What if the humble kitchen garbage can held the secret to a cleaner, fresher home? It might sound silly, but think about it. That bin sees everything – last night’s dinner scraps, crumpled-up wrappers, and everything in between. It’s a workhorse, yet often the last thing we think about when upgrading our kitchen.
Choosing the right one, however, can be surprisingly tricky. Do you need a sleek stainless steel model, or one with a foot pedal? How big should it be? A bad choice leads to annoying odors, overflowing messes, and constant trips outside. Nobody wants that lingering smell or a can that doesn’t quite fit under the counter.
We understand the struggle. That’s why we dove deep into the world of kitchen waste management. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what features matter most, how to match a can to your lifestyle, and how to keep your kitchen smelling great, no matter what you toss away. Get ready to transform this often-ignored item into a true kitchen asset!
Top Kitchen Garbage Cans Recommendations
- 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.
- 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)
- Elegant & Durable Stainless Steel: Built from high-grade stainless steel, this kitchen trash can is rust-resistant, fingerprint-resistant, and easy to clean—keeping your space stylish and spotless with minimal effort. Perfect as a trash bin for living rooms, kitchens, or offices
- Whisper-Quiet Soft-Close Lid: Featuring an ultra-quiet, soft-close design, the trash can with lid eliminates noise and provides a gentle closing experience every time. The odor control lid seals in unpleasant smells, keeping your kitchen or bathroom fresh all day long
- Hands-Free Convenience, Stay-Open Feature: The sturdy step pedal offers hands-free operation for ultimate hygiene, while the 90° stay-open lid design allows for easy trash disposal during meal prep or cleaning—making this step trash can both efficient and easy to use
- Generous 5.2-Gallon Capacity: With a roomy 5.2-gallon/20-liter capacity, this rectangular waste container fits plenty of kitchen or household waste—making it ideal as a bathroom trash can, kitchen trash can, or recycling bin in busy homes and offices
- Easy-Clean Design & Stable Placement: The removable inner bucket allows for effortless emptying and cleaning, while the anti-slip bottom ensures your garbage can stays in place. An easy-to-carry handle makes repositioning your waste bin or recycling bin simple and hassle-free
- 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.
- 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.
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 30 liter / 7.9 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: 11.8 x 13.8 x 25 inches (LxWxH)
- AUTOMATIC SENSOR & HYGIENIC: This automatic 13 gallons kitchen trash can uses touchless sensors to silently open and close the lid, offering a hygienic, hands-free way to dispose of waste without noise or mess.
- MODERN & STYLISH: This dustbin made from durable waterproof and anti-scratch PP plastic, this 13G trash can features a sleek oval shape with a sloping lid and a safe non-toxic design for clean hygienic spaces.
- LARGE 13-GALLON 50 LITER CAPACITY GARBAGE CANS: This spacious kitchen waste cans fits standard 13-gallon bags, making it perfect for kitchens, offices, bathroom or anywhere you need a reliable, high-capacity waste solution.
- POWERED BY C Battery (NOT INCLUDED) – This trash bins uses 4× C-cell batteries for long performance: Supports 40,000+ openings for long-lasting use. Alkaline battery are recommended for best performance. For best results, install with correct polarity, switch ON before use, and place the waste basket in a cool, dry, ventilated area to protect electronic components.
- VERSATILE FOR ANY ROOM: Whether in your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, or study, this 13G automatic sensor trash can combines practical hands-free use with a modern look that fits any setting.
- 【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.
The Ultimate Kitchen Garbage Can Buying Guide
Choosing the right kitchen garbage can seems easy, but there are many options! Your garbage can handles smelly trash and needs to fit your kitchen style. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Good garbage cans offer more than just a place to toss scraps. Look closely at these features:
- Lid Mechanism: How does the lid open? Step-on cans let you open them with your foot, keeping your hands clean. Sensor cans open automatically when you wave your hand near them. Manual lids are the simplest but require touching the can.
- Capacity (Size): How big is your family? A small household might need a 10-gallon can. Larger families or those who cook often need 13 gallons or more to avoid taking out the trash constantly.
- Smell Control: Some cans include special charcoal filters or sealed lids. These features trap bad odors inside, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Bag Ring or Liner Lock: A good can holds the trash bag securely. A liner lock prevents the bag from slipping down inside the can when you throw things away.
Important Materials Matter
The material affects how long the can lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is very popular. It looks sleek and modern in most kitchens. It resists rust well. However, fingerprints show easily on shiny finishes. Look for “fingerprint-proof” stainless steel if you hate wiping smudges.
Plastic
Plastic cans are lightweight and usually cheaper. They are very easy to clean because plastic does not absorb odors easily. Heavy-duty plastic cans last a long time, but cheaper plastic can crack over time.
Other Materials
Some decorative cans use bamboo or colored metal. These look nice, but check how durable they are before buying.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about looks; it is about performance.
High-Quality Indicators
- Sturdy Hinges and Pedals: If the lid mechanism feels strong and closes smoothly every time, the can is built well.
- Removable Inner Bucket: Many top-quality cans have a plastic bucket inside. You lift this bucket out to empty the trash, which makes cleaning much easier.
- Quiet Closing Lids: A soft-close lid prevents loud slamming noises, which improves daily use.
Low-Quality Indicators
- Flimsy plastic hinges that break after a few months of use.
- A lid that does not seal tightly, allowing smells to escape.
- Thin metal that dents easily when bumped.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you use your trash can.
Small Kitchens/Apartments: You need a slim, tall can that fits neatly beside a cabinet. Sensor lids are great here because you might have full hands while cooking.
Busy Family Kitchens: Capacity is key. A large, step-on can works best. Step-on lids are preferred because little hands might struggle with complex sensors, and feet are always free.
Recycling Needs: Do you need a dual-compartment can? These cans have two sections—one for regular trash and one for recycling. This saves space and keeps sorting simple.
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 kitchens is 13 gallons (about 50 liters). This size fits standard large trash bags well.
Q: Should I buy a sensor can or a step-on can?
A: Sensor cans offer hands-free operation, which is very hygienic. Step-on cans are more reliable, do not need batteries, and are often better for homes with children.
Q: How do I stop my garbage can from smelling bad?
A: Use activated charcoal filters inside the lid. Also, make sure you clean the inside of the can regularly with soap and water. Always use bags that tie shut.
Q: Do I need a can with an inner bucket?
A: Yes, inner buckets are highly recommended. They make it much easier to remove the full bag without touching the can walls or struggling with stuck liners.
Q: How often should I clean my kitchen garbage can?
A: You should wipe down the inside and outside at least once a month. If you throw away raw meat or very wet items, clean it sooner.
Q: Is stainless steel hard to keep clean?
A: Standard stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. Choose a can labeled “fingerprint-resistant” or “smudge-proof” for easier upkeep.
Q: What is a “soft-close” lid?
A: A soft-close lid closes slowly and quietly on its own. This feature stops loud slamming noises and protects the hinge mechanism from fast wear and tear.
Q: Can I use regular grocery bags in a large can?
A: Usually, no. Standard kitchen cans are designed for 13-gallon bags. Grocery bags are too small and often tear when stretched over the rim.
Q: How important is the can’s width for placement?
A: Width is very important, especially in smaller kitchens. Look for “slim” or “narrow” designs if you must place the can between appliances or against a tight wall.
Q: Are motion sensor cans better than manual ones?
A: Sensor cans offer convenience when your hands are messy. However, they need batteries, and sometimes they open by accident if a pet walks past them.