The best trash cans for kitchen keep smells in, clean easy, and look sleek.
You toss scraps, bags, and boxes every day. A bad bin turns chores into a mess. A good one saves time, stops odors, and blends with your space. I’ve tested many cans in busy kitchens and small homes. In 2026, soft-close lids, touchless sensors, and smudge-proof steel are must-haves. Below, I break down the best trash cans for kitchen use by how they feel, hold up, and fit in. Pick the one that matches your habits and your space.
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular…
CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office EVERYDAY USE: Stay-open lid, removable bucket, and carry handle ensure easy, convenient trash disposal DURABLE: Stainless steel,…
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash…
AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless, sanitary trash experience. MODERN & DURABLE DESIGN – Made of…
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter…
PREMIUM MOTION SENSOR TECHNOLOGY – Experience the smoothest, most seamless lid opening and closing technology with this EKO hands-free automatic trash can. ULTIMATE FINGERPRINT RESISTANCE – Say goodbye to smudges…
Amazon Basics 13.2-Gal Soft-Close Trash Can
This Amazon Basics can hits the sweet spot for most homes. It is a 13.2-gallon bin with a quiet soft-close lid. The satin nickel finish resists smudges, so it stays clean longer. The rectangular body hugs a wall and stays put as you cook and move.
The foot pedal feels stable and easy to press. The slow-closing hinge keeps the lid from slamming and helps control odors. The capacity fits the common 13-gallon liners and reduces runs to the curb. If you want one of the best trash cans for kitchen use without fuss, this one makes sense.
Pros:
- Soft-close lid reduces noise and keeps odors down
- Smudge-resistant stainless finish looks clean
- Rectangular shape sits flush to walls and islands
- Reliable foot pedal with smooth action
- 13.2-gallon size fits standard kitchen bags
- Stable base lowers the chance of tipping
Cons:
- No motion sensor for hands-free opening
- Single compartment only
- Coating can still show marks over heavy use
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want a simple, sturdy, and quiet pedal can. It suits families and renters who want low care and classic looks. The soft-close lid and smudge-resistant body hit the basics very well. For many buyers, this earns a spot among the best trash cans for kitchen needs due to value and ease.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy family kitchens | Quiet lid, large 13.2-gallon capacity, easy cleanup |
| Small city apartments | Rectangular design saves floor space near walls |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Strong features without sensor mechanics or a high price |
BestOffice 13-Gal Touchless Trash Can
The BestOffice 13-gallon touchless can opens with a wave. The sensor reads your hand, then the lid lifts and closes on its own. This lowers contact and helps keep a clean rim. The oval shape looks modern and fits well near an island or pantry door.
The lid seals well for odor control. It runs on standard batteries and does not need a wall outlet. I like touchless cans for raw meat nights or baking marathons. If you handle a lot of food prep, this is one of the best trash cans for kitchen hygiene and speed.
Pros:
- Touchless lid cuts down on contact and mess
- Odor-control design reduces smells around the hinge
- Oval shape saves space and slides beside counters
- Runs on common batteries with long life
- Easy-to-clean stainless body
- Modern look that blends with new appliances
Cons:
- Sensors can trigger if placed under a low counter edge
- Needs batteries or replacements over time
- Not ideal for very tight corners due to sensor field
My Recommendation
Pick this if you cook often and want true hands-free use. It shines in homes with kids, since sticky fingers will not touch the lid. It also helps when you carry bowls or trays and cannot tap a pedal. For touchless fans, it sits high among the best trash cans for kitchen cleanliness and ease.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Hands-free cooking | Motion sensor opens the lid without touch |
| Households with kids | Less contact keeps the lid and rim cleaner |
| Modern kitchens | Sleek oval design complements stainless appliances |
EKO Mirage X 21-Gal Motion Sensor Can
This EKO Mirage X is a big step up in size. At 80 liters (21.1 gallons), it holds more and cuts the number of bag changes. The motion sensor opens the lid fast, then closes with a smooth, quiet action. The stainless steel body looks premium and wipes clean.
The opening is large, so pans and pizza boxes slide in with less fuss. The lid seals well around the rim for odor control. The sensor gives you a short window before it shuts, which helps when scraping plates. If you want a large capacity choice in the best trash cans for kitchen workflows, this is it.
Pros:
- Huge 21-gallon capacity reduces bag changes
- Fast, reliable motion sensor for hands-free use
- Quiet, soft-close lid mechanism
- Stainless body with a modern, premium look
- Wide opening for bulk waste and large containers
- Good odor control around the lid rim
Cons:
- Larger footprint needs more floor space
- Heavier to move when full
- Higher price than basic pedal cans
My Recommendation
This is great for large families, home bakers, and frequent hosts. It handles parties and busy weeks without constant bag trips. You get touchless ease plus size, which is rare at this level. If you rank the best trash cans for kitchen scale and ease, the Mirage X sits near the top.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Big households | 21+ gallons means fewer bag changes |
| Frequent entertainers | Large opening swallows party waste fast |
| Touchless fans | Responsive sensor with quiet, soft-close lid |
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2-Gal Pedal Can with Filter
The SIMPLI-MAGIC can blends a pedal lid with built-in odor control. It has a soft-close hinge and a smudge-resistant finish. The size fits daily use with room to spare at 13.2 gallons. The stainless look adds polish to any kitchen setup.
The filter feature helps when food scraps sit longer. It pairs well with weekly trash pickup schedules. The pedal action is smooth, and the lid stays quiet. If smell control is high on your list for the best trash cans for kitchen life, this one stands out.
Pros:
- Built-in odor filter reduces smells between bag changes
- Soft-close lid with quiet action
- Smudge-resistant surface cuts fingerprints
- Foot pedal keeps hands free and clean
- Well-sized at 13.2 gallons for standard liners
- Clean, modern design works in many decors
Cons:
- Filter needs replacement to stay effective
- Filter space can reduce interior headroom slightly
- Not as rugged as premium commercial-grade cans
My Recommendation
Go for this if odors are your main pain point. It helps open-plan homes and small apartments alike. The pedal lid plus filter hits both ease and smell control. It earns a spot in the best trash cans for kitchen shoppers who want an odor-first option without sensors.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Open-plan kitchens | Filter helps keep odors down in shared spaces |
| Budget odor control | Built-in filter without premium touchless cost |
| Quiet households | Soft-close hinge avoids lid slams |
Garvee 13-Gal Step Pedal Kitchen Can
The Garvee 13-gallon can has a rustproof metal body and a soft-close plastic lid. The built-in liner rim holds bags tight and hides the overhang. A rear handle makes moving and cleaning simple. The black finish looks sleek and hides in modern spaces.
The step pedal is steady and gives you touch-free use without batteries. The lid closes slow, so there is no slam. The rectangular body pairs well with walls and nooks. It is a solid pick among the best trash cans for kitchen buyers who want a clean, simple bin with smart touches.
Pros:
- Liner rim hides and grips the bag for a clean look
- Soft-close lid prevents slamming and noise
- Rustproof metal body with modern black finish
- Rear handle makes it easy to move for cleaning
- Pedal operation needs no power or batteries
- Rectangular shape fits tight spaces well
Cons:
- Plastic lid can scuff with rough use
- Black finish can show dust in bright light
- No odor filter included
My Recommendation
Choose this if you like a sleek look and tidy bag control. The liner rim and rear handle make daily chores easier. It suits renters and design lovers who want a clean, simple footprint. It lands in the best trash cans for kitchen picks if you value looks and low care.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Style-focused kitchens | Black metal body with a tidy liner rim |
| Small spaces | Rectangular shape tucks against walls and islands |
| Low-maintenance homes | Pedal use with no batteries or charger |
FAQs Of best trash cans for kitchen
How big should a kitchen trash can be?
A 13-gallon can fits most homes. Larger homes or frequent hosts may prefer 16–21 gallons. Small apartments can use 8–10 gallons to save space.
Are touchless trash cans worth it in 2026?
Yes, if you cook often or want less contact. Modern sensors use less power and react faster. They help with hygiene and speed in busy kitchens.
How do I control odors without chemicals?
Use tight-sealing lids and take out trash often. Baking soda helps. Filtered lids or charcoal inserts add extra odor control.
Do stainless steel cans always show fingerprints?
Many have a smudge-resistant coat. It reduces marks but does not stop them fully. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps them clean.
What liners fit the best trash cans for kitchen use?
Most 13-gallon cans take standard 13-gallon bags. Large cans may need 20-gallon or 30-gallon bags. Check your can’s capacity to match liners.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want simple, quiet, and clean, the Amazon Basics 13.2-Gal is a win. For touchless hygiene, the BestOffice is a great value. Need size and speed? Pick the EKO Mirage X 21-Gal.
For odor control without sensors, the SIMPLI-MAGIC shines. Want a sleek, bag-hiding build? The Garvee looks sharp. Each earns a spot among the best trash cans for kitchen use today.
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