The 6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans for Home Cooks

 

Kitchen trash cans are often an afterthought, but choosing the right one can help control odors and add to your decor—some of our best trash can picks really are pretty stylish! And since you’re likely going to be using it daily, it might as well be something that brings you joy.

To come up with this list of the best kitchen trash cans, Meggan and I compared popular models among reviewers and professional product testers. We narrowed the options down based on several features, like size, shape, material, and opening mechanism. Of course, we also included the Simplehuman trash can that Meggan uses in her own kitchen and highly recommends.

After our extensive research and some personal experience, here are our 6 top picks for the best kitchen trash cans.

Our Top Picks

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Simplehuman 15.3-Gallon Dual Compartment Trash Can – $149.99 at Walmart
2. Best Budget Trash Can: Rubbermaid Premier Series II 12.4-Gallon Step-On Trash Can – $49.97 at The Home Depot
3. Best Trash Can for Odor Control: Joseph Joseph Totem Max 60-Liter Black Waste and Recycling Bin – $141 at Amazon
4. Best Small Kitchen Trash Can: Amazon Basics 7.9-Gallon Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can – $69.99 at Amazon
5. Best 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can – $139.99 at Amazon
6. Best Dog-Proof Kitchen Trash Can: iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid – $72.79 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best Kitchen Trash Cans

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Simplehuman 15.3-Gallon Dual Compartment Trash Can

Simplehuman has found a way to make everyday necessities, like trash cans, look elegant, which is part of the reason Meggan uses this one in her own kitchen. This sleek trash can has a brushed stainless steel exterior with a fingerprint-resistant coating that always looks beautiful, even when the kiddos get ahold of it. 

Of course, looks aren’t everything. This trash can is extremely functional too. Meggan loves the 15.3-gallon capacity and that it has 2 compartments, so she doesn’t have to keep a recycling bin lying around—everything is already sorted.

“The size is perfect (not too big, not too small), and the whole design is sleek and stylish,” Meggan says. “You use your foot to open it, and I like the closing mechanism, too—the lid automatically closes, but not too fast.” There’s also a liner pocket on the backside that feeds into the can so you can quickly change the bag.

The Specs: 

• Capacity: 15.3 gallons
• Dimensions: 22 x 14.2 x 25.8 inches
• Material: Brushed stainless steel, 100% recycled plastic inner bucket

What I Like:

• Can hold a lot
• Easy to clean
• Convenient to change bags

What I Don’t Like:

• Large footprint
• Expensive
• Some reviewers say it’s squeaky when it opens

What Others Are Saying:

The Simplehuman 15.3-Gallon Dual Compartment Trash Can has more than 16,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Bon Appetit also tested and named it one of their top picks and Food & Wine tested and called it the best trash can for recycling.

Buy the Simplehuman 15.3-Gallon Dual Compartment Trash Can

2. Best Budget Trash Can: Rubbermaid Premier Series II 12.4-Gallon Step-On Trash Can

It would be impossible to discuss the best kitchen trash cans without an appearance from Rubbermaid. While the brand makes a whole lineup of budget-friendly options, most aren’t as good-looking as the Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can (in our opinion). While it’s still made of plastic, it’s a heavier-duty resin that gives it a sleeker design and makes it more durable than thinner plastics. It also has similar features as more expensive options, like a foot pedal, soft-close lid, and hidden lid lock to keep kids (and animals) from digging through it.

It’s available in 3 options: classic plastic, plastic with a metal trim, and plastic with a metal lid and trim. The metal versions are a bit more expensive, but if you want some contrast (and a more elevated look), we think it’s worth the upgrade. One thing to note is that it’s a little smaller than the average size kitchen trash can—it’s 12.4 gallons compared to 13 gallons—but the capacity is still pretty generous.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 12.4 gallons
• Dimensions: 16 x 12.25 x 24.25 inches
• Material: Resin (plastic)

What I Don’t Like:

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Bag stays in place

What I Don’t Like:

• Not as heavy duty as stainless steel
• May absorb more odors
• Smaller than average

What Others Are Saying:

Tech Gear Lab tested and called the Rubbermaid Premier Series II 12.4-Gallon Step-On Trash Can “the best bang for the buck.” It also has a 4-star rating on Amazon from more than 5,000 reviews. 

Buy the Rubbermaid Premier Series II 12.4-Gallon Step-On Trash Can

3. Best Trash Can for Odor Control: Joseph Joseph Totem Max 60-Liter Waste and Recycling Bin 

Any kitchen trash can with a tight-fitting lid can help control odor to some degree, but if you really want to fight smells, we recommend the Totem Max 60-Liter Waste and Recycling Bin from Joseph Joseph. It’s one of the best kitchen trash cans for odor control, thanks to its unique, split design that allows you to separate trash into 2 different compartments, so you can keep smelly items away from paper goods and other non-odorous items. This makes it easier to change out the bag you need to, when you need to, without being wasteful. There’s also a replaceable activated carbon filter in the lid that absorbs odors when they do develop.

This trash can is a great option for larger households—it has a total 16-gallon capacity split into 2, 8-gallon compartments—but it also works well for those who want to separate waste from recyclables or start an indoor compost. One thing to note is that there’s no foot pedal—you have to operate this one with your hands.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 16 gallons in total (2, 8-gallon compartments)
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.5 x 32 inches
• Material: Stainless steel, plastic inner buckets

What I Like:

• Comes in 4 colors
• Large capacity
• Not hands-free

What I Don’t Like:

• Expensive
• Takes up a lot of space
• Dual compartments can limit space

What Others Are Saying:

The Joseph Joseph Totem Max 60-Liter Waste and Recycling Bin has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from more than 4,100 reviews. Bon Appetit also tested and chose it as one of their favorites, and Apartment Therapy awarded it the best splurge pick.

Buy the Joseph Joseph Totem Max 60-Liter Waste and Recycling Bin

4. Best Small Kitchen Trash Can: Amazon Basics 7.9-Gallon Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can

Most standard size kitchen trash cans are about 13 to 15 gallons, but if that’s too large for your space, we recommend the Amazon Basics 7.9-Gallon Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can. This 7.9-gallon trash can has a streamlined design that works well for smaller spaces without sacrificing too much capacity. (But it does also come in 1.3- and 3.1-gallon options if you need an even smaller trash can.)

In addition to its size, we also love the budget-friendly price. This one is about half the price of other options, but it has a similar stainless steel finish, with a convenient foot pedal and soft-close lid. The lid also has a stay-open feature, so you can prop it open if you need to. Some reviews say it doesn’t feel as durable as other heavy-duty trash cans, but that’s reflected in the lower price.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 7.9 gallons
• Dimensions: 13.8 x 11.8 x 25 inches
• Material: Stainless steel, plastic interior

What I Like:

• Budget-friendly
• Smudge resistant
• Sleek design

What I Don’t Like:

• No hooks for liners
• Not as durable as others
• Inner compartment can be difficult to clean

What Others Are Saying:

The Amazon Basics 7.9-Gallon Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can has more than 38,500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Good Housekeeping recommends it as their best value pick and HGTV named it their best overall trash can.

Buy the Amazon Basics 7.9-Gallon Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can

5. Best 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

If you’re looking for a standard 13-gallon trash can, you can’t go wrong with this model from Kohler. While it’s on the pricey side, it’s one of the sleekest and most functional trash cans we’ve seen. It comes in several finishes, including stainless steel, white stainless steel, and black stainless steel, so it fits in nicely with all types of kitchen decor. All options are fingerprint resistant, and it has a sturdy metal foot pedal, so you can operate it completely hands-free.

And while it has a generous capacity, it has a streamlined design that doesn’t take up too much floor space. The clean lines and flush features make it so you can put it right up against a wall or kitchen island, so it’s less obtrusive.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 13 gallons
• Dimensions: 16.81 x 13 x 26.44 inches
• Material: Stainless steel or black stainless steel

What I Like:

• Streamlined design
• Easy to clean
• Multiple finish options

What I Don’t Like:

• Can dent easily
• Costly
• Lid mechanism is fragile

What Others Are Saying:

Bon Appetit tested the Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can and say that it was their favorite trash can after testing several, Forbes tested it and named it the best overall pick, and The Strategist tested and awarded it the best step-pedal. It also has more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.6-star rating.

Buy the Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

6. Best Dog-Proof Kitchen Trash Can: iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid

If you have a curious canine, you need a trash can with a secure lid lock that will keep their snouts out of trouble. This option from iTouchless has a completely pet-proof lid with a rotating lock that prevents your dog from accidentally opening it, even if they jump on it. When the lock isn’t engaged, the trash can operates with a hands-free motion sensor. You simply wave your hand in front of it, and the lid will open. The sensor also detects when you’re still near the trash can, so it won’t close on your hand and can stay open for extended cleanups. So, not only is it great for pets, but it’s also one of the best hands-free kitchen trash cans.

Because the lid is tight fitting and it has an activated carbon filter, the trash can reduce smells more than other options. One thing to note is that because this is a sensor trash can, it needs either electricity or batteries to operate. Neither the AC adapter nor batteries are included, so you’ll have to buy them separately.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 13 gallons
• Dimensions: 10.8 x 12.7 x 27.2 inches
• Material: Stainless steel

The Pros:

• Easy operation
• Hygienic
• Budget-friendly

The Cons:

• Needs batteries or AC adaptor
• Batteries/AC adaptor not included
• Can activate when you walk by it

What Others Are Saying

Popular Mechanics awarded the iTouchless 13- Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid the best touchless.It has an average of 4.2 stars from almost 19,000 reviews on Amazon.

Buy the iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid

Other Kitchen Trash Cans to Consider

Simplehuman Voice + Motion Rectangular Sensor Can

Simplehuman is a great option—Meggan has one in her own kitchen! This model from the brand is very nice and modern, but it’s also expensive, which kept it from being a top pick. However, it has a motion sensor lid and smart features, which may make it a good fit for those who want to add to their smart home and don’t mind the investment. The Simplehuman Voice + Motion Rectangular Sensor Can is available at Walmart for $249.99.

Brabantia 8-Gallon Touch Trash Can

This was a contender for “best small trash can,” but in my experience, the round design can make it seem smaller than it actually is, i.e. things like cereal boxes and pizza boxes don’t fit in as easily. I think it’s a good choice for people who aesthetically like the look because it comes in several colors, but it’s not as convenient as the other picks. The Brabantia 8-Gallon Touch Trash Can is available at Amazon for $149.

Songmics 12-Gallon Pedal Garbage Can

This is a decent budget pick, but it’s not as sturdy as other stainless steel trash cans, and some reviews say it dents fairly easily. I think it’s a good option for those who want the stainless steel look for a better price, but it’s likely not going to last as long as the other trash cans. The Songmics 12-Gallon Pedal Garbage Can is available at Amazon for $99.99.

Brabantia Bo Touch Trash Can

The Brabantia Bo Touch Trash Can has a very unique, modern look that some will love, but I don’t think it has as much mass appeal as some of the other options. Also, the dual kitchen trash can design is great for separating waste, but it can limit space for those who don’t have the need to separate and just want one container. The Brabantia Bo Touch Trash Can is available at Amazon for $205.88.

Why You Can Trust Us

I’m Lindsay, a functional nutritionist, recipe creator, and product reviewer with almost 15 years of experience testing kitchen products and comparing them side by side. You can find my work across a variety of digital publications, including The Spruce Eats, Better Homes and Gardens, Forbes, and Eating Well.

I worked on this roundup of the best kitchen trash cans with Meggan, a classically trained chef and head of the Culinary Hill Test Kitchen. Of course, we recommended the trash can that Meggan uses (and loves!) in her own kitchen. Beyond that, we looked at popular options among reviews and professional product testers and narrowed them down based on material, size, shape, and opening mechanism. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to 6 options that we think would make a great addition to your kitchen.

What to Know About Kitchen Trash Cans

Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Trash Can

When choosing a kitchen trash can, the most important factors to consider are size, material, shape, and the opening mechanism. Of course, you’ll also want to think about the overall aesthetic—yes, the function is important, but if you’re going to be looking at it every day, you might as well like how it looks!

Size: When it comes to size, there are 2 things you want to consider: the overall size of the trash can itself and the trash can’s capacity—or how much trash it can fit. Measure the space where you want to put your trash can, then double-check the dimensions of the one you want to make sure it will fit. As for capacity, 13 gallons is the standard size, but you may have different needs.

If you have a small kitchen or fewer people in your household, you may want a 7-gallon trash can. On the other hand, if you go through a lot of trash, you might need a large kitchen trash can.

Material: Most trash cans are either stainless steel or plastic (or a combination of both), and the materials affect both the look and durability. Stainless steel is more durable than plastic, and it doesn’t absorb odors as much. But it can dent or rust, and it’s heavier than plastic. On the flipside, plastic is lightweight and inexpensive, but it doesn’t look as stylish as stainless steel, and you typically have to replace plastic trash cans more often.

Since there are pros and cons to each material, the right choice for you really comes down to personal preference. 

Shape: Trash cans come in all shapes, like rectangular, round, and D-shaped. The shape is largely a personal preference, but it also factors into how much space the trash can takes up. You can push rectangular and D-shaped trash cans up against a wall, while round trash cans will have to sit a little farther out and may intrude on your space a little more.

Rectangular trash cans can also be a little easier to work with. It’s much easier to fit a pizza box into a rectangular trash can than a round one, for example.

Opening Mechanism: The last major consideration is the opening mechanism. Foot-pedal trash cans are one of the most common types, but you’ll also find touch lids, sensor/motion-activated lids, butterfly lids, swing lids, and the good old-fashioned manual lid—one that you have to pick up and take off yourself.

We’re partial to foot-pedal trash cans because they’re easy to use; they’re hands-free, but you don’t have to worry about malfunctioning technology like you do with sensor and motion-activated lids. You have to touch manual trash cans and swing lids to open them, so this can get messy when you’re cooking and have dirty hands. Of course, personal preference ties in here, too.

What’s the Best Size Trash Can for a Kitchen?

It depends on the size of your household and how much trash you go through. A 13-gallon trash can is the most common size, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the “best.” Think about your and/or your family’s needs and decide from there. If you live alone or with another person, a 7-gallon trash can may be plenty big enough. This is also the ideal size for smaller kitchens. On the other hand, if you have a big family, you don’t want a tiny trash can that you’re going to have to empty twice a day, so one that’s 13 gallons or larger is probably best. Just keep in mind that trash can get stinky pretty fast—you don’t need a trash can that’s too big because you’ll likely have to empty it before you fill it up anyway.

Where to Put Trash Can in Kitchen

It’s really up to you! The best place to put your kitchen trash can depends on the layout of your kitchen and where it makes the most sense for your space. That being said, Meggan recommends keeping your trash can near your general work area (kitchen sink, prep area, or refrigerator). 

The trash can should go wherever you’re generating the most trash—this will make it easy to throw things away while you’re working in the kitchen. If you have a nook or corner area that’s out of the way, that’s also a good spot since it won’t mess up the flow of traffic, and it won’t become the focal point of the room. Meggan says under-the-sink trash cans are also very popular, but you’ll need a much smaller trash can and will have to empty it more frequently—it’s all about trade-offs!

How to Hide Trash Can in Kitchen

The beauty of choosing one of our top picks for the best kitchen trash cans is that you don’t have to hide it! They’re all aesthetically pleasing and can work with lots of different kitchen styles. But if you do want to hide your trash can, you have a few options.

You can put a small trash can under your sink or create a pull-out drawer. A pull-out drawer looks like one of your cabinets, but it holds standard-size trash cans and keeps them out of sight. If you don’t have the space for this, a tilt-out cabinet is another option that lets you add some personality to your kitchen. These are separate pieces of furniture that have slanted doors to give you easy access to your trash can while keeping it hidden. This double-door version, which comes in several finishes, is one of the most popular options on Amazon.

Of course, you can always just find an out-of-the-way spot to keep your trash can, like a corner or nook if you have the space.

More Kitchen Buying Guides

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Prices were accurate at the time of publication.