Last Updated: February 2023
It’s a tool that you use every single day, and one of the most important tools in your kitchen, but one that you may overlook… The trash can.
From tossing out food waste to papers and various other things that are, well, garbage, your kitchen trash can collects various types of refuse on a daily basis. And though you use it on a constant basis, and though it has such a big job, you may not really pay it much mind; that is, until you toss something out and find that the bag has slipped down inside the can, leaving a huge mess, you notice odors seeping out of it, or you discover that the trash can keeps tipping over whenever you toss something heavy into it.
When you start noticing that there are issues with your kitchen trash can, that’s when you start to pay attention to how important this receptacle is, and how much of an impact it really does have on your kitchen – and on your life.
The goal of a kitchen trash can is a simple one: To collect trash. Moreover, it should collect trash as efficiently as possible, making cooking, cleaning and other tasks that you do in the kitchen a little bit easier. However, when your kitchen trash can doesn’t cooperate and ends up making a big, smelly mess, it’s far from making things more convenient in the kitchen; it, in fact, makes things inconvenient.
Whether you are shopping for a new kitchen trash can to replace the one you currently have (which has not been living up to your expectations,) or you are looking for your first kitchen trash can ever, you have come to the right place. We know that you want your kitchen trash can to be as efficient as possible and you want it to actually make your life a little bit easier and stress-less; however, finding the best trash can to do the job can be a bit of a daunting task. There are just so many options out there, which can make it difficult to choose the one that will collect your trash the best.
Instead of just buying any trash can for your kitchen, you really do need to put some thought into it. So, don’t just head out to the store and purchase any kitchen trash can; read this buyer’s guide first!
In this guide, we have offer some insightful information related to kitchen trash cans. We highlight the elements that separate a high quality trash can from the not-so high quality options, the factors that you should keep in mind when you are shopping for a trash can for your kitchen, and we also share our top five picks for the best kitchen trash cans currently on the market; among other things.
After reading this buyer’s guide, you will have all of the information that you need to choose the best trash can for your kitchen, and to make your daily life a little bit easier.
Table of Contents
- What You Need to Know About Kitchen Trash Can
- Best Kitchen Garbage Cans in 2023
- The Simplehuman Butterfly Step Trash Can
- Rev-A-Shelf RV 12 KD 18 C S Single 35 Quart Pull Out Black and Chrome Waste Container with Rear Basket
- The Seville Classics 17 Gallon Ultra HD Commercial Stainless Steel Trash Bin
- The Simplehuman In Cabinet Trash Can with Heavy Duty Steel Frame
- The Simplehuman Slim Plastic Step Trash Can in White
- Our Consumer Guide to Kitchen Trash Can
What You Need to Know About Kitchen Trash Can
Believe it or not, there are actually ‘good’ kitchen trash cans and ‘bad’ kitchen trash cans; they aren’t all created equal. In order to find the best option for your needs, you need to be able to differentiate between the elements that separate the good quality options from the bad ones.
After conducting extensive research, doing our own studies and speaking with several people, we have separated the good quality trash cans from the poorer quality trash cans. In this section of our buyer’s guide, we highlight the elements that make for the best garbage cans for the kitchen, and we also discuss the elements that make for a poor quality waste receptacle.
THE GOOD
In order to weed through all of the kitchen trash can options, we have determined that the best options should offer a few basic criteria. Here, we have determined the qualities that the best trash cans for the kitchen should offer.
It Properly Secures Bags
The best kitchen trash cans properly secure the garbage to the can. After all, the primary purpose of a kitchen trash can is to collect refuse, and as such, it should be able to hold the bag inside the receptacle without letting it slip down inside. The highest quality options will offer some type of element that will prevent the bag from slipping down inside when an item is placed in it, such as clips along the edge that will hold the sides of the bag down, or a lip along the edges that the bag will tuck underneath.
It Fits Properly Sized for Garbage Bags
Another quality that indicates a high quality kitchen trash can is the size. Yes, you want to make sure that you choose a can that will be able to hold the items that you intend to throw into it with ease; however, it won’t be able to do so if it doesn’t accommodate a standard sized garbage bag.
The most common sizes for garbage bags include 10 gallons and 13 gallons. Look for a trash can that accommodates one of these sizes so that you don’t have to worry about shopping for a specialty size.
It Requires Minimal Interaction
By interaction, we mean how much you will have to interact with the refuse in the can. The last thing you want to do is fumble with the smelly, dirty, germ-filled trash in your kitchen garbage can. The best trash cans for the kitchen require minimal interaction with the actual garbage.
It Minimizes Odors
The best kitchen trash cans also minimize odors. Food waste, in particular, can get smell after a while. Unless you want to constantly take your trash out, or you don’t mind having a foul odor in your kitchen, you are going to want to look for an option that reduces the odor that will be emitted from the garbage itself.
It’s Attractive
While a kitchen trash can doesn’t have to look like a luxury appliance, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. An unattractive garbage can is going to look like an eye sore in your kitchen, and will certainly detract from the overall look of the space.
We think that the best trash cans for the kitchen either offer an attractive design, or they can be tucked away so that they are completely out of sight.
THE BAD
Just like there are qualities that make for a good kitchen trash can, there are also qualities that make for a poor kitchen trash can. Here, we highlight the qualities that we feel make a kitchen trash can a poor choice.
It Doesn’t Secure Trash Bags
Poor quality kitchen trash cans don’t properly secure trash bags. If the bag isn’t properly secured, you will have to deal with the annoyance (and the mess) of having the bag slip down inside the receptacle or tipping over. If either of these things happen, you are going to end up dealing with a huge mess, and you surely aren’t going to find that your trash can makes things more convenient for you – which is certainly what you want your kitchen trash can to do.
It Doesn’t Accommodate Standard Trash Bags
Poor quality kitchen trash cans aren’t sized to accommodate standard sized trash bags. As we mentioned above, the best options will fit a standard size bag; either 10 gallons or 13 gallons. If the trash can doesn’t accommodate one of these sizes, you are going to find yourself having to shop around for specialty bags that will fit your can, which can be time consuming and frustrating.
High Level of Interaction
Poor quality trash cans for the kitchen will require a high level of interaction with the garbage itself. Yes, you are going to expect some degree of interaction with the trash; however, you want that interaction to be as minimal as possible. Cans that have lids that flip in, in particular, usually require a high level of interaction with the garbage in the can.
It’s Unattractive
Poorer quality kitchen trash cans have an unattractive design. As we previously mentioned, your trash can doesn’t have to look like a luxury appliance; however, you certainly don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. As such, you want the garbage can to have an attractive design. Alternatively, the garbage can could be designed so that it tucks away in a cabinet, concealing it completely.
It Doesn’t Reduce Odor
The last thing you want to do is walk into a kitchen that is filled with foul odors that are pouring out of your garbage can. Poor quality kitchen garbage cans will do little to reduce the odor that is emitted from the garbage itself, which will, in turn, not only make your entire kitchen smell, but could also potentially make your entire house smell.
Best Kitchen Garbage Cans in 2023
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We have scoured the market in search of the best kitchen garbage cans. We assessed various types from various manufacturers, checking to make sure that they met the elements that high quality kitchen garbage cans, which we listed above.
Not only did we assess the specifications of various types of kitchen garbage cans, but we also compared user reviews and did our own testing, too. We tried out a wide selection of kitchen garbage cans ourselves to ensure that they delivered a high performance.
After conducting such extensive research, we have determined that the following kitchen garbage cans are the best that are currently available on the market.
The Simplehuman Butterfly Step Trash Can
There are a number of reasons why we chose the Simplehuman Butterfly Step Trash Can as one of our top picks for kitchen trash cans. First, we were really impressed by the unique butterfly lid design. The lid opens from the center, which allows for maximum clearance, which is particularly helpful if you plan on storing it under a countertop that has low clearance.
The lid closes silently, thanks to patented Shox technology. This technology controls the motion of the lid, ensuring that it closes slowly, and thus, silently. A push foot pedal allows for minimum interaction with the garbage placed inside the can, so you don’t have to worry about your hands coming into contact with a mess. The pedal is designed to withstand more than 150,000 steps, so you will have confidence knowing that it will last you a long time.
A hidden internal hinge secures the garbage bag in place, which prevents the bag from slipping inside when you place items in it, especially those heavier items. We were also impressed by the stainless steel design of the exterior, which is resistant to fingerprints, giving this garbage can a sleek look that will stay neat and clean, and won’t detract from the look of your kitchen.
Rev-A-Shelf RV 12 KD 18 C S Single 35 Quart Pull Out Black and Chrome Waste Container with Rear Basket
If you want to keep your kitchen trash can completely out of sight, than the Rev-A-Shelf RV 12 KD 18 C S Single 35 Court Pull Out Black and Chrome Waste Container with Rear Basket is the perfect choice for you.
This trash can comes with its own pull out shelf that is designed to be secured inside a cabinet. Once secured in place, the shelf easily glides in and out of the cabinet so you can toss your garbage away and keep it out of sight. Thanks to the 100 pound rated full extension ball bearing slides, you can rest assured that the slider will withstand whatever you toss into your garbage can. The 35 quart black waste container offers plenty of space to hold large amounts of garbage, reducing the amount of times you will have to take the garbage to the curb. Because it is placed inside a kitchen cabinet, you don’t have to worry about an unsightly mess, and the odors will be well concealed. Thanks to the large handle, you will have minimum interaction with the trash.
We were also impressed that this kitchen garbage can comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty, which secures your investment and certifies that you will be purchasing a high quality item.
The Seville Classics 17 Gallon Ultra HD Commercial Stainless Steel Trash Bin
If you have a modern look in your kitchen and you want to make using your kitchen trash can as convenient as possible, than the 17 Gallon Ultra HD Commercial Stainless Steel Trash Bin is an excellent choice. Offering a sleek stainless steel body with a large lid with an oversized opening, this kitchen trash can will certainly fit in with the look of your modern kitchen.
Thanks to the oversized opening in the lid, you will enjoy minimal interaction with the garbage you place in the receptacle. With wheels on the bottom of the trash can, you can easily transport it to wherever you need to use it, such as near your countertop when you are peeling potatoes or cutting fruit. Simply use the side handles to push or pull the garbage can wherever you need it. When you aren’t moving it, the wheels lock, ensuring that it will stay securely in place.
The Simplehuman In Cabinet Trash Can with Heavy Duty Steel Frame
The Simplehuman In Cabinet Trash Can with Heavy Duty Steel Frame is another excellent choice if you want to keep your kitchen garbage tucked away and out of sight.
This trash can is designed to hang on the inside of a cabinet door, giving you easy access to it, which is super handy for those times when you are rushing in the kitchen. Thanks to the sturdy hook, you can be sure that this trash can will stay in place and won’t give way under the weight of the garbage that you add to it. And, though the trash can stays securely in place, it can be easily removed from the cabinet door, allowing for quick and easy emptying. If you prefer, you have the option permanently mount the handle to the cabinet door with screws.
This kitchen garbage holds trash bags securely in place, reducing the risk of having them fall inside the bin and making a huge mess. It also has a lid, which closes completely shut so that you don’t have to worry about smells coming out of the can; that, doubled with the fact that the can is placed inside a cabinet, ensures that your kitchen will stay odor free.
The Simplehuman Slim Plastic Step Trash Can in White
The Simplehuman Slim Plastic Step Trash Can in White has a compact, sleek design, which allows it to easily fit into tight spaces. The secure lock slide lid keeps your garbage where it is meant to be; in the can.
The strong foot pedal minimizes the contact that you will have with your garbage; all you have to do is step on the pedal and the lid will pop open, allowing you to place your garbage inside without having to touch the actual trash. Thanks to the patented Shox technology, this kitchen garbage can closes smoothly and silently. With built in wheels on the back side of the garbage can, you can easily transport it where you need to use it. Backed by a five year warranty, you will have confidence knowing that you can move your kitchen garbage can wherever you need to use it.
Our Consumer Guide to Kitchen Trash Can
If you are reading this buyer’s guide, we know that you are on the hunt for the perfect trash can for your kitchen. While we honestly believe that the trash cans that we included in this review are the best that are currently on the market, we do understand that they may not meet your needs. With that said, you may be shopping for a different garbage can for your kitchen.
Because our goal in creating this buyer’s guide is to provide you with all of the information that you need to find the best garbage can for your kitchen, we have included this consumer guide. In this part of our review, you will find pertinent information related to buying a garbage can for your kitchen. With this information, you will be able to make the best choice for your specific needs.
Types of Kitchen Trash Cans
There are several types of kitchen trash cans on the market. While the goal of every type of trash can is to collect and store garbage from your kitchen, how they differ is in their construction. Here is a look at the most common kitchen trash can options.
Pull Out Bins
This type of kitchen trash can is designed to be placed inside a cabinet. It attaches to the bottom of the cabinet and pull out which means that you will have instant access to your garbage when you open up the cabinet. With this option, you will be able to keep your kitchen trash tucked away and out of sight, and you will also minimize any smell that may come out of the garbage can.
The pull out bin is one of our favorite designs for a kitchen garbage can.
The In Cabinet Kitchen Trash Can
Another option if you want your garbage can to be hidden from view, but you don’t want to install a permanent fixture in the bottom of your cabinet, an in cabinet kitchen trash can is an excellent alternative to the pull out can. This type of trash can hangs inside the kitchen cabinet, keeping your garbage neatly tucked away out of sight, and it doesn’t have to become a permanent fixture, nor does it require a lot of work to install.
The Unlidded Trash Can
An unlidded trash can is the most basic of all kitchen trash cans. As the name suggests, it does not have a lid on it. We do not recommend this type of trash can, it is will allow odors to waft out of it, thus making your kitchen smell.
The Swing Top Trash Can
This type of garbage can has a swinging top. The top swings into the trash can, allowing you to place your garbage inside easily, but concealing the garbage. We aren’t huge fans of this type of kitchen trash can, as the lid tends to get messy when you toss trash into the receptacle, which can make for an unsightly appearance.
The Step to Open Lid Trash Can
Another type of kitchen trash can is the step to open lid. As the name indicates, you step on a foot pedal, which opens the lid so you can toss your garbage into the can. With this type of garbage can, you will have minimum interaction with the trash you place inside of it.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Kitchen Trash Can
There are a number of factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a trash can for your kitchen. Some of these factors include the size of the garbage can, where you plan on storing it, and the look of the can. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best kitchen garbage can to suit your specific needs.
Here is a look at some of the most important factors that we think you should take into consideration when you are shopping for a kitchen garbage can.
The Size of the Garbage Can
One of the most important factors that you are going to want to take into consideration is the size of the garbage can. You want to make sure that it will fit the right amount of garbage for your household needs. Buy a can that is too small and you will end up having to empty the trash often; however, if you purchase one that is too big, the bag may become heavy and cumbersome to remove.
Where You Plan on Storing It
You should also consider where you plan on storing the garbage can you will be using in your kitchen. Will you be placing it inside a cabinet? Under a cabinet where it will still be visible? Will it be placed in a corner in your kitchen? Where you plan on placing the garbage can will impact the type of can you choose, as well as the design.
The Look of the Garbage Can
You should also consider the look of the garbage can. While it doesn’t have to be beautifully designed, you don’t want it to be an eye sore. As such, the aesthetics of the garbage can are important.
