KITCHEN ESSENTIALS · BUYING GUIDE

Best Kitchen Trash Can

Updated

The best kitchen trash cans: step cans, a dual recycling can, a sensor can and an under-sink pull-out from simplehuman, Umbra, Brabantia and iTouchless, compared by capacity, size, material and lid.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can with Liner Pocket Brushed stainless steel; steel pedal
Best overall 8.3 Check price
Umbra Brim Step On Trash Can Polypropylene (made with recycled plastics); stainless steel pedal
Best budget 7.3 Check price
Best premium 8.5 Check price
Best touchless 7.6 Check price
simplehuman 35L Dual Compartment Under Counter Pull-Out Can All-steel frame; chromed steel handle
Best under-sink pull-out 7.3 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Capacity & footprint25%
  • Lid & convenience30%
  • Build & cleaning25%
  • Bags & warranty20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can with Liner Pocket

    simplehuman · CW2024 (Brushed finish)

    simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can with Liner Pocket

    8.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Capacity
    7.5
    Convenience
    9.0
    Build
    9.0
    Bags
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Capacity & footprint · 7.5
    45 L (about 12 gal), 15.9 in wide
    Lid & convenience · 9.0
    Lid Shox slow-close pedal lid; inside pocket stores and dispenses spare liners
    Build & cleaning · 9.0
    Brushed stainless steel; pedal rated for more than 150,000 steps
    Bags & warranty · 7.5
    Code M custom liners are an ongoing cost; 10-year warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forMost households that want a sturdy, tidy everyday step can

    A 45-liter rectangular step can with a liner rim that hides the bag, a pocket inside that stores and dispenses spare liners, and a lid that closes slowly. simplehuman rates the steel pedal for more than 150,000 steps and backs the can with a 10-year warranty.

    Strengths

    • Liner pocket holds a 20-pack of spare liners inside the can
    • Lid Shox slow-close lid and 10-year warranty

    Weaknesses

    • Designed around simplehuman Code M Custom Fit Liners, an ongoing cost
    • Pricier than plastic step cans of similar size

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    45 L (about 12 gal)
    Dimensions
    15.9 W x 13.3 D x 25.8 H in (36 in tall with lid open)
    Material
    Brushed stainless steel; steel pedal
    Lid mechanism
    Step pedal with Lid Shox slow close
    Liner
    Code M Custom Fit Liners
    Warranty
    10 years

    Details checked against the simplehuman.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best touchless
    iTouchless 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Sensor Kitchen Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter

    iTouchless · DZT13P

    iTouchless 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Sensor Kitchen Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Capacity
    8.0
    Convenience
    8.0
    Build
    7.5
    Bags
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Capacity & footprint · 8.0
    50 L / 13 gal, 12.8 in long
    Lid & convenience · 8.0
    Motion-sensor lid with extra-wide opening; needs 4 D batteries or adapter
    Build & cleaning · 7.5
    Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel body; carbon AbsorbX filter
    Bags & warranty · 6.5
    Standard 13-gallon bags; 1-year warranty excludes can body and filter

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forCooks with messy hands who want a lid that opens with a wave

    A 13-gallon stainless steel can with a motion sensor that opens the wide lid automatically, plus a carbon AbsorbX filter for odors. It takes standard 13-gallon kitchen bags and runs on four D batteries or an optional AC adapter.

    Strengths

    • Hands-free sensor lid with an extra-wide opening
    • Uses standard 13-gallon bags, no custom liners

    Weaknesses

    • Needs 4 D batteries (not included) or a separately sold AC adapter
    • 1-year warranty that excludes the can body and inner parts

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    50 L / 13 gal
    Dimensions
    12.8 L x 10.8 W x 27.9 H in (35.8 in H with lid open)
    Material
    Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel body; ABS lid
    Lid mechanism
    Motion sensor, automatic open
    Power source
    4 D batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter (sold separately)
    Warranty
    1 year (excludes can body, retainer ring, filter and similar parts)

    Details checked against the itouchless.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best premium
    Brabantia Bo Step on Trash Can, with 2 Inner Buckets, 2 x 8 gallon (30 liter) - Matt Steel Fingerprint Proof

    Brabantia · 211461

    Brabantia Bo Step on Trash Can, with 2 Inner Buckets, 2 x 8 gallon (30 liter) - Matt Steel Fingerprint Proof

    8.5/ 10
    Editorial score
    Capacity
    9.0
    Convenience
    8.5
    Build
    8.5
    Bags
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Capacity & footprint · 9.0
    60 L total as two 30 L buckets; wide 21.3 in footprint
    Lid & convenience · 8.5
    Soft-closing pedal lid with stay-open position; sorts trash and recycling
    Build & cleaning · 8.5
    Steel body, removable inner buckets; heavy at 16 lb
    Bags & warranty · 8.0
    10-year guarantee; bag type not stated

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forHouseholds that sort trash and recycling in one wide can

    A 60-liter steel step can split into two removable 30-liter plastic inner buckets, so trash and recycling sit side by side. It has a soft-closing lid, a stay-open position and a 10-year Brabantia guarantee.

    Strengths

    • Two removable 8-gallon (30 L) inner buckets for sorting
    • Soft-closing lid, stay-open position and 10-year guarantee

    Weaknesses

    • Highest price of our picks
    • Wide footprint (21.3 in) and 16 lb

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    60 L / 15.9 gal total (2 x 30 L / 8 gal)
    Dimensions
    21.3 W x 14.3 L x 25.7 H in (54.1 x 36.3 x 65.2 cm)
    Material
    Steel; plastic inner buckets
    Lid mechanism
    Pedal, soft-closing lid with stay-open position
    Weight
    16 lb (7.3 kg)
    Warranty
    10-year Brabantia guarantee

    Details checked against the brabantia.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best under-sink pull-out
    simplehuman 35L Dual Compartment Under Counter Pull-Out Can

    simplehuman · CW1016

    simplehuman 35L Dual Compartment Under Counter Pull-Out Can

    7.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Capacity
    6.0
    Convenience
    8.0
    Build
    8.5
    Bags
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Capacity & footprint · 6.0
    Smallest capacity: 35 L split 15 L and 20 L
    Lid & convenience · 8.0
    Cabinet pull-out hides trash; must fit cabinet clearance
    Build & cleaning · 8.5
    All-steel frame on commercial-grade ball-bearing tracks
    Bags & warranty · 6.5
    Code G and D custom liners; 5-year warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forSmall kitchens that want trash and recycling hidden in a cabinet

    A pull-out unit that mounts inside a base cabinet, with a 15-liter and a 20-liter bucket in an all-steel frame. It glides out on ball-bearing tracks and is pulled by a chromed steel handle.

    Strengths

    • Keeps trash and recycling out of sight inside a cabinet
    • All-steel frame on commercial-grade ball-bearing tracks

    Weaknesses

    • Smallest capacity of our picks (35 L split 15 L / 20 L)
    • Must be mounted in a cabinet with enough clear space, so measure first

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    35 L total (15 L + 20 L), about 9.2 gal
    Dimensions
    9.8 W x 17.7 D x 19.1 H in; extends to 36.75 in
    Material
    All-steel frame; chromed steel handle
    Mechanism
    Cabinet-mounted pull-out on ball-bearing tracks
    Liners
    Code G and Code D Custom Fit Liners
    Warranty
    5 years

    Details checked against the simplehuman.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best budget
    Umbra Brim Step On Trash Can

    Umbra · 084200 (e.g. 084200-047 Black, 084200-1313 Sand)

    Umbra Brim Step On Trash Can

    7.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Capacity
    8.0
    Convenience
    7.5
    Build
    6.5
    Bags
    7.0
    Why this score?
    Capacity & footprint · 8.0
    50 L / 13 gal
    Lid & convenience · 7.5
    Pedal soft-close lid; inner ring holds and hides the bag
    Build & cleaning · 6.5
    Polypropylene body with stainless pedal; wipe clean with damp cloth
    Bags & warranty · 7.0
    Standard drawstring or flap-tie bags; 1-year warranty, 45-day money-back

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forBudget shoppers who still want a soft-close step can

    A 13-gallon polypropylene step can with a stainless steel pedal, a soft-close lid and an inner ring that holds and hides the bag. It takes most standard bag types, including drawstring and flap-tie bags.

    Strengths

    • Lowest price of our picks
    • Takes standard 13-gallon drawstring or flap-tie bags

    Weaknesses

    • Plastic (polypropylene) body rather than steel
    • 1-year manufacturer's warranty, the shortest among the step cans here

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    50 L / 13 gal
    Dimensions
    25.5 x 16.4 x 12.25 in (65 x 42 x 31 cm)
    Material
    Polypropylene (made with recycled plastics); stainless steel pedal
    Lid mechanism
    Step pedal with soft-close lid
    Care
    Wipe clean with a damp cloth
    Warranty
    1-year manufacturer's warranty; 45-day money-back guarantee

    Details checked against the umbra.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can with Liner Pocket Most households that want a sturdy, tidy everyday step can45 L (about 12 gal)15.9 W x 13.3 D x 25.8 H in (36 in tall with lid open)Brushed stainless steel; steel pedal
iTouchless 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Sensor Kitchen Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter Cooks with messy hands who want a lid that opens with a wave50 L / 13 gal12.8 L x 10.8 W x 27.9 H in (35.8 in H with lid open)Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel body; ABS lid
Brabantia Bo Step on Trash Can, with 2 Inner Buckets, 2 x 8 gallon (30 liter) - Matt Steel Fingerprint Proof Households that sort trash and recycling in one wide can60 L / 15.9 gal total (2 x 30 L / 8 gal)21.3 W x 14.3 L x 25.7 H in (54.1 x 36.3 x 65.2 cm)Steel; plastic inner buckets
simplehuman 35L Dual Compartment Under Counter Pull-Out Can Small kitchens that want trash and recycling hidden in a cabinet35 L total (15 L + 20 L), about 9.2 gal9.8 W x 17.7 D x 19.1 H in; extends to 36.75 inAll-steel frame; chromed steel handle
Umbra Brim Step On Trash Can Budget shoppers who still want a soft-close step can50 L / 13 gal25.5 x 16.4 x 12.25 in (65 x 42 x 31 cm)Polypropylene (made with recycled plastics); stainless steel pedal

How we chose

We compared manufacturer specifications for capacity, footprint, body material, lid mechanism, bag or liner requirements and warranty, and chose one model for each common setup: step can, sensor can, dual recycling can and under-cabinet pull-out. List prices on the brands’ own sites were used to spread the picks across budgets. We did not test these cans; every spec comes from the manufacturer or a named source.

What to look for in a kitchen trash can

Measure the spot first. Check width, depth and height, and remember the lid needs room to open. For a pull-out, measure the inside of the cabinet, including around pipes, and compare it with the unit’s size.

Match capacity to how often you empty it. Around 13 gallons suits most family kitchens. Smaller cans fit tight spaces but fill faster, and larger cans can get heavy before they are full.

Choose the lid mechanism. Step pedals are simple and need no power. Sensor lids open with a wave but need batteries or an outlet. Soft-close or slow-close lids cut down on banging.

Check the bag situation. Some cans take any standard kitchen bag, while others are designed for brand-specific liners. Factor the ongoing cost and availability of bags into the price.

Think about material and cleaning. Stainless steel looks sleek but can show smudges unless it has a fingerprint-resistant finish. Plastic is lighter and cheaper. Removable inner buckets make spills easier to clean.

Frequently asked questions

What size trash can do I need for a kitchen?

13 gallons (about 50 L) is the common US kitchen size, and both the iTouchless DZT13P and the Umbra Brim are 13-gallon cans that take ordinary 13-gallon bags. The simplehuman 45L step can is a little smaller at 45 L, while the Brabantia Bo Step On holds 60 L split into two 30 L buckets.

Are sensor trash cans worth it?

A sensor can opens when you wave a hand over it, which helps when your hands are full or dirty. The iTouchless DZT13P does this, but it needs four D batteries or an optional AC adapter, and iTouchless's 1-year warranty does not cover the can body. A step can such as the simplehuman 45L is also hands-free and needs no power.

Do I have to buy special trash bags?

Not always. The iTouchless DZT13P and Umbra Brim take standard 13-gallon bags. simplehuman designs its cans around its Custom Fit Liners (Code M for the 45L step can, Codes G and D for the pull-out), and Brabantia pairs the Bo with PerfectFit Code O bags.

What is the best way to separate recycling in a small kitchen?

A dual-compartment can keeps both streams in one footprint. The Brabantia Bo Step On has two removable 30 L buckets, and the simplehuman 35L under-counter pull-out puts a 15 L and a 20 L bucket inside a base cabinet. Measure your floor space or cabinet before you buy.

What is the best stainless steel kitchen trash can?

The simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can is brushed stainless steel with a steel pedal and a 10-year warranty, and it is the best overall pick here. The iTouchless 13-gallon sensor can has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel body, and the Brabantia Bo Step On is steel with a fingerprint-proof matt finish. Stainless can show smudges unless it has a fingerprint-resistant finish, while the Umbra Brim is polypropylene.

What is the best trash can for a kitchen?

For most households the simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Can is the best overall pick, with a liner rim that hides the bag, a slow-close lid and a 10-year warranty. The iTouchless sensor can is best if you want a hands-free lid, the Brabantia Bo is best for sorting trash and recycling, and the Umbra Brim is the budget pick. Measure the spot first, because the lid needs room to open.