What lurks in the corner of your kitchen? Often, it’s the humble garbage can, a necessary but frequently overlooked item. We toss things in it daily, but do we ever stop to think about the perfect one for our space? Choosing a kitchen trash can is surprisingly tricky. You need something that fits the space, handles your family’s waste volume, and, ideally, doesn’t look like an eyesore!
The wrong can leads to constant problems: lids that stick, smells that linger, and bags that constantly slip. It’s a small decision that impacts your daily kitchen routine more than you realize. This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best features, sizes, and styles available right now.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what features matter most for your household. Ready to upgrade this essential kitchen tool from a necessary evil to a seamless part of your home? Let’s dive into finding your perfect kitchen garbage can match.
Top Kitchen Garbage Can 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)
- 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.
- Durable Stainless Steel: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this trash can offers long-lasting durability and a sleek, modern look that fits any office, kitchen, or bathroom decor.
- Convenient Inner Bucket: Features a removable inner bucket for easy waste disposal and cleaning, making maintenance hassle-free and hygienic.
- Versatile Use: Designed to serve as a kitchen waste bin, home trash bin, or office garbage can, providing a practical solution for various environments.
- Secure Lid Design: Equipped with a tight-fitting lid to contain odors and keep trash out of sight, ensuring a clean and fresh-smelling space.
- Spacious Capacity: Ample size to handle daily waste efficiently, reducing the frequency of emptying and keeping your area tidy and organized.
- 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
- Premium Motion Sensor Technology - Experience the smoothest, most seamless lid opening and closing technology with this EKO hands-free automatic trash can.
- Ultimate Fingerprint Resistance - Say goodbye to smudges and hello to a clean flawless exterior that stays immaculate. The anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish keeps your space clean and stylish.
- Sleek and Durable Finish - Meticulously crafted with a stainless steel finish, this stylish touchless trash can offers a cool and smooth texture that’s durable and visually appealing for any home decor style.
- 25% More Capacity - No liner design maximizes capacity by offering 25% more room to dispose of the trash.
- Long-lasting Power - Use with AA alkaline batteries and can last up to 8 months of use, making our kitchen garbage can eco-friendly and your wallet happy.
- 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.
- Perfect Size & Versatile Use - This rectangular trash can comes in 3.4, 4, and 4.8-gallon capacities (13L, 15L, 18L) to fit various spaces. Its slim design is ideal as a kitchen trash can, office trash can, or compact garbage bin for bathroom, bedroom, and living room. Choose the perfect capacity for your home and kitchen needs.
- Soft-Close Lid & Hands-Free 90° Open - Features a soft-close lid that closes slowly and quietly every time. The lid also offers a hands-free 90° open feature, staying open for easy loading and cleaning, combining convenience with ultra-quiet operation.
- Durable & Anti-Fingerprint Stainless Steel - Made from premium, rust-resistant stainless steel with an anti-fingerprint brushed finish. This stainless steel trash can stays clean, resists smudges, and maintains a sleek look without constant wiping. Strong steel pedal ensures long-lasting, reliable use.
- Effortless Cleaning & Practical Design - Includes a removable inner bucket for quick rinse and a built-in no-slip bag holder to keep liners secure. The garbage can with lid also features an anti-slip base to protect floors, a built-in handle for easy carrying, and a space-saving rectangular shape that fits neatly in corners or under counters.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed & Thoughtful Details - Designed for durability and daily convenience. This trash bin is easy to clean, fingerprint-resistant, and built to last. If you have any issues, our customer support ensures a hassle-free resolution. Upgrade your home with this stylish and functional trash can for kitchen, bathroom, or office use.
- 【High Quality Construction】13 Gallon Garbage can made of sturdy stainless steel with brushed surface, anti-fingerprints and easy to clean. ABS handle and base, anti-slip design.Pedal tested 200,000 times, service life over 25 years.
- 【Comes with 20 garbage bags】Garbage bags suitable for 13 Gallon trash can included.Even if the garbage fills the entire garbage bag, our high-quality garbage bags can withstand it.The regular 13-gallon garbage bag in the supermarket can be used in our stainless steel trash can.
- 【Silence & Soft Closure】The built-in Bi-force damper ensures that the lid can be closed quietly every time prevents banging.Don’t worry about disturbing your family with the noise.You just have to stand the lid up 90° and it can stay open as long as you want,suitable for using the trash can multiple times without opening it multiple times when doing housework in the kitchen.
- 【Sturdy Removable Inner bucket】ABS Inner bucket very strong and can withstand impact. Even if it is accidentally hit, it will be difficult to break.There is a small hole in the inner bucket to fix the garbage bag.
- 【Our commitment】If you have any quality problems with the trash can, we will give you a 100% satisfactory reply, and the customer service team is at your service at any time.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Garbage Can: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Your kitchen garbage can might seem like a simple item. However, picking the right one makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen clean and smelling fresh. This guide helps you find the perfect fit for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Capacity and Size
Think about how much trash your family makes. Small cans (8-13 gallons) work well for one or two people. Larger families need bigger cans, usually 13 gallons or more. Measure the space where the can will sit. Make sure it fits without blocking drawers or doors.
Opening Mechanism
How you open the can affects convenience and hygiene.
- Step Cans: You step on a pedal to open the lid. These are great because your hands stay clean.
- Motion Sensor Cans: These open automatically when they sense your hand nearby. They are very modern but need batteries.
- Touch Lids: You lightly press the lid, and it pops open.
- Swing Tops: A simple lid that swings inward when you push trash through it.
Lid Design and Odor Control
A good lid keeps smells in. Look for cans with tight-sealing lids. Some advanced models include special compartments for odor-absorbing charcoal filters. This feature really helps reduce kitchen smells.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your garbage can affects how long it lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is popular. It looks sleek and modern. It resists rust well. However, fingerprints show easily on shiny surfaces. Look for “fingerprint-resistant” stainless steel for easier cleaning.
Plastic
Plastic cans are usually cheaper and lighter. They are easy to wipe down. High-quality, durable plastic lasts a long time. Cheaper plastic can crack or become brittle over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the outside look. Small details make a big difference in daily use.
Lid Hinges and Mechanisms
Strong hinges are essential. If the pedal mechanism breaks, the can becomes useless. Test the action if you can. Smooth, quiet operation shows good internal parts. Poorly made hinges wear out fast.
Liner Ring or Bag Holders
A good can holds the trash bag securely. Many cans have an internal ring that hides the messy edges of the liner bag. This feature keeps the bag from slipping down inside the can. This improves the look and usability greatly.
Noise Level
A loud, clanging lid is annoying, especially at night. Many high-quality cans use “soft-close” technology. This feature lets the lid close slowly and silently. This is a major quality upgrade.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider where and how you will use the can.
Small Spaces vs. High Traffic Areas
If you have a tiny kitchen, look for slim, rectangular cans that fit snugly against a wall or cabinet. In busy family kitchens, durability and a large capacity are more important than a small footprint.
Recycling Integration
Many modern kitchens need separate bins for trash and recycling. Some cans come as dual compartments in one unit. This saves floor space and simplifies sorting.
Choosing the right kitchen garbage can means balancing size, features, and material quality. Take a moment to think about your daily routine. You will find a can that works perfectly for your kitchen needs.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kitchen Garbage Cans
Q: What is the standard size for a kitchen garbage can?
A: The most common size for a kitchen garbage can is 13 gallons. This size matches the standard trash bags sold in most stores.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic?
A: Stainless steel often looks nicer and lasts longer, but it costs more. Plastic is budget-friendly and very easy to clean. Neither is always “better”; it depends on your budget and style.
Q: How often should I clean my garbage can?
A: You should clean the inside and outside of your kitchen garbage can at least once a month. Wipe it down thoroughly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Q: What does “soft-close” mean for a garbage can?
A: Soft-close means the lid lowers slowly and quietly when you let go of the pedal or touch the lid. This stops loud slamming.
Q: Do motion-sensor cans work well all the time?
A: Motion sensors are very convenient, but they need batteries to work. If the batteries die, the can will not open automatically.
Q: Why does my garbage bag keep falling into the can?
A: This happens when the can lacks a good bag ring or holder. Look for cans that have an internal ring that grips the bag over the rim.
Q: Can I use charcoal filters in any garbage can?
A: No. Charcoal odor filters usually only fit in specific models designed with a special holder, often located under the lid.
Q: What is the benefit of a square or rectangular can over a round one?
A: Square or rectangular cans use space more efficiently. They sit flush against walls or cabinets, saving floor space in smaller kitchens.
Q: Should I buy a can with a separate recycling section?
A: If you generate a lot of recycling, a dual-compartment can saves you from needing two separate bins cluttering your kitchen floor.
Q: How do I remove bad odors that stick to the plastic?
A: Wash the can thoroughly with a mix of water and white vinegar. Vinegar helps neutralize strong, lingering smells better than just soap.