The Best Kitchen Trash Cans We've Ever Tested
Every kitchen needs a trash can, but if you want to keep smells at bay and have it blend in with your existing decor, any old trash can won’t do. Freestanding waste bins have become a stylish home addition in recent years, with manufacturers providing many size, shape, and color options. Others even include separate compartments for recycling and compost or have special features, like touchless lids, odor-absorbing pods, proprietary trash bags, and child locks.
To help you find the best trash can for your kitchen, we tested 20 of the most popular options out there and narrowed it down to the top eight. We also spoke with two experts—Craig Hoareau, owner of A Tidy Mind professional organizing and decluttering services in London, and Heidi Solomon, Boston-based professional organizer and interior decorator—about what to look for when shopping for this necessary household item.
NINESTARS DZT-50-28 13 Gallon Touchless Motion Sensor Trash Can at Amazon
$70
$57
Simplehuman 12 Gallon Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can at Amazon
$100
Amazon Basics 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Trash Can with Foot Pedal at Amazon
$75
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It offers effortless hands-free operation, effective odor containment, a secure liner rim, and convenient bag storage.
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Its slightly wider dimensions may not fit all kitchens, and its price is a little higher than some other standard trash cans.
If you’re after a durable, long-lasting, and truly practical kitchen trash can, the Simplehuman 12-Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can is the gold standard. This model has a durable stainless steel construction with a fingerprint-resistant finish that’s easy to clean and maintain. Its modern and minimal design makes a beautiful edition to any kitchen, as well as a safe pick for our Very Best Products of 2024 list.
In testing, this trash can operated seamlessly with a simple step on the bottom pedal. The lid opened fully, allowing effortless disposal of bulkier items, and the bin was ultra quiet when opening and closing. It was incredibly stable, too, with no rocking or movement during pedal operation. Best yet, it contained odors very well.
As an extra perk, the liner rim secures the bag’s edges, minimizing spills and preventing snags or tears. There’s even a convenient section for storing extra bags, making the replacement process simple and swift. Although it’s on the higher end of the price range, its functionality, durability, and elegant design make it a worthwhile investment. If you need something larger for your household’s trash needs, it also comes in 14.5- and 15.3-gallon options.
Size: 25.8 by 15.9 by 13.3 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
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![The top of the simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with the stickers on]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Kate Donovan
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![Trash inside the simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Kate Donovan
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![The liner pocket storage dispenser inside the simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Kate Donovan
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![The simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can box]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Kate Donovan