An open litter pan costs less than any other box style and gives your cat the most room. It also does nothing on its own about scatter or smell. This roundup covers four Arm & Hammer products and two non-brand pans, ranked on size, cleaning effort and odor control, so you can pick the Arm & Hammer open litter pan that fits your cat and your floor plan.
The short version: the Large Sifting box wins for large cats and low-effort cleanup, the Rimmed XL is the pick for heavy diggers, and the Petmate is only for kittens. Of the six products below, four are true open pans, one is an enclosed top-entry box, and one is a deodorizer.
This review is part of our indoor cat litter box guide and our complete guide to the open litter box.
Disclosure
Links on this page go to Amazon and we may earn a commission on purchases. Prices and stock change often, so check the listing before you buy.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Best Arm & Hammer Open Litter Pan Options Compared
| Image | Product | Best for | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box Scoop Free Cat Litter🏆 Editor’s Pick | Large cats, low-effort cleanup | 9.2/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter👑 Premium Pick | Dogs in the house, litter scatter | 9.0/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban🥈 Runner-Up | Heavy diggers, big cats | 8.8/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter Deodorizer Double Duty, 30 oz, 6 Pack | Smelly open pans (accessory) | 8.0/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Basic Open Top Entry Cat Litter Pan Plastic Rimmed Box, Large | Large cats on a budget | 7.5/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small💵 Budget Pick | Kittens, travel | 6.5/10 | View on Amazon |
Open Litter Pan vs Covered Litter Box
Open pans win on access, airflow and price. Covered boxes win on privacy and scatter. Neither is right for every cat, and plenty of cats have strong opinions. If you’re switching styles, leave the old box out for a week and watch whether your cat uses the new one.
| Factor | Open pan | Covered or top-entry box |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Easy for kittens and seniors | Harder for stiff or young cats |
| Odor | Smells escape; needs daily scooping | Traps smell inside; the cat smells it too |
| Scatter | Higher with low sides; lower with high sides | Lowest, especially with top entry |
| Cleaning | Quick, you see everything | Slower, lid or filter to deal with |
| Privacy | Low | High |
| Cost | Lowest | Higher, plus filters on some models |
Detailed Reviews
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box Scoop Free Cat Litter🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Type | Sifting litter box (open) |
| Material | Recycled plastic |
| Feature | Microban protection |
| Origin | Made in USA |
What We Found
This is a large open pan with a lift-to-sift design. You lift the sifting section, the clean litter falls through, and the waste stays up top for disposal. No scoop involved.
Microban is built into the plastic, which is recycled and made in the USA. Microban inhibits bacteria on the pan surface. It won’t neutralize the smell of urine already sitting in the litter, so sifting still needs to happen daily. Per the brand, the box works with pine pellets, crystals and clumping litter, but the sifter does its best work with the litter Arm & Hammer designs it around, so check the listing before you swap in another brand.
💬 My Take
This is the pan I’d buy for a large cat. Sifting takes a short, tidy lift instead of a scoop and a trip to the trash for every visit. Setup takes longer than a plain pan, and that’s the whole price of admission.
Who It’s For
Pick it if scooping is the chore you dread most. Large cats get the room they need, and multi-cat homes get faster waste removal.
Skip it if floor space is tight. The footprint is bigger than a basic pan, and the sifter works best with specific litter.
✅ Pros
- Lift-to-sift replaces daily scooping
- Microban inhibits bacteria on the plastic
- Works with pine, crystal and clumping litter (per brand)
❌ Cons
- Requires specific litter for best sifting
- Larger footprint may not fit small spaces
- Initial setup takes more time than basic pans
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter👑 Premium Pick
| Entry | Top entry (enclosed) |
| Feature | Paw cleaning grate |
| Protection | Microban |
| Material | Recycled plastic |
What We Found
This is the only enclosed box in the roundup, so it sits outside the open-pan category on purpose. We included it because many people who start with an open pan end up here after one too many mornings of litter on the floor. The grated top entry wipes paws as the cat climbs out, and the high walls keep dogs away from the box.
It uses the same Microban plastic as the other Arm & Hammer boxes and comes with a filter for odor. Check the listing for the filter replacement schedule, because that’s a recurring cost. Plan on replacing the box itself about once a year.
💬 My Take
If scatter is your main problem, this beats any open pan on the list. The tradeoff is that some cats refuse to use it, and cleaning is harder than with an open top.
Who It’s For
Good for homes with a curious dog, a litter-kicking cat, or an owner tired of sweeping around the box.
Poor fit for seniors, kittens and any cat with stiff joints, since the cat has to jump in and climb out.
✅ Pros
- Top entry reduces litter tracking
- Keeps dogs away from the litter box
- Added privacy for shy or anxious cats
❌ Cons
- Some cats resist top-entry designs at first
- Harder to clean than open-top models
- Taller profile may not fit under counters
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban🥈 Runner-Up
| Size | XL |
| Dimensions | 18.7 x 15.5 x 10.6 inches |
| Feature | High sides |
| Technology | Microban |
What We Found
This is an XL open pan with raised sides, and it’s the closest thing here to a classic litter pan that actually deals with scatter. At 18.7 by 15.5 inches, it fits a cat with a nose-to-tail-base length up to about 12 inches under the 1.5x sizing rule. The high walls also hold a liner in place and keep digging cats from flinging litter over the edge.
Microban is in the recycled plastic, and the open top means the cat walks in without hesitation. Replace it about once a year, or sooner if the plastic gets scratched.
💬 My Take
The best middle ground on the list. You keep the open design cats like and cut down on the litter they throw.
Who It’s For
Best for cats that dig hard, large breeds, and homes with more than one cat.
Be careful with senior cats or those with arthritis. A 10.6 inch wall is a step up for stiff legs.
✅ Pros
- High sides cut litter scatter
- Microban inhibits bacteria on the plastic
- Spacious interior suits large cats
❌ Cons
- Higher sides may challenge elderly cats
- Plan on annual replacement
- Bulkier than standard open pans
ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter Deodorizer Double Duty, 30 oz, 6 Pack
| Type | Deodorizer powder (accessory) |
| Ingredient | Baking soda crystals |
| Duration | Up to 9 days (per brand) |
| Pack size | 6 pack |
What We Found
This isn’t a pan. It’s a baking soda additive you sprinkle over litter, and it belongs here because odor is the top complaint with open boxes. The manufacturer says the freshness lasts up to nine days per application and that its lab tests showed lower odor than litter alone. We haven’t verified those numbers ourselves.
It works with any litter type, including clay and natural blends, and the six-pack is the better buy if you have more than one box. It masks and absorbs smell. It doesn’t replace scooping.
💬 My Take
A cheap fix for a smelly open pan, as long as you’re still scooping daily. Use it lightly.
Who It’s For
Best for multi-cat homes and anyone with an open pan in a small room.
Skip it if your cat is sensitive to dust or scent, or if you already use a scented litter.
✅ Pros
- Absorbs odors on contact
- Works with all litter types
- Six-pack lowers the cost per box
❌ Cons
- Adds a step to the cleaning routine
- Powder makes dust if overused
- Scent may be strong for sensitive noses
Basic Open Top Entry Cat Litter Pan Plastic Rimmed Box, Large
| Size | Large |
| Color | Gray |
| Feature | Reinforced rim |
| Style | Open top |
What We Found
This is a plain large pan in gray plastic with a reinforced rim and a wide base. The rim keeps it from flexing when you lift it, and the handle helps when the pan is full of litter.
There is no odor control technology here. It relies on frequent scooping, and the open top lets smells out. If you already scoop daily, that’s fine.
💬 My Take
Sturdy and unfussy. You get a big pan and nothing else, which is exactly the point.
Who It’s For
Good for owners who want a traditional open pan for a large cat and plan to scoop every day.
Works well in a ventilated spot like a garage or utility room.
✅ Pros
- Reinforced rim adds stability
- Wide base limits spillage
- Easy to lift with the handle
❌ Cons
- No built-in odor control
- Open design lets smells escape
- Basic look
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small💵 Budget Pick
| Size | Small |
| Dimensions | 14 x 10.5 inches |
| Color | Gray |
| Style | Open top |
What We Found
At 14 by 10.5 inches, this pan fits a cat up to roughly 9 inches from nose to tail base under the 1.5x rule. That means kittens, and not many adult cats. The sides are low and the base is wide, so access is easy for small paws.
It has no odor control and no sifting. You scoop it the old way. The price is the reason to buy it.
💬 My Take
A kitten pan or a travel box. Don’t buy it for a full-grown cat.
Who It’s For
Good for kitten owners, tight apartments and first-time cat owners who want a cheap starting pan.
Also fits as a spare box for travel or a temporary setup.
✅ Pros
- Affordable for budget buyers
- Compact size fits small spaces
- Simple design is easy to clean
❌ Cons
- Too small for adult large breeds
- No odor control technology
- Low sides allow litter scatter
What to Look For Before Buying an Open Litter Pan?
Four things decide whether a pan works: size, wall height, odor plan and material. Get size wrong and nothing else saves it. For a fuller walkthrough, see our guide on how to choose an open litter box.
Check Size and Space
Measure your cat from nose to the base of the tail, then multiply by 1.5. That’s the minimum pan length. A 12 inch cat needs an 18 inch pan, which is why the 18.7 inch Rimmed XL suits big cats and the 14 inch Petmate doesn’t. Check the spot too. A pan that fits the floor but not under the shelf gets moved, and a moved pan gets avoided.
| Cat length (nose to tail base) | Minimum pan length | Closest pick here |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 9 inches (kitten) | 14 inches | Petmate Basic Open Pan (14 in) |
| 10 to 12 inches | 15 to 18 inches | Arm & Hammer Rimmed XL (18.7 in) |
| Over 12 inches or a large breed | 18+ inches | Large Sifting box or Basic Open Large (check listing dimensions) |
Choose Wall Height
Low sides suit kittens and seniors. High sides stop scatter but make entry harder for cats with arthritis. If your cat is over about 10 years old, watch how they step in and out before you commit to a tall wall. A cat that hops in cleanly is fine. A cat that hesitates needs a lower side or a cut-out entry.
Plan for Odor
- Scoop or sift daily. Nothing else matters as much.
- Microban inhibits bacteria on the plastic. It does not neutralize urine in the litter.
- Add a baking soda deodorizer if the room is small.
- Put the pan where air moves. A closed closet traps smell.
Verify Material and Durability
Thick plastic resists scratches. Scratches hold bacteria and smell, which is why replacing a plastic box about once a year is common advice. Reinforced rims prevent warping. Skip thin plastics that flex when you lift them.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- I measured my cat and multiplied by 1.5.
- The pan fits the spot with room to clean around it.
- My cat is not a senior or kitten that needs low sides (or I picked a low-sided pan).
- I picked a litter the pan works with (check this for sifting boxes).
- I have one pan per cat, plus one spare.
Best Litter for an Open Pan
Litter choice changes how an open pan smells and scatters. Heavier, larger granules stay in the box better. Fine, lightweight litter gets tracked.
| Litter type | Works with | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Clumping clay | Rimmed, Basic and Petmate pans | Dust; tracking on bare floors |
| Pine pellets | Sifting box (per brand) | Pellets that crumble can fall through unevenly |
| Crystal | Sifting and rimmed pans | Higher price; some cats dislike the feel |
| Non-clumping clay | Any open pan | Needs the deodorizer and more frequent full changes |
Use about 2 inches of litter in the pan. Too shallow and urine reaches the plastic. Too deep and cats dig more, which means more scatter. Check the product listing for the manufacturer’s fill line.
How to Set Up and Clean an Open Litter Pan
Setup
- Pick a quiet spot away from food and water.
- Add about 2 inches of litter.
- Put a litter mat outside the pan to catch what gets kicked out.
- If you’re switching styles, leave the old box in place for a week.
Daily and Monthly Cleaning
- Scoop or sift every day. Twice if you have multiple cats.
- Top up the litter to keep the depth even.
- Every two to four weeks, empty the pan completely.
- Wash with warm water and mild unscented soap, then dry fully. Skip strong chemical scents; cats dislike them.
- Replace the pan when the plastic is scratched or the smell won’t wash out.
Common Open Pan Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Litter on the floor | Low sides or hard digger | Switch to the Rimmed XL, add a mat, or try a top-entry box |
| Strong smell | Infrequent scooping or thin litter bed | Scoop daily, use 2 inches of litter, add deodorizer |
| Cat avoids the pan | Wrong size, new litter, bad location | Go bigger, keep the old litter, move the pan to a quiet area |
| Cat pees outside the box | Pan too small, stress or a medical issue | Check the size first, then call your vet. Do not wait on this one |
| Old cat hesitates at the edge | Wall too high | Use a lower-sided pan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open litter boxes better than covered ones?
Neither wins outright. Open pans give easy access and airflow, and most cats accept them without a fuss. Covered boxes cut scatter and add privacy, but they trap odor and some cats refuse them. If your cat is happy with an open pan, leave it alone.
How many litter pans do I need?
One per cat, plus one extra. Two cats means three pans. Spread them across the home so one cat can’t guard them all.
What size open litter pan should I buy?
Multiply your cat’s nose-to-tail-base length by 1.5. A 12 inch cat needs at least an 18 inch pan.
How often should I replace my plastic litter box?
Plan on about once a year. Scratches hold bacteria and smell, and washing can’t reach all of it. Replace sooner if you see deep scratches, cracks or a smell that persists after cleaning.
Is Microban safe for cats?
Microban is an antimicrobial additive built into the plastic, and the manufacturer designs these boxes for pet use. It inhibits bacteria on the surface. It doesn’t remove urine odor from the litter. Watch your cat for any unusual reaction, and ask your vet if you have specific health concerns.
Can I use pine pellets in a sifting litter box?
Per the brand, yes. The pellets fall through the sifter while the waste stays up top. Match the sifter mesh to the litter, and note that Arm & Hammer recommends its SLIDE litter for best results.
How do I stop litter from scattering out of an open pan?
Use higher sides, a larger mat outside the box and a heavier litter. If your cat still flings litter everywhere, a top-entry box is the fix.
Where should I put an open litter pan?
Somewhere quiet, ventilated and easy to reach. A bathroom, laundry room or a corner of a spare room works. Keep it away from food, water and loud appliances.
Why do some cats hate top-entry litter boxes?
Some feel trapped or can’t see out. The jump is hard on older cats. Introduce the box gradually and keep an open pan available during the switch.
Does baking soda deodorizer harm cat paws?
It is non-toxic when used as directed. Excess dust can irritate breathing, so sprinkle lightly. Stop using it if your cat sneezes or avoids the box.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box is the top choice. Lift-to-sift cuts the daily cleanup down to a quick lift, Microban inhibits bacteria on the plastic, and the interior gives large cats room. Its weak spots are the footprint and the litter it prefers.
| If you need… | Buy |
|---|---|
| Easiest daily cleanup | Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box |
| Less scatter with an open design | Arm & Hammer Rimmed XL |
| Scatter and dog-proofing | Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry |
| A cheap pan for a large cat | Basic Open Top Large |
| A kitten or travel pan | Petmate Basic Open Small |
| Better odor control on any pan | Arm & Hammer Deodorizer 6 pack |
Whichever you pick, scoop daily, measure your cat first and give a new box a week of side-by-side use with the old one.
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Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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