Best Kitchen Trash Cans

We all know the struggle: Where do you stash those used paper napkins, the sticky plastic wrapping from the chicken breasts you’re cooking for dinner, and that bag of rotten grapes from the fridge? In a quality trash can, of course. If you’re looking for the best kitchen trash can on the market, start with these 10 recommendations.

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1: iTouchless SoftStep 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

iTouchless SoftStep 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Odor Control System, 50 Liter Pedal Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Office, Home - Silent and Gentle Open and Close Buy on Amazon

The lid on the SoftStep is gentle in operation, making it open and close smoothly and quietly. It’s designed to last more than 200,000 steps – about 25 years.

Pros:

  • Brushed stainless steel exterior is fingerprint- and smudge-resistant.
  • Removable inner buckets make the can easy to clean.
  • An interior air damper keeps odors down.

Cons:

  • Because it can be opened by a foot, it’s not pet- or child-proof.
  • It’s made of stainless steel so it’s still dentable if not treated right.

Final thoughts: An easy-to-clean trash can that’s designed to fight odors and last a couple decades is hard to ignore. There’s a lot to love here.


2: simplehuman, Brushed Stainless Steel 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Semi-Round Bathroom Step Trash Can

simplehuman 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Semi-Round Bathroom Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Buy on Amazon

Don’t let the product name fool you – this semi-round trash can features a compact size that is perfect for any room in the house, including the kitchen.

Pros:

  • We love the durable steel pedal, which smoothly opens and closes the lid.
  • The removable inner bucket makes cleaning a breeze.
  • It’s fingerprint- and smudge-resistant.

Cons:

  • It could be a little small for a busy kitchen.
  • There’s no odor-control feature for this trash can.

Final thoughts: If you’re looking for a super-reliable, pedal-operated can, this model wins raves, despite its lack of an odor-control system.


3: simplehuman 58 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

simplehuman 58 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel Buy on Amazon

This kitchen trash can from simplehuman features dual compartments – one for trash and the other for recyclables.

Pros:

  • The separate waste compartments is easily the best feature here, giving you fewer excuses not to recycle.
  • A liner pocket makes for faster bag changes.
  • The pedal is designed to last up to 20 years.

Cons:

  • The manufacturer recommends using custom-fit bags for this can.
  • Because it’s stainless steel, it can be scratched and dented over time.

Final thoughts: If making recycling easier is your goal, this is a great kitchen trash can to use, despite the added cost of the custom bags.


4: iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can with Odor-Absorbing Filter, Wide Opening Sensor Kitchen Trash Bin

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can with Odor-Absorbing Filter and Lid Lock, Sensor Kitchen Garbage Bin, Power by Batteries (not included) or Optional AC Adapter (sold separately) Buy on Amazon

What’s better than a kitchen trash can that doesn’t smell? Easy – a trash can you don’t have to touch. This model from iTouchless opens automatically when you’re within 6 inches of the can.

Pros:

  • An advanced carbon filter gate puts a lid on odors.
  • It’s extra wide so it can handle larger garbage items.
  • 11 power options are available for the lid opener.

Cons:

  • Lid can easily be opened by kids and pets.
  • A/C adapter and other power options are only sold separately.

Final thoughts: An eco-friendly deodorizer, auto-opening lid and extra-wide opening make this a no-brainer kitchen garbage can.


5: GLAD GLD-74507 Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection of The Lid

GLAD GLD-74507 Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection of The Lid, Fits All 20G Garbage Waste Bags, 20 Gallon Buy on Amazon

One of the biggest players in the garbage bag business is now jumping into the can biz too. This model offers large capacity and antimicrobial protection for the lid.

Pros:

  • The 20-gallon size beats out most competing kitchen garbage cans.
  • Clorox’s protection of the lid fights off germs and odors.
  • Includes a bag storage feature.

Cons:

  • The bag storage unit is not removable.
  • Some users say removing full bags can be a complicated chore.

Final thoughts: This can from Glad seems to anticipate a consumer’s biggest gripes about kitchen garbage, including odor management. The extra-large capacity is a huge plus.


6: AmazonBasics Rectangle, Stainless Steel, Soft-Close, Step Trash Can, 50L, Satin Nickel

AmazonBasics Rectanglular, Stainless Steel, Soft-Close, Step Trash Can, 50 Liter /13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Buy on Amazon

Sometimes it’s nice not to overthink things. AmazonBasic’s can has a minimal look but still offers most of the features of the competition.

Pros:

  • Interior bucket is removable for easy cleaning.
  • Soft-close lid reduces any clanging sounds.
  • Lid includes a stay-open feature for busy prep and cleaning times.

Cons:

  • Stainless steel construction can be dented or scratched over time.
  • Doesn’t include an odor-control system.

Final thoughts: If you’re looking for an everyday-use trash can that fits into a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, this model offers all the basics.


7: Rubbermaid Step-On Lid Trash Can for Home, Kitchen, and Bathroom Garbage, 13 Gallon, Black

Rubbermaid Step-On Lid Trash Can for Home, Kitchen, and Bathroom Garbage, 13 Gallon, Black Buy on Amazon

Here’s our first non-metallic kitchen trash can. Rubbermaid’s model is leak-proof thanks to seamless construction using a strong plastic resin material.

Pros:

  • Plastic construction means it’s dent-resistant and easy to clean.
  • Liner wires keep the bag from slipping into the can.
  • Safe for use indoors or outdoors.

Cons:

  • Works best with 13-gallon trash bags.
  • Some users say the opening pedal doesn’t work consistently.

Final thoughts: If stainless steel cans aren’t for you, this plastic garbage can from Rubbermaid is a great alternative that’s easy to clean and budget-friendly.


8: simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can, Black Plastic With Secure Slide Lock

simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can, Black Plastic With Secure Slide Lock Buy on Amazon

Think of this garbage can from simplehuman has a hybrid model, combining the convenience of a plastic can with the sturdiness of a steel model.

Pros:

  • Its semi-round design makes for easy wall placement.
  • A slide lock protects the can from children and pets.
  • It uses steel in the pedal mechanism, where it’s most needed.

Cons:

  • Some users report frustration during the lid installation.
  • The slide-lock lid can be challenging to open for some.

Final thoughts: This can from simplehuman is definitely an improvement on purely metallic or plastic models. It also comes with a budget-friendly price.


9: NINESTARS CB-SOT-30-1/5-1 Step-on Trash Can Combo Set, 8 Gal 30L & 1.2 Gal 5L, Stainless Steel Base (Round, Stainless Steel Lid)

NINESTARS CB-SOT-30-1/5-1 Step-on Trash Can Combo Set, 8 Gal 30L & 1.2 Gal 5L, Stainless Steel Base (Round, Stainless Steel Lid) Buy on Amazon

Everyone needs more than one trash can. This set includes a kitchen-sized can and a second unit better suited for a bathroom or home office.

Pros:

  • The soft-close lid keeps noise to a minimum.
  • The bodies are fingerprint- and smudge-resistant.
  • Removable inner bucket makes for easy cleaning.

Cons:

  • Neither unit includes an odor-control system.
  • Some consumers remark that the cans aren’t wide enough for their needs.

Final thoughts: This is a nice one-two package of sturdy trash cans, though only one is big enough for kitchen use. They’re also quite affordable.


10: Umbra Venti Swing-Top 16.5-Gallon Kitchen Trash Lid– Large, 35-inch Tall Garbage Can for Indoor, Outdoor or Commercial Use, Grey

Umbra Venti Swing-Top 16.5-Gallon Kitchen Trash Lid– Large, 35-inch Tall Garbage Can for Indoor, Outdoor or Commercial Use, Grey Buy on Amazon

If simplicity is your goal, this kitchen trash can from Umbra should be at the top of your list. It ditches the complicated lid options for a simple swing or open top.

Pros:

  • The neck ring holds the bag in place while providing a classic design accent.
  • The polypropylene construction is sturdy and easy to clean with a damp cloth.
  • The can is large enough to accommodate 30-gallon trash bags.

Cons:

  • The tops can’t be locked, so be careful around pets and children.
  • There’s no odor-control system.

Final thoughts: If you don’t like to overthink what a kitchen trash can should be, this model is up your alley. It’s easy to maintain, large enough for big bags and easy on the wallet.