The best kitchen trash cans have unique features that make them easier to use, like a large volume, antibacterial properties, high-tech details, hands-free mechanisms, a soft-closing lid, and a simple design. Top-tier features also include designs that keep dogs out and trash and recycling bins in separate places. You should have a trash can in your kitchen that looks cool.
Even though it holds and hides all of your cooking trash, it doesn’t mean it can’t be a model of form, function, and fabulosity. We spent weeks researching to find the best cans that meet all of these criteria. We looked at everything from automatic trash cans that you don’t have to touch to simple plastic trash cans that you can use for trash and/or recycling. Below we have mentioned the best kitchen trash cans.
Best Kitchen Trash Cans Comparison Table
| Trash Can | Capacity | Material | Step-On | Sensor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad 13 Gallon Stainless | 13 Gallon | Stainless | No | No |
| Simplehuman Rectangular | 13 Gallon | Stainless | Yes | No |
| Rubbermaid Premier Series | Varies | Varies | Yes | No |
| Simplehuman 40L Slim | 40L | Varies | Yes | No |
| iTouchless 13 Gallon | 13 Gallon | Varies | No | Yes |
Glad 13 Gallon Stainless
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 13 gallons |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Swing lid |
| Odor Control | OdorShield technology |
| Bag Compartment | Built-in bag rings |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Variable depending on the model |
| Weight | Variable depending on the model |
| Color Options | Stainless steel, black, white |
| Warranty | Varies by model |
If you hate it when your trash bag falls into your trash can and your biggest fear is reaching into that dark, smelly pit, then you need the Glad 13 Gallon Stainless with Clorox Odor Protection. The trash bag is held in place by metal arms that wrap around it. It’s more likely that the bag will tear before it falls. This model also has a handy place to store trash bags, so they are never out of reach. If trash gets on the bin when it’s being taken out, the Clorox Odor Protection treatment on the lid and lid frame should help cut down on smells by stopping germs that cause them from growing.
We mostly have good things to say about the Glad 13 Gallon can, but there are a few things we don’t like about it. When they hit the inside of the can, the metal arms that hold the bags in place make a lot of noise. The rest of the structure is pretty strong, but the lid is not. We don’t suggest sitting on any of the products we tested, since none of them were made to double as a stool, but this trash can is especially bad for that. Overall, it is one of the best kitchen trash cans that you can buy.
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Lid can be loud when closing
Simplehuman Rectangular Step Can
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Varies by model |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Step-on |
| Liner Pocket | Built-in liner pocket |
| Liner Rim | Stainless steel rim |
| Liner Code | Custom fit liners available |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Variable depending on the model |
| Weight | Variable depending on the model |
| Color Options | Stainless steel, black, white |
| Warranty | Varies by model |
Everyone who came over told us how nice the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Can looked in our kitchen. Besides being beautiful (can a trash can be beautiful? Okay, we did), it locks in smells like the best rivals. It comes with a free set of trash bags and an easy-to-use bag holder that lets you put trash bags right into the body of the trash can. The foot pedal is big and goes all the way across the front of the can, making it easy to use.
The Simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can is one of the most expensive items on our list. It works the same as the Amazon Basics, but it looks a lot nicer. This model is a good choice if you want something to start a talk or improve the look of your kitchen. Thus, it is one of the best kitchen trash cans that you can buy.
Pros
- Slim design fits in tight spaces
- Strong foot pedal for easy opening
- Removable inner bucket for easy cleaning
Cons
- Higher price point
- May not hold as much trash as larger cans
Rubbermaid Premier Series Step-On
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Varies by model |
| Material | Plastic |
| Lid Type | Step-on |
| LinerLock Technology | Bag stays in place |
| Foot Pedal | Stainless steel foot pedal |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Variable depending on the model |
| Weight | Variable depending on the model |
| Color Options | Black, gray |
| Warranty | Varies by model |
The Rubbermaid Premier Series Step-on Trash Can has everything you need at a price you can afford. Our testers really like this trash can because it has a big foot pedal that goes almost all the way across the bottom, a slow-close lid, and a Liner-Lock feature. The lid lock system is another feature that stands out. It keeps the lid in place when it is fully open, making it easy to work or clean, and it can be locked shut so that kids and pets can’t get in. The modern charcoal-colored resin form is both strong and attractive.
Unfortunately, the Rubbermaid Premier Series is easier for kids and pets to move or knock over because it is lighter. Then, there aren’t any good handholds, which makes it hard to take it outside to clean it thoroughly. Even though this model isn’t very heavy, it’s just hard to move. Overall, it is one of the best kitchen trash cans that you can buy.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Hands-free opening with step-on mechanism
- Odor control features
Cons
- May be too bulky for smaller kitchens
- Lid can be difficult to fully close
Simplehuman 40L Slim Step Can
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 40 liters |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Step-on |
| Space-Efficient Shape | Slim design |
| Liner Code | Custom fit liners available |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Variable depending on the model |
| Weight | Variable depending on the model |
| Color Options | Stainless steel, black |
| Warranty | Varies by model |
Simplehuman’s 40L Slim Step Can is a great value can because it has a great price and a 5-year guarantee. The Simplehuman Slim is made of plastic, which is less attractive and usually less lasting than stainless steel. However, the plastic is surprisingly strong. It can’t be marked by fingerprints and, like the brand’s square steel type, has a foot pedal made to last 150,000 steps.
Even though its slim, ergonomic shape makes it slightly smaller than a standard can, this is on purpose so that it can fit into tight, awkward kitchen areas without being in the way. It also has some nice extras, like wheels that make it easy to move around and a locking lid that makes it by far the best dog-proof unit we could find. Still, it is one of the best kitchen trash cans that you can buy.
Pros
- Large capacity for more trash
- Slim design saves space
- Silent lid closure
Cons
- Higher price point
- Foot pedal may require more force to open
iTouchless 13 Gallon Deodorizer Sensor Trash Can
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 13 gallons |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Lid Type | Sensor-activated |
| Odor Control | Deodorizer technology |
| Motion Sensor Range | 6 inches |
| Battery Life | Varies by usage |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Variable depending on the model |
| Weight | Variable depending on the model |
| Color Options | Stainless steel, black, white |
| Warranty | Varies by model |
It seems like you can buy an automatic form of just about anything these days, so why not trash cans? With a sensor-activated lid, you don’t have to touch a dirty trash can or make it dirty if your hands are covered in, say, raw chicken. This saves you time and effort. It’s not too expensive at about $65, but you’ll also need to buy batteries or a separate AC charger. Overall, it is one of the best kitchen trash cans that you can buy.
Attractive extras include an activated carbon filter that keeps bad smells in, a smudge-resistant, easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior, and an extra-wide opening for storing large things. The bag stays in place thanks to a ring on top, and air holes on the bottom make it easy to put on and take off. Standard kitchen trash bags fit in a 13-gallon trash can, but the square-shaped box is a little taller than it is wide, so it doesn’t take up much room.
Pros
- Hands-free operation with sensor
- Built-in odor control
- Removable inner bucket for easy cleaning
Cons
- Sensor may be overly sensitive
- Lid may not close tightly at times
FAQs
People often choose trash cans made of stainless steel because they are strong, easy to clean, and look nice. It doesn’t show fingerprints or smells and can look good in a modern kitchen. Other materials like plastic or wood may also work, based on your tastes and the style of your kitchen as a whole.
Touchless trash cans can be helpful in a number of ways. They have technology that lets you open the door by waving your hand over it. This is helpful when your hands are full or dirty. Touchless operating also makes it less likely that germs and smells will spread. Even though they are usually more expensive than regular trash cans, many people find that the extra ease and cleanliness are worth it.
