The 7 Best Kitchen Trash Cans of 2024: No Rubbish Options Here – Just the Finest Wastebaskets!

Let’s talk about trash. It’s an unavoidable part of our daily lives, whether we’re peeling vegetables, throwing away packaging, or discarding leftovers. But just because trash is a given doesn’t mean the receptacles we toss it into have to be unsightly or ineffective.

The best kitchen trash cans seamlessly blend with your décor while efficiently containing and concealing waste. To be honest, they are a testament to the principle that even the most mundane household items can improve our quality of life. Some top-tier models even come with advanced features like odor control, easy disposal, and even touchless designs to ensure hygiene.

So, whether it’s sleek stainless steel or a pop of color that matches your kitchen theme, there’s a perfect trash can for every style and need. Today, we’re here to assist you in making an informed decision. We’ve curated a list of the best kitchen trash cans available. Let’s dive in and elevate your kitchen’s waste management game!

Quick Pick Section

Product NameCapacityMaterialPrice
iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCanKD4U Top Pick Award13 GallonsStainless SteelCheck Price On Amazon
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash CanKD4U Runner Up Award13.2 GallonsStainless SteelCheck Price On Amazon
NINESTARS Motion Sensor Trash CanKD4U Best Value Award13.2 GallonsStainless SteelCheck Price On Amazon
HomeLabs Automatic Trash Can13 GallonsStainless SteelCheck Price On Amazon
Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can20 GallonsStainless SteelCheck Price On Amazon
Rubbermaid Classic Trash Can13 GallonsPlasticCheck Price On Amazon
Simplehuman 45 Liter Kitchen Trash CanKD4U Great Design Award11.88 GallonsBrushed stainless steelCheck Price On Amazon

List of the 7 Best Trash Cans of 2024

1. iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCan – Our Top Pick

iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCan
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 13 Gallons
  • Material – Stainless Steel

Keep your kitchen clean and tidy with the iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCan, our KD4U Top Pick award winner! This advanced trash can automatically opens the lid with just the motion of your hand, making it perfect for hands-free and germ-free waste disposal.

With an extra-long battery life, you can easily power it with an optional AC adapter (sold separately) or 4 D-size batteries. Its efficient oval shape also allows it to fit even in tight spaces and corners and accommodates common 13-gallon trash bags. 

Pros

  • Motion Sensor
  • Odor Control
  • Energy Efficient Design

Cons

  • Sensor Sensitivity Concerns

2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash Can – Runner Up

Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 13.2 Gallons
  • Material – Stainless Steel

Preserve your space clutter-free and organized with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash Can, our KD4U Runner Up award winner! This modern and stylish 13.2 gallon/50-liter waste bin provides the perfect solution to everyday trash disposal, with a stay-open lid, removable bucket, and convenient carry handle.

The strong stainless steel exterior is smudge-resistant and easy to clean, while the durable plastic inner bucket provides reliable strength and long-lasting performance. Plus, the manual foot lever and soft close lid ensure ultra-quiet operation with each opening and closing.

With its sleek and modern design, the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash Can makes a great addition to any room. Whether you need a trash can for the kitchen, home office, or bedroom, you’ll find the perfect size to suit your needs.

Pros

  • Filters Odors
  • Fingerprint Resistant
  • Durable Construction

Cons

  • Basic Design

3. NINESTARS Motion Sensor Trash Can – Best Value

NINESTARS Motion Sensor Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 13.2 Gallons
  • Material – Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for an affordable trash can option, look no further than NINESTARS Motion Sensor Trash Can, our KD4U Best Value award winner! This highly advanced garbage can is designed to make your life easier. It features a two-year warranty and a water-resistant infrared motion sensor, so you don’t have to worry about any accidental spills damaging the unit.

The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel base helps keep the can clean. The delay sensing technology preserves battery life and prevents any unnecessary opening from pets, children, or walking by, and the quiet closing function makes sure that the product will last for years to come.

Pros

  • Motion Sensor
  • Sleek Appearance
  • Quiet Lid Operation

Cons

  • Requires Batteries

4. HomeLabs Automatic Trash Can – Split Doors

HomeLabs Automatic Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 13 Gallons
  • Material – Stainless Steel

The HomeLabs Automatic Trash Can with Split Doors is the perfect trash solution for any home. This incredible contraption offers the convenience of an automated trash can but with the added feature of split doors, giving you greater clearance underneath low countertops. The impressive infrared sensor has a 90° swiveling sensor ball that can be adjusted for either top or side activation.

You can also opt for manual Open/Close buttons if you prefer to operate the can manually. The top lid of the can is equipped with a battery holder, power jack, and switch; the can is designed with a power-saving feature, so you don’t have to worry about your energy bills. HomeLabs has created a highly useful, efficient, and stylish trash can that adds a touch of modern convenience to your home.

Pros

  • Infrared Sensor
  • Easy Clean
  • Split Doors

Cons

  • Lid Speed Concerns

5. Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can – Fingerprint Resistant

Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 20 Gallons
  • Material – Stainless Steel 

Welcome to the future of garbage management with the Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can. This stylish and modern trash can is the perfect addition to any kitchen or office space. Featuring an innovative design, this stainless steel trash can is fingerprint resistant and provides sealing in the lid frame to block and trap unwanted odors.

Enjoy the convenience of storing extra bags right behind the trash can, making it easy to dispense them from the sides without having to move the can. Plus, the bag rings ensure secure placement and a neat appearance of the bag.

Pros

  • Stainless Steel Exterior
  • Foot Operated Pedal
  • Fingerprint Resistant

Cons

  • Odor Sealing Concerns

6. Rubbermaid Classic Trash Can – Durable

Rubbermaid Classic Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 13 Gallons
  • Material – Plastic

If you’ve been looking for a garbage can that’s both durable and stylish, then look no further than the Rubbermaid Classic Trash Can. Its strong resin material makes it easy to clean and long-lasting, so it’s sure to stand up to daily use.

The stainless steel accent on the pedal is a nice design touch, and its elevated pedal removes the need to touch the lid during waste disposal to keep your hands clean. It looks great with modern home appliances.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Easy Clean
  • Classic Design

Cons

  • Manual Lid

7. Simplehuman 45 Liter Kitchen Trash Can – Great Design

Simplehuman 45 Liter Kitchen Trash Can
Key Specs

  • Capacity – 11.88 Gallons
  • Material – Brushed stainless steel 

Tame the clutter in your kitchen with the elegantly designed Simplehuman 45 Liter Kitchen Trash Can, our KD4U Great Design award winner! This top-of-the-line waste bin is perfect for at-home convenience and reliability. Featuring a robust steel pedal, this trash can is designed to last through daily use over time. 

The patented lid shox technology allows for a slow, silent closing, so you don’t have to worry about the clanging and banging of a traditional trash can. The included stainless steel liner rim flips up for a quick and easy liner change then closes over the liner to hold it tightly in place and keep it hidden from sight. With a 45-liter capacity, this Simplehuman kitchen trash can is perfect for any busy household.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Liner Pocket
  • Strong Steel Pedal

Cons

  • Comparatively Heavy

How Did We Choose the Best Kitchen Trash Cans

Selecting the top kitchen trash cans for 2024 required looking at all types of wastebaskets. From stainless steel to plastic, and sizes ranging from 2-35 gallons, we explored every option. We compared features like durable construction, odor control, lid tightness, bag retention, and noise reduction during use.

We examined hundreds of homeowner experiences to understand the convenience and hassles of daily use and maintenance, looking to identify those kitchen trash cans that are easiest to use, most sturdy, and best at containing messes and smells. Key factors we evaluated were durability, ease of cleaning, footprint, and usefulness of special features like motion-sensor lids. The cans that made the cut excel in both form and function.

Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing the Best Kitchen Trash Cans

When diving into the world of kitchen accessories, choosing the right trash can might seem trivial. Yet, in a world where aesthetics and functionality unite, making the right choice is vital.

1. Design & Material

The best trash cans of 2024 come in various designs to suit any kitchen decor. While rectangular designs optimize space, their look may not suit all interiors. Similarly, stainless steel step trash cans offer a sleek appearance and are easy to clean, whereas plastic trash cans are lightweight and often more affordable. So, in short, your choice should reflect your kitchen’s style and your cleaning preferences.

2. Functionality & Features

Always prioritize functionality. Look for cans with a foot pedal for hands-free operation. A soft-close lid ensures no loud banging, and a removable inner bucket makes changing the garbage bag easier. For those who recycle, a compartment for separating waste can be beneficial. And to ensure your garbage bag stays in place, select models that have specialized mechanisms or clips.

3. Capacity & Integration

Consider the trash can’s size and how often you’ll be taking out the garbage. Best pull-out designs are ideal for those who want their trash cans hidden inside cabinets. However, if you’re showcasing your can, ensure it complements the room. Whatever your refuse needs are, ensure the can can handle your garbage volume.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. How often should I take out the trash from my kitchen trash can?

The frequency of taking out the trash depends on how much trash you produce daily. If your kitchen sees a lot of trash, it’s advisable to empty the bin every day to avoid odor buildup. For households that generate less waste, every 2-3 days might suffice.

2. What features should I look for to find the best kitchen trash can?

When aiming to find the best kitchen trash can, consider features like a step pedal for hands-free opening, a mechanism to keep the lid open for extended periods when required, and a design that’s easier to clean. Some people also prefer compartments for trash and recycling in a dual compartment trash bin.

3. Are kitchen step trash cans more efficient than regular ones?

Kitchen step trash cans, operated with a step pedal, allow for a hands-free experience, which can be more hygienic. This means the trash can doesn’t need to be touched every time you dispose of waste, reducing the spread of germs.

4. How big should my kitchen trash bin be?

The size of your trash bin should align with how often you’re willing to take out the trash and the volume of waste you produce. If you have limited space, there are efficient trash cans designed especially for small spaces.

5. Do all trash cans come with compartments for trash and recycling?

Not all trash cans come with compartments for trash and recycling. However, given the growing emphasis on sustainability, many modern designs incorporate dual compartments for separate waste and recycling needs. It’s essential to check product features based on your preference.

Conclusion – A Few Final Words!

The journey to finding the ideal trash solution for your kitchen might be more intricate than expected. Considering the many trash and recycling bins available, it’s crucial to choose one that best aligns with your needs. While some of the trash cans we reviewed offered premium features with a higher price tag, there were also affordable options that did not compromise on quality.

Remember, the goal is to keep your trash contained, make recycling a breeze, and harmonize with the aesthetic of your kitchen space. So, whether you’re moving your bin across the kitchen or it sits stationary, ensuring its functionality and appearance suit your home is the key to making an informed choice.

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