Simplehuman makes tidy, expensive kitchen housewares, and its fans tend to buy one thing, like it, and then buy more. That is fine if each product does its job better than a cheaper one, but not all of them have the evidence to prove it. Two have strong independent results. The others rest largely on the maker’s own description, and we say which is which.
This guide covers different product types, not the same item in several colors. We avoided exact listings on our trash can pages. For a brand-neutral comparison, start with our kitchen trash can guide and dish rack guide.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. We have not used these products ourselves. Recommendations rest on maker details and the published reviews we read and name below.
Quick verdict: which simplehuman products to buy
Buy the Steel Frame Dishrack and Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder: both won America’s Test Kitchen’s tests. Next is a Rectangular Step Can, if you can accept its price and matching liners. Everything else is a nice-to-have that rests mainly on the listing.
Five simplehuman products side by side
One for each need, and a plain statement of what evidence sits behind it.
| simplehuman product | Best for | Evidence | Size | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack, Full SizeBest overall
|
The first buy | America’s Test Kitchen winner | Full size | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder, BrassBest small buy
|
A small first step | America’s Test Kitchen winner | Standard rolls | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Rectangular Step Can, 55 LiterBest big can
|
A big, busy kitchen | Reviewed and GearLab on the line | 55 L | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Pulse Pump, 10 OunceBest for the sink
|
The sink, no batteries | Listing only | 10 oz | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Code Q Custom Fit Liners, 100 CountBest consumable
|
Liners for the 55 L can | Listing only | 100 count, 50 to 65 L | View on Amazon |
The smaller can and cabinet organizer are below.
Our picks for the best simplehuman products
Seven different products. We ordered them by how strong the independent evidence is.
1. simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack, Full Size – The One Reviewers Agree On
If you buy one simplehuman product, buy this. America’s Test Kitchen’s July 2025 test names the full-size Steel Frame (its model KT1181) the best full-size rack, says it “aced every test,” and reports that it fit a four-person household’s dishes with room left over. The swiveling spout drains into the sink from any side, its plastic and metal “didn’t stain or warp,” and the removable stemware rail held four wine glasses securely.
This listing is the matte black version, model KT1197, of the rack in that test, and we repeat it from our dish rack guide because that listing was short of stock and no guide to this brand would be honest without it. It is large at about 20 by 22 inches, and 11.5 inches tall, so measure under your cabinets. Price is the drawback testers mention. GearLab’s earlier review also liked simplehuman’s compact model, but it notes only two cup slats and warns that design may not suffice for big households. For a small counter, see our small dish rack guide.
Why we like it
- Named best full-size rack by America’s Test Kitchen
- Swivel spout drains into any sink
- Holds four wine glasses, per the test
- 5-year warranty on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KT1197 |
|---|---|
| Type | Dish rack |
| Size or capacity | Full size |
| Material or finish | Steel frame, matte black |
| Needs anything else? | No |
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 22.3 x 11.5 in |
| Weight (listing) | 7 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family kitchen with counter room where dishes air-dry every day.
Skip it if your counter is narrow or your cabinets are low; check the 11.5-inch height first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Top result in a named test
- Drains anywhere
- Stated warranty
Cons
- Large footprint
- High price, per testers
- Test covered the KT1181 finish
2. simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder, Brass – Tears One-Handed, Stays Put
America’s Test Kitchen’s June 2025 roundup makes the Tension Arm its top pick. It says that even one-handed, testers could tear small and large quantities of sheets “neatly and easily,” and it describes it as “sturdy, secure, and easy to carry.” The spring-loaded arm adjusts to different roll sizes, and the loop lets you change a roll without removing parts. The tested model was KT1161, in another finish.
This is the second of two models we repeat from another guide, here in a finish our paper towel holder guide does not use, because it has the clearest independent support of any small simplehuman item. Its title says brass while one line in its features describes a white finish, so check the photo before you order.
Why we like it
- Top pick at America’s Test Kitchen
- One-handed tear, per the test
- Weighted base
- No proprietary refill needed, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KT1206 |
|---|---|
| Type | Paper towel holder |
| Size or capacity | Standard 11-inch rolls |
| Material or finish | Steel, brass finish in title |
| Needs anything else? | No |
| Dimensions | 7 x 8 x 15 in |
| Weight (listing) | 2.65 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants to try the brand at a small step.
Skip it if you want a mount under a cabinet; this one sits on the counter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear independent support
- Works with any roll
- Weight keeps it steady
Cons
- Heavy for a paper towel holder
- Finish wording on the listing conflicts
- Takes counter space
3. simplehuman Rectangular Step Can, 55 Liter – More Room Than the Popular 45
Reviewed’s roundup names the 45-liter Rectangular Step Can its best overall, calling it “a reliable winner” with custom-fit liners and a silent-close lid. That listing is on our kitchen trash can guide, so we pick the larger size here. At 55 liters and over 26 inches tall, it is for a bigger household or one that cooks a lot. The listing describes a stainless liner rim with no inner bucket, a liner pocket that holds 20 liners, a 150,000-step pedal and a slow, silent lid.
GearLab’s review of the Rectangular Step Can gives a less rosy view: it is expensive, streaky after wiping, the lid can dent if things are dropped on it, and “you have to purchase the proprietary trash bags” to keep the built-in holder. Reviewed adds that it is heavy. Reviewed cites a 10-year warranty for the 45-liter; this listing gives no warranty line, so confirm it.
Why we like it
- Same family as Reviewed’s best overall
- No inner bucket, per the listing
- Liner pocket inside, per the listing
- Quiet lid, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | CW2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | Step trash can |
| Size or capacity | 55 L |
| Material or finish | Brushed stainless steel |
| Needs anything else? | Code Q liners suit it, per the listing |
| Dimensions | 16.7 x 18.8 x 26.4 in |
| Weight (listing) | 14.8 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | Not stated on this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large household that cooks often and is willing to buy the matching liners.
Skip it if you dislike proprietary bags: GearLab says you need them to keep the holder.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity
- Quiet
- Liner pocket
Cons
- Expensive, per GearLab
- Stainless shows streaks, per GearLab
- Very heavy
4. simplehuman Rectangular Step Can, 38 Liter – For a Narrower Spot
At 38 liters this is a size down from the popular 45, and it is 12.5 inches deep on the listing. It has an inner bucket made from recycled plastic, a lid that stays open when you need it, and an internal hinge that the listing says opens flush against a wall. For smaller homes, that wall fit is a real advantage.
It takes Code J liners. GearLab’s complaints about streaks and dents apply to the wider stainless line, so we would expect them here too, and we read no test of this exact size. If you are short of space, our step trash can guide covers other makers.
Why we like it
- Opens flush against a wall, per the listing
- Stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
Key specifications
| Model | CW1814 |
|---|---|
| Type | Step trash can |
| Size or capacity | 38 L |
| Material or finish | Brushed stainless steel |
| Needs anything else? | Code J liners, per the listing |
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 15.8 x 25.7 in |
| Weight (listing) | 14.6 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | Not stated on this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a smaller household or a narrow corner.
Skip it if you fill a 13-gallon bag every couple of days; you will be emptying this one more often.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits close to a wall
- Removable bucket
- Stay-open lid
Cons
- Smaller than the popular 45
- Stainless may streak, per GearLab on the line
- Listing-only evidence for this size
5. simplehuman Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer, 9 Inch – Reach the Back of the Cabinet
This is a narrow pull-out drawer for inside a cabinet, for cleaning sprays, oils and spices or anything else that gets lost at the back. The listing says it holds up to 20 pounds on a steel frame with ball-bearing tracks, and it has a removable drip guard to catch spills. It weighs 4.8 pounds and measures 9 by 20 inches, so check your cabinet depth.
We read no independent review of it, so this pick rests on the listing. It is a plain, useful thing, and it will not improve your kitchen as much as a good dish rack.
Why we like it
- Holds up to 20 pounds, per the listing
- Removable drip guard
- 5-year warranty on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KT1118 |
|---|---|
| Type | Pull-out organizer |
| Size or capacity | 9 in wide |
| Material or finish | Steel frame, grey plastic |
| Needs anything else? | Mounting into cabinet |
| Dimensions | 9 x 20 x 6 in |
| Weight (listing) | 4.8 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone with a narrow base cabinet and bottles that vanish at the back.
Skip it if your cabinet is shallow; it needs 20 inches of depth.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Does one simple job
- Stated warranty
- Removable guard
Cons
- Listing-only evidence
- Needs installing
- Narrow
6. simplehuman Pulse Pump, 10 Ounce – A Pump With No Batteries
Simplehuman’s sensor pumps are well known, and they appear on several of our pages. This is the manual one: a brushed stainless pump with a push-down action and a no-drip spout, according to the listing. It needs no charger and has no electronics, and it refills through a wide opening.
The claims of no drips are the maker’s and we read no independent test of this pump, so judge it as a tidy, well-made soap bottle rather than a proven tool. Our kitchen soap dispenser guide compares other makers.
Why we like it
- No charging, per the listing
- Stainless finish
- Wide refill opening
Key specifications
| Model | KT1183 |
|---|---|
| Type | Manual soap pump |
| Size or capacity | 10 oz |
| Material or finish | Brushed stainless steel |
| Needs anything else? | No |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 3.8 x 7.2 in |
| Weight (listing) | 0.9 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | Not stated on this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits people who like the simplehuman look but do not want another thing to charge.
Skip it if you want hands-free use; this is a manual pump.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple
- No electronics
- Refillable
Cons
- Listing-only evidence
- Not hands-free
- Needs a flat spot by the sink
7. simplehuman Code Q Custom Fit Liners, 100 Count – The Liners the Big Can Needs
We list these because they are part of the cost of owning the can above. Code Q is for 50 to 65 liter cans and comes in a dispenser pack that fits the liner pocket inside step and sensor cans. The listing says they are extra thick and double seamed, with 50 percent recycled plastic in this version.
You can use ordinary bags instead, but the can’s holder is designed around these, and GearLab says you need the proprietary bags to keep the built-in holder. Our trash bag guide compares other brands. Check the code for your can: 38-liter cans take Code J, not this one.
Why we like it
- Sized to the 55-liter can, per the listings
- Fits the liner pocket
- 50 percent recycled plastic, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | CW0176CP |
|---|---|
| Type | Trash liners |
| Size or capacity | 100 count, 50 to 65 L |
| Material or finish | Plastic, 50 percent recycled |
| Needs anything else? | Compatible simplehuman can |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 8.3 x 9.6 in |
| Weight (listing) | 5.1 lb |
| Warranty (listing) | Not applicable |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of the 55-liter can who want the built-in liner pocket to work properly.
Skip it if you are happy with ordinary bags and do not mind a little overhang.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Exact fit, per the listing
- Dispenser pack
- Large count
Cons
- Proprietary
- Only for certain cans
- Listing-only evidence
Where simplehuman falls short, and who to look at instead
- Cost. Reviewed, GearLab and America’s Test Kitchen all mention price as the drawback on the items they tested. Reviewed says simplehuman’s paper towel pump costs more than similar options.
- Proprietary bags. GearLab says you need simplehuman’s own bags to keep the can’s built-in holder. Add their cost before you decide.
- Stainless finish. GearLab found the stainless streaky after wiping and the lid easy to dent. Its Slim Open Top also performed poorly in odor control tests, so we left that out.
- A named rival. GearLab names OXO among the most durable dish racks, alongside simplehuman, if you want another well-known maker. Our dish rack and trash can guides list more.
How to choose a simplehuman product
1. Start where the evidence is strongest
The dish rack and paper towel holder won named tests at America’s Test Kitchen, and the Step Can is praised by Reviewed. Start there, then decide whether to go further.
2. Measure before you order
A full-size rack needs about 20 by 22 inches of counter and 11.5 inches of height. A 55-liter can is over 26 inches tall. A pull-out unit needs a clear cabinet, with no pipes in the way.
3. Add the running costs
Cans take coded liners, so note the code. Our picks use Code Q for 55 liters and Code J for 38.
4. Decide whether you want electronics
Simplehuman sells sensor pumps and sensor cans too, and they are on other guides here. A manual pump or step can has less to go wrong, which is our judgment and not a test result. We do not compare them here.
How we chose these seven products
We pulled simplehuman listings from the Amazon API on November 3, 2026, kept those new, in plain stock and sold by Amazon, and took one per product type or size. We avoided exact listings on other pages, which is why several popular items, including the compost caddy and sink caddy, are not repeated. Two models repeat in another finish, with the reason stated. We read America’s Test Kitchen’s dish rack and paper towel holder tests, Reviewed’s trash can roundup and paper towel pump review, and GearLab’s dish rack and trash can reviews. The Kitchn’s page returned an error, so we do not cite it. We also searched the CPSC recall database. We did not test anything ourselves.
Simplehuman questions, answered
What is simplehuman best known for?
From what we read, its trash cans, dish racks and paper towel holders are the products with independent praise behind them.
Is simplehuman worth the money?
For the dish rack and Tension Arm, the test results suggest yes if the price suits you. Reviewed’s writer judged the paper towel pump good value despite its price, while GearLab calls the Step Can expensive. For the rest, you are paying for design with little independent evidence.
Do you have to use simplehuman liners?
GearLab says you must use them to keep the can’s built-in holder working. Ordinary bags will fit some cans, but they may not fit neatly.
Has simplehuman had any recalls?
The CPSC recall database we searched on November 3, 2026 returned none under simplehuman. That is not a guarantee, so check cpsc.gov for your own product.
Our final pick from the simplehuman range
Buy the dish rack first. If you still want more, add the paper towel holder, then a can. And when the dish rack is empty and you would rather keep it that way tonight, call to order from Julia’s at (346) 546-8283.