I previously had the simplehuman step can that had the plastic lid. Loved the can, but it cracked after 8 years of use. So I replaced it with this one. I was originally balking at the price, but once I received and put it to daily use, I fell in love with it. Quiet, as gorgeous as a trash can can be, and functional - what more can you want! I definitely recommend paying the price and then enjoy it. Silly sounding as that may seen, it is the truth.