Somewhat expensive, but useful

Just received the NINE STARS STAINLESS STEEL INFRARED TRASH CAN as a gift. I saw one in a store once and mentioned I liked it.

For me, part of the attraction is the electronics. Like a new 'toy'.

To spend $50+ on a smaller trash can is a bit pricey for me. But, as a gift, its ok.

So, what's good and bad about this trash can.

The can lid moves up and down automatically, when you wave your hand or an object around 10 inches from the top-front of the unit. This allows discarding trash without touching the trash can lid all the time. Great for neat freaks. But, really no better than the trash cans which incorporate a peddle at the bottom to perform the same function.

You can also press the OPEN button and the lid will stay open indefinitely, until you then press the CLOSE button. That is better than the peddle type trash cans mentioned above. If you're working in the kitchen preparing dinner, you can leave the can open and toss trash into it without repeatedly fumbling to open the can. That saves aggravation.

The stainless steel exterior is nice looking, with the top mechanism/lid being a glossy black finish.

When the top mechanism/lid is removed, there is a top plastic 'ring' which sits under the lid and holds the bag in place. That's a nice feature, as it prevents the trash bag from sliding down and allowing the rubbish to go all over the trash can interior. If loaded properly, the trash bag will be invisible from the outside, which is a nice touch.

However, this trash can is not without faults.

The battery requirement is 4 D size. Obviously, I can't attest to how long they will last. If you have small children who will 'play' with this can, you see where that might go.

Also, if you use the can in the manual open position explained above, that eats up battery power. Keep that in mind.

The trash can is on the small size. Our regular 13 gallon bags which fit our old peddle-type trash can, are a bit large for this one. That ultimately means, changing the trash more often.

The plastic ring which holds the bag in place can be a little annoying after changing the bag enough times.

If you spill something onto the infrared-eye in the front, the trash can may not operate properly. That could be a problem if you have small children or messy teens/adults who can't seem to aim the trash properly into the can.

This trash can seems to have a more difficult time sensing your hand or an object in the dark. I had to place my hand somewhat closer to activate the sensor. The room darkness shouldn't matter with infrared, but it seems to make a little difference.

As with all stainless steel, it looks good until it's covered in fingerprints. Again, if you have children who can't seem to keep their hands off, this might be a problem.

My one disappointment is this can does not offer the option of an ac power source. As with most electronics which are battery operated, there is usually a small jack which will allow connection of an ac power supply. It would have been a nice option in my opinion.

All in all, it's a nice trash can. It looks good standing there anyway.