The 10 Best Kitchen Trash Cans
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Garbage is an unfortunate and inevitable byproduct of eating, and even if you don't cook, all those frozen dinner trays and takeout containers have to go somewhere. A lot of trash cans can be eyesores, but our picks are sturdy and practical without detracting from your kitchen's aesthetic. They're easy to use, too, with most offering a foot pedal for a simple hands-free operation. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Simplehuman 38-Liter
2. AmazonBasics Rectangle
3. Simplehuman Semi-Round
Editor's Notes
May 22, 2020:
At this time, for most users, we think the Simplehuman 38-Liter is the top choice, for several reasons. For one thing, its lid operates smoothly, with no banging, and for another, its finish resists smudging and fingerprints, so it looks good if you leave it out in the open. Plus, its lid opens all the way when it's flush against the wall, an excellent usability feature that many competing models, like the AmazonBasics Rectangle, do not offer. But the AmazonBasics model is a great choice for those who are on a tight budget. If you'd rather a plastic model, consider the Simplehuman Semi-Round, instead. It boasts durable plastic that comes in several colors, so you can coordinate it with the accessories in your kitchen, whether that's a towel holder or your floor mats. Or, for something truly eye-catching, there's the rose gold iTouchless SoftStep. The lid hinge isn't as robust as that found on some other models, but it does offer a quality guarantee.
For a touchless choice, we removed the Eko Mirage Motion and instead selected the Glad Sensor. Unfortunately, bag removal for the Eko model is something of a hassle, but the Glad model is user-friendly and quite handsome, as far as trash cans go. You'll need six AA batteries to operate it.
And, finally, if you're looking to hide your garbage can altogether, we still think the Knape & Vogt In-Cabinet should do the trick. You'll need to install it, but it offers self-aligning brackets that secure with only six screws, so for most, this isn't too burdensome of a task. You get two bins with each order, but note that the lids must be purchased separately.
Special Honors
Glasdon Eco Nexus The Glasdon Eco Nexus 23-gallon comes in a pack of five, making this choice handy for those who need to purchase in bulk. They have an open-top design, so there's no lid to keep pests out, but they do boast an integral bag holder system, a nice touch. us.glasdon.com
Uline Brute When only industrial strength will do, there's the Uline Brute. Offered in plenty of colors, from gray to bright red, these handy cans are NSF certified and perfect for heavy-duty jobs. For your convenience, they have molded-in handles to make toting them easier. uline.com
Udecorit Traditional Oak The Udecorit Traditional Oak will fit right into any kitchen that could be described as "country chic" or "rustic." Each 32-inch-tall piece has a hinged lid that opens on the top, and there are 8 stains to select from, including Golden Oak and Coffee. etsy.com
4. Knape & Vogt In-Cabinet
5. Simplehuman Butterfly
6. iTouchless SoftStep
7. Simplehuman Slim
8. Tramontina Step
9. Glad Sensor
10. Step N' Sort 2-Compartment
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.