Choosing the best trash can for your kitchen can be a game-changer. No one wants to deal with broken lids, unhinged pedals, or unpleasant odors issuing from poorly-constructed trash cans. At the same time, each of us has different needs and preferences, which can be based on our household members, interior design, or kitchen size. With these in mind, we have prepared a review of the best kitchen trash cans for 2019, along with a useful buying guide, to help you make an informed decision about your domestic purchase.
- Most Ergonomic: Simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can
- Best Look: Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can, 30 L / 8 Gal
- Best Smart Technology: iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
- Top Eco-Friendly Pick: Simplehuman 46 Liter / 12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Dual Compartment Step Trash Can Recycler
- Best Overall: Simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can
In This Guide
- 1. Most Ergonomic: Simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can
- 2. Best Look: Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can, 30 L / 8 Gal
- 3. Best Smart Technology: iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
- 4. Top Eco-Friendly Pick: Simplehuman 46 Liter / 12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Dual Compartment Step Trash Can Recycler
- 5, Best Overall: Simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can
- Conclusion
- Buying Guide
- What’s Next?
1. Most Ergonomic: Simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can
This trash can has a solid, ergonomic structure and comes at an affordable cost. A slim kitchen step trash can is the ideal choice for a small kitchen, or limited trash can space. The Simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can is narrow enough to fit in small spaces, but tall enough to have room for bigger amounts of trash.
This trash can is also recommended to households with children and pets, as the step-on garbage can contains a lock on the lid, which can be secured to keep those curious inhabitants out of it.
Pros:
One of the best features of this garbage can is that it has built-in wheels, which allow you to move it with ease and balance. Another great thing about the construction is that the pedal is made of steel, which makes it quite durable.
An additional reason to choose this trash can is that the lid is supported by a mechanism which allows it to close smoothly and silently. At the same time, the lid is solid enough to keep the odors sealed in very well, while the locking option will allow you to keep children and pets out of it.
Although it’s slim, the trash can is deep and wide enough for more household waste, supporting 13-gallon trash bags. The edge is designed to hold the trash bag securely.
In terms of aesthetics, a perk of this choice is that the garbage can comes in five different color options.
The trash can comes with a 5-year warranty, which can make you feel confident and safe about your purchase.
Cons
One thing to be careful about with this choice is that the wheels do not have a stopper, so you would need to move it with care.
Another issue raised by some customers is that as the garbage can is deep, spills are a bit more difficult to clean.
In terms of durability, the lid hinge is made of plastic, so it may wear away in time, causing the lid to fall off. However, the 5-year warranty ensures that in such a case, you will be covered. Another downside of the design is that the lock mechanism is sometimes difficult to unlock.
The pedal is made of steel so it won’t break that easily even if you step on it harder. However, the hinge of the lid is plastic and it wears away in time so the lid could fall off. Since this kitchen garbage bin comes with a 5-year warranty, though, it is not something to worry about.
2. Best Look: Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can, 30 L / 8 Gal
The Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can is an ideal choice if you’re looking for an aesthetic long-term investment. The trash can is on the pricier side, but the durability of the steel makes it a worthwhile purchase.
Pros:
This trash can is an optimal combination of style and durability. The design is retro, while the material makes it resilient to the test of time. The trash can is made of steel, featuring an all-steel pedal which is made to survive over 150,000 steps, which adds up to twenty steps a day for twenty years. The sturdy side handles make the trash can easy to move, without the risk of coming loose. Additionally, the lid closes slowly and silently.
Another great feature of this trash can is that the material is fingerprint-proof, so that no greasy marks remain on it after contact. This also makes it really easy to clean or wipe any spills. Additionally, it comes in two colors – white and brushed steel.
One of the best features of the Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can is that it is also quite practical, as it fits up to 30 liters/8 gallons of trash. You can also tuck away the opening of the trash bag so that it is not visible from the outside.
The durability of the trash can is supported by a 10-year warranty, which will make you comfortable in this long-term investment.
Cons:
The price of this trash can is on the steep side. Even though this is justified by the can’s quality, it does not make it a good choice for a tight budget.
Some customers have also reported that the top is sensitive to dents and scratches. You may want to keep the trash can away from the wall so that the top does not bump into it every time it opens.
3. Best Smart Technology: iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
The smart technology of the iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can comes at a very decent price. This makes it a good value purchase. Additionally, the lid opens automatically to hand motion, which makes it more hygienic, as you won’t risk any contact with bacteria by touching it. This trash can is also recommended for people with children and pets.
Pros:
The combination of plastic and stainless steel makes this choice durable and affordable. It also has a stylish, modern look, and fingerprint-proof coating, which will keep it looking new.
One of the best features of this trash can is that its features ensure hygienic use, making it safe for children. Firstly, the antimicrobial coating on the trash can fights the spread of germs. Secondly, you can keep the lid locked by turning off the trash can sensor, so that no children or pets in your household can get in contact with the microbes inside the trash can.
Another reason to choose this smart trash can is that it comes with a natural carbon odor filter, which absorbs and neutralizes the smell coming from the trash. The filter lasts for up to three months, after which you would need to replace it.
Another cool thing about the iTouchless is that you can choose whether to run it on batteries or an AC adapter. Even if you turn off the sensor (to keep it locked), you will still be able to open and close the lid by pressing the buttons in the front, so that you will never have to touch the lid.
This trash can is also quite a practical choice, as it can fit up to 13-gallons of trash.
Lastly, this trash comes with a one-year warranty.
Cons:
One of the main cons of this purchase is that neither the batteries nor the AC adapter is included in the purchase, so you would need to buy them separately, which does increase the overall cost.
Another issue that customers have experienced is that the sensor can pick up any movement, so the lid may open when you are casually passing by. Additionally, the batteries wear off fast, as does the antimicrobial coating, lasting up to several months.
Although the material is a balance of stainless steel and plastic, the lid is plastic and sensitive to breaking. Yet, the one-year warranty will ensure that you don’t have to worry about this for at least a year.
Additionally, there is a manufacturing flaw in some of the products, so that the lid does not always fully close.
4. Top Eco-Friendly Pick: Simplehuman 46 Liter / 12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Dual Compartment Step Trash Can Recycler
This stainless steel trash can is also a recycler. The inside has two compartments, one for regular trash, one for recycling plastic, paper, or glass, which makes it a great eco-friendly choice. The trash can is a mix of steel and plastic which makes it quite durable. It’s a great choice for smaller households that produce less trash, and for people who recycle.
Pros:
One of the best features of this trash can is its durability. The strong steel pedal, like our other Simplehuman recommendations, is designed to endure 20 steps a day, for 20 years. The durability of the trash can is secured with a 5-year warranty.
The black plastic lid is also quite solid, as it is dent-proof, and won’t show fingerprints or dirt. Another great thing about the lid is that it contains an internal hinge, so that even if the trash can is next to the wall, it will not damage it. It also has a stay-open feature, so that you can leave the lid open as long as you like, making it great for longer tasks. The lid is silent-close, saving you from loud noises.
Another thing to love about this trash can is that it has a removable inner bucket, which makes for an easy cleanup.
Cons:
The same company produces custom, strong trash bags that fit perfectly into the compartments, but some customers have found them expensive, and prefer purchasing regular trash bags from supermarkets.
Additionally, as one compartment can hold up to 30 liters and the other one up to 16, this trash can is small and impractical for larger households that produce more garbage.
5, Best Overall: Simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can
The Simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can is our top pick thanks to its durability, sleek look, user-friendly design, and practical size. This is the ideal choice for a larger household, those looking to make a long-term investment, and if you want a stylish yet practical addition to your kitchen. Although this product is on the pricey side, customers say the value is worth the investment.
Pros:
What makes this trash can very practical is that it has a 45 liter/12 gallon capacity, so that it can accommodate large amounts of trash, while the nano-silver clear coat keeps the brushed stainless steel safe from germs and fingerprints.
Another great feature of this product is that except for the stylish, rectangular shape, it contains a liner pocket and a liner rim. The liner pocket dispenses liners within the can, and the liner rim keeps the trash bag in place, and keeps it invisible to the outside gaze. Additionally, the trash can comes in six different color options.
Like the other Simplehuman products, the lid is silent-close, and the strong steel pedal is made to last over 150,000 steps (20 steps for 20 years). The pedal is wide enough to make use smooth and easy.
Satisfied reviewers have also praised the product as being really easy to use and clean.
Another thing to love about this garbage can is that its durability is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Cons:
As we already mentioned, this product is on the pricey side. However, happy users claim that its durability makes it worth every penny.
Also, a few reviewers have complained that the color may peel off over time.
Conclusion
We have done our best to compile the best trash can options for your kitchen, but deciding on the best choice for your household depends on what you are looking for. If you have a small kitchen or don’t want the garbage to be taking up much space, the Simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can is the ideal choice for you. It’s thin enough to be a subtle presence, but tall enough for larger amounts of garbage.
If you are looking to make an aesthetic addition to your kitchen, or want to feel like you are working in a retro 60’s kitchen (with improved women’s rights, thankfully), the Simplehuman Round Retro Step Trash Can is the best choice for you. If you like practical technology, don’t want to spend too much money, and prefer to have as little physical contact with the trash can as possible, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can is the pick for you.
If you are someone who wants a one-step solution for your trash and your recycling, the Simplehuman Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Dual Compartment Step Trash Can Recycler is a great option, although it is not suitable for larger households. Lastly, if you are looking for a long-term investment, a stylish trash can that you will use with ease for the years to come, our top choice, the Simplehuman Stainless Steel Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can is the way to go.
Buying Guide
If you still have some doubts about your purchase, here are some factors that you should consider when making the best choice for your kitchen.
Size
It’s important to think about how much trash you produce on a daily level, and how many members are in your household. You don’t want to buy a trash can that’s too small, and will have you running to the dumpster multiple times in a day. Size is also important in respect to how large your kitchen is. Smaller kitchens call for smaller trash cans.
Material
Choosing the right material is important so you can be confident in the trash can’s durability. You don’t want to buy something that is made of cheap plastic and has the tendency to break easily. Steel or steel and high-quality plastic hybrids are sturdy and resilient against damage. Fingerprint-proof and germicidal coatings are also great hygienic additions if you have kids and pets.
Price
Keep your budget in mind when you are choosing the right trash can for your households. If you are not on a tight budget, consider choosing something pricier that is durable.
What’s Next?
Hopefully, our review and buying guide of the best kitchen trash cans were helpful in your shopping process. By now, you may have a better idea of what would make the ideal addition to your kitchen. To learn more about any of the models, you can click on the title links of the reviews to check current prices, compare full feature lists, and read up on some customer reviews.
Be sure to visit our homepage at kitchenfaucets.reviews to find links to our latest buying guides, featured reviews, and fun blog posts. You can also swing by our contact page to drop us a line if you have questions, comments, or other feedback for us.
