Best Overall
Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can
- This trash can features a stainless steel design that is treated to be fingerprint-proof.
This trash can features a stainless steel design that is treated to be fingerprint-proof.
- For the best fit, you’ll need to purchase the brand’s trash can liners, which are specifically made to fit this trash can.
For the best fit, you’ll need to purchase the brand’s trash can liners, which are specifically made to fit this trash can.
Our pick for the best overall kitchen trash can is the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can. The trash can features an internal hinge that allows you to place it against the wall without the top making contact with it, so you don’t have to worry about your trash can lid leaving marks on your wall.
The lid opens silently and smoothly, and there’s also an option to leave the lid open if you are chopping a lot of vegetables or cracking quite a few eggs. You also don’t have to worry about touching the trash can lid since there is a pedal at the bottom of the trash can that opens the lid.
Untreated stainless steel can be a magnet for fingerprints and smudges, but this trash can is made of fingerprint-proof, brushed stainless steel. It’s coated with an invisible silver-ion coating that also prevents the spread of germs. The inner buckets are made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, so it’s also a more environmentally-friendly choice.
Keep in mind that the trash can is built with the brand’s custom code Q liners, which means that you’ll either have to purchase them separately, or deal with the fact that your usual garbage bags aren’t necessarily the perfect fit.
Product Details: Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best Budget
Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can
- It keeps your hands clean thanks to a hands-free pedal.
It keeps your hands clean thanks to a hands-free pedal.
- Plastic trash cans may be less durable than other materials.
Plastic trash cans may be less durable than other materials.
If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly option, the Rubbermaid Classic Step-On Lid Trash Can is the pick for you. This plastic trash can is available in black, gunmetal blue, white, and bronze, so you can match it to your kitchen style.
While plastic is not always the most durable of materials, this trash can was built to last. It is made of a strong resin material that lasts longer and is easy to wipe clean.
The Rubbermaid Classic Step-On Lid Trash Can isn’t all plastic—it does have a long-lasting, stainless steel pedal that is durable and keeps your hands from touching the trash can. This trash can includes bag arms that helps to keep your trash bag from falling into the can and slipping off the sides.
It doesn’t have as many impressive features as other trash cans on our list, but because of its classic, reliable design and affordable price, it’s the best budget trash can.
Product Details: Dimensions: 17.59 x 14.65 x 24.82 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Plastic
Best Splurge
Simplehuman Voice and Motion Sensor Trash Can
- It features both voice and motion activation.
It features both voice and motion activation.
- It’s suggested that you purchase Simplehuman’s liners versus a store brand option.
It’s suggested that you purchase Simplehuman’s liners versus a store brand option.
The Simplehuman Voice + Motion Rectangular Sensor Can offers innovative features that will make cleaning your kitchen much easier. This technology-forward trash can doesn’t feature a pedal to open its lid—instead, it’s voice-activated.
Simply say, “open can” and the lid will open automatically. If you want the trash can to stay open while you are cleaning, just say, “stay open.” It’ll close automatically after 10 minutes, but you can also say, “close can.”
If you do have a free hand, you can also motion over a sensor for easy opening. It is also smart enough to adapt to you and your surroundings, which means it won’t open randomly. You can power the trash can by using six AA alkaline batteries or an adapter, which is included with your purchase.
This trash can comes in three finishes: brushed, white (with a silver top), and black. The coating on the brushed trash can is fingerprint-proof, so you don’t have to worry about handprints. You can also opt for a version that has two compartments—one for trash and another for recycling—to help organize your waste.
This trash can also includes a liner pocket that stores and dispenses liners from inside the trash can, making it easy to switch out trash bags. Though it’s not necessary to purchase them (you can use regular garbage bags), keep in mind that the Simplehuman liners are custom fit to the can.
Product Details: Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 24.8 inches | Capacity: 15.3 gallons | Material: Matte black steel
Best with Motion Sensor
iTouchless Stainless Steel Sensor Can
- It offers touch-free access, so your hand won’t get dirty.
It offers touch-free access, so your hand won’t get dirty.
- You’ll need to purchase batteries or a power adapter separately for this trash can.
You’ll need to purchase batteries or a power adapter separately for this trash can.
The iTouchless SensorCan offers motion sensor technology and hand (and foot) free use. Just a motion of your hand opens the lid automatically, making it a hygienic choice for a kitchen trash can. This trash can fits 13-gallon trash bags, and it is made of stainless steel.
The iTouchless SensorCan is battery-operated, but the batteries (4 D batteries) are not included with the purchase. The trash can only draws power as needed, meaning that, if you go the battery route, they’ll last longer.
If you don’t want to use batteries, you can also opt for an AC Adapter that you can buy separately. If that’s your choice, keep in mind that you’ll need to find a place in your kitchen where your trash can is close to an outlet.
This trash can features a carbon odor filter that helps keep your typical trash odors at bay so you won’t have to take out the trash quite so often.
Product Details:Dimensions: 16 x 11.5 x 25 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best with Recycling
Songmics Dual Compartment Trash Can
- It has a sleek look and is easy to use.
It has a sleek look and is easy to use.
- The trash and recycling compartments each hold 8 gallons, rather than the usual 13 gallons.
The trash and recycling compartments each hold 8 gallons, rather than the usual 13 gallons.
If you are passionate about recycling, the Songmics Trash Can pulls double duty with two compartments—one for trash and one for recycling—in a relatively compact size.
Each compartment holds 8 gallons each, and both buckets are removable, which makes it easy to clean your trash can. Keep in mind that a typical trash can holds around 13 gallons, so you’ll have less space in each compartment for your garbage and recycling.
Both compartments have their own pedal and lid, so you can keep one closed as you open the other. This makes it easy to keep odors where they’re meant to be: in the trash. You may want to purchase some kind of label for each compartment, that way you and your guests always know which is which. The lids are also soft-closing, so they won’t slam when they close.
It’s available in several different colors including almond, black, brown, gray, silver and black, and white and gray. It’s made of powder-coated stainless steel, with a plastic inner bucket and lid. The stainless steel is rust-resistant and durable, with a fingerprint-resistant coating that’s easy to clean.
Product Details: Dimensions: 23.2 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches | Capacity: 16 gallons | Material: Powder-coated stainless steel bin, plastic inner bucket, and plastic lid
Best Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics Soft-Close Trash Can with Foot Pedal
- It features a soft-close lid.
It features a soft-close lid.
- At 10.5 gallons, it is on the smaller side for a trash can.
At 10.5 gallons, it is on the smaller side for a trash can.
The Amazon Basics Trash Can is made of stainless steel and features a domed top, which means that even if you’ve let the trash pile up, you’ll still be able to keep the lid closed and odors locked in. It also comes in both a wide and a narrow style, making it ideal for any size kitchen.
The lid of the garbage is soft-closing, which means that it not only doesn’t make any noise, but it also extends the lifespan of the product. The lid also features a stay-open functionality so that you can easily replace the garbage bag when it’s time.
The Amazon Basics Trash Can has a heavy-duty interior plastic liner that can be easily taken out should you need to tend to any spills or messes inside.
Keep in mind that, though sleek and easy to match with other kitchen appliances and decor, stainless steel always carries the risk of smudging unless it is brushed stainless steel or has a special finish to prevent it. This trash can features a smudge-resistant finish and a pedal to make it function hands-free and prevent fingerprints.
Product Details: Dimensions: 14.76 x 13.58 x 26.38 inches | Capacity: 10.5 gallons | Material: Brushed stainless steel
Best with Step
Brightroom 45L Rectangular Step Trash Can
- It’s less expensive than other options and comes in three colorways.
It’s less expensive than other options and comes in three colorways.
- The material may be prone to denting.
The material may be prone to denting.
The Brightroom Rectangular Step Trash Can is made of durable materials at an affordable price. It also keeps your hands away from your trash can and doesn’t make any noise while you use it.
The step is made of durable stainless steel, which means it can stand the test of time, and it includes a rubber grip, which keeps your foot from slipping off of the pedal when you’re using it.
The lid of the trash can is quiet closing, so it won’t slam shut or make noise. It can also lock into place when open and is great for keeping odor trapped inside the trash can.
These trash cans hold around 12 gallons of trash and can fit standard 13-gallon trash bags. It has a removable bucket liner, which makes taking out your trash and replacing the bag very easy. It also means that should your trash leak or create a mess, you can take out the liner to clean it.
The trash can comes in three colorways: silver, white, or gold. All of the finishes are made out of stainless steel that is treated to be fingerprint-, rust-, and stain-resistant.
Product Details: Dimensions: 13.38 x 16.38 x 26.19 inches | Capacity: 11.8 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best Round
Brabantia New Icon Step Trash Can
- It comes in 13 colors to fit your kitchen’s style.
It comes in 13 colors to fit your kitchen’s style.
- It only has a capacity of 8 gallons.
It only has a capacity of 8 gallons.
Round trash cans “are ideal for more open areas,” McCoy says. That’s why we chose a round trash can that is not only functional, but makes a statement. Rather than stowing away your trash can, the Barbantia NewIcon Step Can comes in many colors including black, white, light blue, red, and pine green.
This round trash can features a soft-closing lid, which can be lifted or closed with a pedal. It also has a non-slip base that keeps it from sliding around or scratching your kitchen floor, and an anti-tilting block that keeps it stable.
Its removable plastic inner bucket has ventilation holes, so your trash bag goes in and stays flat, rather than filling with air as you push it down. It is also a sustainable option, made up of 47% recycled metal and plastic, and it is 97% recyclable after use. Plus, its 10-year warranty ensures you’ll be happy for years to come.
Keep in mind that round trash cans often hold less trash than their rectangular counterparts. This model only holds up to 8 gallons of trash, which is less than the average 12-gallon capacity of most trash cans.
Product Details: Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 29 inches | Capacity: 8 gallons | Material: Metal, Plastic
Best Large
GLAD All Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
- It has a compartment for your trash bags and built-in odor protection.
It has a compartment for your trash bags and built-in odor protection.
- It’s more expensive than other styles and changing the bags out takes some practice.
It’s more expensive than other styles and changing the bags out takes some practice.
The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can works great for those looking for a bigger size without compromising style. This 20-gallon trash can is brushed stainless steel, and comes in three different finishes: stainless, white, or pewter.
The trash can has a step-on mechanism for easy, hands-free opening, and a step-on lid that gives you the option of keeping it upright. If you’re entertaining, you can step down on the pedal and push back on the lid, leaving it wide open for people to drop their trash.
It also comes with Clorox Protection to help block any odors, a trash bag holder for easy access to your liners, and a dispenser on the back of the can for convenient changing.
This trash can has bag rings designed to hold trash bags that are up to 20 gallons, which is a higher capacity than a standard trash can. For reference, a 13-gallon trash can is a typical size, as are garbage bags of the same size.
The higher capacity makes this can a great option for a large family, for someone who cooks frequently, or for someone who doesn’t want to swap style for functionality.
Product Details: Dimensions: 16.25 x 16 x 29 inches | Capacity: 20 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best Plastic
Hefty Slim Lockable Step-On Trash Can
- It has a lock designed to keep kids and pets out.
It has a lock designed to keep kids and pets out.
- It has a smaller capacity than some other options and doesn’t have as stylish of a look.
It has a smaller capacity than some other options and doesn’t have as stylish of a look.
The Hefty Slim Lockable Step-On Trash Can is the best plastic trash can because it’s less expensive than other styles, features a step to keep things hands-free, and comes with a lock on its lid to keep your trash where it belongs. As an added benefit, at 12.2 inches wide, it can easily fit into smaller spaces in your kitchen.
This trash can hold up to 12 gallons, which is ideal for a family of three to four and impressive for a slim trash can. You can use standard, 13-gallon trash bags for this trash can. It also features a locking lid that keeps kiddos and pets at bay.
It only comes in one color, black with a silver plastic lock, so it’s not as stylish as some other trash cans. If you’re looking for something to perfectly compliment your kitchen decor, or aren’t keeping it tucked away, it may not be the choice for you.
Product Details: Dimensions: 18.11 x 12.2 x 24.31 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Polypropylene
Best Slim
Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
- The sleek trash can fits well in small spaces.
The sleek trash can fits well in small spaces.
- It’s more expensive than some other styles.
It’s more expensive than some other styles.
The Home Zone Living Slim Kitchen Trash Can is the best trash can for someone looking to maximize kitchen space without skimping on form and function. At just 10.25 inches wide, this trash can is able to fit smaller or awkward spaces.
It is made of brushed stainless steel, which means that it isn’t as prone to smudges and fingerprints the way that non-brushed stainless steel is. You can also get it in a black, stainless steel finish, rather than just the typical silver finish.
The bottom of the trash can features rubber feet, which can help to prevent scuffs and scratches from getting onto your kitchen floor. Its slow-close lid prevents the lid from slamming and making a ton of noise while in use.
When it comes to trash bags, 13-gallon bags will fit inside the 12-gallon trash can, but they may be a little loose. Thankfully, the kitchen trash can includes a mechanism to secure the trash bags so that they don’t slip and fall into the chamber. Simply tuck the excess slack beneath the included rubber band.
Product Details: Dimensions: 10.24 x 20.24 x 25.87 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best Lockable
iTouchless Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid
- It features an odor filter that’ll keep any garbage smell at bay.
It features an odor filter that’ll keep any garbage smell at bay.
- In order to power the trash can, you’ll have to purchase either batteries or an AC adapter, which are both sold separately.
In order to power the trash can, you’ll have to purchase either batteries or an AC adapter, which are both sold separately.
The iTouchless Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid features a motion sensor as the first defense to keeping unwanted hands or paws from getting into the garbage. It also has a lock that prevents the sensor-activated lid from opening accidentally.
There are two options for powering this trash can—batteries or an AC adapter. If you choose the battery option, note that this trash can does not come with batteries. If you choose the AC adapter, be aware that it will have to be purchased separately.
The AC Adapter keeps you from having to replace the batteries, but you will have to find a space in your kitchen where you can spare an outlet for your trash can. The iTouchless 13 Gallon Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can also features an activated carbon odor filter, which is meant to neutralize odors and keep your home smelling fresh.
It is also made of brushed stainless steel, which means that it shouldn’t show fingerprints and marks the way that traditional stainless steel does, so you won’t find yourself constantly wiping down your trash can.
Product Details: Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 28 inches | Capacity: 13 gallons | Material: Stainless steel
Best for Cabinets
Rev-A-Shelf Soft Close Double Pull Out Trash Can
- It is easy to install, and has soft-close hinges.
It is easy to install, and has soft-close hinges.
- You’ll need to measure your cabinet to ensure it fits—the minimum opening is 14.5 to 18 inches.
You’ll need to measure your cabinet to ensure it fits—the minimum opening is 14.5 to 18 inches.
Whether you’ll store it under your sink or in a cabinet, McCoy says trash cans allow you to “quickly empty pans when cleaning dishes.” The Rev-A-Shelf Soft Close Double Pull Out Trash Can is able to be stored under the sink or within a cabinet, and it’s easy to install.
Mounted using door mounts and soft-close slides, this trash can is able to hold up to 90 pounds. Featuring two, 8.75-gallon capacity trash cans, this system offers 16 gallons of space total, whether you use both receptacles as trash cans, or one for recycling.
This trash can has a durable, powder-coated steel frame that comes in a dark gray, champagne, and metallic silver hue. The trash receptacles themselves come in corresponding colors and are made of plastic.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a cabinet with a 14.5 to 18 inch opening for this system. You can check that you have enough space by measuring the inside of the cabinet, getting measurements of side to side, front to back, and top to bottom.
Product Details: Dimensions: 14.38 x 22.25 x 19 inches | Capacity: 8.75 each | Material: Plastic