The r/BuyItForLife community broadly regards SimpleHuman — especially their manual step cans and soap dispensers — as a premium but worthwhile purchase, with many users reporting 10–20+ years of reliable use. The most consistent criticism centers on proprietary trash bags and the durability of plastic components, and sensor/electronic models are widely seen as a BIFL weak point. Customer service and warranty support receive consistently strong praise.
Manual step cans and soap dispensers have strong BIFL credentials backed by decades of community use, but sensor/electronic models, proprietary bag dependency, and plastic component failures are real limitations that buyers should weigh before purchasing.
Manual step cans are praised for exceptional longevity, odor containment, and build quality, with numerous users reporting decades of flawless use. Customer service and the 10-year warranty are repeatedly highlighted as standout positives.
Proprietary trash bags are the single most common complaint — expensive, hard to find in stores, and seen by some as anti-BIFL. Plastic internal components (hinges, foot pedals, slow-close mechanisms) are a documented failure point, and electronic/sensor models are consistently flagged as not BIFL.
One user who bought a SimpleHuman can for their wedding registry over a decade ago noted it still performs like new after four moves — despite being made fun of for spending so much on a trash can.
A longtime owner pointed out that foot pedal step cans easily last 10+ years, but strongly advises avoiding any model with sensors or motors, which introduce unnecessary failure points.
One commenter with a 23-year-old stainless steel SimpleHuman can said it still works flawlessly — noting it was considered absurd to spend $100 on a trash can at the time.
Several users emphasized that while the proprietary bags are overpriced and hard to find locally, standard bags from Hefty, Kirkland, or store brands fit well enough for everyday use.