Best Kitchen Trash Can

Choosing a kitchen trash can may not seem like a purchase you’d spend too much time researching; that is until the aroma of trash fills the room or your beloved pet gets into the can – again – and spreads garbage all over the house. Some things you want to consider before buying:

What’s your budget? Kitchen trash cans have a wide price range, so think about how much you want to spend before you start looking.

Electric or low tech? There are a number of no-touch sensor units on the market these days; you’ll have to decide if you want a plug/battery-operated unit or a manual kitchen trash can (with or without pedal).

Odor control? Some units have odor absorbing filters that might be a priority for you.

Pets and/or children? You might want to choose a kitchen trash can that has a tight-fitting lid.

Here are some of our best picks for kitchen trash cans.

Best Kitchen Trash Can Reviews

1. Simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

Product Highlights

This 13-gallon (50 liters) kitchen step trash can is large enough to accommodate the needs of a large family but efficiently designed to fit comfortably in your busy kitchen.

simplehuman makes their products to last and backs their products with a 5-Year Warranty. You can buy bags that are specifically designed to fit this semi-round trash can (sold separately).

This product features a bumper to keep the lid from banging into your wall, a silent close lid, and a lid lock to protect children and pets from the trash.

The dimensions are 18.7″ W x 14.4″ D x 26.2″ H; with the lid closed; 38.5″ H with the lid open.

Features

• The lid closes silently
• Lid locks shut
• 13 gallon (50 liters)
• 5-Year Warranty

What We Like About simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

This trash can is very well made and it lasts. The color doesn’t fade, and the lid stays on tight.
When you use the pedal, the lid stays open for several seconds and slowly and quietly closes.

What We Don’t Like About simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

It’s a bear to get the lid attached when assembling the unit. Although the unit has a bumper to protect it from the wall, the foot pedal scrapes vinyl floors.

2. iTouchless Oval Sensor Touchless Trash Can with Odor Control System

Product Highlights

This touchless kitchen trash can runs with 4 D-size batteries or an AC adapter (sold separately.)

It’s equipped with a carbon odor filter that neutralizes and absorbs the unsavory smells of your garbage.

The iTouchless Oval trash can’s touchless feature protects you and your family from germs and bacteria that come along with trash.

The dimensions are 11.37” D x 16.10” W x 25.31” H

Features

• Opens with touch-free sensor
• Eliminates odor for better air quality
• Long battery life
• Two-year warranty

What We Like About iTouchless Oval Sensor Touchless Trash Can with Odor Control System

This unit has a wide opening (12.5 inches), to make sure garbage doesn’t hit the side of the can. We like that there’s a light sensor that lets you know when the lid is about to close. We would recommend buying two and use one for recycling.

What We Don’t Like About iTouchless Oval Sensor Touchless Trash Can with Odor Control System

While we like the no-touch sensor, it does require power, either from batteries or an AC adapter, which is not included with the unit. It can be hard to get the full bags out of the can.

3. Umbra Grand Swing Top Trash Can

Product Highlights

The 10-gallon Umbra Grand Swing Top Trash Can is stylish and low tech, so you don’t need batteries or an electrical source.

It’s made of polypropylene, which is easy to clean and durable. You can just about any 13-gallon trash bag with the Umbra Grand.

At less than $20, this trash can is a great value. This trash can is 25½ inches with the lid on.

Features

• Swing top lid
• Made from recycled materials
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth
• Can be used for trash or recycling

What We Like About Umbra Grand Swing Top Trash Can

We like that the swing top is accessible but still covers the trash. Although it’s a little smaller than the average kitchen can, it’s great for smaller kitchens. It can be used with or without the lid, so if you’re cooking and will be using it a lot, you can remove the lid and then replace it when you’re done.

What We Don’t Like About Umbra Grand Swing Top Trash Can

The 13-gallon bag is a little big for this trash can, and the capacity may not keep up with a larger household.

4. Simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can

Product Highlights

The 10.6 Gallon (40 Liter) step trash can is a size down from the simplehuman unit we looked at before. The slim rectangle design easily fits in a corner or next to appliances.

Dimensions are 10″w x 19″d x 24″h.

Features

• Slim design
• Soft-close lid
• Pet-proof
• No mess

What We Like About simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can

The slim design is great for tight spaces. The color choices make it easy to find something that matches your decor.

The wheels allow easy transport — too bad they don’t lock. This plastic unit is lighter than a stainless steel can, so if it moves too much when you use the pedal, a gallon of water in the bottom of the can will stabilize it.

What We Don’t Like About simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can

Although simplehuman sells their own trash bags, they may not be worth the money. The lid is difficult to attach during assembly.

5. Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can

Product Highlights

The dependable Rubbermaid brand comes through with a 12-gallon stainless steel hands-free kitchen trash can, but this one is not the usual plastic you’re used to. It’s a stainless steel unit in a deep charcoal color.

The stylish rectangle design looks good in both traditional and modern kitchens, and the step pedal ensures you don’t have to touch the trash lid.

The lid closes slowly and quietly and the unit can be set to stay open longer for extended tasks.
Dimensions: 17.7”w x 13.1”d x 25.8”h (37.2” with the lid open)

Features

• Hands-free pedal
• Durable
• Removable liner bucket
• Extended open lid lock
• Hides smudges and fingerprints

What We Like About Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can

The design adds a touch of class to the kitchen. The color is attractive and the finish masks fingerprints and smudges.

The pedal is durable and easily handles daily use and the hands-free feature means you don’t get germs all over your hands.

What We Don’t Like About Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can

It is one of the pricier units we looked at. The lid doesn’t stay on and not all trash bags fit.

6. iTouchless Stainless Steel Automatic Kitchen Trash Can

Product Highlights

This stainless steel 13-gallon kitchen trash offers a wide opening and an odor-absorbing filter. It has a sensor and will open with the wave of a hand.

The iTouchless stainless steel model runs on 4 D-size batteries or an AC adapter (both sold separately.) It offers a long battery life – the batteries last up to 18 months.

This kitchen trash can has special technology that keeps it from closing on your hand, and it can be set to stay open for longer tasks.

Dimensions: 10.8”w x 12.8”d x 27.9”h (35.8” with the lid up)

Features

• Odor control
• Resists germs
• Hides fingerprints and smudges
• Space-saving design

What We Like About iTouchless Stainless Steel Automatic Kitchen Trash Can

The hygienic nature of this unit is a plus – it resists germs, is easy to clean, and hides fingerprints.

It’s rectangular, so it fits in small spaces, including corners and between cabinets and appliances.

The base doesn’t skid and the can includes a ring to keep the bag from falling in.

What We Don’t Like About iTouchless Stainless Steel Automatic Kitchen Trash Can

The battery compartment and filter are placed so that they touch your garbage. Some reviewers report the lid not shutting completely.

7. NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can Combo Set

Product Highlights

This NINESTARS combo comes with a 13 gallon (50 liters) can and a 2 gallon (8 liters) can, so you get two units included in the price.

The opening sensor is water-resistant and the stainless steel base resists smudges and fingerprints.

It closes quietly and has a ring liner to hold the bag in place. Operates on 2 D and 3 C batteries (not included).

Features

• Motion Sensor
• Resistant to fingerprints
• Stainless skin
• The base doesn’t skid
• Strong battery life

What We Like About NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can Combo Set

The motion sensor is great because you can keep your family free of any germs from touching the trash can. The smooth and quiet lid close is a nice feature.

The small trash can is a great addition because you get one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom. There’s a touch button for the sensor if the battery runs out.

What We Don’t Like About NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can Combo Set

Because it runs on battery only, there’s a cost involved in keeping it operating. Some reviewers say the motor didn’t last.

8. Simplehuman Semi-Round Stainless Steel Kitchen Step Trash Can

Product Highlights

This 12-gallon (45 liters) semi-round kitchen trash can has a liner rim that flips down to secure and hide your trash bag.

It’s a hands-free unit to protect you and your family from dangerous germs. The step pedal is durable and tough, lasting 150,000 steps (more than 20 steps a day), and that’s covered by a 10-year warranty.

Dimensions: 15.7″W x 14.2″D x 26.4″H – 37.4″ with lid open

Features

• Silent close lid
• Pet-proof
• Won’t bump or scratch walls.
• Fingerprint and smudge-proof

What We Like About simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

The 10-year warranty is reassuring, and the sleek design looks good with any kitchen decor. The lid closes smoothly and quietly.

This simplehuman unit has an internal hinge that keeps the lid from damaging your wall.
The liner rim is a nice feature that flips down and hides your trash bag.

What We Don’t Like About simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

Some of these units have a lid problem; simplehuman has fixed the flaw, but if your unit is loud, they will replace it for you.

9. GLAD Plastic Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection

Product Highlights

The GLAD 13 gallon (50 liters) plastic step trash can has Clorox protection in the lid and lid frame, so you can feel secure than you and your family have a sanitary trash can and are protected from germs and bacteria.

The CloroxTM protection inhibits odor-causing bacteria. The unit has bag rings to hide the trash bag, keeping everything looking tidy and also preventing the bag from slipping.

Features

• Hands-free opening pedal
• High quality
• Antimicrobial protection
• Attractive design

What We Like About GLAD Plastic Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection

This is a well-made and sturdy kitchen trash can. We like that it’s manual and so you don’t have to worry about tech not working. It absorbs odors and is big enough to fit your garbage but not so big that the trash starts smelling. This is affordable kitchen trash can option.

What We Don’t Like About GLAD Plastic Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection

The pedal is too high and the bags are difficult to get in and out.

10. Simplehuman Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can

Product Highlights

The simplehuman dual compartment recycling and trash combo is the royalty of kitchen trash cans. At 15.3 gallons (58 liters), it’s the largest of the units we’re reviewing.

The sleek rectangular design has one compartment for trash and one for recyclables. It has a compartment inside that holds the trash liner bags, and the recycling bucket has an easy-lift handle.

Dimensions: 22″W x 14.2″D x 25.8″H with lid closed; 22″W x 14.2″D x 36″H with lid open

Features

• Silent, slow close
• Strong steel pedal
• No-slip trash bag
• 10-year warranty

What We Like About simplehuman Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can

Although simplehuman sells its own trash bags for this trash can, standard bags fit on both sides. There’s a removable bottom on the trash side so you can easily clean it.

We like that the pedal is sturdy and that the lid closes smoothly and quietly.

An added bonus is having the recyclables and the trash in one space-saving unit.

The trash side, in addition to the dispenser, has a removable bottom for easy cleaning.

What We Don’t Like About simplehuman Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can

It’s unfortunate that the lid doesn’t prop open; it makes cooking tasks difficult. For the price, it’s a lot to spend on a kitchen trash can.

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can. We reviewed three simplehuman products in our list, and although they’re all high quality, the semi-round kitchen step trash can has a great combination of versatility and value.

It’s a mid-priced kitchen trash can that’s available in four colors: black, grey, mocha, and stone. This unit offers a stylish design in the color that suits your kitchen decor.

Not only does it fit your kitchen’s design, but it also protects it, too, with a bumper that keeps the lid from damaging the wall.

With a no-hands step pedal, you’ll be happy to keep germs and bacteria away from your hands, and the tight close lid means pets won’t be breaking into the garbage.

Read our other reviews on Moo.Review