About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Once you get past the poorly-illustrated instructions for setup, the LitterLocker Plus really does make disposal of litter waste a lot easier, while locking away odors at the bottom of the container.



Pros

• More attractive than a paper bag
• Really does lock odors inside
• Disposal is quick and easy

Cons

• Set-up instructions hard to follow
• Refill cartridges are a bit pricey
• I had problems correctly installing the bags

Description

• 14"W x 9.75"D x 15.25"H
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 lbs.
• Each refill cartridge lasts up to one month per cat.
• Includes sifting scoop in a built-in slot and Odor Barrier Bag cartridge.
• Plastic construction
• Made in USA.
• Manufacturer's Guarantee: One year limited warranty.

Guide Review - Petmate LitterLocker Plus

Okay, I readily admit I'm not a whiz when it comes to mechanical or technical stuff. But usually I can follow written instructions as long as there are no missing parts. The instructions for initial set-up of the Odor Barrier Bag cartridge seemed pretty straightforward: Tear off the strip at the top, pull a section of plastic material through the center, tie a knot at the end of the plastic cylinder, secure the knot to the wheel, close the LitterLocker while turning the wheel. No dice. Turning the handle did not make the bag move at all. The accompanying drawing didn't really indicate where to thread the bag to lock it into the turning mechanism. Eventually, by trial and error, I was able to somewhat figure it out, although I remained unconvinced that I had done it correctly.

Nevertheless, the thing worked: Scoop, drop the scoopings into the top, turn clockwise for 1/2 turn, and the contents "automagically" move under the wheel to the bottom of the LitterLocker. Repeat until the bag is full, then cut off the bag at the top, using the handy built-in cutter. Tie another knot in the top of the bag and dispose in the garbage.

Under the likely assumption that my original problems were user-error, I'm giving some benefit of the doubt to Petmate. This product really does make scooping more convenient. No more plastic grocery bags nestled in paper bags. No more odor. And it's really kind of cute to look at, sort of like a little R2-D2.