Ever walked into your kitchen and been hit with a less-than-pleasant smell? Chances are, your trash can is the culprit! Choosing the right trash can for your kitchen might seem simple, but it’s more important than you think. It’s about more than just throwing away garbage. The perfect can keeps your kitchen clean, fresh, and even stylish. A bad choice, however, can lead to overflowing messes, bad odors, and even attract unwanted guests like flies!
Finding the best trash can can be tricky. There are so many sizes, shapes, and features to consider. Do you need a step-on can? Should it be stainless steel or plastic? Which size is right for your family? These are just some of the questions that can make the process feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this! Many people struggle to find the perfect fit.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect trash can. We’ll cover different types, sizes, materials, and features. By the end, you’ll be an expert! You’ll be able to choose the perfect trash can that suits your kitchen’s needs and your personal style. Get ready to say goodbye to those smelly problems and hello to a cleaner, happier kitchen! Let’s jump in!
Our Top 5 Trash Cans For Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Trash Cans For Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal
Rating: 9.1/10
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is a great choice for your home or office. It holds a lot of trash, about 50 liters or 13.2 gallons. The can is made of stainless steel, so it looks nice and is strong. It also has a soft-close lid and a foot pedal. This makes it easy to use and quiet. The trash can is designed to resist smudges, and the inner bucket is removable for easy cleaning. It is 14.7 inches wide, 16.7 inches long, and 25.9 inches high.
What We Like:
- It’s a good size for most rooms.
- The soft-close lid is quiet.
- The foot pedal makes it easy to open the lid.
- The stainless steel looks sleek and modern.
- The smudge-resistant finish helps it stay clean.
- The removable bucket is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plastic inner bucket could be a bit sturdier.
This Amazon Basics trash can is a good buy for the price. It’s a practical and stylish addition to any room.
2. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can
Rating: 9.0/10
The EKO Mirage-T is a touchless trash can. It’s a 50-liter, or 13.2-gallon, rectangular can with a brushed stainless steel finish. This trash can uses a motion sensor. It opens and closes automatically. It’s designed to keep your kitchen clean and stylish. It aims to make throwing away trash easy and convenient.
What We Like:
- The motion sensor works well. It opens the lid smoothly.
- The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints. It stays clean and looks good.
- The finish is sleek and durable. It matches many home styles.
- It has a lot of space. It holds 25% more trash than some other cans.
- The batteries last a long time. They can last up to 8 months.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price of the can may be a bit high for some people.
- Some users might prefer a different color option.
This EKO Mirage-T trash can is a great choice for a modern kitchen. It offers a hands-free experience. It’s a stylish and practical way to manage your trash.
3. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can
Rating: 8.5/10
The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is a handy trash bin for your kitchen or office. This black plastic bin holds 13 gallons of trash. It has a step-on foot pedal so you don’t need to touch the lid. The lid also has Clorox Odor Protection to keep bad smells away. It’s a simple and practical way to manage your waste.
What We Like:
- Large 13-gallon capacity is great for families.
- The foot pedal lets you open the trash can without your hands.
- Clorox Odor Protection helps block nasty smells.
- Bag rings keep the trash bag in place and neat.
- It’s a good size for kitchens, offices, and other spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plastic material could be more durable.
- More color options would be nice.
This Glad trash can is a good choice for keeping your space clean. It has helpful features that make it easy to use. This is a solid option for most homes.
4. NINESTARS DZT-50-28 Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Rectangular Trash Can
Rating: 8.5/10
The NINESTARS DZT-50-28 Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Rectangular Trash Can is a modern waste disposal solution. This 13-gallon trash can features a sleek black trim and uses a motion sensor to open and close the lid. It’s designed to be convenient and hygienic, making it a great addition to any kitchen or office. You can use standard trash bags or NINESTARS custom bags.
What We Like:
- Touch-free operation keeps germs away.
- The water-resistant motion sensor protects the can.
- The stainless steel base resists fingerprints and keeps the can clean.
- The delay sensing technology saves battery life.
- The quiet closing function makes the lid close gently.
- The removable ring liner keeps the trash bag in place.
- You get a hassle-free two-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires 2 D batteries, which are not included.
This NINESTARS trash can offers a clean and convenient way to manage your trash. With its smart features and easy-to-use design, this is a great trash can for your home.
5. NINESTARS Stainless Steel DZT-50-25 Motion Sensor Trash Can
Rating: 8.9/10
The NINESTARS Stainless Steel DZT-50-25 Motion Sensor Trash Can is a modern trash can. It’s large and made of stainless steel. It has a motion sensor that opens the lid with a wave of your hand. This keeps your hands clean. It holds a lot of trash and is great for any home.
What We Like:
- The hands-free lid is easy to use. You don’t have to touch anything!
- The infrared technology helps the batteries last longer.
- It has a large opening. You can throw away bigger items.
- The manual mode keeps the lid open for longer cleaning.
- The non-skid base protects your floor.
- The removable ring liner keeps trash bags in place.
- It is made of fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. This makes it look clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- None reported.
This trash can is a great option for your kitchen or office. It is easy to use and keeps your hands clean. The features make it a good choice for any home.
Trash Can Treasure Hunt: A Kitchen Companion Guide
Choosing the right trash can for your kitchen might seem simple. However, there’s a lot more to it than just throwing away garbage! This guide helps you find the perfect trash can.
Key Features to Look For
- Size Matters: Think about how much trash your family makes. Small kitchens might do well with a 5-10 gallon can. Large families often need a 13-gallon or bigger can.
- Lid Love: Do you want a lid? Lids keep smells in and pets out. Consider these options:
- Step-on: Easy to use with your foot.
- Touch-free: Uses a sensor to open the lid.
- Manual: You lift the lid yourself.
- Shape and Style: Choose a shape that fits your kitchen. A round can takes up less space. Rectangular cans can fit against a wall. Pick a style that matches your kitchen decor.
- Inner Bucket: Some cans have an inner bucket. This makes taking out the trash easier and cleaner.
- Durability: Look for a trash can that is strong and will last a long time.
Important Materials
The material of your trash can makes a difference.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks good and it’s easy to clean.
- Plastic: Plastic cans are usually less expensive. They come in many colors. Make sure the plastic is strong.
- Metal: Metal cans are tough. They can handle a lot of use.
- Wood: Wood trash cans add a stylish look. They may need more care to stay clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: Check how well the can is made. Look for sturdy construction.
- Lid Mechanism: A good lid mechanism opens and closes smoothly. It should last.
- Seams and Joints: Make sure the seams and joints are strong. These parts can break.
- Foot Pedal: If you choose a step-on can, make sure the foot pedal is strong.
- Price: Higher prices don’t always mean better quality. Read reviews and compare features.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Placement: Put your trash can where it’s easy to reach. Consider placing it near your sink or food prep area.
- Cleaning: Clean your trash can regularly. Wipe down the outside. Clean the inside, too.
- Liner Bags: Use trash bags that fit your can. This keeps your can clean.
- Recycling: Consider having a separate can for recycling. This helps the environment.
- Smell Control: Some cans have features to help with odors. This can include filters or air vents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size trash can do I need?
A: Think about how much trash your family makes. A 13-gallon can is a good size for many families. Smaller kitchens might do fine with a 7-10 gallon can.
Q: Are step-on cans a good choice?
A: Yes, step-on cans are very popular. They are easy to use. You don’t have to touch the lid with your hands.
Q: How do I clean my trash can?
A: You should clean your trash can regularly. Wipe down the outside with a damp cloth. Take out the inner bucket and wash it with soap and water.
Q: What are the benefits of stainless steel trash cans?
A: Stainless steel trash cans are durable and look great. They’re also easy to clean. They resist fingerprints.
Q: Are touch-free trash cans worth the money?
A: Touch-free cans are convenient. They open automatically with a sensor. They are good if you want to avoid touching the can.
Q: What kind of trash bags should I use?
A: Use trash bags that fit your can. Check the size of your can before you buy bags.
Q: How can I prevent bad smells from my trash can?
A: Use a lid. Take out the trash regularly. You can also try odor-absorbing filters or air vents.
Q: Should I get a trash can with an inner bucket?
A: Yes, inner buckets make taking out the trash easier. They also keep the inside of the can cleaner.
Q: What if my trash can gets a dent?
A: A dent is usually not a big deal. Your trash can should still work. You can try to smooth out the dent, but this can be hard.
Q: Where is the best place to put my kitchen trash can?
A: Put your trash can where it is easy to reach. Near the sink is a good spot. This makes it easy to throw away food scraps.
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.