Last updated: October 11, 2026
The short answer: A large stainless steel litter box is worth it if your plastic box still smells after a deep clean, or if you have a big cat that needs room to turn. Steel does not scratch the way plastic does, so urine has fewer places to hide, and a good one can last for years. The trade-offs are a higher upfront price, extra weight and fewer shapes to choose from. For most homes, an open XL steel pan with sides around 6 inches is the best place to start.
Our picks are research based. They draw on brand listings, a long-term roundup from an independent pet review site and the general litter box guidance from the ASPCA. We have not used these boxes at home.
Why Plastic Boxes Start to Smell
Cats dig and cover, and claws leave fine scratches in plastic. Over months those scratches hold traces of urine that soap and water do not fully reach. That is why an old plastic box can smell even right after you wash it. Steel has a hard, smooth surface that resists those scratches, which is the main reason owners switch.
The Cats.com litter box roundup picked a stainless steel box as its top traditional box for multi-cat homes and says the steel resists stain and odor buildup and is easy to clean.
Stainless Steel Litter Box vs Plastic
- Odor: steel holds less odor over time because it does not scratch easily. Plastic is fine when new but often needs replacing once worn.
- Cleaning: clumps lift off steel more cleanly. Both need daily scooping and regular washing.
- Durability: steel lasts for years. Plastic can crack, warp or stain.
- Weight: steel is heavier, which keeps it from sliding but makes it harder to carry when full.
- Price: steel costs several times more upfront. Over a few years, it can work out similar to replacing plastic boxes.
- Choice: plastic comes in every shape. Steel options are mostly open pans or pans with a raised surround.
So, are stainless steel litter boxes better? For odor and lifespan, usually yes. For a tight budget or a cat that needs a special shape, plastic still has a place.
What Size to Buy
Bigger is almost always better. The ASPCA notes that a box that is too small can put cats off, and many cats are happiest when they can turn around fully without stepping on the edge. A good rule of thumb is a box noticeably longer than your cat from nose to the base of the tail.
- Standard adult cats: an XL stainless steel litter box around 23 by 15 inches suits most.
- Large or long cats: look for the biggest footprint that fits your space, and consider two boxes rather than one huge one.
- Side height: 5 to 6 inches keeps litter in for most cats. Higher sides help with cats that pee high, but every inch makes entry harder for seniors.
Our Picks
Best for most homes: iPrimio XL Stainless Steel Open Pan
Who it suits: Owners replacing a smelly plastic box, and cats of most sizes and ages.
- XL footprint of 23.5 by 15.5 inches, according to the product listing.
- Open design with sides of roughly 6 to 7.5 inches depending on the version, low enough for most adult cats to step over.
- Steel surface that wipes clean and resists odor buildup, as the Cats.com roundup describes for iPrimio’s steel box.
Watch out for: It is heavy and costs much more than a plastic pan. Diggers can still fling litter over the sides, so a mat helps.
Our verdict: The simplest upgrade from plastic. If your cat already uses an open box, this is the one to try first. Check current price.
Prime iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, Nonstick, XL 23.5" x 15.5" Open Pan
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Best for high peeing and kicking: iPrimio XL with Enclosure
Who it suits: Cats that stand up to pee, or that kick litter across the room.
- The same XL steel pan with a detachable surround that raises the walls.
- Keeps the top open, so there is no hood trapping odor.
- The surround comes off for washing and for easier access later.
Watch out for: Taller walls mean a higher step in. Not the first choice for kittens or arthritic cats.
Our verdict: A cleaner alternative to a covered stainless steel litter box, because it controls spray without closing in the smell. Check current price.
Prime iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, XL 23.5" x 15.5" with Enclosure
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Lids, Covers and Other Shapes
Many listings sell a metal litter box with lid or a fully enclosed design. These can suit cats that want privacy, but they trap odor inside where your cat breathes, and the ASPCA notes most cats dislike covered boxes. If you want one anyway, choose a design with a large door, a removable top for cleaning, and keep up with daily scooping.
Be careful with lesser-known brands. Most steel boxes online come from small sellers. Check that the box is actually stainless steel, not painted or coated metal, that edges are rolled smooth, and that the seller lists clear dimensions.
Is Steel Good for Older Cats?
Steel itself is fine. The issue is height. A senior cat that struggles to climb in may start going elsewhere, and our guide on a senior cat peeing outside litter box areas explains why. For older cats, pick an open pan with low sides, or a box with a cut-down entry.
Care Tips
- Scoop daily. Steel resists odor but cannot fix a dirty box.
- Wash regularly with warm water and mild unscented soap. Skip abrasive pads that scratch the surface.
- Avoid bleach left to sit, which can mark some steel finishes. Rinse well after any cleaner.
- Dry fully before refilling so clumping litter does not stick.
For the full routine that keeps any box fresh, see our guide to choosing an odor control litter box and the habits that matter more than the box.
Quick Answers
Is a metal cat litter box safe?
Yes, a stainless box with smooth, rolled edges is safe. Avoid boxes with sharp seams or coatings that chip.
Will steel rust?
Quality stainless steel resists rust. Cheaper metals or thin coatings may not, which is another reason to check the material.
Does a stainless litter box need a liner?
No. Liners can bunch and trap urine, and most cats dislike them. The smooth steel is easy to clean without one.
The Bottom Line
If plastic keeps smelling or your cat is big, a large stainless steel litter box is one of the few litter box upgrades that pays off over years. Choose an open XL pan for most cats, a raised surround for high pee-ers, and low sides for seniors. Keep scooping daily and it will stay fresh. You will find more help in our litter box buying guides.
Sources
Read How We Review to see how we pick products, or go back to the BestPurrPicks homepage.
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