Ninestars DZT-50-28 Trash Can: Hands-Free Opening

Scraping a cutting board into the bin is a small job that becomes awkward when one hand holds the board and the other holds the knife. The silver-trim Ninestars DZT-50-28 addresses the lid part of that routine: a hand or object above its sensor opens the top, and the lid closes after the sensor area clears. This single rectangular can is sold as a 13-gallon, 50-liter kitchen size. It suits a busy preparation area, provided you have room for the lid to rise and accept batteries and electronic-lid care as part of ownership.

An opening you do not have to grip

The infrared sensor sits at the front of the lid. The manufacturer’s guide describes activating it from within inches, keeping the lid open while an object remains in the sensing area, and automatic closure within seconds after that area clears. The practical benefit is less interruption when you are carrying scraps or packaging: you do not first need to find a clean hand to lift the cover.

For a longer clear-out, the front OPEN/CLOSE button keeps the lid open in manual mode. Pressing it again closes the lid and restores sensing. That is useful when you are repeatedly dropping in small amounts of waste and would rather avoid triggering an opening for every handful. It also distinguishes this from a sensor-only routine with no deliberate stay-open choice.

Soft closing is documented in the guide. It is a controlled lid movement, not permission to push the top down by hand. Ninestars specifically warns that forcing it closed can damage the gears.

The liner ring does a separate job

Inside is a removable ring that supports the trash bag. The instructions show folding the bag’s upper edge around the ring, lowering the bag and ring into the can, and tucking the bag into the base so the edges are concealed when the lid goes back on. The ring should not be placed loose inside the bag.

This is the second reason to consider the design: the bag has a defined attachment point instead of relying on excess plastic draped over the outside. It helps keep the silver-trim exterior looking orderly between changes. The payoff depends on fitting the liner properly, so allow time to learn the ring arrangement on the first bag change.

Touchless disposal does not make bag replacement touchless. You still remove the lid, handle the liner and clean up any spills. If that is the chore you most want to eliminate, a sensor at the top will not solve it.

A rectangular footprint still needs headroom

The stainless-steel body has a rectangular profile, useful when positioning a bin alongside a wall or kitchen island. But floor space is only half the fit check. The hinged lid rises above the closed can, so a low overhang or tight cabinet can interfere with the movement that gives the product its purpose.

Choose a position with a clear sensor area as well. The troubleshooting guide tells owners to remove objects near the sensor if the lid will not close. A conveniently placed bin should not also sit beneath something that keeps the sensing area occupied.

The closed lid covers the contents, but it does not replace taking out food waste. Judge the purchase primarily on access and liner handling, rather than expecting a lid to eliminate every kitchen odor.

The convenience runs on two D batteries

The lid takes two D-size batteries, which are not included. A red indicator signals low power; slow opening is another reason to check the batteries. Keep that replacement requirement in the household routine rather than assuming the bin works indefinitely once installed.

The guide specifies indoor use, wiping with a damp cloth instead of submerging the can, and avoiding direct sunlight or heavily damp surroundings. These limits matter around a kitchen sink. This is an electrical mechanism attached to a waste container, not a lid to wash under a tap.

The silver-trim DZT-50-28 is a sensible candidate when hands-free opening and an orderly liner are both useful. Make the final choice around an unobstructed location and a willingness to maintain the powered lid.