Don't Get Mad, Get Glad
Written: Jan 18 '07 (Updated Mar 16 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Drawstrings are strong
Cons: Bag is weak
The Bottom Line: Hefty is no doubt better than the cheaper no name brands. However, when already spending a pricey amount on bags, I think it is best to get the best.
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| snowflake224's Full Review: Hefty Cinch Sak Tall Kitchen Bags |
Background:
In the 4th grade, I was in an extra-curricular group called Accents. One of the project we did was test out and compare products. I chose to compare trash bags Hefty to Glad. My project partner and I put a stack of school books in the bag; the same kind and number of books. We both lifted one bag and started to forcefully shake it and strike it against the floor. Hers, the Hefty ripped, while mine, the Glad stayed intact.
Years later, while purchasing trash bags, I forgot this learned experience and decided to give Hefty a try. I bought a box of 45 bags in size 13 gallon for the kitchen barrel. The cost was $5.69 at Stop and Shop.
Product Description:
Appearance:
The bag is a white plastic with warning label in black. The drawstrings are blue and can be pulled from the two sides of the bag to seal and secure. When pulled, the drawstrings are long enough to tie shut if desired.
Details:
The bags are 2ft in width and 2ft 4inches in length. There is a picture on the box showing the drawstring tied bag and stating "everyday strength." The picture seems to advertise a strong bag, but it is the drawstrings that are made stronger, not the bag.
Hefty sells trash bags in different bag and gallon amounts. They also make food storage containers and other items. Contact information could not be found on the box, nor could I find their website by searching for Hefty. The box did give one clue "advanced packaging solutions," which brought up the Hefty website when put in Google search. It is: www.pactiv.com
Experience:
Things you should know: My husband and I produce about a bag of trash every 2-3 days. We have a round kitchen trash barrel with a dome lid and a place to push part of the lid inward to throw trash away. All of the house trash goes into this barrel prior to removal to the dumpster. Trash usually includes tissues, papertowels and other paper products, and food scraps.
I bought the 45 bag box, assuming I was getting a better deal over buying 10 bag packages here and there. The bag was wide enough to wrap around the top of my trash barrel. I usually leave the lid off while making a meal and as I started to throw things away, I noticed the bag sinking into the barrel. I tried to secure the bag to the sides of the barrel, but there was no good way to do this without the lid. The lid gave the bag the needed support so it would not slip. However, even with the lid on, if the first item I throw away is a heavy one, all bets are off.
The bag filled up rather quickly and it was time to take it to trash heaven. The bag with all its goodies seemed to stick inside the barrel. I pulled the drawstrings and yanked it out, Our trash is not usually heavy, but it is always a problem to remove these Hefty bags from the barrel. Once the bag was tied shut, it could not be reopened.
Transporting it went pretty well. The drawstrings wrapped tightly around my hand, cutting off circulation, but this is normal with any plastic handle bag. The bag did not leak at all on the way to the dumpster, nor did it rip (this time) during transport.
Our dumpster as a open top and the side door is hard to open so I swung the bag up into the dumpster, the way I had with many other brand bags before it. The bottom burst open. What a mess! The bag was full, but not heavy so it seems odd that it would react this way.
Even if I got a dud bag, we became more careful, emptying the trash daily so it would not accumulate or get too heavy. The drawstrings may be strong, but the bag is very thin. Sometimes the bottom of the bag would tear while putting trash in. Other times it would weaken during transport leaving a trail of goodies behind. Thankfully though it did not burst again after making the stated altercation.
Once we ran out of these dreaded bags, I replaced the kitchen trash bags with Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring trash bags and have had no problems. It has been nice to go back to taking the trash out every couple days instead of every day, at least it helps the environment a little.
Recommendation:
I am disappointed in the Hefty bag. Although the drawstrings were strong, the bags were weak and flimsy. They seemed to tear easily. Unlike my Glad bags, they could not be reopened after tied. I do not recommend these Hefty bags. Glad was better all those years ago and I have learned the hard way that they are still better today.
Compare to Glad Drawstring Tall Kitchen Bags
Looking for a trash can?
Umbra Jumbo Grand Kitchen Can 16.25 Gallon
Polder White Step-On Trash Can (3.5-gal)
Recommended:
No
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snowflake224
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Member: Theresa
Location: Baltimore
Reviews written: 225
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