A clean kitchen looks appealing and brightens up a home. Most of us pay a lot of attention on washing the dishes, scrubbing the oven, cleaning the countertop, and ensuring that the floor is in tip-top condition. But there’s one little detail that most people forget – getting the right trash can to store away all the trash!
You see, alongside cleaning all the surfaces in your home and regularly throwing away the garbage, a good trash can will keep your kitchen organized and prevent the small unwanted rascals from your home, not to mention bacterial and odors of leftovers.
Buying the best kitchen trash can may seem like an easy task. You just do a search on the available models and click the “buy” option. Well, we’ll be honest with you. A good trash can should not only make it easy to toss away your garbage, but also be painless when replacing bags. This means you have to do some research before you proceed to buy this item for your kitchen. Below are is our selection for some trash cans that we believe could suit you, as well as some tips to help you with your shopping.
Top 9 Kitchen Trash Cans of 2020 Reviewed
1. Umbra Venti 16-Gallon Swing-Top Kitchen Trash Can
Best for Commercial Purposes and Large Kitchens
If you want to know if a kitchen trash can is going to last for a long time, look at the warranty period. This Simplehuman trash can comes with a 5-year warranty. Clearly, that says a lot about its expected life. The body, as well as the pedal, are durable. If anything the pedal is designed to last for 20 years while being impacted by 20 steps per day.
It has a 10-gallon capacity, which implies it can hold a substantial amount of kitchen waste. It comes with even tougher trash bags to help you easily collect and dispose of your kitchen waste. Once you step on the pedal, the lid will open in readiness for you throwing the trash into the bag. The lid can be left open for as long as you need it to stay that way.
Pros:
- The swing-top lid makes the concealing of the trash easy
- A high-capacity trash can
- Easy to maintain, since all that’s required is some wiping
Cons:
- May take up extra space in the kitchen
- Limited to the black color
- Some cans have been delivered to customers with damaged lids
2. Rev-A-Shelf RV-12KD-18C S – Single 35 Qt. Pull-Out and Chrome Waste Container
Best for Cabinet Pull Out
Are you looking for a kitchen trash can with an accompanying mounting hardware and chrome frame? This waste container comes ready for use in the kitchen. Simply place it at your favorite spot and start using it to collect all the trash that accumulates in the kitchen. It is large enough to hold kitchen waste, given that its width is 10.62 inches, length 22 inches, and height 19.25 inches.
The rear basket makes it easier for you in instances when you need extra storage. You have the option of using a lid on the waste container. It also has a removable handle, which you can re-attach whenever there is need. With such a smooth sliding system, you don’t have to worry about assembling the trash can and getting it to work.
Pros:
- Has a rear basket for your extra storage needs
- Comes with a removable handle, which you can re-attach when need be
- The effective sliding mechanism makes assembly of this trash can easier
Cons:
- Installation instructions are not very clear
- The pail is a little bit loose, due to the lack of a tighter fit
- May not fit in all cupboard sizes
3. iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
Best Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
Think of a trash can which you can simply open with the motion of your hand. The iTouchless 13-gallon stainless steel automatic trash can is a revolutionary product that’s redefining how kitchen trash is collected. It is the perfect container you need to maintain utmost hygiene. The automatic system is powered by an AC adapter or 4 D-size batteries that can last for 1 ½ year.
Its body is fully stainless steel. In addition to being germ-proof, it is also resistant to fingerprints, including your own. Perfect for the kitchen, office, and virtually anywhere you need a trash can. It really doesn’t matter the amount of trash involved. The can works very well with common 13-gallon trash bags. No need for custom bags, which can be expensive.
Pros:
- Made with the latest touchless technology for easy operation
- Has a germ-proof and fingerprint-proof stainless steel surface
- Works with common 13-gallon trash bags
Cons:
- The lid could break down without warning
- If you are not careful, you could dislodge the filter and throw it away in the trash
- Trash bags could slip in if not installed properly
4. Simplehuman 38 Liters/10 Gallons Kitchen Trash Can
Best for Modern Kitchens
If you want to know if a kitchen trash can is going to last for a long time, look at the warranty period. This Simplehuman trash can comes with a 5-year warranty. Clearly, that says a lot about its expected life. The body, as well as the pedal, are durable. If anything the pedal is designed to last for 20 years while being impacted by 20 steps per day.
It has a 10-gallon capacity, which implies it can hold a substantial amount of kitchen waste. It comes with even tougher trash bags to help you easily collect and dispose of your kitchen waste. Once you step on the pedal, the lid will open in readiness for you throwing the trash into the bag. The lid can be left open for as long as you need it to stay that way.
Pros:
- It is a durable and long-lasting trash can
- Has a sizeable capacity
- Comes with hardy trash bags for easy waste disposal
Cons:
- When closed, the lid leaves a gap
- Does not completely align with the wall
- There are kitchen trash cans with bigger capacity
5. Tramontina 13-Gallon Step Trash Can Stainless Steel
Best Kitchen Trash Can with Freshener Cartidges
A good trash can is one that can resist the corrosive effects of some of the wastes produced in the kitchen. The Tramontina 13-gallon step trash can is one such product, given that it is made of stainless steel. Additionally, it is tough and does not easily wear. You can expect the trash can to last for a long time.
To minimize the odor due to kitchen trash, this can comes with a freshener system. Thus, you don’t have to contend with the smell of decomposing or fermenting kitchen trash. To open the trash can, simply step on the pedal. Once you release it, the lid will snap back into place without much of a noise. You can use the ordinary 13-gallon trash bags. Once they hold into place, the overhang is concealed by a trim ring.
Pros:
- Hardy and corrosion resistant
- Comes with a refreshing freshener system
- Has a trim ring to hide away the trash bag overhang
Cons:
- Malfunctioning piston after multiple uses, but not typical
- The lid may fail to close all the way
- Some trash cans were delivered dented
6. Simplehuman 40-Liter/10.6-Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can
Best For Small Spaces
A kitchen trash can doesn’t have to be transfixed on the same spot. Ideally, you should be able to move it around the room. This Simplehuman kitchen trash can comes with built-in wheels. You can easily move it in and out of the kitchen as you wish.
It comes with a slide lock, which effectively shuts the lid and keeps pets and naughty kids from falling into the trash. The good thing with the lid is that it closes silently, thanks to a proprietary technology known as ‘lid shox’. So, don’t expect to hear loud noises or unnecessary banging. This trash can works with custom bags that perfectly fit the can for cleaner waste handling. Once the trash bag is full, all you need to do is pull the liner to dispose of the waste.
Pros:
- Comes with wheels, which makes it highly mobile
- A slide lock secures the trash can against pests and kids
- Works with custom trash bags for the perfect fit
Cons:
- The company’s customer service department is not very responsive
- Plastic back hinges on the lid are prone to wear and tear
- The lid-opening mechanism may fail to work
7. NINESTARS DZT-50-9 Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can
Best Touchless Kitchen Trash Can
One of the features that define this NINESTARS kitchen trash can is the touchless infrared motion sensor. It is operated by 3 C batteries to softly lock the lid and seal in the odor and eliminating the possible spread of germs. However, the sensor is made to delay so as to preserve battery life and prevent unnecessary opening by pets, children or adults walking by. The infra-red sensor is water-resistant to prevent possible damage.
It comes with a detachable ring liner to firmly hold trash bags in place and prevent unnecessary overhanging for neat and clean results. Your guests will definitely be impressed with how neat the closed trash can looks. The stainless steel base is spot and fingerprint-resistant ensuring it stays clean and tidy.
Pros:
- Comes with a touch-free motion sensor
- The water-resistant infra-red sensor is not easily damaged
- Trash bags are held firmly in place thanks to the ring liner
Cons:
- The trash can is likely to break down after some time of continuous use
- Battery cover could fall off without much of a warning
- The company offers less than average customer service
8. Rubbermaid 13-Gallon Premium Step-On Waste Bin
Here is one of the kitchen trash cans with a step-on base for easy opening. If you fear to contaminate your hands with germs from the fermenting or decomposing trash. Not only are you able to maintain high levels of hygiene but you also prevent the spread of germs to the rest of the kitchen. Once the lid locks into place, it also prevents the odor from spreading around.
The Rubbermaid kitchen trash can works with standard 13-gallon bags. After attaching the trash bag, the unique design of the can ensure it is properly held in place. You do not have to worry about your visitors catching a glimpse of the trims. To dispose of the waste, all you need to do it to remove the trash bag.
Pros:
- The step-on base makes it very easy to open the lid
- You can use any of the standard 13-gallon trash bags
- Seals in the trash, odor, and germs
Cons:
- Some reviewers have complained about the foot pedal not working so well
- Made of plastic which is prone to staining and fingerprints
- Its capacity is nowhere close to the highest
9. Simplehuman 30-Liter/8-Gallon Round Step Trash Can
Who wants to buy a kitchen trash can that only lasts a few years? This Simplehuman trash can is made to last for years. It is solidly engineered and made of durable materials for prolonged life. In addition to the can itself, the fit liners are also made to withstand the ravages of everyday use. It has a steel pedal which is meant to last for 20 years assuming you will be stepping on it at least 20 times in a day.
The lid closes silently, which means you shouldn’t expect any of the banging noises from other trash cans. Thus, life in your home can go on regardless of what’s happening to the trash can. You can keep the lid open for longer if you have a lengthy chore. The hinges are slim enough to allow for the placement of the trash can as close to the wall as possible.
Pros:
- Solidly engineered to last for many years
- Comes with durable fit liners
- Slim hinges make it possible for you to place the trash can close to the wall
Cons:
- Since the trash can is taller, it may not adequately accommodate standard trash bags
- You have to buy custom-made trash cans
- May not fit in some spaces due to its longer frame
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Trash Cans: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Every kitchen requires a trash can. The hardest part is not in the need for a trash can but in choosing one that suits your needs. The following are a few things to consider before buying a trash can:
Type
There are three main types of trash cans you can choose from. They include plastic, stainless steel, and concrete. Here is a brief explanation of each of these types of trash cans:
- Plastic: If you are looking for a lightweight trash can, then you should buy a plastic one. Due to its malleable nature, plastic isn’t easily affected by scratches. In case of dents, it will simply pop back into its original state. It is more affordable and easy to maintain and clean. However, it tends to be less durable than other types of trash cans.
- Stainless steel: This is obviously heavier than plastic. That makes it more solid and less prone to sliding on the floor. It is the perfect trash can to compliment your home décor. Given the ease with which stainless steel is easy to clean, it is very hygienic. Since it is pricey, only buy a stainless steel trash can if you can afford it. Unlike plastic, it easily gets dented and smudged with fingerprints.
- Concrete: Even though not very common, there are a number of manufacturers of trash cans who rely on concrete as the main material. You can clean it easily using soap and water. The major disadvantage of a concrete trash can is that it is very heavy.
Size
Apart from ensuring you have a trash can that’s suitable for your purpose, it is important to consider the capacity. If you want a trash can for diapers and other small jobs, you can consider a small one. Standard trash cans can carry 13-gallon trash bags. If you need a smaller one, then bear that in mind as you go shopping. For bigger ones, look for brands that are known to produce high-capacity containers. At the end of the day, the size of trash can you buy will depend on the size of your family.
Design
When buying a kitchen trash can, the design is one of the most important considerations. The main designs of trash cans include step-on, infrared sensor, motion sensor, and cabinet pull-out trash cans. Obviously, you will pick a design that suits your environment. If you have a clever pet, then the manually operated is the best. As for the rest, a smart dog will be able to unnecessarily open the lid, once he learns the trick. If you insist on one with a motion sensor, then it should have delay capabilities.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Since it is used on a daily basis, a kitchen trash can needs a lot of cleaning and maintenance to keep it hygienic and durable. An important consideration is whether it is prone to smudges and fingerprints. Stainless steel trash cans are the worst when it comes to showing smudges on the lids after frequent use. If you must buy one, then its coating should be fingerprint-proof.
Another aspect of trash can maintenance is the ease with which you can replace the used trash bags. Since this is a frequent exercise, you need to have a trash can that makes replacement of the bags easier. However, bear in mind the ease with which the bags hold onto the trash can.
After removing a full trash bag, you will have to clean the bucket. So how easy is it for you to do it? Some trash cans only require wiping with a wet rag while others need a thorough cleaning. It all depends on what you are ready to do as an individual.
Cost
For some buyers, this is perhaps the most important consideration when buying a trash can. So, the price of a trash can really matter. It should be able to fit perfectly into your budget. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend, you will pay between $15 and $300. Don’t forget to look at features that really matter to you.
There’s no argument about it – a good trash can for a home kitchen can mean all the difference when it comes to keeping your kitchen spotless. You can buy either plastic, stainless steel or concrete one, depending on your needs. The great thing is that you don’t need to do blind shopping, hoping that the option you buy suits your needs. We hope that our review has helped you get the right model that will help your kitchen clean and organized.
