Trash Cans for a Kitchen

Choosing a trash can for your kitchen can seem mundane, and many think it doesn’t require any thought. After all, it’s just where you throw garbage, right? A trash can may house garbage, but it doesn’t have to be a boring purchase.

In a Hurry? Here are the Best Trash Cans for a Kitchen

The 3 Best Trash Cans for a Kitchen

Trash can shopping in the past may have been all about practicality, but companies these days know how important décor is. We no longer have to settle for garnish trash cans that ruin the aesthetic of our kitchens. Read on to check out our picks for the best trash cans for a kitchen.

1. Simplehuman 6 L Semi-Round Step Can

For those looking for a smaller and more affordable option, this round step can from Simplehuman is a great pick. It’s very compact and you can place it anywhere in your kitchen, even in the smallest of corners.

It is also durable and is made of stainless steel – let’s just say that it won’t need replacing anytime soon. The steel pedal is engineered to be strong and last over 150,000 steps. Additionally, the pedal allows you to keep your hands free, whether it’s because you’re busy cooking or conscious of germs.

Simplehuman’s patented lid shox technology also makes sure that there’s a soft, silent close – you no longer have to worry about waking up the entire household. Additionally, the trash can has a fingerprint-proof coating to ensure that it always looks clean and shiny.

Trash Cans for a Kitchen

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Durable stainless steel
  • Comes in a variety of metal finishes
  • 10-year warranty
  • Removable inner bucket

Cons:

  • Relatively narrow pedal

2. iTouchless 13 Gallon Deodorizer Sensor Trash Can

This sleek, stainless steel trash can is easy to clean since it is both, fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant – your trash can will be just as spotless as the rest of your kitchen. Additionally, the trash can has a 49 L capacity, and can hold a lot (and we mean, a lot) of trash. Because of this, you don’t have to empty it as often. It is also perfect for large families or those who cook a lot.

Of course, the reason it is one of the best trash cans for a kitchen is the completely touch-free experience it provides. No more touching the lid, or even using your foot on a pedal – all this trash can needs is a motion of your hand and the lid will open. The lid also displays green and red lights so that you’re never confused about the opening status. Because the sensor uses unique Reflx technology, it automatically opens the lid whenever your hand moves back in – there won’t be any accidents.

Another selling point is the trash can’s ability to stop odors. In addition to looking unsightly, trash can ruin the ambience of your kitchen by smelling foul. This trash can uses the AbsorbX Odor Filter to make sure that your kitchen smells fresh at all times – the trash can comes with one activated carbon filter.

Pros:

  • Automatic, no-touch
  • Odor control with activated carbon filter
  • Large capacity
  • 1-year warranty
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

  • Requires batteries or an AC Adapter
  • AC Adapter is a separate purchase

3. Simplehuman 50 L Semi-Round Step Can

This elegant black model by Simplehuman is one of the best trash cans for a kitchen because of a remarkable feature – a sliding lock. Because you can shut the lid, you can ensure that your four-legged friend won’t get into the garbage and make a mess. Basically, this trash can is kid- and pet-safe.

In addition to this, the semi-round shape of the trash can makes it easy to store in any corner of the kitchen. This is especially important if you have a smaller kitchen or a unique layout. The trash can’s lid has the staple Simplehuman lid shox technology to make sure that there’s a soft close every time. Furthermore, the addition of a sturdy steel pedal ensures that users won’t have to get their hands dirty.

Pros:

  • Relatively affordable
  • Slide lock for lid
  • Large capacity
  • Dent-proof
  • 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Plastic

Features to Consider When Buying a Trash Can

Before making a purchase, consider the following factors.

Size

You heard it here first – size matters. There’s no reason you need a 50 L trash can if you’re living alone or with a partner. Families, on the other hand, may need larger trash cans. Size also depends on how often you empty the trash can. If you’re in the habit of doing it every day, you could even opt for a 6 L trash can.

Lid & Opening Mechanism

This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a trash can. A trash can needs to be accessible, which is why most models come with a foot pedal. However, more modern versions have motion sensors and are entirely touchless. This depends on personal preference. Lid mechanism is also important if you’re worried about kids or pets getting into the trash – in this case, you may want to consider trash cans with locks.

Material

Most trash cans are made of either plastic or metals like stainless steel. Stainless steel models are extremely durable but come at a higher price tag.

Look

Although function is more important than style, there’s no denying that a trash can that can achieve both is a homeowner’s dream. For some, whether or not the trash can is aesthetically pleasing can make or break the deal – look into this carefully before you commit to buying a trash can. However, with a variety of colors and metal finishes available, this shouldn’t be a problem. It’s safe to say that all of our picks would look gorgeous in any kitchen.

Additional Features

Higher-end trash cans come with useful features which include deodorizing, soft-close lids, etc.

Our Final Thoughts

We’re big fans of all the items on this list since they’re truly the best trash cans for a kitchen. Of course, people with different needs will prefer different models. However, our favorite has to be the iTouchless 13 Gallon Deodorizer Sensor Trash Can. Not only is it fully automatic, but it also ensures that all foul odors are contained in the bin. That’s what makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen.

We hope this article has been helpful and helps you select the best trash can for your kitchen!