Home Organization Comparisons · Reviewed October 11, 2026
simplehuman CW2024 vs Rubbermaid 2112520: Which 12-Gallon Step Can Fits Your Kitchen?
Both are rectangular metal pedal cans in the 12-gallon class, but they organize the bag and lid differently. simplehuman builds liners into the cabinet and hides the rim. Rubbermaid uses a removable inner bucket, liner cinch and a lid lock for longer chores.
Best for
Households comparing two hands-free kitchen cans with slow or controlled lid closure and different approaches to liner storage, removal and extended-open use.
Probably not for
Spaces that have not been measured, outdoor waste, commercial compliance needs, automatic sensor opening, dual-stream recycling or anyone expecting capacity alone to prove bag compatibility.
Specifications at a glance
| Detail | simplehuman CW2024 | Rubbermaid Elite 2112520 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 45 L, approximately 11.9 gal | 12 gal |
| Finish and body | Brushed metal step can | Charcoal metal step can |
| Bag management | Liner pocket, dispenser and concealing liner rim | Liner cinch and removable inner bucket |
| Lid behavior | Lid Shox slow-close system | Quiet controlled close plus extended-open lock |
| Published dimensions | Shown by manufacturer dimension diagram; measure chosen space | 17.5 x 11 x 26 in |
| Published weight | Not listed in current text specifications | 9 lb |
| Liner system | Code M custom-fit liners; pocket stores a 20-pack | Standard bag held by liner cinch |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5-year limited warranty |
| Official model | SKU CW2024 | Model 2112520 |
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simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can, Brushed (CW2024)
A brushed rectangular 45-liter pedal can with a built-in liner pocket and dispenser, a rim that conceals the bag edge, Lid Shox controlled closing and a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Stores a 20-pack of liners inside the can for faster changes
- Liner rim keeps the bag edge covered without a separate inner bucket
- Ten-year warranty is twice the published Rubbermaid term
Cons
- Code M liner system is the intended fit and can create a brand-specific refill workflow
- No extended-open lid lock is listed on the current product page
- Current text specification area does not publish product weight
Who it’s for: Choose it when stored replacement liners, a concealed bag edge and the longer warranty are priorities. Skip it if a removable inner bucket, lid-open lock or less brand-specific liner routine matters more.
Check simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can, Brushed (CW2024) on Amazon Paid linkRubbermaid Elite 12-Gallon Step-On Trash Can (2112520)
A charcoal metal 12-gallon pedal can with a removable inner bucket, liner cinch, quiet controlled lid closure and an extended-open lid lock. Rubbermaid publishes a 17.5 x 11 x 26-inch footprint and five-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Extended-open lid lock supports repeated disposal during longer tasks
- Removable inner bucket and liner cinch provide direct bag access
- Eleven-inch published depth can help with a measured narrow placement
Cons
- Five-year warranty is shorter than the simplehuman term
- No built-in replacement-liner pocket is listed
- Bag edge management does not use the simplehuman concealing rim design
Who it’s for: Choose it when a removable bucket, liner cinch and a lid that can stay open suit the cleaning routine. Skip it if integrated liner storage, a concealed liner rim or a ten-year warranty is the main goal.
Check Rubbermaid Elite 12-Gallon Step-On Trash Can (2112520) on Amazon Paid linkCapacity is matched closely, but the liner systems are not
simplehuman lists the CW2024 at 45 liters, which is approximately 11.9 US gallons. Rubbermaid lists model 2112520 at 12 gallons. That makes capacity a close match for comparison, but the way each can holds a bag changes the daily workflow more than the fraction of a gallon.
The simplehuman cabinet includes a pocket designed to store a 20-pack of Code M liners. A built-in dispenser keeps the next bag accessible, and the liner rim closes over the top edge. This reduces visible overhang and removes the need for a separate bucket, but it also makes the Code M sizing system part of the ownership routine.
Rubbermaid uses a removable liner bucket and a liner cinch. The bucket can be lifted for bag changes or cleanup, while the cinch holds excess bag material. This is a more conventional arrangement and adds another component to clean. Verify the exact bag dimensions rather than assuming every bag labeled 12 gallons will fit equally well.
Lid control favors different kinds of tasks
simplehuman uses Lid Shox technology to control lid movement and provide a slow close. The pedal means normal disposal does not require touching the lid. The current CW2024 page does not list an extended-open lock, so a long scraping or cleanup session may require another way to keep the lid open.
Rubbermaid also specifies a quiet, controlled close, then adds an extended-open lid lock. That lock is useful when several items are being discarded during food prep, cabinet cleaning or a bag change. It is a workflow feature, not evidence that the pedal or hinge will last longer.
simplehuman says its steel pedal has been tested for more than 150,000 steps. That is a manufacturer cycle claim, not a service-life promise for every household. Use it as information about the design target, not a guarantee that the entire can will last for a specific number of years under every load and environment.
Measure width, depth and open-lid clearance
Rubbermaid publishes dimensions of 17.5 x 11 x 26 inches and a weight of nine pounds. The 11-inch dimension may be useful beside a cabinet or island, but the wider 17.5-inch face still needs room. The lid also requires vertical and rear clearance when open.
simplehuman presents dimensions in its product diagram rather than in the current text specification block. Use that diagram on the official page and the listing measurements to check the intended location. Do not substitute dimensions from another 45-liter simplehuman can because the brand sells several rectangular, sensor and liner-rim variants.
Mark the footprint on the floor with removable tape, then open nearby drawers, the dishwasher and cabinet doors. A can can fit the floor area yet block a traffic path or appliance. Also consider whether the lid can open without hitting a counter overhang or wall trim.
The bucket and rim create different cleaning jobs
A removable inner bucket can contain small leaks and be washed separately, which favors the Rubbermaid after a bag failure. It also adds seams and an extra surface. The liner cinch should be checked for trapped debris whenever the bag is removed.
The simplehuman design removes the separate bucket and uses the liner rim to secure the bag. That can simplify lifting the full liner, while a spill reaches the can interior rather than a removable pail. The manufacturer directs owners to use a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent on the stainless surface and to avoid abrasive or corrosive cleaners.
Neither fingerprint-related description means maintenance free. Rubbermaid says the charcoal finish naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt. Hidden marks still require cleaning, especially around the pedal and lid edge. Follow each manufacturer method and dry metal surfaces instead of applying an unapproved cleaner.
Warranty length is useful, but read the terms
simplehuman publishes a ten-year warranty for CW2024. Rubbermaid publishes a five-year limited warranty for 2112520. The longer term can matter for a frequently used mechanism, but years alone do not show what damage, parts, proof of purchase or shipping costs are covered.
Save the order record and exact model number. A warranty for one color or generation may not automatically apply to a similarly named marketplace variant. Cosmetic wear, misuse and liner-related damage can be treated differently from a manufacturing defect, so read the current terms before relying on either number.
The warranty should be one factor beside fit and workflow. An integrated liner system that annoys the owner every week is not rescued by a longer term. Likewise, a removable bucket and lid lock may be more valuable than liner storage in a home that routinely tackles large cleanup jobs.
Choose the bag-changing routine first
Choose simplehuman CW2024 if replacement liners stored inside the can and a covered bag rim remove the most friction. It also fits a buyer who values the published ten-year warranty and does not mind checking Code M liner availability before committing to the system.
Choose Rubbermaid 2112520 if a removable bucket, bag cinch and extended-open lid are more useful. Its published 11-inch depth can help with a carefully measured placement, and the charcoal finish is intended to make common marks less visible.
The Amazon links point to the brushed 45-liter simplehuman ASIN B00TXXPJBU and charcoal 12-gallon Rubbermaid ASIN B07WHTZHKJ. Confirm capacity and finish before checkout because both brands group other sizes and colors nearby. No price, stock, odor control or long-term durability comparison is claimed, and no hands-on test was performed.
Official sources and further reading
Sources reviewed on October 11, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.
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