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11 Best Kitchen Trash Cans of 2026

Updated
Stop kitchen stink at its source with the right bin for your space.

Few things sour a kitchen faster than the trash. The right bin does the quiet work of containing the mess, sealing in smells, and keeping curious pets and toddlers out, all while looking like it belongs next to your cabinets.

This guide covers where a bin should live, how to judge one before you buy, and the models worth your money, from cabinet slide-outs to touchless stainless steel.

We weighed every pick on how well it seals odors, how simple it is to wipe clean, and how it stands up to daily use in a busy kitchen.


Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Rev-A-Shelf Double 27 Qt Pullout Trash Can for Base Kitchen Cabinets, Garbage Waste Bin System with Full-Extension Slides, Min Opening Width of 11.78' White, RV-15PB-2 S
Best Slide-In Trash Can
Rev-A-Shelf Double Pull-Out Waste Bin
  • Hides inside your cabinet
  • Two 27-quart bins
  • Full-extension slides
Product Image of the Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
Best Soft-Close Can
Amazon Basics Soft-Close Step Can
  • Quiet soft-close lid
  • Removable inner bucket
  • Smudge-resistant steel
Best Plastic Kitchen Trash Can
Simplehuman Semi-Round Step Trash Can
  • Silent lid & lock
  • Strong steel pedal
  • Extra durable plastic
Product Image of the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01
Best Stainless Steel Can
SONGMICS Stainless Step Trash Can
  • Tight-sealing lid
  • Soft-close pedal
  • Removable inner bucket
Product Image of the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
Best Value
KdbK Stainless Step Trash Can
  • Includes 20 trash bags
  • Fingerprint-proof steel
  • Soft-close damper
Product Image of the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
Most Stylish
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless Can
  • Rear bag storage
  • Matte fingerprint-proof finish
  • 20-gallon capacity
Product Image of the Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can, 50L Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Odor-Sealing Lid, Rectangular Stainless Steel, Silver Trim
Best No-Touch Can
Ninestars Automatic Sensor Can
  • Touchless motion sensor
  • Odor-sealing lid
  • Fingerprint-resistant steel
Product Image of the SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish
Best Odor Control
SIMPLI-MAGIC Soft-Close Trash Can
  • Built-in odor filter holder
  • Soft-close lid
  • Space-saving flush design
Best for Large Kitchens
iTouchless SoftStep Dual Trash Can
  • Two 8-gallon color-coded buckets
  • Dual AbsorbX odor filters
  • Soft-close air damper
Product Image of the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
Best Budget Pick
Glad Step Trash Can
  • Clorox odor-protection lid
  • Interior bag rings
  • Budget-friendly plastic

Our Review Criteria: Capacity has to match the household: a kitchen bin that fills before trash day fails no matter how good the lid is. We sized each pick against typical family output, then weighed lid seal and charcoal filtration for odor control, pedal and body durability, and how easily each can takes a liner and wipes clean. Non-porous stainless steel earned extra weight where odor resistance mattered most, and we compared manufacturer specs against patterns in verified owner feedback. Every model listed was confirmed available at publication, with discontinued cans swapped for current replacements.


Where Should You Put a Kitchen Trash Can?

Where a bin goes depends on your layout and floor space. A freestanding can works well in medium to large kitchens. Placing it against a tiled wall or the side of an island makes wiping up splashback easier.

If you want a minimalist look, wedge the bin between appliances or at the end of a counter so it does not stick out. In smaller kitchens, hiding the trash inside a cabinet is often the smartest move. Slide-out units keep waste out of sight, help contain odors, and free up valuable floor space.

How To Choose the Right Trash Can

The right bin comes down to a handful of features. Here is what to weigh before you spend.

Aesthetics

Since your trash can usually sits in plain sight, it should look the part. Common finishes include brushed stainless steel, matte black, satin nickel, and even rose gold. Pick a style that works with your appliances and cabinetry instead of fighting them.

Size and Capacity

Capacity is the most practical factor. A 13-gallon (50-liter) bin is the household standard because it matches the size of the trash bags sold at grocery and big-box stores. A single person may do fine with an 8-gallon unit, while larger families lean toward 16 to 20 gallons to cut down on trips to the dumpster.

Sorting matters too. Dual-compartment bins keep trash and recyclables separated in one footprint.

Please Note

We judge size by both gallon capacity and physical dimensions. Always measure your space before buying.

Material Durability

You generally choose between metal and plastic.

  • Stainless Steel: Its non-porous surface resists absorbing odors and looks modern. Fingerprint-resistant coatings cut down on smudges. A steel can commonly lasts 5 to 10 years.
  • Plastic: Lightweight, wallet-friendly, and dent-proof, but the porous surface can hold onto smells, so plastic cans often get replaced every 2 to 5 years.

Odor Control

Decomposing food scraps cause most kitchen trash smells, with meat, fish, and soiled diapers the worst offenders. Better cans fight back with an activated carbon filter set into the lid, which absorbs odor molecules for up to three months per filter. A tight lid seal also keeps smells from drifting into the room.

Lid Style

Lids contain messes and deter pets. Open-top cans are easy to toss into but offer no odor protection. For kitchens, a closed lid is standard. A cabinet pull-out bin usually skips the lid and lets the cabinet door block smells instead.

Opening Mechanism

How you open the bin matters for hygiene.

  • Step Pedal: The most popular choice. Hands-free operation is a real help when you are handling raw meat or messy scraps.
  • Motion Sensor: A touchless experience that needs batteries. It can open by accident if you pass by too closely.
  • Swing Top: Simple and cheap, though the lid often brushes the trash as it swings back.
  • Touch Bar: Reliable, but less hygienic since your hand touches the can.

Ease of Cleaning

Trash bags leak. A removable inner bucket lets you lift the liner out and rinse the bin in the yard or tub. Smooth interior surfaces without deep crevices keep gunk from building up.


Product Reviews

We compared product specs, independent reviews, and real user feedback to sort the best bins from the forgettable ones. Each pick was judged on odor control, opening mechanism, build quality, and design.

Here are the 11 best kitchen trash cans you can buy right now.

Rev-A-Shelf Double Pull-Out Waste Bin

Best Slide-In Trash Can

Our Rating3.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Odor Control
2.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5
If you want your garbage completely out of sight, the Rev-A-Shelf double pull-out is the cleanest way to do it. The unit mounts inside a base cabinet, so trash stays hidden and out of reach of pets and toddlers, and your floor stays clear.

It ships with two 27-quart bins (about 6.75 gallons each, roughly 13.5 gallons of total capacity), which makes it easy to split trash and recycling in one spot. The heavy-duty wire frame rides on full-extension, ball-bearing slides, so the whole caddy glides out for full access instead of forcing you to reach into a dark cupboard.

Installation is a four-screw, bottom-mount job, and the containers use standard 12-gallon kitchen bags. You do need a cabinet opening of roughly 11.5 to 15 inches, so measuring first is not optional here. An add-on door-mount kit lets the bins slide out automatically when you open the cabinet.

Pros

  • Keeps floor space clear and hides the trash completely.
  • Two bins make sorting trash and recycling simple.
  • Full-extension slides pull out for easy access.
  • Keeps pets and kids away from the garbage.
  • Uses standard 12-gallon bags.

Cons

  • Each 6.75-gallon bin fills up fast.
  • Needs a compatible cabinet and a bit of installation.

Product Specs

Size 13.5 gallons total / two 27-quart bins
Material Steel wire frame, plastic bins
Lid No, cabinet door blocks odors
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Slide-out caddy

Amazon Basics Soft-Close Step Trash Can

Best Soft-Close Can

Our Rating3.75 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
2.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5
Not every kitchen needs a high-tech bin, and the Amazon Basics step can proves it. This 13.2-gallon rectangular unit covers the fundamentals well, which is exactly why it suits most households looking for a dependable everyday can.

The brushed, smudge-resistant stainless finish wipes clean and sits flush against a wall thanks to its rectangular shape. A soft-close lid drops shut quietly instead of clanging, and a stay-open feature holds the lid up when you are peeling vegetables or changing the bag.

Inside sits a removable plastic bucket with a carry handle, so hauling a leaky liner to the sink is straightforward. At 14.7 by 16.7 by 25.9 inches, it takes up a standard footprint. There is no charcoal filter here, so you rely on the lid seal for odor control, and the lid feels a touch lighter than pricier steel cans.

Pros

  • Quiet soft-close lid.
  • Removable inner bucket with a carry handle.
  • Smudge-resistant brushed stainless finish.
  • Stay-open lid for longer tasks.
  • Rectangular shape sits flush against the wall.

Cons

  • No odor filter, so it leans on the lid seal.
  • Lid feels lighter than premium steel cans.

Product Specs

Size 13.2 gallons / 14.7 x 16.7 x 25.9 inches
Material Brushed stainless steel, plastic inner bucket
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

Simplehuman Semi-Round Step Trash Can

Best Plastic Kitchen Trash Can

Our Rating3.5 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
2 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5
Simplehuman built its name on trash cans, and this semi-round step model shows the attention to detail. It is made from extra-durable plastic meant to shrug off daily knocks while staying fingerprint-proof, and a soft wall bumper keeps the lid from scuffing your paint when it opens.

Plastic may not have the shine of steel, but the color options (black, mocha, stone, and white) blend into most kitchens, and the can carries a generous five-year warranty. The steel pedal is rated for 150,000 steps, which works out to 20 uses a day for two decades, so wear is not a worry.

For pet owners, the standout is the slide lock. Flip it and the lid stays shut, so dogs and toddlers cannot nose their way into the garbage. The lid also closes slowly and silently instead of slamming.

Pros

  • Slide lock keeps pets and kids out.
  • Steel pedal built for long-term use.
  • Silent-close lid avoids banging.
  • Flat back sits flush against the wall.
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty.

Cons

  • Lightweight plastic can slide on smooth floors.
  • Priced high for a non-metal bin.

Product Specs

Size 13 gallons / 14 x 18.9 x 26.5 inches
Material Durable plastic and steel pedal
Lid Yes
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

SONGMICS Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

Best Stainless Steel Can

Our Rating3.75 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
3 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5
The SONGMICS step can delivers the stainless steel look without the premium sticker, which is why it earns the stainless pick. The rust-resistant body wipes down with a quick pass of a cloth and keeps that clean, modern finish in a busy kitchen.

At 13 gallons it hits the household sweet spot, and the lid seals tightly around the rim. That snug fit slows odors, letting food waste sit a day or two longer before it starts to announce itself. A removable inner bucket with a bag hole on the back tucks the liner edges out of sight and secures the bag.

Everyday use is easy. Step on the pedal to open, or lift the lid fully and it stays put while you clean out the fridge. A handle on the back helps you move it when you need to. The main trade-off is the lack of a dedicated odor filter, so a very smelly kitchen may still want charcoal added.

Pros

  • Rust-resistant stainless body, easy to wipe clean.
  • Tight lid seal slows odors.
  • Removable inner bucket hides and holds the bag.
  • Stay-open lid frees your hands.
  • Back handle makes it easy to move.

Cons

  • No dedicated charcoal filter.
  • Fingerprints still show on the brushed surface without regular wiping.

Product Specs

Size 13 gallons (50 liters)
Material Stainless steel, plastic inner bucket
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

KdbK Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

Best Value

Our Rating3.5 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
2 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5
The KdbK step can packs more into a low price than it has any right to, which is what makes it the value pick. You get a brushed, anti-fingerprint stainless body, a soft-close lid, and a removable inner bucket, plus a starter pack of 20 trash bags in the box so you can use it the day it arrives.

The 13-gallon can fits standard grocery-store bags, and the bi-force damper handles closing two ways: press the lid and it glides shut slowly and quietly, or pop it to a 90-degree stand-up position where it stays open hands-free for chores. The steel pedal is rated for 200,000 presses.

The sturdy ABS inner bucket resists cracking if it takes a knock, and a small hole in the back holds the bag edge in place. There is no charcoal filter, so odor control comes down to the lid seal, but for the money this is a lot of can.

Pros

  • Includes 20 trash bags in the box.
  • Anti-fingerprint brushed stainless finish.
  • Soft-close lid with a hands-free stay-open position.
  • Durable removable ABS inner bucket.
  • Pedal rated for 200,000 presses.

Cons

  • No dedicated odor filter.
  • Lesser-known brand with a shorter track record.

Product Specs

Size 13 gallons (50 liters)
Material Brushed stainless steel, ABS inner bucket
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

EKO Hudson Matte Stainless Trash Can

Most Stylish

Our Rating4 / 5
Capacity
5 / 5
Odor Control
2 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5
The EKO Hudson is the can you buy when you want the bin to look intentional. Its matte stainless finish resists fingerprints and reads more like a piece of kitchen hardware than a garbage can, which is what earns it the style nod.

Looks aside, it is a serious workhorse at 20 gallons (75 liters), enough capacity for a big family or a high-traffic kitchen. A clever rear compartment stores a roll of spare 13-gallon bags, so a fresh liner is always within reach when you change the bag. The bi-force damper lid opens and closes softly instead of banging.

The stainless foot pedal is rated for more than 200,000 steps, so it should hold up for years. The trade-offs are size and bag logistics: at 20 gallons it has a larger footprint and eats through bigger bags, so it is overkill for a small apartment.

Pros

  • Matte, fingerprint-resistant stainless finish.
  • Rear compartment stores spare bags.
  • Roomy 20-gallon capacity.
  • Soft open-and-close damper lid.
  • Pedal rated for 200,000-plus steps.

Cons

  • Large footprint is too big for tight kitchens.
  • Uses larger bags than a standard 13-gallon can.

Product Specs

Size 20 gallons (75 liters)
Material Matte stainless steel
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

Ninestars Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

Best No-Touch Can

Our Rating4 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
3 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5
Touchless is the most hygienic way to run a kitchen bin, and the Ninestars automatic can does it without a lot of fuss. Wave a hand over the sensor and the lid opens on its own, so you never touch a dirty surface while cooking. That is a genuine help when your hands are covered in raw chicken or sticky scraps.

The 13-gallon rectangular body sits flush against a wall or island and swallows bulky takeout boxes with room to spare. The all-silver stainless finish resists fingerprints, and a removable liner ring hides the messy bag edge for a tidy look. When the lid closes, its precise fit seals stubborn food smells inside.

It runs on 2 D-cell batteries (not included) for up to about nine months per set, so there are no cords to route. As with any sensor can, the trade-off is battery upkeep, and an over-eager sensor can open if you brush past it, so keep it out of the main walkway.

Pros

  • Fully touchless motion-sensor lid.
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless body.
  • Rectangular shape sits flush against the wall.
  • Odor-sealing soft-close lid.
  • Up to nine months of runtime per battery set.

Cons

  • Batteries are not included.
  • The sensor can open when you simply walk by.

Product Specs

Size 13 gallons (50 liters)
Material Stainless steel
Lid Yes, automatic
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Motion sensor

SIMPLI-MAGIC Stainless Steel Trash Can

Best Odor Control

Our Rating4 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5
If smells are your main headache, the SIMPLI-MAGIC step can is built to handle them. Its standout feature is a built-in holder for an activated carbon filter, which absorbs odor molecules from the air rather than just trapping them under a lid. Pair it with the snug soft-close lid and food waste stays far less noticeable between trash days.

The 13.2-gallon stainless body is fingerprint-resistant and rides on a metal foot pedal for hands-free access. Clean lines and a flush profile let it sit tight against a wall or cabinet, so it suits a compact kitchen as well as a large one. A removable plastic liner and a stay-open lid lock make bag changes and cleaning painless.

The main thing to plan for is the filter itself: it is a consumable, so you will swap in a fresh charcoal insert every few months to keep the odor control working. That is a small running cost for a noticeably fresher kitchen.

Pros

  • Built-in holder for an activated carbon odor filter.
  • Snug soft-close lid contains smells.
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish.
  • Flush profile fits compact kitchens.
  • Removable liner and stay-open lock ease bag changes.

Cons

  • Charcoal filters are a consumable you replace every few months.
  • Filter is not always included in the box.

Product Specs

Size 13.2 gallons (50 liters)
Material Stainless steel
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control Yes, activated carbon filter holder
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

iTouchless SoftStep 16 Gallon Dual Trash Can and Recycle Bin

Best for Large Kitchens

Our Rating4.25 / 5
Capacity
5 / 5
Odor Control
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5
For a large kitchen or a household that recycles daily, a dual-compartment can pulls its weight. The iTouchless SoftStep puts trash and recycling side by side in one 16-gallon unit, so sorting happens as you go instead of piling up in a corner.

Inside are two separate color-coded 8-gallon removable inner buckets, and they take standard 8 to 10 gallon bags, so there are no proprietary liners to reorder. Each side gets its own AbsorbX odor filter, and the first two filters come in the box, which means the recycling side does not turn sour between pickups.

The ergonomic step pedal opens with light pressure, and an air damper lets the lid settle shut quietly instead of banging. That damper is replaceable, so a worn one does not retire the can. The brushed stainless finish is fingerprint-proof and wipes clean. Plan for the footprint before you buy: at 18.75 inches wide and 15.25 inches deep, with a 38-inch lid-open height, it needs real clearance and will not tuck under an overhang.

Pros

  • Two color-coded 8-gallon buckets make sorting simple.
  • Dual AbsorbX odor filters, one per side, included in the box.
  • Takes standard 8 to 10 gallon bags, no custom liners.
  • Replaceable air damper for a quiet, soft close.
  • Fingerprint-proof brushed stainless finish.

Cons

  • Wide footprint, and the lid needs 38 inches of clearance to open.
  • Carbon filters are a consumable you replace over time.
  • Each 8-gallon side fills fast with bulky recyclables.

Product Specs

Size 16 gallons (60 liters) / two 8-gallon buckets / 18.75 x 15.25 x 26.25 inches
Material Brushed stainless steel, plastic inner buckets
Lid Yes, soft-close air damper
Odor-Control Yes, dual AbsorbX carbon filters
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

Glad Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection

Best Budget Pick

Our Rating3.5 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Odor Control
3 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5
You do not have to spend a lot to get a capable kitchen can, and the Glad step can is the proof. It is a straightforward 13-gallon plastic bin at a budget price, but it borrows one trick from pricier models: the lid is treated with Clorox Odor Protection, which helps block smells for the life of the can.

Interior bag rings are the other smart touch. They grip the liner at the rim so it does not slip down inside when you drop in something heavy, and they tuck the excess bag out of view. The step pedal keeps the whole thing hands-free, and the plastic body wipes clean and will not rust or dent.

It is lightweight, which makes it easy to move but also easy to slide if you stomp the pedal too hard. For a second bin, a rental, or anyone who just wants a solid can without the steel price, it covers the basics well.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly price.
  • Clorox odor-protection lid helps block smells.
  • Interior bag rings stop liners from slipping.
  • Plastic body will not rust or dent.
  • Standard 13-gallon size fits common bags.

Cons

  • Lightweight body can slide on smooth floors.
  • Plastic can stain or hold smells over the years.

Product Specs

Size 13 gallons
Material Plastic
Lid Yes, Clorox odor-protection
Odor-Control Yes, Clorox-treated lid
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

Ninestars Step-On Trash Can Combo Set

Best for Small Kitchens

Our Rating3.25 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Odor Control
2 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5
A galley kitchen or a studio apartment rarely has room for a 13-gallon bin, and this Ninestars set is built for exactly that problem. You get a round 8-gallon (30-liter) step-on can for the kitchen plus a matching 1.3-gallon (5-liter) mini bin for a bathroom, office, or bedroom, both in the same stainless finish.

Both cans use a spring-loaded foot pedal, so the lid opens hands-free while you are holding a dripping coffee filter, and the soft-close lid settles quietly rather than clanging. The stainless bodies are smudge-proof and fingerprint-resistant, which keeps the finish looking clean in a small kitchen where the bin sits within easy reach of everything.

Cleaning is straightforward. Each can holds a removable, leak-proof inner bucket, so a split bag stays contained and the bucket lifts out for a rinse instead of forcing you to scrub the can itself. The base is non-skid, so the bin stays planted when you step on the pedal rather than sliding across a tile floor. The trade-off is capacity: 8 gallons suits one or two people, and a bigger household will be walking bags out most days.

Pros

  • Compact 8-gallon footprint fits a small kitchen.
  • Includes a matching 1.3-gallon mini bin for a bathroom or office.
  • Leak-proof removable inner bucket lifts out for cleaning.
  • Soft-close lid runs quietly.
  • Non-skid base keeps the can from sliding when you step on it.

Cons

  • 8 gallons is small for a large household.
  • No charcoal filter, so odor control rests on the lid.

Product Specs

Size 8 gallons (30 liters) plus a 1.3-gallon (5-liter) mini bin
Material Stainless steel, plastic inner buckets
Lid Yes, soft-close
Odor-Control No
Opening Mechanism Foot pedal

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Size Material Lid Odor-Control Opening Mechanism
Rev-A-Shelf Double Pull-Out Waste Bin Slide-In Trash Can 13.5 gal. Steel wire frame, plastic bins No No Slide-out
Amazon Basics Soft-Close Step Can Soft-Close Can 13.2 gal. Brushed stainless steel Yes No Foot pedal
Simplehuman Semi-Round Step Plastic Kitchen Trash Can 13 gal. Durable plastic & steel pedal Yes No Foot pedal
SONGMICS Stainless Step Trash Can Stainless Steel Can 13 gal. Stainless steel Yes No Foot pedal
KdbK Stainless Step Trash Can Value 13 gal. Stainless steel Yes No Foot pedal
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless Can Stylish 20 gal. Matte stainless steel Yes No Foot pedal
Ninestars Automatic Sensor Can No-Touch Can 13 gal. Stainless steel Yes No Motion sensor
SIMPLI-MAGIC Soft-Close Trash Can Odor Control 13.2 gal. Stainless steel Yes Yes Foot pedal
iTouchless SoftStep Dual Trash Can For Large Kitchens 16 gal. Brushed stainless steel, plastic buckets Yes Yes Foot pedal
Glad Step Trash Can Budget Pick 13 gal. Plastic Yes Yes Foot pedal
Ninestars Step-On Combo Set For Small Kitchens 8 gal. + 1.3 gal. Stainless steel, plastic buckets Yes No Foot pedal

FAQs

Are Touchless Trash Cans Worth It?

Touchless trash cans are worth it for most kitchens because they let you toss waste without touching a dirty surface while handling raw meat or sticky messes. The trade-off is battery upkeep and the occasional false open, so place one in a low-traffic spot where the sensor will not trigger every time you walk by.

What Is a Good Size for a Kitchen Trash Can?

A good size for most kitchens is 13 gallons (50 liters), the household standard because it matches the trash bags sold at grocery and big-box stores. One or two people can drop to 8 gallons, while big families do better with 16 to 20 gallons. Dual-compartment and cabinet slide-in models usually run smaller, around 5 to 8 gallons per bin.

What Is the Best Trash Can for a Small Kitchen?

The best trash can for a small kitchen is either a slim, rectangular bin that sits flush against a wall or a cabinet slide-out that hides the trash entirely. A pull-out unit like the Rev-A-Shelf frees up floor space, while a flush 13-gallon step can gives you full capacity in a narrow footprint. Measure the spot before you buy.

How Long Do Trash Cans Last?

Trash cans last anywhere from 2 to 10 years depending on the material. A stainless steel can with a simple step pedal commonly runs 5 to 10 years, since its non-porous surface resists odors. Plastic cans hold up structurally but absorb smells over time, so many get replaced every 2 to 5 years. Sensor cans are the most fragile, as the motor or electronics often fail within 2 to 4 years.

Why Are Kitchen Trash Cans so Expensive?

Kitchen trash cans get expensive because of materials and mechanisms. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel costs more to manufacture, and soft-close hinges, motion sensors, and odor-control filters each add to the price. Cheap plastic bins still exist, but a higher-end can usually buys you better odor containment and a longer service life.

What Can I Do With an Old Plastic Trash Can?

An old plastic trash can has plenty of second lives if it is still intact. Clean it out and use it for garage storage, a dedicated recycling bin, or a laundry hamper. For a garden project, drill drainage holes in the bottom and turn it into a large planter for potatoes or tomatoes.

How Often Should You Clean Your Trash Can?

You should wipe your kitchen trash can weekly and deep-clean it once a month, or sooner if it starts to smell. Disinfect the lid and rim every time you change the bag, since that is where residue collects. If a bag leaks, wash the bin right away with hot, soapy water to stop bacteria from taking hold.

How Do I Keep My Trash Cabinet From Smelling?

Keep a trash cabinet from smelling by containing the odor at the source. Use a bin with a lid even inside the cabinet, then attach an activated carbon filter to the underside of the cabinet or the can lid, which absorbs odors for up to three months. Emptying food scraps more often is the simplest fix of all.

How Do I Stop the Trash Bag From Slipping?

Stop a trash bag from slipping by using a can with built-in bag rings or an inner-bucket hole that grips the excess plastic and pulls it tight. If your can lacks one, loop a large rubber band around the rim or clip the bag with oversized binder clips to hold it in place.


Conclusion

Upgrading your kitchen trash can is a small change that pays off every single day. Whether you want the hidden convenience of the Rev-A-Shelf pull-out, the touch-free hygiene of the Ninestars sensor can, or the budget-friendly ease of the Glad step can, there is a match for your space and habits. Measure your spot, pick the features that solve your biggest annoyance, and enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen.

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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!