Top-Performing Kitchen Trash Cans from Our Extensive Testing

Top Pick

For those seeking a robust, long-lasting, and highly functional kitchen trash can, the Simplehuman 12-Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can sets the benchmark. Crafted from durable stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant coating, it’s both easy to clean and maintain. Its sleek, minimalist design enhances any kitchen aesthetic and has earned it a spot on our Very Best Products of 2024 list.

During testing, this trash can performed flawlessly with a gentle press on the pedal. The lid opened completely, making it easy to dispose of larger items, and the mechanism was nearly silent during operation. It remained steady and stable, showing no signs of wobbling or shifting when the pedal was used. Additionally, it excelled at trapping odors effectively. 

A standout feature is the liner rim, which holds the bag securely in place, reducing the risk of spills and preventing tears. It also includes a handy storage area for extra bags, ensuring quick and easy replacements. While it’s priced higher than some alternatives, its combination of functionality, durability, and sleek design justifies the cost. For larger households, it’s also available in 14.5- and 15.3-gallon sizes. 

Dimensions: 25.8 by 15.9 by 13.3 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Stainless steel

Top Affordable Pick

The FDW 13-gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can is a stylish and dependable choice that performed well in our tests. Despite its significantly lower price compared to similar models, it includes a soft-close lid and a wide opening, making it easy to dispose of bulky items. While it operates quietly, it occasionally produces a faint "clunk," though it’s barely noticeable. 

The pedal is broader and longer compared to many other kitchen trash cans, offering a larger stepping surface. It performed consistently throughout testing, with the lid opening smoothly and not swinging too far to hit the wall behind it (unless excessive force was applied). When the can wasn’t full, it tilted forward slightly when the pedal was pressed. Placing a non-slip mat underneath resolved this issue.

This lightweight model includes a detachable black plastic inner bin and accommodates standard trash bags. While it’s mostly resistant to smudges and fingerprints, a few minor marks were visible. We also observed that the bag occasionally caught on the lid mechanism during removal. Despite this, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and practical trash can at an affordable price.

Dimensions: 26 by 16 by 14 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Stainless steel, polypropylene

Top Touchless Pick

For those seeking a completely hands-free trash disposal experience, the Ninestars 13-Gallon Automatic Touchless Trash Can delivers with its motion-sensor lid. The lid opens swiftly and quietly, closing gently after approximately three seconds. A manual button next to the sensor allows for manual operation, powered by two D batteries (not included). 

During testing, this unit proved to be sturdy and well-balanced. Its large opening makes it easy to dispose of bulky items without compression. While it effectively contained odors (even from strong-smelling items like meat trays), the base isn’t leakproof. The sensor’s high sensitivity sometimes caused the lid to open unintentionally when someone walked by, so it’s best placed in low-traffic areas. 

The plastic inner rim allows you to tuck the bag’s edge over it, keeping it secure and out of sight. The exterior features a brushed steel finish, while the base and lid are made of matte black plastic, which we noticed tends to show greasy fingerprints. The main drawback is the inability to open the lid if the batteries die. Otherwise, it’s an excellent option for hands-free operation. 

Dimensions: 25.04 by 15.24 by 11.22 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Stainless steel, plastic

Top Plastic Pick

The Rubbermaid Premier Series II provides a budget-friendly option compared to pricier stainless steel models, offering a surprisingly stylish design for a plastic trash can. Its all-black, minimalist appearance gives it a modern look. The foot pedal operates the lid smoothly, requiring minimal pressure to open and avoiding any sudden, uncontrolled movements. 

When the pedal is released, the lid closes gently and quietly, forming a tight seal. It also includes a locking feature to keep the lid open when needed (especially useful during cooking). The wide opening accommodates larger items like folded boxes. While there’s no removable inner bin, a secondary lid securely holds and conceals the trash bag edges, flipping up easily for bag removal. The can is leakproof, and removing full bags is hassle-free. 

This lightweight trash can showed a few smudges but was easy to clean. It didn’t retain odors after emptying, and its sturdy construction prevented tipping, even when the pedal was pressed. A wider pedal would have been preferable for easier access, but overall, it’s a great value for its price, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. 

Dimensions: 24.1 by 16.1 by 12.7 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Plastic/resin with a stainless-steel foot pedal

Top Space-Saving Pick

Perfect for kitchens with limited space but significant waste disposal needs, the Simplehuman 12-Gallon Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can measures just over 10 inches wide, making it ideal for tight spots. Its foot pedal is highly responsive and operates quietly, requiring minimal pressure to open fully. The lid closes softly and securely, preventing any loud slamming noises. 

This sturdy trash can remains stable and doesn’t tip over, even when the pedal is pressed. Its stainless steel exterior resists stains and smudges, and the leakproof design ensures the bag’s edges stay hidden and secure. The bag installation and removal process is straightforward and hassle-free, with no snagging issues. Despite its narrow build, it offers a depth of 21.5 inches, providing a wide enough opening for easy trash disposal.

There are a few drawbacks. The included odor-absorbing pod (Odorsorb) attached inside the trash can didn’t perform as well as expected (odors were still noticeable when opening the lid). Additionally, the can lacks a removable inner bin, and only SimpleHuman’s proprietary trash bags (which are pricier) fit perfectly. However, regular trash bags can be used as an alternative (which we opted for). Overall, this compact and durable unit is well-designed, allowing for easy one-foot operation even when your hands are occupied.

Dimensions: 24.4 by 10.2 by 21.5 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Stainless steel

Top Pick With Removable Bin

For added ease in waste disposal and cleaning, consider a kitchen trash can with a detachable inner bin. We evaluated the Amazon Basics Smudge-Resistant Rectangular Trash Can and found it to be a user-friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing choice. It remained stable whether full or empty, and while it was heavy enough to stay in place during use, it was still easy to move when necessary.

The foot pedal enables operation from multiple angles, which is ideal when your hands are occupied. The lid opens swiftly when the pedal is pressed and closes gently upon release. However, proper placement of the trash bag around the inner bin is essential to ensure the lid closes fully. The removable inner bin prevents leaks and is particularly useful when dealing with heavy trash. 

Replacing the trash bag is straightforward—hold the lid open with your foot, tie the bag, and remove it. The can effectively contained odors, even strong ones. The exterior remained smudge- and stain-resistant, staying clean and polished throughout testing. Its size and material made it easy to access and clean all areas without extra effort. The price is also very reasonable.

Dimensions: 25.9 by 16.7 by 14.7 inches | Capacity: 13.2 gallons | Material: Stainless steel

Top Dual Compartment Pick

The Simplehuman 15.3-Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Trash Can is a practical, functional, and stylish solution for smaller households managing both waste and recycling. It features two compartments—one for trash and one for recycling—making waste sorting and disposal straightforward. If you can’t conceal your trash can, this model is visually appealing and unobtrusive. 

When the foot pedal is pressed, the top lid opens, while a second, manually operated section allows for easy bag replacement or recycling removal. This design keeps trash bags hidden for a clean look. Constructed from stainless steel, the bin is durable, leakproof, and effective at trapping odors. The wide foot pedal is accessible from any angle, offering smooth and quiet operation. 

The blue recycling bin is removable for convenient emptying, and bag replacement is hassle-free. A built-in bag holder ensures easy access to new bags. However, the recycling compartment fills up quickly, sometimes preventing the lid from closing fully. The exterior is prone to smudges but is easy to clean. While Simplehuman brand bags fit perfectly, standard bags can also be used.

Dimensions: 25.8 by 22 by 14.2 inches | Capacity: 15.3 gallons | Material: Brushed stainless steel, 100% post-consumer recycled plastic

Top Design Pick

The Brabantia Bo Touch-Top Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can is so visually appealing that you’ll want to keep it on display. Available in multiple colors to match any kitchen decor, it combines style with practicality.

Its four-legged design elevates it off the floor, making it easy to clean underneath. The lid features a responsive, soft-touch mechanism that opens with a light press and stays open until manually closed. Once shut, the lid forms a tight seal, keeping pets and toddlers out while remaining easy for older children to use.

The bin includes two removable inner plastic containers—a larger one for trash and a smaller one for recycling—making it easy to empty and clean. We tested it with Brabantia’s trash bags, which proved to be fully leakproof. The bags are color-coded for easy identification and proper placement. While this trash can is a premium investment, its durability and stylish design justify the cost. Additionally, it comes with a generous 10-year residential warranty. 

Dimensions: 26.75 by 21.25 by 12.25 inches | Capacity: 9 gallons | Material: Stainless steel, plastic

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, our top choice is the Simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can. This reliable and user-friendly option features hands-free operation, excellent odor control, and a fingerprint-resistant finish that’s simple to clean and maintain. For a more affordable option, we recommend the FDW 13-Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can, which boasts a soft-close lid, a sleek stainless steel design, and a wide opening for easy trash disposal.

Our Testing Process

To determine the best kitchen trash cans, we tested 20 popular models over two weeks in real-world home environments. We assessed each trash can’s design, size, and shape, focusing on the lid’s opening and closing mechanism, ease of use from different angles, and functionality when hands were full. We also evaluated additional features like child and pet locks, soft-close lids, customizable settings, removable inner bins, and bag-edge concealment, noting their responsiveness, intuitiveness, and effectiveness. 

We examined both the interior and exterior of each trash can, checking if proprietary bags were required based on capacity or design (using provided bags when available or generic ones otherwise). We assessed whether the lid opening accommodated larger items and if it sealed tightly. During bag replacement, we noted the efficiency of the process, the ease of removing full bags, and any potential snagging or tearing issues. 

We also assessed the sturdiness and leakproof qualities of each model, noting whether stability was affected by the bag’s fullness. We evaluated odor containment effectiveness, especially with strong or pungent smells. Finally, we tested how easy it was to clean both the interior and exterior, checking for stain- or smudge-resistant surfaces and identifying any hard-to-reach areas that could complicate cleaning.

How to Shop for Kitchen Trash Cans Like a Pro

Size

Kitchen trash cans come in various sizes and capacities, typically ranging from 20 to 30 inches in height and 10 to 25 inches in width. Their capacity can vary from 3 to 30 gallons. A 13-gallon model, such as the Rubbermaid Premier Series II (2129978), is considered standard. The ideal size depends on your household’s needs, including storage space and the amount of trash or recycling generated.

For single-person households, an 8- to 10-gallon trash can usually suffices for daily waste, while a 10- to 13-gallon option works well for couples. Families of four or more may require a 13- to 20-gallon can. Those producing significant daily waste might need a larger trash can and a separate recycling bin. 

“If you cook frequently, a small kitchen trash can may require multiple daily empties,” Hoareau explains. “However, if you spend little time in the kitchen, a smaller, more compact trash can might be preferable, as it won’t occupy much space.”

Slim or smaller-volume trash cans are ideal for tight kitchen spaces and can easily blend in. “These can be discreetly placed or even stored under the sink,” Solomon notes. “If you regularly take out the trash and recycling or have access to a building trash room, a smaller can may suffice.”

Shape

Kitchen trash cans come in various shapes, including square, rectangular, cylindrical, and slim. “Square trash cans are ideal for placement against walls or under kitchen islands, while cylindrical bins save space and fit well in corners,” Solomon explains. “Slim trash cans are perfect for fitting between cabinets, furniture, or in areas with limited clearance.”

Material

Kitchen trash cans are made from materials like metal, plastic, wicker, rattan, wood, or combinations thereof. The most common choices are plastic and stainless steel, both of which are easy to clean. “Stainless steel helps reduce odors and prevents germ spread,” Solomon notes. Plastic, however, may absorb odors over time.

Stainless steel trash cans are typically pricier than plastic ones but offer a more polished look. They can seamlessly blend into kitchen decor, matching appliances and appearing almost invisible. “If your kitchen lacks a built-in trash can and the bin is visible from other rooms or centrally located, consider a design that complements your aesthetic or a neutral option like stainless steel,” Solomon advises.

Regardless of the material, both Hoareau and Solomon recommend choosing a trash can with a removable interior for easier cleaning. “Being able to rinse the can after spills helps minimize odors and prevents pests,” Solomon says. Hoareau adds that if you choose a metal trash can, ensure it’s rust-resistant and avoid painted metal models, as the paint may chip or peel over time.

Opening Mechanism

Kitchen trash cans feature various opening mechanisms to meet different needs. Budget-friendly options include swing lids and step pedals. Swing lids pivot on a hinge, opening when pushed and closing via gravity. “It’s crucial that hinged lids don’t hit the wall when opened,” Solomon advises. “Repeated contact can cause marks or long-term wall damage.”

Pedal-operated trash cans allow for hands-free opening and automatically close when the pedal is released. Touchless sensor models are also popular, offering a completely hands- and foot-free experience by opening and closing automatically. “For germaphobes, touchless or step-pedal options are ideal,” Solomon notes. They also provide added security against pets and toddlers. However, motion sensor bins require batteries and are typically more expensive than other types.

Other opening mechanisms include traditional manual lift tops, push-button systems that swing the lid open (requiring manual closure), and slide lids that open without needing clearance. Some bins feature lids that stay open at 90 degrees, which Solomon highlights as particularly useful for bag changes and trash removal. Butterfly lids, with two opening sides, are also available. “These avoid wall damage and take up less space,” Solomon explains.

Special Features

Kitchen trash cans offer various convenient features, such as soft-closing lids, odor absorbers, dual compartments, locking lids, and touchless technology. Some models include hidden bag storage or dispensers for easy access to replacement bags.

Solomon emphasizes that a soft-closing lid is essential: “No one wants to hear the lid slam shut every time.” For households with pets or young children, a locking lid can prevent unwanted access. “Motion sensor trash cans are also helpful for young children who can’t open the bin themselves, and many can be deactivated to avoid accidental openings,” Solomon adds.

Some trash cans feature dual compartments for waste and recycling, either side by side or stacked. This design eliminates the need for separate bins for different types of waste.

Solomon isn’t a big advocate for dual-compartment bins, as they reduce the size of both trash and recycling sections. However, she acknowledges their convenience. “If you prioritize ease, a dual bin solves two problems at once, even if it sacrifices space,” she explains. “It simplifies cleaning and may boost recycling rates since both options are in one spot.”

It’s also crucial to consider potential annoyances. “If the bag often slips off, look for a trash can with grip holes or teeth to secure it,” Solomon advises. For those sensitive to odors, avoid plastic cans or lids, or opt for one with an odor absorber, like the Simplehuman Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can. 

Eco-conscious shoppers aiming to reduce their environmental impact might consider options like the Brabantia Bo Touch-Top Trash Can, which is 98% recyclable, or the Simplehuman Dual-Compartment Trash Can, made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials.

More Kitchen Trash Cans to Consider

Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, 13 Gallon: This model features a built-in compartment for storing trash bags, eliminating the need to keep bags in a separate location. Its sleek, modern design resists fingerprints, smudges, and stains, while its soft-close mechanism and odor control performed exceptionally well in our tests.

Rubbermaid Elite Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can, 12 Gallon: While it didn’t make our top list, this model is worth mentioning for its stylish design, user-friendly foot-pedal mechanism, and wide opening. The lid closes gently on its own, and the stainless steel exterior pairs with a removable inner bucket. It’s durable, leakproof, and effective at trapping most odors, though it struggled with particularly pungent food smells. A few smudges appeared, but they were easy to clean without hard-to-reach areas.

Questions You Might Ask

What size trash can is best for the kitchen?

Hoareau recommends selecting a kitchen trash can that fits both your kitchen’s size and your daily habits. For instance, if you cook regularly for a large family, avoid smaller bins that may fill up too quickly and overflow. For compact kitchens, consider trash cans with separate compartments for recycling and waste, and slim designs can maximize space efficiency. For most families, a 13- to 16-gallon capacity is ideal.

Why are kitchen trash cans so expensive?

While some kitchen trash cans are priced between $10 and $20, high-quality, durable models can cost up to $250 or more. “The high cost reflects the universal need for a functional and aesthetically pleasing trash can,” Solomon explains. “No one wants their home to smell bad or look messy. If the trash can is visible, it should look good and work well, which comes at a premium.”

However, Solomon notes that for temporary living situations, like dorms or short-term rentals, an expensive trash can isn’t necessary. Affordable options like basic plastic swing-top or step-pedal bins are sufficient. 

Should my kitchen trash can have a lid?

“If the trash can is visible, a lid is essential,” Solomon states. “If it’s inside a cabinet, it’s optional.” A lid helps control odors, prevent messes, deter pests like insects and rodents, and keep trash out of sight. 

Some people prefer lidless bins to avoid extra cleaning and the need to touch the bin when disposing of waste (though step pedals and motion-sensor models address this). Without a lid, you’ll need to empty the trash daily. 

How long does a kitchen trash can last?

“A trash can should last at least 10 years,” Solomon explains. “Simpler designs with fewer parts tend to last longer. Motion-sensor models may have shorter lifespans due to their motors, but a high-quality step-pedal bin should endure for many years.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Kat de Naoum, a seasoned writer with over 11 years of experience. Kat has contributed to Mytour since 2019 and serves as the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, a leading U.S. platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this piece, we evaluated 20 kitchen trash cans in real-world settings, focusing on size, capacity, material, design, durability, and cleaning ease. Kat also consulted Craig Hoareau, founder of A Tidy Mind, a London-based professional organizing service, and Heidi Solomon, a Boston-based professional organizer and interior decorator.