11 Best Kitchen Trash Cans Of 2024 With A Buying Guide
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If you look closely, you might realize that your pots and pans are not the most hardworking tools in your kitchen. In fact, it is the overlooked kitchen trash can that works the hardest.
The best kitchen garbage can would be one that suits your needs and complements the space effectively. From deciding your uses, requirements, and budget, to figuring out the best materials, designs, and types, it can be a hectic job to buy a new kitchen trash can. Our list of the top 11 kitchen trash cans will help you in getting the best deal for your money. Scroll down to check them out!
In This Article
11 Best Kitchen Trash Cans Of 2024
1. Simplehuman Step Trash Can
This lightweight, foot pedal trash can will be helpful if your pet digs into your trash every now and then. You can activate the lock on the lid by pushing the silver-colored inner lid, preventing an easy opening. The lid shox technology ensures a quiet and smooth closing after releasing the pedal. Its semi-round shape with a flat back provides an easy placement against your wall, keeping it out of the way. The body is made of fingerprint-proof plastic that is easy to clean.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14 x 18.9 x 26.5 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Extra-durable plastic
- Color/Finish: Black, Gray, Stone, Mocha
- Has lid shox technology
- Comes with custom-fit liners
- Has a steel pedal
- Silent-close lid
- Ideal for busy households
- 5-year warranty
- Cumbersome locking mechanism
- Lid assembly may be problematic.
2. Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can
The Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can has a step-on mechanism and comes at an affordable price. The outer body and the foot pedal are made of high-quality plastic and stainless steel, respectively. The plastic, resin material makes this trash can long-lasting and easy to clean. The sturdy steel paddle ensures a hands-free opening, and the Liner Lock technology keeps the trash bag secured to the can rim. The wide opening enables you to dispose of big waste items, such as milk containers or cardboard boxes easily.
Specifications
- Dimensions:65 x 24.82 x 17.59 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Plastic
- Color/Finish: Black, Charcoal, Gunmetal blue, White
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting
- Easy lid opening
- 1-year warranty
- Ideal for big households
- The lid might not work properly.
3. Umbra Brim Garbage Can
This trash can comes with a satin finish and element of style that fits your home décor perfectly. It has a durable polypropylene construction with a stainless steel foot pedal that enables a soft and smooth lid shut. This brim trash can features a unique inner bag ring concealing the top of the garbage bags.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 00 x 25.50 x 17.00 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Color/Finish: Black, Brown, Nickel, White
- Durable
- Satin finish
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- 5-year warranty
- Suitable for residential and commercial purposes
- Expensive
4. BestOffice Garbage Can
This product by BestOffice ensures that garbage is disposed of soundlessly and with hygiene. The motion sensor technology will open the lid in 0.3 seconds once the sensor detects an object. The oval design with a sloping lid makes it a perfect fit in contemporary kitchens. The infrared technology ensures effective odor isolation to keep the surrounding areas smell-free.
Specifications
- Dimensions:37 x 16.1 x 25.31 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color/Finish: Black, Steel, White
- Prevents odors
- Multi-functional
- Touchless technology
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Batteries not included.
5. mDesign Trash Can
The mDesign Trash Can is rectangular with a versatile and compact design that fits into small spaces easily. This hands-free model uses a step pedal, ensuring hands-free operation and hygiene. The product features a removable inner bucket with handles for taking out the trash easily. You can be assured of long-lasting quality construction with its outer steel body and the shatter-resistant liner bucket.
Specifications
- Dimensions:25 x 5.5 x 11.75 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Material: Steel/Plastic
- Color/Finish: 17 options available
- Versatile
- Compact design
- Removable liner bucket
- Rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Might be prone to dents.
6. Rev-A-Shelf Waste Bin Container
This door mounted product keeps your garbage can be hidden yet accessible. It features two 35-quart containers with removable handles, and a 4-screw installation system mounted to the cabinet floor. The heavy-gauge chrome-plated wire frame uses a pull-out mechanism that slides in effortlessly, and the ball-bearings enable full-extension for easy access.
Specifications
- Dimensions:38 X 22 x 19.25 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Polymer
- Color/Finish: Black, Silver
- Easy to install
- Slides out easily
- Comes with custom-fit liners
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Expensive
7. iTouchless Sensor Trash Can
The iTouchless Sensor Trash Can is touch-free and your answer for clean and hygienic trash disposal. Not only is the space-saver design perfect for smaller kitchen spaces, but also the elegant white complements most modern kitchens. The smart sensor detects the slightest hand motion, prompting the lid to open instantly. The steel is smudge-resistant, fingerprint-proof, and easy to clean. The wide opening ensures hassle-free disposal of big trash items like milk containers or pizza boxes.
Specifications
- Dimensions:6 x 12.6 x 31.3 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Steel
- Color/Finish: Black, Steel, White
- 100% touch-free
- Affordable
- Smudge- resistant
- 1-year warranty
- Batteries and adapter not included.
8. hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can
This automatic trash can uses infrared technology to open the bin lid when motion is detected within the zone of 6 inches. Its hygienic and hands-free operation protects you from germs and harmful bacteria. The butterfly lid with split doors provides better clearance under low platform countertops. Unlike the usual rectangular bins, the lid of this product opens on the side so that the dustbin can be kept against the wall, allowing compact storage. The power can be provided through either 4C alkaline batteries or using the brand’s AC adapter. You can adjust the 90-degree rotating sensor ball for either top or side activation. It comes with a retainer ring that holds the garbage bag tightly in place and out of sight.
Specifications
- Dimensions:2 x 10.3 x 22.5 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color/Finish: Steel
- Automatic motion sensor
- Comes with front and top load options
- Power-saving
- Adjustable 90° swiveling sensor ball
- Multiple power options
- feature Retainer ring ensures a tight bag tuck
- Batteries and adaptor not included.
9. SensorCan Automatic Trash Can
This trash bin unit from SensorCan is the ultimate solution for a hygienic waste management system. A simple hand motion will open the lid without touching it. The fingerprint-proof, stainless steel build is stylish, making it a great choice for most kitchen environments. The bottom comes with air vents that help to remove the dust bag. It can be powered through an AC adapter or 4 D size batteries and will draw power as needed. The four removable wheels with locking features make it highly mobile, and the carbon odor filter absorbs and neutralizes trash odors.
Specifications
- Dimensions:5 x 16 x 25.5 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 03pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color/Finish: Black, Steel
- 100% touch less
- Fingerprint proof
- 2 power options
- Mobile
- Extra-long battery life
- Prevents trash odor
Noisy lid
10. Secura Automatic Trash Can
The Secura Automatic Trash Can comes with two adjustable sensor directions, where you can load the trash from the top or the front. The sensor is enabled by rolling the ball upward or frontward, followed by spotting your hand over the auto sensor for the lid to open. The rectangular shape fits the tightest of spaces with absolute ease. The six LED indicators inform you when the lid is about to close so that you can stop pouring trash. It comes with carbon filters that lock in the odor and is equipped with slow-motion technology for smooth lid operation. The stainless steel construction of this trash can facilitates easy cleaning.
Specifications
- Dimensions:2 x 11.5 x 7.9 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Capacity: 4 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color/Finish: Steel
- Comes with 2 adjustable sensors
- Has LED indicators
- Extra-wide opening
- Easy to clean
- Has activated carbon filter
- Quiet operation
- Hands-free lid opening
- Fragile bag liner
11. Dkeli Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
This touch-free garbage bin by Dkeli comes with an intelligent system featuring a waterproof infrared motion sensor. It protects the trash can from the damage caused by accidental spills. It has a high-quality stainless steel body with a stainless steel wire drawing surface. It comes with an impressive induction technology where the sensor lid opens in 0.3 seconds and closes in 5 seconds, post detecting objects within the sensor area.
Specifications
- Dimensions:3 x 11.4 x 25.4 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color/Finish: Steel
- Isolated odor
- Equipped with 0.3s induction technology
- Mute design
- Waterproof
- Rust-resistant
- Anti-slip base
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Batteries not included.
The foremost aspect of choosing an ideal kitchen garbage can is knowing how you wish to access it. You will find a plethora of options that feature different lid opening mechanisms and designs. Here’s an overview of the seven basic models with their functionalities.
What Are The Different Types Of Trash Cans?
- Step-On Pedal Trash Cans – This is a common design chosen by most households, where the lid is opened by pressing a foot pedal. They are hands-free and designed with tightly sealed lids to isolate odors, making them even more hygienic. They are easy to operate without bending to open the lid.
- In-cabinet Trash Cans –These cans fit in the cupboard under the sink, making them a great option for kitchens having limited space. They sit on the door-mounted metal rack or the base of the cupboard, allowing easy pull-out access.
- Manual Lid Trash Cans – They are comparatively simpler in mechanicsbut come with the disadvantage of having to use your hands or elbows for opening. If you decide to buy this type, go for a model whose lid can stay off without having to hold it, keeping it hands-free.
- Motion Sensor Trash Cans – They are also known as touchless, automatic, hands-free, or self-opening trash cans, as they use a motion sensor for opening the lid. Just wave your hand in front of the sensor, and the lid opens automatically. It is a safe and hygienic way to handle trash, though you have to change batteries after a while.
- Swing-top Or Fold-in Lid Trash Cans –This type of trash bin does not have a tight lid as the others and has its disadvantages. The lid might get messy and dirty as you try to push the food into the bin. Also, it will not be able to keep the odor inside.
- Touch-top Trash Cans – These are operated by pressing the button on the lid top. But the need to use your hands bring down their sanitary value.
- No-lid Trash Cans – Kitchen trash cans without lids cannot contain odors, making the surrounding place smell after a while. Hence, they might not be a good option to consider.
While we may often ignore them, following certain precautions can ensure the longevity of your kitchen trash cans. Check them out in the following section.
What Precautions To Take While Using A Kitchen Trash Can?
- After taking out the trash, sanitize, and dry the can overnight.
- Use a biodegradable bin liner to avoid waste leakage inside the bin.
- Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly after you use the trash can.
- Clean the container weekly for a healthy kitchen environment.
It is estimated that the average person produces around 4.4 lbs of waste per day.
Keeping that fact and your family’s requirements in mind, here are a few things you might want to consider before selecting a new trash can.
The Buyer’s Guide For Choosing The Best Kitchen Trash Can – Things To Consider
- Size And Capacity – The ideal size depends on your kitchen space. The capacity, on the other hand, would be based on the frequency of your garbage disposal, whether you prefer taking the trash out twice a day or once in two days.
- Easy Cleaning – It is recommended to look for one that supports hassle-free cleaning. Mesh cans are not a suitable choice for the kitchen as they might leak. Cans with inner buckets and trash bag tucking facilities are easy to clean.
- Material –The material of a trash can plays a significant role in deciding the longevity and functionality of the product. A low-quality material might need replacement every now and then, affecting the efficiency. Stainless steel is the best choice in terms of looks and durability.
- Opening Mechanism – People with children and pets need to check for an easy opening mechanism to avoid a mess.
- Visible Or Hidden – Decide whether you want your dustbin as a built-in unit inside a cabinet, under the sink, or as a separate can, based on the kitchen layout.
The importance of safe waste disposal cannot be discounted. Kitchen trash bins act as your best friends to ensure this. The ideal kitchen garbage can should be of good quality and have a design that complements your home decor while aiding in a hygienic garbage disposal. The above list features trash cans that both stylish and useful and come at various price points. Choose one that works for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal size of a kitchen trash can?
Average-sized households with 4 to 5 individuals prefer the standard 13 gallons (50 liters) trash cans in their kitchen. They are large enough to accommodate big milk jugs, without hogging most of the floor space.
Which material is best for a kitchen trash can?
The most commonly used materials in kitchen trash bins are plastic and stainless steel. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Plastic trash cans tend to be light and affordable but less durable.
- Stainless steel trash bins are heavy and expensive, but durable and better looking. However, these metal trash cans are vulnerable to dents and finger smudges.
Go for the one that suits your needs.
Why are kitchen trash cans expensive?
Most of the expensive kitchen trash cans are built from smudge-proof stainless steel that ensures longevity and aesthetics. Some of them feature an outer metal can with a strong inner plastic bucket to make trash cleaning easy. The use of such high-grade materials makes the trash cans costly.
Are touchless trash cans worth it?
Touchless cans are hygienic and convenient to use. You need to switch out batteries but don’t have to worry about replacing a rusty or cracked trash can as they are long-lasting. The costlier the touchless trash can, the better its durability.
