PalNests XXL vs Homegroove XXXL
Which Stainless Steel Litter Box Is Best for Big Cats?
If you have a large cat, you already know that choosing a litter box is not as simple as buying the biggest plastic tray you can find. A big cat needs room to turn, dig and cover its waste. And if your cat is a vigorous digger or tends to stand while urinating, a flimsy, low-sided box can quickly become a source of urine on the floor, litter everywhere and unpleasant smells.
That brings us to PalNests XXL vs Homegroove XXXL, two large stainless steel litter box options designed for owners who need more space than a standard tray provides.
Both products use stainless steel rather than conventional plastic, which is an important advantage for hygiene and long-term maintenance. PalNests offers a much larger 120L model measuring 28 x 20.5 x 17.4 inches, while the Homegroove tray is listed at 28 x 20 x 6 inches, with some listings also giving an overall height of about 12.6 inches. (PalNests)
So which one deserves your attention? Let’s compare the important differences, including size, sides, cleaning, odor control and everyday practicality.
The Core Problem with Old Materials: Why Plastic Litter Boxes Become Smelly
Plastic litter boxes are cheap, lightweight and widely available. Unfortunately, they can become increasingly unpleasant with age.
The problem starts with scratching.
Cats naturally dig before and after using their litter box. A determined cat can put surprisingly deep scratches into a plastic surface. Once those scratches develop, the previously smooth surface becomes harder to clean thoroughly.
Plastic is also a porous material compared with stainless steel. Over months and years of exposure to urine, moisture and waste, odors can become difficult to eliminate completely. Washing the box may make it smell better temporarily, but the familiar ammonia-like odor can return.
That is particularly frustrating with large cats.
A Maine Coon, Ragdoll or other big breed produces a substantial amount of waste, and many large cats are enthusiastic diggers. More digging means more contact between claws, litter and the box.
Stainless steel changes the equation.
A quality stainless steel pan has a smooth, non-porous surface that does not absorb odors in the same way plastic can. It is also much more resistant to scratching and warping. The result is a litter box that can remain easier to clean over a much longer period.
This does not mean stainless steel eliminates litter box odors by itself. No material can replace regular scooping and proper cleaning. But it gives you a far better surface to work with.
PalNests XXL vs Homegroove XXXL: The Size Comparison
PalNests XXL
The PalNests XXXL 120L model is listed at 28 inches long, 20.5 inches wide and 17.4 inches high. It is specifically marketed toward large cats, including Maine Coons and Ragdolls, as well as multi-cat households. (PalNests)
That extra height is significant.
A cat that backs up close to the side of the box can send urine surprisingly high. A six-inch wall may not be enough for a cat that urinates standing up or has what owners sometimes call “elevator butt.”
The PalNests design therefore has an advantage for owners primarily concerned with containment.
The larger footprint also gives a big cat more room to turn around without constantly touching the walls.
Homegroove XXXL
The Homegroove XXXL is listed as 28 x 20 x 6 inches, giving it virtually the same length and width as the PalNests but with substantially lower advertised side height. (Ubuy Australia)
That makes Homegroove interesting for owners who want an enormous open pan without the bulk of a tall enclosure.
The lower profile may also suit cats that dislike enclosed or high-sided litter boxes.
But there is a trade-off.
If your cat regularly sprays toward the wall, kicks large amounts of litter or urinates while standing, the taller PalNests design is likely to offer better containment.
Stainless Steel Is the Big Winner
When comparing PalNests XXL vs Homegroove XXXL, it is easy to concentrate on brand names and dimensions.
The more important decision may actually be the material.
Both are stainless steel products. (PalNests)
That is good news.
Stainless steel is strong, smooth and resistant to the everyday punishment a litter box receives. It does not become permanently scratched as easily as ordinary plastic, and its smooth surface makes stuck-on litter easier to remove.
It also does not hold onto odors in the same manner as an aging plastic tray.
For cat owners who have spent years replacing plastic boxes because they “just smell,” moving to stainless steel can be a major improvement.
Which Litter Should You Use?
The good news is that either stainless steel box can work with several common litter types.
Clumping clay is popular because urine forms manageable clumps that can be removed without replacing the entire contents.
Low-dust clumping litter can be particularly useful for large cats because there is plenty of digging space, and less dust means less mess around the box.
To keep either box working well:
- Maintain approximately 7–10 cm of litter, unless your litter manufacturer recommends otherwise.
- Scoop at least once daily.
- Remove wet or contaminated litter promptly.
- Empty and wash the tray regularly.
- Dry the stainless steel thoroughly before adding fresh litter.
Avoid harsh abrasive pads that could unnecessarily dull the finish. A soft sponge, mild detergent and water are generally enough for routine cleaning.
PalNests Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very large 120L configuration
- 28 x 20.5-inch footprint
- High 17.4-inch sides on the 120L model
- 304 stainless steel pan
- Designed with large breeds in mind
- Anti-slip stickers included
- High-sided design helps with urine and litter containment
- Standard and Smart deodorization options are available (PalNests)
Cons
- Takes up substantial floor space
- Taller design may not suit every cat
- More expensive than a basic open metal tray
- Some cats may need time to adjust to a larger or more enclosed setup
Homegroove Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 28 x 20-inch footprint
- Stainless steel construction
- Open-top design
- High-sided compared with many ordinary litter trays
- Easy-access design can appeal to cats that dislike enclosed boxes
- Suitable for large cats and multi-cat households (Ubuy Australia)
Cons
- Advertised side height is only 6 inches on the main product listing
- Less protection against urine spray than a genuinely tall-sided box
- Open design provides less odor containment
- Some listings show inconsistent overall dimensions, so buyers should check the exact model before ordering (purrlinias.com)
Top Recommendations and Key Takeaways
When shopping for an XXL or XXXL litter box, don’t get distracted by the label alone.
“XXL” and “XXXL” are marketing descriptions. Actual measurements matter much more.
For a large cat, look for plenty of usable floor space. Your cat should be able to enter, turn around and squat comfortably without constantly touching the walls.
High sides are another major consideration. If your cat urinates high or digs enthusiastically, taller walls can prevent expensive floor-cleaning sessions.
Rounded corners are also worth looking for. They make scooping easier because there are fewer awkward places for wet litter to accumulate.
Non-skid feet or anti-slip pads are useful too. A large cat can move a surprisingly heavy litter box when it launches into a serious digging session.
And then there is the material.
This is where we strongly favour stainless steel over ordinary plastic.
A good stainless steel litter box is easier to wipe clean, resists the scratches that plague plastic and is far less likely to become a permanent source of old litter-box odors.
Between the two products, PalNests is the stronger choice for owners who need maximum height, containment and room for a genuinely large cat. Its 120L model is considerably taller and is specifically designed around large breeds and high-peeing cats. (PalNests)
Homegroove remains an attractive option if you prefer a huge, open tray and your cat does not need very high walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PalNests XXL bigger than Homegroove XXXL?
They are very similar in length and width. PalNests’ 120L model measures 28 x 20.5 inches, while Homegroove is listed at 28 x 20 inches. The major difference is height: PalNests’ 120L model is listed at 17.4 inches, while Homegroove’s main listing specifies 6-inch sides. (PalNests)
Which is better for a cat that pees standing up?
PalNests is the better fit because its taller sides provide considerably more protection against urine being sprayed over the edge.
Is stainless steel really better than plastic?
For litter boxes, stainless steel has several practical advantages. It is smooth, durable, resistant to scratching and does not absorb odors like an aging plastic tray can. Regular cleaning is still essential.
What is the best litter box size for a Maine Coon?
Choose based on the cat’s actual size rather than the manufacturer’s XL label. The cat should have enough room to turn, dig and eliminate without touching the walls. For particularly large cats, a 28-inch-long box provides considerably more usable space than many standard trays.
Conclusion
When comparing PalNests XXL vs Homegroove XXXL, both offer the major advantage that matters most: a large stainless steel litter surface, but PalNests stands out when high sides and maximum containment are priorities.
If you’re tired of scratched plastic, trapped odors and litter boxes that never seem completely clean, upgrading to a spacious stainless steel litter box is a simple change that can make everyday cat care much easier.