Credit:
Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Credit:
Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
This can is a winner in a bevy of "best of" lists, ours included. Granted, it's NOT cheap, but a strong build and 10-year warranty ensure you won’t need to replace it for a while. Read More
With a great price tag and a 5-year warranty, this offers all you can really ask for from a value can. Yes, it’s plastic, but it's still surprisingly sturdy. Read More
Not too pricey, but needs batteries or an AC adapter. Since it’s automated, there’s always a chance it may break. It’s heavy and hard to move, especially since the lid opens when you approach. Read More
The butterfly lid makes for easy under-counter clearance. It too has all the fun Simplehuman extras. Yet its heft makes it hard to move, and above all, it's one costly can. Read More
Easily takes 16 gallons, but fits 13-gallon bags. Its material is cheaper, yet fairly sturdy and weatherproof. The shape means it can't be neatly tucked in corners, and though tall, won’t deter a dog. Read More
You deserve a chic-looking kitchen trash can. Just because it does the dirtiest and most thankless job—containing and concealing all your kitchen garbage—doesn't mean it can't be a paragon of form, function, and fabulosity.
To find a can that ticks off all of these boxes, we spent weeks on research to find our top picks. We evaluated everything from hands-free automatic trash cans to simple plastic trash cans, which you can use as trash and/or recycling bins. Our favorite Simplehuman Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can (available at Amazon for $139.99) is a slick, brushed stainless steel (and, dare we say, sexy?) piece of functional design.
Simplehuman's 45L (12-gallon) offering is the best of all.
Modern design
Resists fingerprints
Hefty
Expensive
Durable
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Awkward shape
Step-on cans: These trash bins open by foot power—a pedal at the bottom of the can lifts the lid—so they operate hands-free. In general, because they have lids that close fully, they do a good job of keeping odors in the trash can. Keep an eye out for cans that don't seal properly, because that will let smells escape the garbage bin.
Cans with swing-top, butterfly, or fold-in lids: As its name suggests, swing-top trash cans swing to open. The same is true with fold-in cans. Cans with butterfly lids open out. As a trash can gets full, both swing-top and fold-in bins may not open properly. All three can get soiled as trash is deposited. Because of the type of closures, they may not contain odors.
Touch-top trash cans: These bins open by pressing a button, but because you have to use your hands, they aren't as sanitary as some other types of cans.
In-cabinet trash cans: For people who don't have a lot of space or don't want an exposed trash can, in-cabinet garbage bins could be a good option. These trash bins live inside your cabinets, so they are out of sight. They may be smaller than other types of kitchen trash cans, so they would require more frequent emptying.
automatic cans: automatic trash cans are activated by a voice or motion sensor, so you wouldn't have to use your hands to deposit refuse. However, because they rely on technology, they could also break down or require batteries.
Price: The cost of trash bins is generally determined by materials used, with plastic trash cans (which also tend to be lighter) proving more affordable, while stainless steel tends to command a higher price. That’s because stainless steel is usually better-looking, more durable, and easier to clean. It also often comes with some kind of warranty.
Openings: As for trash lids, it’s a matter of personal preference: the basic, hand-lifted top is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cans, which also come in step-to-open, swinging, and touch-free automatic varieties. Just make sure the lid fits well onto the can, to prevent odors from spilling into your kitchen.
Material: Primarily, trash bins are made of metal or plastic. Metal trash cans can be easy to clean and attractive. However, they can also be heavy and more expensive. Plastic trash cans are lighter than metal ones. They can be less expensive, but they also are less durable than metal cans.
Capacity: Most kitchen trash cans are about 13 gallons—that’s the standard size for kitchen trash bags. Some might be a little bigger, others a little smaller. Those with large families may want to consider a bigger trash bin, such as one with a 30-gallon capacity.
Design: You’ll want to identify the ideal shape for your space, especially if you have a small kitchen. Squares, semi-circles, and rectangles are easier to nest along a wall, while slim-fit options can be conveniently tucked under or between counters, allowing you to make the most of limited kitchen real estate.
Extras: You may also want to consider whether the can has special features, such as an odor filter, that support smell absorption. And if you don’t want to constantly search for specially-sized liners, know that a 13-gallon bag is the standard capacity when it comes to kitchen trash bags.
Sarah Zorn
Contributor
Sarah Zorn is a food writer, cookbook author, and product tester for Reviewed, Wirecutter and the Food Network. She regularly contributes to outlets such as Saveur, Esquire, and Civil Eats, and has very much passed her food obsessions down, as her beloved rescue hound, Rowdy, regularly deglazes his kibble bowl.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
Shoot us an email
