6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans in 2026
Six kitchen trash cans compared on touchless sensors, slim footprints, removable liners and soft-close pedals, so you can match a bin to your cooking habits.
At a Glance
BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can
↓ See why we picked itPayLessHere 13 Gallon Steel Trash Can with Inner Bucket
↓ See why we picked itA kitchen bin takes more abuse than any other can in the house. It gets raw scraps, wet coffee grounds, greasy packaging and a dozen trips a day, and it sits where everyone can see it. The right choice depends less on brand and more on how your kitchen is laid out and how you handle waste while cooking.
The six picks below split into clear camps. The BestOffice is a touchless 13-gallon bin that runs on four C batteries, the Glad Slim is a narrow 12-gallon steel bin for tight rooms, and the PayLessHere has a removable inner bucket. The KdbK and SONGMICS are 13-gallon steel pedal bins with soft-close lids, and the Glad Premium is a plastic 13-gallon with a stainless pedal.
We evaluated them on the listing specs and buyer feedback themes, thinking about the real kitchen moments: hands covered in dough, a full bag to lift out, a narrow gap beside the fridge. Read on to see which design matches your routine.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Kitchen Trash Can
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Opening method in the kitchen
The way a lid opens determines how comfortable the can is with messy hands. The KdbK, PayLessHere, Glad Slim and SONGMICS use foot pedals, the BestOffice uses a sensor lid, and the Glad Premium uses a step pedal. Sensor lids need four C batteries on the BestOffice, so budget for that. If you cook a lot, test how far the pedal travels and how firm it feels. A stiff pedal becomes irritating when you use it dozens of times a day.
Width and depth of the gap
Kitchen gaps are rarely generous. The Glad Slim is a narrow 12-gallon bin built for tight spaces, while the 13-gallon KdbK and SONGMICS take more width. Measure the opening, then add room for the lid to swing. A bin that blocks a drawer or a dishwasher door will be an everyday annoyance.
Capacity versus emptying habits
Thirteen gallons suits most kitchens and fits standard liners, while 12 gallons on the Glad Slim is slightly smaller. A bigger can lets you wait longer between trips but also lets food waste sit. Consider your household size and how often you cook from scratch. A small kitchen with two people can stay on the smaller side.
Cleaning the inside
Kitchen cans see leaks, so cleanability matters. The PayLessHere has a removable inner bucket that lifts out for rinsing, which is a major advantage over a fixed steel interior. Other bins need a wipe-down in place or a tilt to the sink. Look for smooth interiors, minimal crevices and a bag ring that keeps liners out of the corners.
Odor and lid seal
The Glad Premium and Glad Slim use lids formulated with Clorox odor protection, while the KdbK relies on a quiet-close lid and stainless body. A tighter seal slows odors from leaking into the room but cannot beat an overdue bag. Empty food waste regularly, particularly after cooking meat or fish, and wipe the rim of the bin when it gets greasy. Greasy residue on the rim is what makes a closed lid smell, so a quick wipe each week does more than most add-on features.
Finish and visible wear
Kitchens see fingerprints and splashes. The KdbK and BestOffice list fingerprint-resistant finishes, and the Glad Slim also lists a fingerprint-resistant steel surface. The SONGMICS powder coating is built to resist wear but its flutes hold dirt. Pick a finish that matches how often you are willing to wipe.
6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans in 2026
KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can
About this pick
For a typical family kitchen, the KdbK covers the basics without any gimmicks. The 13-gallon size matches standard kitchen liners, the brushed stainless surface resists fingerprints, and the pedal frees both hands while you scrape a cutting board. Twenty bags in the box mean you can start using it the day it arrives.
The lid mechanism is a bi-force damper, which pulls the lid shut gently whether you released the pedal or lowered it by hand. That detail matters in a kitchen that opens onto a dining area, because a slamming lid is the sound everyone notices after dinner. The ABS parts mentioned in the listing help keep the mechanism light.
It is not the slimmest bin or the smartest. Next to the Glad Slim, it takes more floor space, and next to the BestOffice, it needs a foot rather than a sensor. In day-to-day cooking, though, a plain pedal that closes quietly is hard to beat, and it sidesteps the batteries that a touchless bin needs.
Best for: Family kitchens that want a quiet, simple steel pedal can.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon (50L)
- Finish: Brushed, anti-fingerprint
- Bags: 20 included
Pros
- +Damper closes the lid without a slam
- +Fingerprint-resistant brushed steel
- +Starter bags come in the box
- +No batteries or electronics to maintain
Cons
- −Larger footprint than a slim bin
- −Pedal is the likely wear point
- −Steel can dent if kicked
BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can
About this pick
Anyone who has opened a bin with flour-coated hands will understand the appeal of a sensor lid. The BestOffice opens and closes on its own when you wave a hand or a plate over it, so you never touch the surface. The body is stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish, and the oval shape with a sloping lid is meant to suit modern kitchens.
Power comes from four C batteries, which are not included, and the listing supports 40,000 or more openings. Alkaline cells are the type suggested, so factor in the ongoing cost and the occasional battery swap. When the cells run low, the lid behavior can slow or stop, which is the main annoyance with any sensor can.
Compared with the KdbK, you swap a mechanical pedal for electronics, which is a plus for convenience and a minus for simplicity. Compared with the PayLessHere, it has no removable bucket. If you have limited mobility in your feet or simply hate touching a lid, this is the clear choice. If you want zero maintenance, a pedal can wins.
Best for: Cooks who want to open the bin without touching anything.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon
- Power: 4 C batteries, not included
- Opening life: 40,000+ openings
Pros
- +Sensor lid opens and closes by itself
- +Fingerprint-resistant steel body
- +Oval shape with sloping lid saves space
- +Rated for over 40,000 openings
Cons
- −Needs four C batteries, not included
- −Sensor can misfire near the bin
- −More parts to fail than a pedal
Glad 12 Gallon Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can
About this pick
Many kitchens have one awkward gap beside a fridge or a pantry door, and the Glad Slim is made for it. Its narrow profile slips into tight spaces, yet it still holds 12 gallons, which the listing equates to 45 liters. The body is a heavy-duty rectangular stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish.
A soft-close lid and a step pedal handle daily use, and bag rings keep the liner from sliding inside. The lid is formulated with Clorox protection meant to trap odors and provide an airtight seal. That combination of narrow body and sealed lid fits small kitchens that cannot spare floor space but still deal with the usual cooking smells.
The cost of slimness is a little less volume than the 13-gallon bins, so you may empty it slightly more often. It also needs liners sized for its narrow shape, which are not always the same as standard bags. Compared with the Glad Premium, the Slim is steel rather than plastic, and compared with the KdbK, it trades width for a bit of capacity. For tight corners, it is the standout.
Best for: Small kitchens with a narrow gap for the bin.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 12 gallon (45L)
- Body: Rectangular stainless steel
- Lid: Soft close
Pros
- +Narrow body fits tight gaps
- +Soft-close lid with step pedal
- +Bag rings hold the liner in place
- +Fingerprint-resistant steel exterior
Cons
- −Slightly less volume than 13-gallon bins
- −Narrow liner shape may need matching bags
- −Steel body can dent
PayLessHere 13 Gallon Steel Trash Can with Inner Bucket
About this pick
The removable inner bucket is the reason to consider the PayLessHere. When a bag leaks or a spill needs a proper rinse, you can lift the bucket out, take it to the sink and wash it, instead of tipping a whole steel bin on its side. That one feature solves the cleaning problem that most steel pedal cans ignore.
The outer body is stainless steel that the listing says wipes clean with a damp cloth and resists bacteria and germs. A step pedal opens the lid and a soft-close mechanism keeps it from slamming. The 13-gallon size fits standard kitchen liners, and the listing positions it as a bin to keep beside the kitchen table.
It does not list a fingerprint-resistant finish the way the KdbK and BestOffice do, so smudges may show. There is also no odor filter like the one on the SIMPLI-MAGIC. If your priority is a bin that can be rinsed out regularly, and you cook often with wet scraps, this is the pick. If you want a simple lid with the best finish, choose the KdbK.
Best for: Cooks who want to lift out and rinse the inner bucket.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon
- Inner bucket: Removable
- Lid: Soft-close step pedal
Pros
- +Removable inner bucket rinses at the sink
- +Soft-close step pedal
- +Wipe-clean stainless steel surface
- +Standard 13-gallon bag fit
Cons
- −No fingerprint-resistant finish listed
- −No odor filter or treated lid
- −Extra part to store when washing
Glad Premium 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can
About this pick
The Glad Premium is the lighter, plainer option for people who do not need a steel look. The rectangular matte body keeps a classic shape that slides against a wall, and the listing says the lid is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection. The pedal has been redesigned with a stainless steel construction for durability.
Plastic keeps the weight down, which is useful on emptying day when you lift the full bin out to the curb. It will not dent from a bump, though it can scratch. A rectangular shape wastes less floor than a round bin of similar capacity.
The tradeoff is feel and finish. The Glad Premium does not offer a soft-close damper in its listing, so the lid drops with a firmer motion than on the KdbK or SONGMICS. Compared with the Glad Slim, it is wider but cheaper in materials, and compared with the PayLessHere, it has no inner bucket. For a budget-minded kitchen where simplicity wins, it is a reasonable all-rounder.
Best for: Kitchens that want a light plastic can with an odor-treated lid.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon
- Body: Matte plastic, rectangular
- Pedal: Stainless steel
Pros
- +Light plastic body is easy to carry out
- +Lid formulated for odor protection
- +Stainless steel pedal for durability
- +Rectangular shape fits against walls
Cons
- −No soft-close damper described
- −Plastic can scratch with use
- −Less premium than a steel bin
SONGMICS 13 Gallon Fluted Stainless Steel Trash Can
About this pick
The SONGMICS looks like part of the kitchen rather than a bin hidden in a corner. Its fluted exterior catches the light, and the metallic-enhanced powder coating over premium stainless steel gives it a shimmering surface that the listing describes as changing with the angle. The coating is meant to resist wear.
Useful features back up the styling. You can step on the pedal for hands-free use or lift the lid by hand to 90 degrees to keep it open while you clear leftovers. When the lid closes, it does so softly, so there is no clang in an open-plan room.
The flutes collect crumbs and splashes more than a flat drum does, so wiping takes a little longer. Against the KdbK, you gain a more decorative look and a hold-open lid, but you lose the included bags. Compared with the BestOffice, you keep the simplicity of a pedal. For a kitchen where the can is always on display, it earns its place.
Best for: Open kitchens where the bin is part of the room.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon (50L)
- Finish: Metallic powder coating
- Lid lift: Up to 90 degrees
Pros
- +Fluted design looks furniture-like
- +Lid holds open at 90 degrees
- +Soft-close keeps the room quiet
- +Powder coating resists wear
Cons
- −Grooves trap dust and splashes
- −No starter bags mentioned
- −Coating can chip if hit
How We Evaluated These Kitchen Trash Cans
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Everyday kitchen use
We pictured how each bin behaves when your hands are full or dirty. The BestOffice opens by sensor, the pedal models open with a foot, and we noted which listings describe soft-close or fingerprint-resistant features for the daily grind.
Footprint fit
We compared shapes and sizes. The Glad Slim is narrow at 12 gallons, while the KdbK, SONGMICS, PayLessHere, BestOffice and Glad Premium hold 13 gallons. The shape decides whether a can fits into a tight gap beside a fridge.
Cleaning and upkeep
We looked at inner design and surface finish. The PayLessHere stands out for its removable inner bucket, and the KdbK and BestOffice for anti-fingerprint steel. We also noted the battery upkeep that comes with the BestOffice sensor.
Odor and seal
We recorded which cans mention treated lids or seals, including the Clorox protection on both Glad cans. We treated odor features as helpful but not magic.
Placement in the lineup
We positioned the picks against each other: the KdbK as the balanced steel can, the BestOffice for touchless use, the Glad Slim for narrow spaces, the PayLessHere for easy rinsing, the Glad Premium for lightness and the SONGMICS for styling.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Trash Cans
By Kitchen Layout
Layout, not budget, usually decides the right bin.
| Layout | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow gap beside the fridge | Glad 12 Gallon Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can | Slender rectangular profile |
| Open plan with visible bin | SONGMICS 13 Gallon Fluted Stainless Steel Trash Can | Decorative look, soft close |
| Standard family kitchen | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can | Balanced steel pedal can |
| Messy cooking at the counter | BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can | Opens without touch |
| Wet scraps and frequent rinsing | PayLessHere 13 Gallon Steel Trash Can with Inner Bucket | Removable inner bucket |
By Budget
Tiers are relative; check live listings for current prices.
| Budget tier | Recommended pick | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Glad Premium 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can | Plastic, odor-treated lid |
| Entry to mid | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can | Steel and bags included |
| Mid | BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can | Sensor lid |
| Upper mid | Glad 12 Gallon Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can | Slim steel and soft close |
| Premium | SONGMICS 13 Gallon Fluted Stainless Steel Trash Can | Decorative finish |
These tiers are relative and can shift over time.
Pedal vs Touchless
The central tradeoff is mechanical simplicity against hands-free convenience.
Pedal cans
The KdbK, SONGMICS, PayLessHere, Glad Slim and Glad Premium open with a foot press. They need no batteries, are simple to repair and work every time. They require you to stand in front of the bin and use a foot, which may be awkward for some. Choose a pedal if you want reliability and low upkeep.
Touchless cans
The BestOffice opens with a sensor and runs on four C batteries. It spares your foot and keeps the lid clean, but it can misfire and depends on fresh cells. Choose touchless if foot pedals are uncomfortable or if you hate touching any lid.
Material and Weight
A second axis is how heavy the bin feels when you empty it.
| Preference | Recommended pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lightest to carry | Glad Premium 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can | Plastic body |
| Cleanest look | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can | Anti-fingerprint brushed steel |
| Easiest to rinse out | PayLessHere 13 Gallon Steel Trash Can with Inner Bucket | Lift-out bucket |
| Narrowest footprint | Glad 12 Gallon Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can | Slim rectangular steel |
For Small Kitchens Specifically
Space is the big constraint in compact kitchens.
Look for
A narrow footprint, a lid that does not need much headroom, and a size that matches your bag supply. Make sure the pedal is reachable if the bin sits in a corner.
In this comparison
The Glad 12 Gallon Slim is the clear fit for narrow spots, with a 45-liter capacity and a soft-close lid. The BestOffice oval body with a sloping lid is another space-conscious option.
When to Spend More
Pay more only for features you will use daily.
| Spend more if | Save if |
|---|---|
| You want the BestOffice sensor lid for flour-covered hands | A pedal on the Glad Premium is easy for you |
| You need the Glad Slim to squeeze into a narrow gap | You have room for the 13-gallon KdbK |
| You want the PayLessHere inner bucket for easy rinsing | A liner always contains the mess in your kitchen |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size for a kitchen trash can?
Thirteen gallons is the common choice and matches standard kitchen bags. It suits most families and keeps trips to the curb reasonable. If your kitchen is tight, the 12-gallon Glad Slim is a close alternative with a narrower body.
Is a touchless kitchen trash can worth it?
It depends on how you cook. The BestOffice keeps your hands off the lid, which is handy with sticky or raw food on your fingers. The cost is four C batteries and the chance of sensor hiccups, so if you want zero upkeep, a pedal can is simpler.
How do I stop a kitchen bin from smelling?
Empty food waste often, especially after cooking meat or fish. Use a bin with a tight lid, such as the Glad cans with Clorox odor protection, and rinse the inside when something leaks. A lid cannot make up for a bag that sits for days.
Why does a removable inner bucket matter?
It lets you wash the part that actually touches the trash without tipping a heavy steel bin. The PayLessHere has this feature. If your kitchen produces wet scraps, it can make cleanup much easier.
Will a stainless steel bin show fingerprints?
Many do, but several listings here describe fingerprint-resistant finishes, including the KdbK, BestOffice and Glad Slim. Wipe with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. Fluted designs like the SONGMICS need a little extra care in the grooves.
How do I keep the bag from slipping inside?
Choose a bin with bag rings, such as the Glad Slim, and fold the bag edge over the rim. Match the bag size to the bin. A bag that is too small will pull down into the can.
Can a pedal can be hard to use?
Pedals need a little foot pressure and balance, which some people find tiring over many uses. If so, a touchless bin like the BestOffice may be more comfortable. An occupational therapist can offer advice if you have specific mobility concerns.
Bottom Line
best overall: KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can - best overall kitchen can pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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