My PetSafe SmartSpin Automatic Litter Box Review: Does It Deliver on Odor Control & Convenience?

Why I Decided to Review the PetSafe SmartSpin

I’ve been using the Litter-Robot since 2016, and while I absolutely love it, I know it’s not the most budget-friendly option out there. Many people are looking for a more affordable solution, so when I came across the PetSafe SmartSpin, I thought, “Why not give it a try?” I wanted to see if it could offer similar benefits without the steep price tag. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience and help you decide if this budget-friendly option is worth considering for you and your cat.

What Came in the Box

When I received the SmartSpin’s box I was surprised how small it was in comparison to the Litter Robot’s box. I was thinking that this unit was not going to work being that small but I was wrong. The thing is that the SmartSpin is fully assemblable so it comes in several parts (and tools):

• Main Parts: Base (x1), Wooden Legs (x4), Globe Halves (x2), Waste Drawer (x1)
• Accessories: Magnetized Top Lid (3 parts), Floor Pad (x1), Litter Sifter (x1), Litter Saver (x1)
• Extras: Red Alignment Tool (x1), Screws (x10), Deodorizer Cartridges (x2), Waste Bags (roll)
• Other: Gloves (x2), AC Adapter (x1), User Manual.

PetSafe SmartSpin Assembling & Set Up

The assembling process was a little long but totally worth it (check the assembling video below). After finishing the main assembling, I put a liner in the waste drawer and inserted the provided deodorizer cartridge in it. The SmartSpin comes with 2 deodorizers, each one lasts 15 days and they really help to control odors inside the waste drawer. Then I plugged the unit and poured cat litter into the globe. The SmartSpin works with any clay clumping litter, but it’s better to stick with a good brand to ensure a better performance. My experience is that the cheaper the brand, the dirtier the globe gets.

My Video of the PetSafe SmartSpin Assembling & Set Up

Once the assembling and basic set up was done, I connected the unit to the Wi-Fi. The onboarding of the SmartSpin took me a few tries. The App didn’t seem to recognize my Wi-Fi in the beginning, but after a trying a few times I got it done. Make sure to connect your phone to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network so you won’t have issues.

How the SmartSpin Works

The SmartSpin works with weight sensors that detect cats weighing over 2.2 lbs (1 kg). When a cat is detected, a light on the control panel lights up.. Once the cat does its business and leaves the litter box the panel light will start flashing, waiting a 3-minute Clean Delay until the rotation starts. I was happy to be able to adjust the Clean Delay, going from 1 minute up to 60 minutes on the App. I tested different Clean Delay settings and I suggest setting anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes. The 3-minute default is too short for the litter clump to get solid enough to slide without breaking down. Sticking with a good quality clumping clay litter helps to keep the floor pad clean longer as well.

How The PetSafe App Works

The SmartSpin can be managed and controlled through the free upload PetSafe App. With the PetSafe App you can check your cat’s litter box usage provided in a daily and weekly chart. The usage activity shows the duration of the “business” session, and the cat’s weight. It’s important to keep track of your cat’s healthy weight, though the numbers may not always be consistent, with occasional differences of a few ounces. Additionally, with the App you can change the Clean Delay, manage turn on/off the indicator light, change to sleep mode, enable the child lock feature, trigger a manual cleaning rotation and more. Here’s a screenshot of two sections of the App I took while testing the unit:

What I Liked About the PetSafe SmartSpin

As someone who’s been using automatic litter boxes for a while, here’s what I found noteworthy about the PetSafe SmartSpin:

• Self-Cleaning Mechanism: The PetSafe SmartSpin saves me time by keeping up with my cat’s litter box. It need to empty the waste drawer once a week with my cat.
• Compact and Space-Saving Design: One of the many good things I loved about this unit is the fact that is not bulky, it fits in small areas and it works!
• Odor Control System: I put the SmartSpin in the living room and it didn’t notice any smell. I think that the waste drawer located higher, allowing air to circulate around it, plus the deodorizer, have to do with it.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: The PetSafe SmartSpin features a two-buttons control panel and intuitive App.
• Affordable Alternative: One of the biggest benefits of the PetSafe SmartSpin is its price. Compared to premium options, this model is a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive choice for cat owners on a budget who want the convenience of an automatic litter box.
• Fully disassemblable: For easy transport, perfect for travel or relocation.

My Experience: Does the SmartSpin Litter Box Deliver?

In my experience it does. The SmartSpin effectively detects my cat entering the box and after a few minutes it self-cleans through a rotation. The rotation is quiet, though the Litter Sifter makes a subtle noise when returning to position—not loud enough to scare my skittish cat. As with ny automatic litter box, things are not 100% perfect. Ocassionally, a clump doesn’t get dumped and sits in the litter bed, but this is a common issue with self-rotating mechanisms. As I use this unit with my only cat, Sophie, I empty the drawer every week. I could wait longer, but I prefer to empty it often to avoid odor buildup.

Does the Smartspin Deliver for My Cat? My kitty had a hard time getting used to jumping to get inside the unit (there’s 12” from the floor to the entry) but she eventually learned and got used to it. She will turn 10 years old this year so I don’t know how much longer she will be able to jump without using a ramp. Let’s hope she will stay healthy and active for a long time.

Pros and Cons of PetSafe SmartSpin: Worth It?

Pros:

• Self-cleaning mechanism that reduces maintenance effort.
• Compact design with a small footprint, great for tight spaces.
• Quiet rotation, ensuring peace and minimal disruption.
• Fully disassemblable for easy transport and storage.
• Adjustable Clean Delay (1–60 minutes) for customized cleaning.
• Removable lid and globe simplify cleaning.
• Excellent odor control keeps your home fresh.
• Affordable alternative to premium models like the Litter-Robot.

Cons:

• Not ideal for larger cats; they may feel uncomfortable.
• 12” high entry may be difficult for cats with mobility issues.
• Manual litter removal from the globe is inconvenient.
• Holds approximately 1.5” of litter, limiting use for heavy diggers.
• Floor pad removal requires globe disassembly.
• Litter sifter noise when repositioning can be disruptive.
• Waste tracking inside the globe forms faster than with the Litter-Robot
• No battery backup, unusable during power outages.

Wishes for Improvement

While the SmartSpin has a lot of great features, there are a few areas where I’d love to see some improvements:

• Lower Entry Height: The 12-inch entry can be challenging for older cats or cats with mobility issues. A ramp or slighly lower legs would make it more accessible.
• Enhanced Waste Globe Tracking: The waste left behind in the globe could be reduced with better sifting technology or design adjustments to minimize clumps sticking to the surface.
• Improve Litter Sifter Design: The litter sifter can make noticeable noise when repositioning, which might be disruptive for some cats. It could be helpful if the design were adjusted to minimize this sound, making it quieter and less likely to startle your cat during cleaning cycles.
• Battery Backup Option: Adding a battery backup would make the SmartSpin functional during power outages, a valuable feature for added convenience.
• Remove the “Add Litter” Function:This feature appears on the control panel when you press the clean button for 3 seconds, but it should simply display the letter ‘A.’ It’s unnecessary for adding litter to the globe and doesn’t function as intended, making it a redundant and faulty feature.

Who Is This For?

The PetSafe SmartSpin automatic litter box is practical choice for cat owners who want an affordable, self-cleaning solution for a single cat in a small house or apartment. However, if you have a multi-cat household you might need something more robust. Regarding cat suitability, I believe the SmartSpin is suitable for cats weighing up to 10 lbs approximately. My cat weighs 7.5 lbs and when she is inside the globe I can see room enough for a 10-lb cat as a maximum. Check the photo of my cat inside the SmartSpin:

SmartSpin vs. Litter-Robot: My Honest Take on Which One Works Best

Having used both the PetSafe SmartSpin and the Litter-Robot, I’ve noticed they cater to different types of cat owners and spaces. Here’s how they stack up from my perspective:

• Setup & Assembly: The Litter-Robot arrives fully assembled, while the SmartSpin requires complete assembly, which might take extra time.
• Lid Removal: The SmartSpin features a magnetized lid that’s easy to remove, while the Litter-Robot’s bonnet can be tricky to align.
• Cat Suitability: The SmartSpin suits smaller to average-sized cat, whereas the Litter-Robot fits larger cats comfortably.
• Design & Footprint: The compact SmartSpin is ideal for tight spaces, while the Litter-Robot needs more room but feels sturdier.
• Ease of Cleaning: The SmartSpin requires more manual effort, while the Litter-Robot allows quick cleaning with its “Empty” button and submersible globe.
• Waste Tracking: The SmartSpin shows waste tracking more clearly, while the Litter-Robot handles it better with less mess.
• Odor Control: Both do a good job, but the SmartSpin surprisingly keeps odors under control with its elevated base and deodorizer. The Litter-Robot performs well in regular temperatures, but in hot environments, it may need more frequent emptying, especially with multiple cats.
• Handling Litter Levels: The SmartSpin is sensitive to litter levels, while the Litter-Robot handles max levels without issue.
• Price: At $399.95, the SmartSpin is budget-friendly, in comparison to the cheapest $549 Litter-Robot that offers more convenience, especially for multi-cat households.
• Warranty: The SmartSpin allows refunds for unused units within 45 days, while the Litter-Robot offers a 90-day refund for used units with conditions.

Conclusion of SmartSpin vs Litter-Robot: The PetSafe SmartSpin is a satisfactory starter option for a single cat, but if you’re after something more advanced and hassle-free, the Litter-Robot is hard to beat. For a detailed comparison, check out my full review of the Litter-Robot 4.

What Others Say About the SmartSpin

On Amazon, the PetSafe SmartSpin has a 3.9-star average rating, and on Chewy, it holds a 3.8-star average. These ratings might reflect its suitability primarily for single-cat households, as the smaller globe size is better suited for smaller cats, which could be a limitation for some users. Based on my personal experience, I’d rate it slightly higher at 4 stars, as I found it performs well for its price despite a few minor drawbacks.

Final Verdict: Is PetSafe SmartSpin Worth the Price?

The PetSafe SmartSpin is a decent budget-friendly option for single-cat households, offering reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models like the Litter-Robot. While it has some drawbacks and isn’t as advanced as the Litter-Robot, the SmartSpin provides a self-scooping solution for single cat owners who seek a more affordable alternative. Check out the PetSafe SmartSpin at the best price on its official website ➤ here.

Watch the video review below for more details!

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