Does the smell of last night’s dinner sometimes linger a little too long in your kitchen? We all deal with kitchen trash, but the container holding it can be a bigger problem than you think. Choosing the right kitchen trash bin seems simple, but it’s surprisingly complicated. You need something that fits your space, controls odors, and actually works for your family’s needs. A bad bin means constant odor issues, messy spills, and a container that just gets in the way.
Stop settling for smelly, awkward trash cans! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best features, sizes, and styles available today. You will learn exactly what makes a trash bin truly effective, from touchless lids to smart recycling setups. By the end, you will know how to select the perfect kitchen companion for your waste. Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen clean-up routine for good.
Top Kitchen Trash Bins Recommendations
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office
- EVERYDAY USE: Stay-open lid, removable bucket, and carry handle ensure easy, convenient trash disposal
- DURABLE: Stainless steel, smudge-resistant exterior and heavy duty plastic inner bucket for reliable strength
- QUIET OPERATION: Manual foot lever and soft close lid for ultra-quiet opening and closing
- PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: 14.7 x 16.7 x 25.9 inches (LxWxH)
- DURABLE: Made of heavy-duty plastic that ensures long-lasting use and prevents dents, chips, or peeling so it will always have a professional look. Rolled rims add strength and are easy to clean.
- EFFICIENT: Fits under standard-height desk.
- OPTIONS: Recycling option and numerous color options available.
- CLEAN: Smooth resin construction is easy-to-clean.
- VERSATILE: Perfect for homes, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, conference rooms, registers, admissions, display rooms, gift shops and more.
- Home & Kitchen Trash Can: 13 gallon trashcan is perfect for any household, featuring a narrow rectangular shape and a matte black finish to coordinate with any decor
- Clorox Odor Protection: Waste bin lid is thoughtfully designed with Clorox Odor Protection to inhibit unwanted odors
- Hands Free for Easy Use: Simply step on the foot pedal for hands-free, touchless operation while the soft-close lid design shuts the bin gently
- Secure Bag Rings: Integrated bag rings keep your wastebasket neat and tidy, securing the trash bag in place so it doesn’t fall to the bottom of the container
- Fits Virtually Anywhere: Slim design of this dustbin allows for home or commercial use, measuring 18” wide, 14.7” deep, and 25” tall; 13 gal (50 liter) size garbage bin fits any kitchen and is great for an office, dorm room, or bathroom
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL -This waste bin with pedals can free your hands, so you don't have to open the lid of the garbage can with your hands while you’re eating. Meanwhile, this simple trashcan decorates your kitchen well.
- USER-FRIENDLY-This garbage can includes 2 removable buckets with large capacity, helping you to sort garbage better. The stainless steel body of this trash bin is fingerprint-resistant and easily cleaned, making the trash bin still looked like new after prolonged use. And the soft-close lid ensures the peaceful environment, with no loud slamming to be heard.
- STURDY & DURABLE-Made of stainless steel, this trash can’s smudge-resistant exterior and heavy duty plastic inner bucket provide reliable strength and withstand sustained use. At the same time, this garbage bin’ pedals combine stainless steel thread with plastic materials to ensure the firmness and make a lighter and more comfortable pedaling experience.
- [Easy Sorting & Odor Control]Dual trash can includes two separate inner buckets make sorting trash and recycling simple and tidy.The sealed design of trash bin with lid effectively contains odors and helps keep pets from making a mess, supporting a cleaner and more organized living space.
- [Heavy-Duty Pedal]Double garbage bin features an industrial-grade steel foot pedal tested to withstand over 150,000+ steps and 300,000+open-close cycles, built for long-term home use. Its sleek profile fits seamlessly into any space: beside the kitchen island, in the bathroom, hallway, or home office.
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless, sanitary trash experience.
- MODERN & DURABLE DESIGN – Made of premium stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish. The sleek oval body and sloping lid design fit seamlessly into kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- POWERED BY 4 C BATTERIES (NOT INCLUDED) – Uses 4× C-cell batteries for long performance: Supports 40,000+ openings for long-lasting use. Alkaline batteries are recommended for best performance. For best results, install with correct polarity, switch ON before use, and place the can in a cool, dry, ventilated area to protect electronic components.
- ODOR CONTROL & EASY CARE – Keep the lid closed to minimize odor. The stainless steel surface is easy to maintain—just wipe with a dry towel for regular care.
- LARGE CAPACITY & CLEAR GUIDANCE – Fits standard 13-gallon trash bags from any supermarket. Accurate size dimensions and internal images reduce confusion. Includes usage tips on bag sealing, odor control, and proper placement.
- Replacement Waste Bins: Set of 2 replacement 35-quart trash bins are the perfect waste containers to include in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and dorm rooms
- Designed to Fit: Designed to be used in all Rev-A-Shelf pullout waste container accessories; Rev-A-Shelf waste container frame is sold separately
- Includes: Includes (2) bins with open-top designs to allow large amounts of waste to be held at a time to minimize taking out the trash; Lids are not included
- Durable Construction: Constructed of injection molded polymer plastic for increased durability and lasting use inside or outside the home
- Rev-A-Shelf Difference: A global family-owned company offering holistic, convenient, stylish, and smart organization and storage solutions for kitchens, baths, closets, and whole homes since 1984
- WASTE BIN WITH 13 GALLON CAPACITY - This 13 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in a sleek matte black finish.
- CLOROX ODOR PROTECTION - Keep your household smelling fresh. This lidded trash can is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection of the lid to thoroughly protect from smells for the life of the can.
- KITCHEN TRASH CAN WITH UPGRADED STEP PEDAL - The Glad plastic trash can has been redesigned with a premium stainless steel foot pedal for exceptional strength and lasting use, while the hands-free operation allows you to throw your trash without having to lift the lid of the can.
- PLASTIC TRASH CAN WITH BAG RINGS - Interior bag rings secure the trash bag in place, keep it from falling in, and tuck away unsightly bag slack for a crisp, clean look.
- SUITABLE FOR HOME OR COMMERCIAL USE - Use this dustbin to keep any interior space clean. This 13G/50L garbage bin fits any kitchen and is great for families and office spaces. Rectangle trash can is 18” wide, 14.7” deep, and 25” high.
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 12 liter / 3.1 gallon trash can for a bathroom or other small space multiple sizes available for every room
- EVERYDAY USE: Stay-open lid, removable bucket, and carry handle ensure easy, convenient trash disposal
- DURABLE: Stainless steel, smudge-resistant exterior and heavy duty plastic inner bucket for reliable strength
- QUIET OPERATION: Manual foot lever and soft close lid for ultra-quiet opening and closing
- PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: 11.3 x 9.9 x 15.1 inches (LxWxH) , Small Size
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kitchen Trash Bins
Choosing the right kitchen trash bin seems easy, but it’s a big decision! Your kitchen bin handles daily messes. A good bin keeps smells in and looks nice. This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Think about how you use your kitchen. These features make life easier:
Capacity and Size
- Capacity: Bins come in different sizes (measured in gallons or liters). A small apartment might need a 10-gallon bin. A large family needs 18 gallons or more. Don’t buy one too small; you will take out the trash constantly.
- Footprint: Measure the space where the bin will sit. Make sure the lid opens without hitting cabinets or walls.
Opening Mechanisms
How you open the bin affects convenience and cleanliness:
- Step-On Pedal: You step on a pedal to open the lid. This keeps your hands clean. Quality pedals last a long time. Cheap pedals break quickly.
- Motion Sensor/Touchless: The lid opens automatically when you wave your hand over it. These are very hygienic but need batteries.
- Manual/Swing Top: You lift the lid by hand. These are simple but require you to touch the bin.
Lids and Sealing
A good lid traps smells. Look for bins with a tight-fitting lid. Some high-end bins have soft-close hinges. This means the lid shuts slowly and quietly. This feature improves the user experience greatly.
Important Materials
The material affects how long the bin lasts and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is popular. It looks modern and resists rust. Fingerprint-resistant coatings are a huge plus! Uncoated steel shows every smudge.
- Plastic: Plastic bins are usually cheaper and lighter. They are easy to clean. Look for sturdy, thick plastic. Thin plastic cracks easily.
- Metal (Non-Stainless): These can be durable but might rust over time, especially near sinks or damp areas.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material. It’s about the engineering inside.
Quality Enhancers:
- Internal Liner Ring: This ring holds the trash bag securely so it doesn’t slip down inside the can. This simple feature saves a lot of frustration.
- Removable Inner Bucket: A plastic bucket inside the main bin makes cleaning spills easy. You lift out the bucket instead of cleaning the whole metal can.
- Durable Hinges/Springs: Strong hinges mean the lid opens and closes correctly for years.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Walls: Thin metal or plastic dents easily when bumped by carts or feet.
- Flimsy Pedals: If the pedal feels weak when you press it, it will likely fail soon.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider where and how the bin lives in your kitchen.
- For Busy Families: A large capacity and a reliable step-on pedal are essential. You need speed and hands-free operation.
- For Small Spaces: Look for tall, narrow bins that take up less floor space. Slim, rectangular bins fit better against counters.
- For Recycling Separation: If you need to separate trash and recycling, look for dual-compartment bins. These save space by combining two cans into one unit.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kitchen Trash Bins
Q: How often should I clean my kitchen trash bin?
A: You should clean the inside of your bin at least once a month. Wipe it down with soap and water or a disinfectant spray. This stops bad odors from building up.
Q: Are stainless steel bins hard to keep clean?
A: Standard stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. However, many modern bins have a special fingerprint-proof coating. These are much easier to wipe clean and keep looking new.
Q: What is the best size trash bin for two people?
A: For two adults, a bin between 10 and 13 gallons (about 40 to 50 liters) usually works well. This prevents taking the trash out multiple times a day.
Q: Do motion-sensor bins save on batteries?
A: They use batteries whenever the sensor is active. If you use the bin constantly, you will change the batteries every few months. They are convenient but require battery maintenance.
Q: Why is my step-on pedal not working properly?
A: Often, the mechanism gets stuck with dirt or debris. Check underneath the bin. Sometimes, the bag gets caught in the hinge area. If it’s new, the spring might be defective.
Q: Can I use any trash bag in any bin?
A: No. You must use bags that match the size rating of your can. Using bags that are too small causes them to rip. Bags that are too large cause them to bunch up and fall inside.
Q: What does “soft-close” mean for a trash bin lid?
A: Soft-close means the lid closes slowly and quietly. It prevents loud slamming noises. This is a feature usually found on higher-quality bins.
Q: Should I buy a bin with an inner bucket?
A: Yes, if possible. The inner bucket catches leaks and makes it easy to remove the heavy, full bag. It also makes deep cleaning much simpler.
Q: Do odor filters really work?
A: Yes, activated charcoal filters absorb smells. They are usually small inserts placed under the lid. You replace these filters every few months for the best odor control.
Q: Are rectangular bins better than round ones for kitchens?
A: Rectangular or square bins are often better for kitchens. They sit flush against walls or cabinets, saving floor space compared to round bins.