.
This bin doesn’t have an internal bucket – the bin liner attaches to a ring inside and is suspended from that.
There’s a choice of colours too – choose from Silver, Black, Almond and Charcoal.
Features
- 58 litre capacity
- Infrared
- Choice of colours
- Lid closes after 5 seconds of inactivity
- Manual mode
- 5 year guarantee
Specification
Common Questions
What size bin liners can I use with this bin?
We used swing bin liners – 1200mm x 760mm, capacity 50 litres and fitted the bin fine. Any 58L bin liner will be fine though.
When the lid is open, what is the overall height of the bin?
It’s a good question especially if you’re restricted on height where you bin is stored. The height with the lid open is approximately 35 inches or 89 cm.
Final thoughts...
A good sized household waste bin from a trusted brand with the convenienve of a generous 5 year warranty to match.
VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin
Von Haus are renowned for their innovation and product design. This bin exemplifies those qualities with a stylish finish and function. The capacity is slightly less at 50L but still large enough for busy households who want quick and easy disposal when they need it.
Choice of Colours
There’s a choice of 3 different colours, silver, cream and black. We think all would look good in any kitchen, but we’ll leave it entirely up to you which colour you choose.
The body of the bin is a robust steel finish which won’t easily dent. As you approach within 40cm of the bin, the infrared sensor will detect movement and raise the bin lid, ready to accept your disposal items. The lid will close again after 5 seconds of inactivity.
Manual Override
There’s an on/off switch so you can turn the unit into manual mode, allowing for the bin lid to remain permanently open should you wish.
Batteries are required for the bin lid sensor and motor – you’ll need 3 x 1.5V ‘D’ batteries. These aren’t included so remember so add them in your basket should you buy through Amazon.
As with the Tower model, there’s no inner bucket with this bin, meaning it’s lightweight and makes for easy cleaning. The bin liner is simply held in place with a ring just inside the lid.
Warranty
You’re covered with a 2 year warranty, which isn’t as generous as the 5 years Tower gives, but does give peace of mind should any faults occur during the first couple of years of ownership.
Features
- 50 litre capacity
- LED Infrared
- Steel body
- Choice of colours
- Steel body
- 2 year guarantee
Specification
Final thoughts...
A stylish & robust bin with colour choices to match any kitchen decor.
Dihl Sensor 50L Bin
This is a 50L capacity rectangular sensor bin available in a choice of stylish colours to suit your kitchen decor. There’s a choice of capacities too, 30L, 42L and 50L. We’ll focus this review on the 50L model.
Well Constructed
This is a well-made, sturdy disposal bin with a steel body and a lightweight plastic lid. It’s been a popular seller on Amazon since its introduction in 2014. The bin lid opens automatically when you approach and closes automatically afterwards.
There’s no inner bucket with this bin – the bin liner simply attaches to an inner ring and is suspended inside the body. The model we reviewed has a stylish chrome finish, but other colours are available from the Amazon product page. Inside the box you’ll also find an instruction manual on how to operate the bin.
No Guarantee?
We couldn’t find any details about a guarantee with this bin which is a shame as that does help buyer confidence. However, this bin is one of the most affordable we’ve reviewed so if you want to take a chance and save then it’s an option.
Features
- Choice of capacities – 30L, 40L or 50L
- Steel body and lid
- Infrared sensor
- Choice of colours
- Modern design
Specification
Final thoughts...
A modern design bin in a choice of colours. Steel construction gives a robust and long last disposal bin.
NETTA 50L Stainless Steel
NETTA is a brand we’ve not come across before, so we were quite interested in what they had to offer with this bin.
Looks
From an aesthetic point of view, the bin has a stylish black and brushed aluminium finish which would blend into most kitchens. As with the other bins we’ve looked at, this model uses an infrared sensor to detect movement at around 30cm away.
The lid remains open for a few seconds of inactivity before closing automatically. The lid has been designed to form a close seal to help seal in any bad odours.
There’s no inner bucket; just attach a bin bag to the ring liner and you’re all set. If needed, the lid can remain permanently open, using the button on the control panel on the front.
Durability
The steel body is particularly durable and NETTA claim it is made from commercial grade stainless steel. It certainly feels stronger than other bins we’ve reviewed.
The bin has a non-skid base which means it won’t easily be knocked out of position if you have boisterous animals or children around.
Battery Life
NETTA also claim that this bin allows batteries to last 20% longer. On that point, you’ll need 3 x ‘C’ size batteries to power the unit (not included, but available on Amazon if you need some).
The overall height when the lid is open is 90cm.
Features
- Choice of capacities – 50L, 70L or 80L
- Steel body
- Infrared sensor (water resistant)
- Non-skid base
- Soft close lid
- Silver
Specification
Final thoughts...
Strong and robust – ideal if you have a busy home, particularly with children or pets.
VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin – Black Steel Finish
This model is identical to the other VonHaus bin we reviewed above, it’s just the colour that is different. We’ll include the quick specification here, but for a fuller review, please refer to the previous review.
Specification
Final thoughts...
A stylish & robust bin with colour choices to match any kitchen decor.
Swan Retro Square Sensor 45L Bin
If you’re a fan of retro, then this is the bin to have in your household. Swan have made the smart choice of making this bin available in a variety of retro colours include blue, cream, green and even pink! You’re therefore spoilt for choice when it comes to colour selection. Some colours are more expensive than other so be sure to factor that into your buying decision.
Capacity
This is a 45L capacity bin, not the largest we’ve reviewed but that size would be fine for most households, particularly if you recycle much of your waste into other council supplied recycling boxes.
Infrared is the technology used in this bin with the sensor picking up hand movement as you approach. The lid closes automatically and can be set to remain permanently open if you need it to.
The body is made from strong metal and the battery compartment is discreetly hidden away. This bin requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries to power the lid sensor and opening mechanism. There’s no inner bucket – the bin liner is held in position with a fixing ring.
The Swan logo is prominently featured on the front of this bin which may deter some buyers, however it’s only a small niggle for what is a very retro looking bin.
Guarantee
Swan provides a 2 year guarantee with this bin.
Features
- 58 litre capacity
- LED Infrared
- Lid closes after 5 seconds of inactivity
- On/Off button
- Non-corrosive coating
- 5 year guarantee
Specification
Final thoughts...
If you like all things retro, this bin will suit your taste.
Morphy Richards Pro Recycling Sensor 75L Waste Bin with Two Compartments
This is a premium, high quality bin with motion detection has twin compartments to assist with recycling. It has a large 75 litre capacity meaning you’ll be emptying it less often and with its recycling compartment, will make separating recyclable items much easier.
Capacity
The general waste compartment is 50 litres capacity and includes a food waste caddy. The lower compartment is 25 litres capacity and can store your recyclable items such as plastic bottle, trays or glass.
The bin has a clear digital screen which lets you know when the bin lid is closing and has a manual override button when you want to keep the lid permanently open.
Batteries
The bin requires 6 x ‘AA’ batteries to operate, so be sure include those in your Amazon basket if you decide to buy.
Generous Guarantee
Morphy Richards has provided a generous 5-year guarantee with this bin so you have peace of mind if a fault develops. There are 4 different colours available, Silver, Titanium, Ivory/Rose Gold and Silver/Rose Gold.
Features
- 75 litre capacity
- Inner stabiliser ring
- Fingerprint-proof steel body resistant
- 50L general waste section with food compost caddy
- 25L recycling draw e.g tins, glass, plastics
- Choice of several colours
- 5 year guarantee
Specification
Final thoughts...
If you’re big on recycling and want easy separation of recyclable items, this large capacity bin will be ideal.
Tower Square Sensor 58L Bin – Black and Rose Gold
Specification
Final thoughts...
A good sized kitchen bin from a trusted brand with a generous 5 year warranty to match
AmazonBasics Automatic Stainless Steel Dustbin – Rectangular, 60L
Size Options
Lightweight & Fingerprint Proof
Don’t forget the batteries!
Specification
Final thoughts...
A no-nonsense kitchen bin from the Amazon Basics range. with a choice of capacities and shapes.
Morphy Richards Chroma Square – Stainless Steel, 42 Litre
The Morphy Richards Chroma Square motion sensing bin comes in a variety of sizes and colours to suit your requirements. There 2 sizes: 42L and 50L and a choice of 4 colours: Cream, Red, Stainless Steel and Black – choose your prefer options on the Amazon product page.
Guarantee
This model looks very similar to the NETTA model we reviewed above, however this model comes with a Morphy Richards 5-year guarantee.
Batteries
It requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries to operate and the stainless steel body has a non-corrosive coating.
There’s no inner bucket, so your bin liner just attaches to the retainer ring within the body.
The lid automatically opens thanks to the infrared sensor located at the front of the lid. There’s a manual mode too if you need to keep the bin lid open.
Specification
Final thoughts...
An impressive bin from a trusted brand, with good size and colour choices plus a generous 5 year warranty.