The Best Kitchen Trash Cans We've Ever Tested

Final Verdict

After testing out several kitchen trash cans, our top pick is the Simplehuman 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can. This durable and convenient option offers easy hands-free operation, contains odors like a champ, and has a fingerprint-resistant finish that’s easy to clean and maintain. For a budget-friendly pick, we recommend the FDW 13-Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can, with a soft-closing lid, sleek stainless steel design, and wide opening for easy disposal.

Our Testing Process

To come up with our list of the best kitchen trash cans, we tested 20 of the most popular models over a two-week period in our own homes. Upon unboxing, we evaluated the overall design, size, and shape of each trash can and its lid. We paid particular attention to the opening and closing mechanism, noting how easy and efficient it was to use from various angles and while our hands were full. We also evaluated any extra included features, such as child and pet locks, soft-closing lids, customizable settings, removable inner bins, and mechanisms to tuck away excess bag edges, recording how responsive, intuitive, effective, and easy to use these were. 

We carefully looked at the interior and exterior of each trash can and noted whether a special bag was needed based on its capacity and/or design (if proprietary trash bags were provided, we used those, but if not, we went with store-bought generic). We made note of whether the lid’s opening was large enough to fit bulkier items and if it sealed completely and tightly. When removing and replacing trash bags, we recorded whether the process was quick and efficient, how hard or easy it was to remove a full bag, and if there were areas that could cause the bag to become snagged or torn. 

We also checked how sturdy and leakproof each model was and whether its stability was impacted by how full the bag was. We evaluated how effective each unit was at containing odors and how it handled particularly strong or pungent smells. Finally, we tested how easy it was to clean the interior and exterior of each unit, whether there was a stain- or smudge-resistant exterior, and if there were any hard-to-reach spots or crevices that complicated the cleaning process.

How to Shop for Kitchen Trash Cans Like a Pro

Size

Kitchen trash cans are available in an array of different sizes and capacities. They usually range from 20 to 30 inches in height and 10 to 25 inches in width. For capacity, they can hold anywhere from 3 to 30 gallons of waste. A 13-gallon kitchen trash can, like the Rubbermaid Premier Series II (2129978) model, is typically considered standard sized. The size you opt for will depend on your household needs, though. Trash can size is often dictated by where it can be stored and how much trash and/or recycling is generated.

For a single-person household, a trash can with a capacity of around 8 to 10 gallons will often be sufficient for daily waste disposal needs, while a 10- to 13-gallon option will accommodate a couple. For a family of four or more, a trash can with a capacity of 13 to 20 gallons is recommended. Those with a lot of daily waste would need a larger trash can and a separate recycling bin. 

“If you cook a lot, having a small kitchen trash can will likely mean that you will have to empty it several times a day,” Hoareau says. “If you don’t spend much time in the kitchen, however, a trash can with a smaller capacity and overall size might be better as it won’t take up as much valuable kitchen space.”

Slim or smaller-volume kitchen trash cans are able to fit into narrower kitchen spaces and pretty much go unnoticed. “These can be tucked out of the way, or even put under the sink,” Solomon says. “If you are diligent in taking the trash and recycling out regularly, or have a trash room in your building, you can get away with a smaller trash can.”

Shape

In addition to varying sizes, kitchen trash cans are also available in many different shapes. These include square, rectangular, cylindrical, and slim. “Square trash cans are often placed against a wall or under a kitchen island, while cylindrical bins can be a space-saving option and tucked in a corner,” Solomon says. “Slim trash cans are the perfect option for tucking between cabinets or furniture as well as in places where there is reduced walkway clearance.”

Material

Kitchen trash cans can be made from metal, plastic, wicker, rattan, wood, or a combination of materials. The most popular options, however, are plastic and stainless steel. Both materials are easy to wipe down when they get dirty. “Stainless steel is great for reducing odors and the spreading of germs,” Solomon says. Plastic, on the other hand, will eventually absorb odor.

Stainless steel trash cans tend to be more expensive than plastic options, but they generally look nicer. They can also visually blend in, match kitchen appliances, and almost disappear. “If your kitchen layout doesn't include a built-in trash can, and the can is visible from other rooms or is centrally located in the kitchen, you may want an option that either blends into your design aesthetic (matches the color or decor scheme) or is neutral, like stainless steel,” Solomon says.

Whatever material you opt for, both Hoareau and Solomon suggest finding a trash can with an interior that can be removed for easier cleaning. “Being able to rinse out the can if something spills helps reduce odors and potential rodent or insect activity,” Solomon says. Hoareau adds that if you go for a metal kitchen trash can, make sure to buy a non-rust model and avoid painted metal trash cans, as the paint could peel or chip over time.

Opening Mechanism

Trash cans for kitchens are available with various different opening mechanisms to suit any need. The most affordable options will be swing-lid and step-pedal options. Swing lids pivot on a hinge and swing open when pushed, then return to a closed position with gravity. “With hinged lids, it's really important that they do not hit the wall when opened,” Solomon says. “If they do, after repeated use they will leave marks or damage the wall long-term.”

Pedal-operated trash cans offer a hands-free way to open the bin and will close automatically once you release the pedal. Touchless sensor kitchen trash cans have also become popular as they provide a hand- and foot-free experience by opening and closing on their own without manual effort on your part. “If you are germaphobe, the touchless cans (like the step pedal options) may be ideal,” Solomon says. They also provide better security against toddlers and pets. Just note that motion sensor bins do require batteries to work and tend to be more expensive than other types of kitchen trash cans.

Other opening options include the traditional manual lift top, a push-button mechanism that swings the lid open (but you’ll have to manually close it), and a slide lid that simply slides open and doesn't need any clearance space. Some bins have lids that stay open at 90 degrees, which, according to Solomon, are extremely helpful when changing bags and taking out the trash. There are also butterfly lids, which have two sides that open up. “These don't run the risk of damaging the walls and they take up much less space,” Solomon says.

Special Features

There are many convenient special features that you could look for in a kitchen trash can. These include a soft-closing lid, odor absorbers, dual compartments, locking lids, and touchless technology. You can also find bins with hidden trash bag storage or dispensers so bags are always within reach.

One non-negotiable feature, as per Solomon, is a soft-closing lid: “Who wants to hear the lid closing every time you use it?” If you have pets or children that you want to deter from getting into the trash, a can with a locking lid may be in order. “The trash cans with motion sensors might also be helpful for younger children who may not be able to open a can on their own, and many can be turned off to prevent unwanted opening or closing,” Solomon says.

Some kitchen trash cans come with dual compartments for waste and recycling, either side by side or one on top of the other. This eliminates the need for extra bins for each different type of waste.

Solomon is not a huge fan of dual-compartment bins because they decrease the size of both the trash and recycling bins. However, she agrees that a dual bin can address two problems in one, even if it’s not ideal space wise. “If you are convenience driven, the dual bin may be the winner, as you only need to go to one area to throw away both trash and recycling,” she says. “It streamlines the cleaning process and may encourage more recycling as it's right there when you throw your trash out.”

It's important to also consider the things that might bother you when using a trash can. “For example, if the bag is frequently falling off the can liner, you may want a trash can that has a grip hole or teeth to hold the bag in place,” Solomon says. If you are sensitive to smells, you might want to avoid plastic cans/lids, or choose one with an odor absorber, like Simplehuman’s Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can. 

For eco-conscious shoppers wanting to decrease their footprint and do their part for the planet, Solomon suggests options like the Brabantia Bo Touch-Top Trash Can, which is 98% recyclable, and the Simplehuman Dual-Compartment Trash Can, which has an interior made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

More Kitchen Trash Cans to Consider

Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, 13 Gallon: This trash can’s standout feature is the compartment on the back to store trash bags, making for ultra-convenient replacing when it comes time to take out the trash—no need to store your bags in a closet or under the sink. We also loved this trash can for its sleek, modern design. It kept very clean and didn’t give us any issues with collecting fingerprints, smudges, or stains. It also performed well in terms of odor control and its soft-close mechanism.

Rubbermaid Elite Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can, 12 Gallon: Despite not making it to our list, this option deserves a notable mention—it’s attractive, has a simple yet advanced hands-free foot-pedal opening mechanism, and has a wide opening. The lid closes slowly on its own, it has a stainless steel exterior, and there’s a handy removable internal bucket. It’s sturdy and leakproof, and it even kept most odors locked in, although it struggled with particularly stinky food. A few smudges were visible, but it can be easily wiped clean, with no hard-to-reach spots.

Questions You Might Ask

What size trash can is best for the kitchen?

Hoareau suggests choosing a kitchen trash can that suits both the size of the kitchen and your lifestyle. If you cook every day for a large family, for example, you should avoid smaller trash cans that will fill up quickly and potentially overflow. Those with small kitchens should opt for trash cans with different compartments for recycling and waste, and slim-line options can further help to save space, he says. For the average family, a 13- to 16-gallon capacity should suffice.

Why are kitchen trash cans so expensive?

Although you can find some kitchen trash cans around the $10 to $20 mark, a durable and long-lasting option can cost up to $250 or more. “I would attribute the high cost to the fact that everyone needs it,” Solomon says. “No one wants their home to smell of trash, and no one wants to look at trash. If the trash can has to be visible, it might as well look nice and function well. For that, there is a premium cost.”

However, she says that if you’re looking for a trash can for a temporary residence (think dorm or short-term rental), there’s no need to invest in a very expensive one. The most affordable options are the plain plastic swing-top or step-pedal bins. 

Should my kitchen trash can have a lid?

“If it is visible, absolutely,” Solomon says. “If it is inside a cabinet, it's not necessary.” A lid can help contain odors and messes, deter pests (i.e., flies, insects, and rodents), and keep your trash hidden. 

Some prefer not to have lids on their kitchen bins to avoid having one extra item to clean and not having to physically touch the bin every time they want to dispose of something (although step pedals and motion-sensor bins solve this issue). If you opt for a bin without a lid, you’ll definitely have to take the trash out at the end of each day. 

How long does a kitchen trash can last?

“I would expect a trash can to last at least 10 years,” Solomon says. “The fewer parts [it has], the longer it should last. I would anticipate the electronic/motion sensor cans will have shorter life spans because of the motors. A high-quality step pedal should last a really long time.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2019, and she is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested 20 kitchen trash cans in our own homes and considered factors such as each trash can’s size, capacity, material, style, durability, and ease of cleaning. Kat also spoke to Craig Hoareau, owner of A Tidy Mind, professional organizing and decluttering services in London, and Boston-based professional organizer and interior decorator, Heidi Solomon.