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The best kitchen trash can is the one that fits its allotted space, handles your household’s waste, and works with the bags you want to use. Compare footprint and usable capacity first, then choose between a step pedal, motion sensor, divided bins, or a cabinet pull-out. A can’s gallon rating alone does not confirm that your preferred bags will fit.
How to choose a kitchen trash can
Measure the space and match capacity to use
Measure the floor or cabinet opening where the can will sit, and account for lid clearance and room to lift out or replace the liner. A can that fits with its lid shut may be awkward to use if the lid hits a counter or cannot open fully.
Match capacity to the amount of waste your household produces and how often you want to take it out. With a divided can, the advertised total is split between compartments; for example, Kohler’s K-20956 has two 5.5-gallon sections, not one 11-gallon bin.
Choose how you want the lid to open
A step-on pedal lets you open the lid without touching it and does not require sensor batteries. A motion-sensor model offers hands-free opening but adds electronics and a power requirement. Testing roundups have evaluated both formats, but the results belong to those publishers’ tests rather than a universal ranking. Bob Vila reported that a Ninestars sensor can could be confused during its testing; that finding should not be assumed to apply to every sensor can or kitchen.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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 premium stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish. The sleek oval body and sloping lid design fit seamlessly into kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- POWERED BY 4 C BATTERIES (NOT INCLUDED) – Uses 4× C-cell batteries for long performance: Supports 40,000+ openings for long-lasting use. Alkaline batteries are recommended for best performance. For best results, install with correct polarity, switch ON before use, and place the can in a cool, dry, ventilated area to protect electronic components.
- ODOR CONTROL & EASY CARE – Keep the lid closed to minimize odor. The stainless steel surface is easy to maintain—just wipe with a dry towel for regular care.
- LARGE CAPACITY & CLEAR GUIDANCE – Fits standard 13-gallon trash bags from any supermarket. Accurate size dimensions and internal images reduce confusion. Includes usage tips on bag sealing, odor control, and proper placement.
Check bag fit, not just the capacity label
Before buying, look for the manufacturer’s stated liner size and how the bag is secured. Two cans with similar capacities may not accept the same liners: Bob Vila notes that its Simplehuman dual-compartment pick uses proprietary liners, while Kohler specifies compatibility with 13-gallon trash bags for the K-20956.
Think about cleaning and odor features separately
Removable liners or inner buckets can make it easier to clean spills. A filter is a separate feature: iTouchless lists an included natural carbon filter for its SoftStep PC13RSS, but that feature does not establish that odors will be eliminated in every kitchen. Lid closure, cleaning access, and how promptly waste is removed also matter to day-to-day odor management.
Rank #2
- STAINLESS-STEEL ACCENTS: Charcoal stainless-steel rim and pedal upgrade the aesthetics of the container to complement your space
- PREMIUM, MODERN DESIGN: Designed with clean, modern lines and a flared base to elevate the aesthetic of the container while increasing stability
- HANDS-FREE USE: Wide, charcoal stainless steel foot pedal provides easy access and is designed to last
- SLOW CLOSE LID: Quiet, controlled lid closure is designed to reduce unwanted noise and ease down gently
- LID LOCK: Discrete lid lock keeps the container lid locked open for longer tasks, or closed to keep out pets and children
Decide whether sorting or concealment matters
A dual-compartment can keeps two waste streams in one floor footprint, though each section has less capacity than a single-bin can of the same total volume. A cabinet pull-out hides the can, but depends on the cabinet’s dimensions and hardware. Measure the opening and confirm the installation requirements before choosing a pull-out.
Kitchen trash cans to consider
These models illustrate different use cases rather than a single universal ranking. Product specifications come from manufacturers where noted; editorial picks and testing observations are attributed to the publications that reported them.
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- [Fits Most Spaces] This 13-gallon trash can offers proper volume for most homes while the sleek modern design fits well in various spaces
- [Stainless Steel] The recycle bin made of stainless steel resists rust; a simple wipe can keep it clean and smudge-free
- [Soft Closure] The lid of the garbage can closes slowly, softly, and silently without making a loud clang
- [Easy Opening] Step on the pedal to open the lid when tossing the trash, or fully open it with one hand and the lid will stay open so you can also free your hands for cleaning out the fridge
- [Practical Inner Bucket] The bag hole on the back of the inner bucket lets you tuck the bag edges in to secure the bag in place and hide it from view
| Model or format | Published details | Potential fit |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Classic 13-Gallon Step-On | Bob Vila names it its overall pick and reports a plastic body, stainless pedal, and 13-gallon capacity. | A straightforward pedal-operated option if its size suits your space and the bag fit works for you. |
| iTouchless SoftStep PC13RSS | The manufacturer lists 50 liters (13.2 gallons), pedal opening, soft-close lid, included carbon odor filter, removable inner bucket, and dimensions of 14.5 × 16.9 × 26.4 inches; height with the lid open is 36.3 inches. Its page displayed sold-out status when accessed. | Consider if you want a pedal, removable bucket, and listed filter; verify current availability and allow for the open-lid height. |
| Kohler K-20956 | A US/Canada specification sheet dated June 29, 2026 lists two 5.5-gallon compartments, compatibility with 13-gallon bags, a metal foot pedal, quiet-close lid, and removable plastic liners. | A divided option for separating two waste streams while using bags the manufacturer identifies as compatible. |
| Simplehuman dual-compartment rectangular step can | Bob Vila reports an 8-gallon recycling bin and a 5-gallon trash bin, and notes that it uses proprietary liners. | Consider if you want sorting in one can and are comfortable with its liner requirements. |
| Motion-sensor cans, including a Ninestars option covered by Bob Vila | Bob Vila reported a sensor-confusion issue during its testing of a Ninestars can. Food Network’s roundup describes testing both step and sensor formats; the cited material does not establish a universal performance result for all sensor cans. | Worth considering if hands-free opening is a priority and you are comfortable with electronics and their power needs. |
What the available testing can—and cannot—tell you
Editorial guides provide reported testing context and help distinguish formats, but one publisher’s result is not a guarantee of performance in every home. Bob Vila names its overall pick and describes findings for specific models; Food Network says its roundup tested both step and sensor cans. Consumer Reports’ search-result summary described testing eight cans and an August 5, 2026 publication, but direct access was unavailable, so no more detailed findings should be inferred from that summary.
Use manufacturer specifications to check dimensions, capacity, liner compatibility, and included parts. Use editorial reviews as additional context, not as a substitute for measuring your space or checking the exact model’s current availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【High Quality Construction】KdbK 13 Gallon Garbage can made of sturdy stainless steel with brushed surface, anti-fingerprints and easy to clean. ABS handle and base, anti-slip design.Pedal tested 200,000 times, service life over 25 years.
- 【Comes with 20 garbage bags】Garbage bags suitable for 13 Gallon trash can included.Even if the garbage fills the entire garbage bag, our high-quality garbage bags can withstand it.The regular 13-gallon garbage bag in the supermarket can be used in our stainless steel trash can.
- 【Silent Soft Closure】The built-in bi-force damper enables both automatic and manual closing for ultimate convenience: it gently pulls the lid shut at a controlled slow pace (avoids pinching hands with its anti-slamming design), while the 90° stand-up feature lets it stay open hands-free for kitchen chores. Need to close it manually? Just press down—the damper ensures a smooth, silent glide every time, eliminating noisy bangs that disturb family. Perfect for safe, quiet use in any household.
- 【Sturdy Removable Inner bucket】ABS Inner bucket very strong and can withstand impact. Even if it is accidentally hit, it will be difficult to break.There is a small hole in the inner bucket to fix the garbage bag.
- 【Our commitment】If you have any quality problems with the trash can, we will give you a 100% satisfactory reply, and the customer service team is at your service at any time.
Rank #4
- Spacious 20 Gallon Capacity - This generously sized rectangular trash can handles high-volume waste with ease, making it ideal for busy kitchens, large families, and commercial office spaces.
- Clorox Odor Protection: This trash can lid is treated with Clorox Odor Protection to actively block odors at the source, keeping your kitchen or office space smelling clean for the entire life of the can.
- Hands-Free Step On Foot Pedal: A simple press of the built-in foot pedal opens the lid instantly — no touching required — for clean, hygienic disposal during cooking, cleaning, or any task.
- Bag Rings Keep Liners Secure & Tidy - Interior bag rings hold your trash bag firmly in place, preventing it from slipping inside the can and keeping excess bag slack neatly tucked.
- Fits Any Indoor Space: This versatile plastic garbage bin suits any kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or office, measuring 20.25" wide, 16" deep, and 26.25" high — tall enough for busy households.
Sources
- Bob Vila: Best Kitchen Trash Cans
- iTouchless: SoftStep PC13RSS
- Kohler: K-20956 specification sheet
- Food Network: Best Trash Cans
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
