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A kitchen trash can is only a good fit if it suits the nook, the way you use it and the bags you can readily buy. Measure the space—including clearance for the lid—then choose among step, sensor and divided designs. The available reporting names several candidates, but does not establish nine fully comparable winners, so this guide focuses on how to choose and what the cited coverage actually supports.
Start with the space, not the feature list
Measure the intended location before comparing capacities or opening mechanisms. Check width, depth and height, and account for the room a lid needs to open. National Hardware Group’s May 7, 2026 buying guide advises measuring the nook, especially height for a can under a counter or beside a refrigerator, and leaving a few inches of lid clearance: its measuring guidance.
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For a cabinet or pull-out installation, verify the can’s dimensions and how it opens in that exact location. A lid that clears in an open kitchen may strike a counter or cabinet door in a confined spot. The cited guides discuss freestanding and pull-out placement, but do not provide a common set of model dimensions for comparing every candidate.
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Choose a capacity and bag fit that work together
This Old House describes about 13 gallons as a common kitchen-can capacity, not a universal best size. Your space and household waste volume should determine whether that is appropriate. A larger can may mean fewer changes, but only if it fits and the liner stays manageable.
#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.
Do not assume a can accepts every bag sold under a familiar capacity label. Check the exact model’s liner guidance, including how the bag sits over the rim and whether it stays in place when full. A reader’s question about generic 13-gallon bags illustrates a practical concern, but is anecdotal rather than evidence that all cans with that stated capacity fit generic liners equally well.
Match the opening style to the way you use the can
Step cans
A foot pedal lets you open the lid without using your hands. This can suit routine food preparation, but pedal design and lid behavior vary by model. Food Network Kitchen says its reviewers used step and sensor cans in home kitchens for a couple of days, assessing opening and closing among other factors; its observations are that publisher’s test findings, not a guarantee for every unit.
Rank #2
- [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
Sensor cans
A motion sensor opens the lid when a hand or object activates it. That hands-free approach may appeal when your hands are occupied, but it is not inherently better than a pedal: consider your preference, placement and the particular model’s requirements. The available coverage names sensor options but does not establish a universal reliability comparison.
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A divided can can combine trash with recycling or compost sorting in one footprint. Compare the capacity of each compartment—not just the total—and check the overall dimensions. A larger combined capacity can still be inconvenient if one section fills quickly or the unit occupies too much room.
Rank #3
- 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.
Compare the named candidates without treating them as a ranking
The publications below identify possible models, but their lists do not amount to one shared test or a defensible nine-place ranking. Consumer Reports’ August 5, 2026 search-result record says it tested eight cans, including step and sensor types, and lists the models below; its page was not directly retrievable, so the record does not establish full rankings or comparative results. Food Network Kitchen describes short home use and names simplehuman, Glad, iTouchless and BestOffice picks. This Old House’s page has a June 19, 2025 update date, despite “2026” in its headline.
| Model or product line | What the cited coverage establishes | What to verify for your kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon | Listed among the eight cans in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record. | Dimensions, opening type, current liner guidance and availability. |
| BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Steel | Listed in Consumer Reports’ record and among Food Network Kitchen’s named picks. | Exact model dimensions, bag fit and current availability. |
| Brabantia Bo Pedal Bin | Listed in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record. | Capacity, compartment layout, dimensions and compatible liners for the exact model. |
| Brightroom Rectangular Step | Listed in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record. | Capacity, dimensions, bag fit and current availability. |
| Caraway 45L Rectangular Step | Listed in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record. | Dimensions, liner fit and current availability. |
| Glad 13 Gallon Plastic | Listed in Consumer Reports’ record and among Food Network Kitchen’s named picks. | Exact dimensions, lid behavior and bag compatibility. |
| Ninestars 13 Gallon | Listed in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record. | Exact sensor model, dimensions, power requirements and bag fit. |
| simplehuman Rectangular Sensor Can | Listed in Consumer Reports’ 2026 search-result record; Food Network Kitchen also names simplehuman among its picks. | Exact model dimensions, power needs and liner guidance. |
| simplehuman 10-Gallon Step; SONGMICS 16-Gallon Step; iTouchless Touchless Sensor; iTouchless 13-Gallon Automatic; Rubbermaid Step-On | Named by This Old House, whose page shows a June 19, 2025 update date. | Exact model specifications, bag fit and current availability. |
| simplehuman 10L Butterfly Step Can | Manufacturer product page specifies Code R custom-fit liners and a 10-year warranty. The manufacturer claims its steel pedal is engineered for over 150,000 steps; that figure is not independently verified in the cited material. | Whether the compact capacity and Code R liners suit your needs; check the official model page for current details. |
These mentions are not interchangeable product specifications: names can cover different sizes or configurations. Check the listing for the exact version you intend to buy rather than carrying a feature or capacity from one model to another.
Rank #4
- 【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.
Consider odor control and cleaning as separate questions
A lid, odor feature or filter may help manage kitchen smells, but none should be treated as a guarantee that odors will disappear. Check whether the lid covers the opening well, whether any filter is replaceable, and how easy the interior and lid are to clean. A removable inner bucket can simplify bag changes and cleaning where the model includes one; confirm that detail for the exact can.
Use reviews for the claim they can support
Food Network Kitchen says it evaluated cans in home kitchens for a couple of days, looking at opening and closing, capacity, odor features and liner storage, and consulted customer reviews about durability. Its reviewer Brittany Loggins wrote, “The lid? It closes quietly every time.” That is a report of her experience with the reviewed product, not a promise of identical performance from every unit.
Keep manufacturer specifications distinct from independent test results. For example, simplehuman’s stated pedal-life figure for the 10L Butterfly is a manufacturer claim, not a verified lifespan result in the cited coverage. Likewise, Consumer Reports’ record establishes that it tested eight cans, but does not provide enough accessible detail here to infer a complete ranking.
Quick Recap
A practical checklist before buying
- Measure the space, including lid-opening clearance and access to cabinet doors or drawers.
- Choose the capacity and compartment layout based on your waste and sorting needs.
- Confirm the exact model’s dimensions and compatible bag guidance; do not rely on gallon labels alone.
- Choose pedal or sensor operation based on placement and preference, and check sensor power requirements for the exact model.
- Look for cleaning and odor-control features that matter to you, without treating them as guarantees.
- Check current stock, price and recurring supply costs at the time you buy; the cited coverage does not establish stable current prices.
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.
