Ever feel like your kitchen garbage can is more of a smelly, messy monster than a helpful helper? Maybe you’ve wrestled with overflowing bags, fought off unwelcome odors, or accidentally kicked it across the floor. Choosing a garbage can seems simple, but it’s actually a big decision! After all, it’s a key part of your kitchen setup, and it deals with the daily mess.
Picking the wrong garbage can can cause a lot of problems. You might end up with a can that’s too small, too loud, or doesn’t match your kitchen’s style. You could waste money on a can that breaks quickly or is hard to keep clean. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices! The good news is that we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know. You’ll learn about different types of garbage cans, their features, and how to choose the perfect one for your kitchen and your lifestyle. By the end, you’ll be confident in picking a garbage can that’s both practical and looks good. Let’s dive in and find the perfect garbage can for you!
Our Top 5 Garbage Can For Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Garbage Can For Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal
Rating: 8.9/10
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is a good trash can for your home or office. It has a soft-close lid that is quiet. The trash can is made of stainless steel and has a smudge-resistant finish. This trash can holds 50 liters, which is about 13.2 gallons. It also has a foot pedal to open the lid. This makes it easy to throw away trash. The trash can is a good size for most rooms.
What We Like:
- The trash can is a good size.
- It has a soft-close lid that is quiet.
- The stainless steel is strong and looks good.
- The smudge-resistant finish is easy to clean.
- The foot pedal is easy to use.
- It has a removable bucket.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the foot pedal a little stiff.
This Amazon Basics trash can is a practical choice for most homes. It is a reliable and user-friendly trash can. It is a great value for the price.
2. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can
Rating: 8.8/10
The EKO Mirage-T is a touchless trash can. It has a brushed stainless steel finish. This trash can uses a motion sensor to open and close the lid. It is perfect for your kitchen or office. The can holds 50 Liters / 13.2 Gallons of trash. It’s designed to be stylish and functional. The can also helps to keep your space clean.
What We Like:
- The motion sensor works well. The lid opens and closes smoothly.
- The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints. It stays clean.
- It looks good. The design is sleek and modern.
- It holds a lot of trash. It has 25% more space than some other cans.
- The batteries last a long time. You don’t need to change them often.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery replacement may be required.
- Requires a learning curve on how to use
Overall, the EKO Mirage-T is a great hands-free trash can. It is a good choice for anyone who wants a clean and stylish trash can. It is simple to use and lasts a long time.
3. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can
Rating: 9.4/10
The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is a handy addition to any home or office. This black plastic kitchen trash can is designed to make waste disposal easy and clean. It has a 13-gallon capacity, making it perfect for a family or busy office. The hands-free foot pedal lets you open the lid without touching it. It also includes odor protection and bag rings. This helps keep your space fresh and tidy.
What We Like:
- Large 13-gallon capacity is great for most households.
- The foot pedal makes it easy to open the trash can hands-free.
- Clorox Odor Protection helps keep bad smells away.
- Bag rings keep the trash bag in place and neat.
- The rectangular shape fits well in kitchens and offices.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a different style or color.
This Glad trash can is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use waste bin. It’s a simple and effective solution to help keep your space clean and free from unwanted odors.
4. NINESTARS DZT-50-28 Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Rectangular Trash Can
Rating: 9.4/10
The NINESTARS DZT-50-28 is a 13-gallon rectangular trash can. It has a touchless motion sensor. This helps keep things clean. It also has a stylish black trim. The trash can is designed for convenience and hygiene. It will fit well in any kitchen or office.
What We Like:
- The touch-free lid closes automatically. This keeps germs away.
- The water-resistant sensor is great. It keeps the trash can working.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel base keeps the can clean.
- The trash can uses a delay sensing technology. This saves battery life.
- The quiet closing function is a nice touch.
- The removable ring liner holds the trash bag. It keeps things tidy.
- You can use any standard trash bags.
- The product comes with a two-year .
What Could Be Improved:
- The trash can requires two D batteries. These are not included.
The NINESTARS DZT-50-28 trash can is a great choice. It’s easy to use and keeps your space clean. This trash can makes taking out the trash simple.
5. FDW 13 Gallon/50 L Garbage Can Kitchen Trash Can with Lid for Office Bedroom Bathroom Step Trash Bin Fingerprint-Proof Brushed Stainless Steel 13 Gallon / 50 Liter
Rating: 9.1/10
The FDW 13 Gallon/50 L Garbage Can is a stylish and practical trash solution for your home or office. This stainless steel trash can has a sleek design and a large capacity. It is designed to be quiet and easy to clean. This trash can is a great addition to any room.
What We Like:
- Stylish and Strong: The stainless steel design looks great and is made to last.
- Quiet Operation: The lid closes softly, so it won’t make loud noises.
- Large Capacity: The 13-gallon size is perfect for daily use and fits standard trash bags.
- Easy to Clean: The fingerprint-proof surface wipes down easily.
- Versatile Use: This trash can is great for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or office.
- Good Sealing: The lid keeps bad smells inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons mentioned.
The FDW 13 Gallon/50 L Garbage Can is a great trash can with many useful features. It is a good value for the price and a smart choice for any home.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Kitchen Garbage Cans
Choosing a kitchen garbage can is not as easy as you think! You need a can that works well and looks good. This guide helps you find the perfect one.
Q: What are the main Key Features?
A: You should look for these things:
- Size: How much trash do you make? A small family needs a smaller can. A big family needs a bigger one.
- Lid: Do you want a lid? Lids keep smells in. They also hide the trash. Choose a lid that opens easily. Some open with a step, some with a touch.
- Shape: Does it fit in your kitchen? Some cans are round. Some are square. Some are tall and skinny.
- Features: Consider features like a removable inner bucket. This makes cleaning easy. Some cans have a step pedal. This helps you avoid touching the lid.
Q: What materials are best?
A: Garbage cans use different materials. Here are some common ones:
- Plastic: Plastic cans are light and cheap. They come in many colors. Plastic can crack if you treat it roughly.
- Stainless Steel: These cans look nice. They are strong and easy to clean. They can be more expensive.
- Steel with Coating: These cans are also strong. They often have a coating to protect them.
Q: What makes a garbage can good or bad?
A: Several things affect quality:
- Thickness of Material: Thicker materials last longer. They are more sturdy.
- Lid Mechanism: A good lid opens and closes smoothly. A bad one might break quickly.
- Seams and Joints: Look for well-made seams. These help the can stay together.
- Foot Pedal (If Applicable): The foot pedal should be strong. It should not break easily.
Q: How do people use kitchen garbage cans?
A: People use kitchen garbage cans every day. Here are some uses:
- Throwing away food scraps: This is the main job.
- Throwing away packaging: Boxes, wrappers, and containers go in the can.
- Recycling: Some cans have separate compartments for recycling.
- Composting: You can use a can for compostable items.
Q: What size garbage can do I need?
A: The size depends on your family. A single person might need a small can (around 7-10 gallons). A family of four might need a larger can (13 gallons or more).
Q: What kind of lid is best?
A: That depends on you! A step-on lid is hands-free. A touch lid is easy to open. A lid keeps odors in. Decide what works best for your kitchen.
Q: Is it important to clean my garbage can?
A: Yes! You should clean your garbage can regularly. This keeps germs away. It also stops bad smells.
Q: How do I clean my garbage can?
A: Take out the trash bag. Wash the can with soap and water. Rinse it well. Let it dry completely.
Q: Where should I put my garbage can?
A: Put it in a convenient spot. This is usually near the sink or food prep area. Make sure it doesn’t block your path.
Q: What about recycling bins?
A: Consider a garbage can with a recycling compartment. Or, get a separate recycling bin. This helps you sort your trash easily.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.