Best Overall
Rubbermaid Classic 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can
Best Bang for the Buck
Umbra Venti Trash Can with Swing Top Lid
Upgrade Pick
Simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Trash Can
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Management of kitchen waste is a daily chore . To make it easier on yourself , equip your kitchen with the dear trash can . Whether you ’ve just moved in or are looking to replace an exist bin that no longer gets the job done , continue study for tips on navigating the options and our own top picks .
To help you evaluate the legion options available on the marketplace , we tested some of the most popular kitchen glass can options uncommitted . After we exhaustively tested each pick , theRubbermaid Classicstood out as the best overall . Another pet in testing was themotion sensor deoxyephedrine can from Ninestars , thanks to its wide oral fissure and handsome coming into court . Here are our top selection for kitchen trash lavatory , according to our examination .
How We Chose the Best Kitchen Trash Cans
Each of the folderol cans in this guide underwent hands - on examination in real - world post . We took the trash cans into our kitchen and used them for a diversity of tasks and thus were able to note the “ little thing ” that make a trumpery can great — or not . We tested them according to a clear rubric and guidelines that looked at the social occasion , durability , space , and other power point that matter when choose a trumpery can for your kitchen .
Our Top Picks
Our leaning include trash cans from top stigma like simplehuman and Rubbermaid that were quiz thoroughly in our tester ’s own kitchen . Beyond trusted brands , the trash fundament on this list have the durability , size , and extra lineament that make them practical and easy to use .
The Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon whole tone On Trash Can skips bells and whistles in favour of lastingness and functioning . It ’s made of plastic with a unstained steel pedal , both of which have the durability to take heavy daily use of goods and services . The treadle ’s supernumerary width and depth add strength and better distribute substructure air pressure to resist legal injury . An extra - wide rim supply specialty to this 2d weakly point .
During testing , we found that it pays to keep a slow , steady pressure on the pedal ; a quick step makes the eyelid fly up and perhaps issue forth loose from the pegged moorings that hold it in place .
This theoretical account features a liner - ignition lock consideration ring to lock the meth cup of tea in topographic point , preventing slippage . The band lift out of the Methedrine can to make it easier to remove bag and keep the trash cup of tea to the full cover from the exterior . At 13 congius , this model is large enough for house but wo n’t eat up too much floor space .
Get the Rubbermaid kitchen folderol can atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
design for use indoors , outdoors , or in a commercial-grade scope , this all - purpose lilt - top ice can from Umbra have a uninfected , sleek design . Durable polypropylene is easy to cleanse and ensure eld of use . The thick neck doughnut holds the trash bag firmly while hiding it , keeping the flowing look but not sacrificing the strong cargo deck necessary when the bag catch full .
Our examination found that the top swings very well , yet the pegs prevail it firmly , avoiding the mess that can lead from a top that neglect right as the trash drops in .
Though this is a 16.5 - gallon can , we found it ferment just fine with both 20 - Imperial gallon and 30 - gallon trash bags , providing more flexibility for those time when a little extra capacity is welcome . This is a much taller trash can than most , at 35 inch eminent . But we come upon the figure and weight distribution of the trash can makes it baffling to knock it over , so this is an idealistic choice for busy kitchens .
Get the Umbra kitchen trash can atAmazon , Wayfair , Target , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Shannon Lee
For sleek design and hands - free operation , look no further . Boasting a shallow profile that tucks unobtrusively against the rampart , the 45 - cubic decimeter orthogonal hands - free gradation can from simplehuman has an exterior surface that ’s easy to pass over clean , as well as a commodious stride foot pedal designed to suffer repeated economic consumption .
The can includes a potent and wide blade foot pedal for hands - free habit . We noted that the pedal can be ruffianly to engage , particularly for children or those with mobility issues . This upgrade plectron features a applesauce bag storage compartment on the back of the can that made for easy access when it was time to empty . engineering science build into the palpebra slow its opening night and conclusion , so we enjoyed smooth operation during our tests .
This Simplehuman chalk can comes in five finishes , include a brush unstained blade that baulk fingerprints . However , this trash receptacle can dent quite easily , so choose placement cautiously to avert excrescence during day - to - day use .
Photo: Shannon Lee
Get the Simplehuman orthogonal wish-wash can atAmazon , Lowe’s , Best Buy , Target , The Home Depot , orWalmart
Best Touchless
Ninestars Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can
A kitchen is able-bodied to operate smoothly and flawlessly with atouchless trash canlike this 21 - gallon pickaxe from Ninestars . The top of the can has a wide opening that we noted can easily oblige a large pizza corner or a milk jug or two without the demand for awkward maneuvering .
A quick - open motion sensor cues the lid to restfully start at the mere moving ridge of a hand . The lid procedure is riotous and complete and have got open for about 5 seconds ; simply wave a hand again to keep it open for longer . It also has an open - close clit to hold the lid open for longer period . The trash can runs on batteries ; we found that while alkalines process just fine , rechargeables do not .
The attractive untainted brand surface resist fingerprints , and the can ’s nonskid bag keep it from shifting during examination . A removable ring lining holds methamphetamine hydrochloride base securely in place while also hide the top of the handbag for a clean looking .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Ninestars kitchen trash can atAmazon , Wayfair , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Recycling
Simplehuman Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can
Thisdual wish-wash can by Simplehumanincludes a great bank identification number for recycling and a belittled ABA transit number for scum ( or trade it up and use the declamatory one for codswallop instead ) . The sturdy stone’s throw , engineered to last for more than 150,000 step , opened the top with simplicity in our testing . The lid can also lock up open to save time and pedal wear when doing repast preparation or cleaning out the electric refrigerator .
If thing get messy , it ’s easy to pull out both bin for cleaning the trash can and the bank identification number separately . We noticed that for such a functional trash can , it is amazingly light and easy to move to wherever it ’s needed most . The nonskid base help ensure the can delay right where we placed it in testing .
This trash can uses proprietary simplehuman liners ; specifically , the approximately 8 - Imperial gallon “ H ” liners and the 5 - gallon “ V ” liners , for a totality of about 12.2 gallons . The large side is design for recycling . That makes the 5 - gallon trash mental ability the humble of those we tested , which is idealistic for smaller kitchens but a nonstarter for declamatory sept .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Simplehuman dual compartment trash can atAmazon , Target , Best Buy , Sam ’s Club , orThe Home Depot .
Best for Small Spaces
iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can
This 13 - gallon - capacity trash can from iTouchless is made of untainted steel . With sleek and slender lines , this rectangular can go well into corners and tighter spaces , for an easier portmanteau of lowly kitchen design and function . The motion - sensing lid opened at the wave of a hired hand and continue open for several indorsement during examination , which gave sight of clip to throw in the trash . The odor - absorbing filter helps neutralize odors but does n’t conduct an unreal redolence , so the override scent is simply that of a clean kitchen .
This trash can requires four D - size batteries ; our examination base that it performs well with both alkaline and rechargeable stamp battery . The trash can also run on an AC charger , which must be purchased on an individual basis . The lid locks down easily with a minor pill at the front of the trash can ; however , it can also be opened easy by an enterprising child . It ’s also a bit top - impenetrable , which might be a problem if it ’s empty , so pay close aid to kids around this shabu can .
Get the iTouchless kitchen trash can atAmazon , Lowe’s , Target , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Odor-Fighting
Glad Stainless Steel Step Can with Odor Protection
The power of Clorox Bleach comes into play with this Glad unsullied steel step rubbish can ; the antimicrobic protection of the PVC palpebra helps battle scent - causing bacteria . The 20 - gallon capacity is great for heavy families and meddling households , and the concealed compartment in the back that moderate extra bags does its part in keeping the trash can quite convenient .
Our testing found that the sturdy stair bring the lid up with ease but without slamming against the wall , and the ending is whisper muted . The bag ring is design to hold the bag tightly in the can without fall away down ; however , the suitcase ring feels a bit flimsy , and we found it could be rugged to worm the old bag into place . The intention of the trash can makes it almost impossible to criticise over , so it ’s a dependable bet around children and rumbustious pets .
Get the Glad kitchen trumpery can atAmazon , Wayfair , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Hidden
Simplehuman 30-Liter Under Counter Pull-Out Trash Can
The 8 - gal undercounter trash can from Simplehuman comes already assembled on commercial - grade lump - carry tracks for an easy , seamless glide out of the quad . The all - steel frame put in under the cabinet with unproblematic tools and is quick to use immediately . We found that the balance of the building block is skilful with little help . Still , the initiation was not problematic .
The bin use proprietary “ K ” line drive , which fit perfectly ; on the other hand , it reach it knotty to find less expensive , generic liners that will put to work with this particular fashion model .
The pullout scum can have a quite sturdy chrome handle for easy access . The entire unit felt whole in examination , and the sturdy frame speak to many next years of constant use . We commend that you carefully measure the place for the trumpery can , and keep in mind any obstruction , such as water lines , that might block the installation .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Simplehuman under - counter crank can atAmazon , Target , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Kitchen Trash Can
Your kitchen layout , the number of users , and pets can act upon a trash can plan ’s effectiveness . From look at size and condition to material and rise options , the conclusion needs to include how , where , and who will use the trash can most .
Size and Shape
Optimal size for your kitchen codswallop can look on house size ; whether you compost , compact , or otherwise get rid of some kitchen wastefulness ; and space uncommitted . Kitchen trash nates typically swan from 12 to 16 gallon for households with multiple user , though some are as small as 7 gallons .
Many kitchen trash cans also come in rectangular , oval , or circular designs to fit better into your kitchen space and for your personal preference . Rectangular cansare consider one of the safe options throughout a nursing home for under a counter or in a street corner .
Freestanding vs. Mounted
If the kitchen does n’t have a ramp up - in wish-wash can drawer , freestanding and jump on options are what ’s left . Freestanding model are large , with keen capacity , and they can be moved around the kitchen as need . They also offer a wider miscellany of design options , include shape , manual or electric lid , and lid designs . However , they can also get pink over . family with pets or children might find trash spill across the level if the can sit in a busy country .
mount kitchen scum bum extend the benefit of stay in lieu . Some mount to the kitchen wall , where you may deposit food chip while cooking . Others put on under the cabinet or sink , staying approachable but out of sight . These diminished trash binful are less noticeable , though they do n’t derive in the same design variety as freestanding models . They also might not have the capacity a large fellowship requires .
Material
Kitchen trash cans are typically made of polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) , which is a grievous - tariff plastic , or of other various metals .
Lid Design
A lid holds meth bags in place , keeps smells at bay , and deters curious pets . Some models feature domed lids with a swing doorway attached by hinges . Users simply push the room access to deposit crank . There ’s no need to get rid of the lid unless you ’re thrash in a expectant detail that wo n’t fit through the opening .
Still other model feature a cutaneous senses - devoid palpebra opened either by step on a pedal at the base of the can or by activating a sensor that react to hand motion .
Additional Features
Additional features can make the folderol can easier and more convenient to use . Some of the most common include :
FAQs
Kitchen chicken feed stool are n’t something you recall about until they ’re bubble over or fall apart . If you ’re not sure where to begin your lookup , we ’ve got answers to common questions .
Q. How big should a kitchen trash can be?
Trash can size depends on the size of the kitchen , the size of your phratry , and where the trash can will be used . Most individual or two - person base can get by with a 10 - gallon trash can or smaller . Undercabinet mannikin can run as small as holding only 2 or 3 gallons . The average trash can typically has a 13 - gallon capacity , which is enough for a family of four to six . Larger household , busy kitchen , or diminished business might want to go higher capacity with a 20- to 23 - congius exemplar .
Q. Where does the trash can go in the kitchen?
Trash cans can go anywhere you want them to . Under the sink , in the pantry , in the utility room , or next to the island are unwashed places based on unlike kitchen layouts . Ideally , the ice can is somewhere that ’s easily accessible but out of the way or obliterate from universal fundament dealings .
Q. How do you keep a kitchen trash can from sliding on the floor?
Look for a methamphetamine hydrochloride can with safety grips , feet , or other stabilizing chemical mechanism on the bottom . These mechanisms help hold the can in stead while in use .
Q. How do you hide trash cans in the kitchen?
Using an undercabinet role model is the most democratic path to hide the trash can . However , these are fairly limited in size . Built - in crank can draftsman hide the trash can in the cabinetry , help it intermingle into the rest of the cabinets .
Q. What do you clean a kitchen trash can with?
Kitchen wish-wash cans can start to see andsmell foul . The choice of cleaning material or method acting for cleaning a folderol can depends on the material . Plastic models and liners clean easy with warm water and soap . Stainless steel trash cans will look clean and lustrous with a cleanser designed specifically for stainless blade .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re betray or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we believe this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com