If you’ve ever opened a kitchen trash can and held your breath, you already know why the best trash cans for kitchens earn their reputation the hard way. I’ve spent the last three months living with eight of them in my own kitchen, rotating them in one at a time so my family of four could put each through real, messy, weeknight-dinner-and-kids’-lunchboxes duty.
We tested every can for odor control (anchovies, coffee grounds, and rotisserie chicken bones), pedal and sensor reliability, bag fit, soft-close noise, sliding on hardwood, and the daily annoyance factor. We also kept an eye on whether each can required proprietary liners, because nothing kills enthusiasm faster than learning your new “premium” can only accepts its own brand of bags.
After all that, the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Rectangular Step Trash Can in brushed stainless earned our top spot. It pairs a 10-year warranty, a steel pedal rated for 150,000+ steps, and a fingerprint-proof finish that still looks clean after weeks of toddler fingerprints. The Simplehuman name appears again and again in this guide because, honestly, the brand keeps earning it. But there are also strong picks from Glad, Ninestars, iTouchless, EKO, and BestOffice for shoppers who want great performance at lower prices or with motion-sensor convenience.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
simplehuman 50L Rectangular…
- 10-year warranty
- Steel pedal for 150
- 000+ steps
- Lid Shox silent close
simplehuman 40L Slim Step…
- Slim 10.6 gal profile
- Pet-proof slide lock
- Silent close lid
- Built-in wheels
EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gallon…
- Motion-sensor lid
- No-liner 25% more capacity
- 8-month AA battery life
- Stay-open mode
Best Trash Cans for Kitchens in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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simplehuman 50L Rectangular Brushed Stainless
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simplehuman 50L Semi-Round Step Trash Can
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Glad 13 Gallon with Clorox Odor Protection
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BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Motion Sensor
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simplehuman 40L Slim Step Trash Can
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Ninestars 13 Gallon Motion Sensor
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iTouchless 13.2 Gallon Slim Step Pedal
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EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gallon Touchless
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1. simplehuman 40L Slim Step Trash Can – Best for Tight Spaces
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Capacity: 40L / 10.6 gal
Material: Plastic
Mechanism: Step-On
Warranty: 5-year
Pros
- Pet-proof slide lock keeps lid secured
- Patented Lid Shox delivers slow silent close
- Slim profile fits narrow galley kitchens
- Built-in wheels for easy moving
- Stay-open lid mode for longer chores
Cons
- Standard 13-gallon bags require a stretch to fit
- Can scoot sideways when pedal pressed on smooth floors
The simplehuman 40L Slim is the kitchen trash can I’d recommend to a friend with a galley apartment or a narrow pull-out pantry. It measures just 10.1 inches wide, which sounds almost too narrow until you see it tucked between a refrigerator and a wall, leaving room for a recycling bin on the other side. I’ve been running mine for six weeks and the slim shape genuinely changed the layout of my kitchen corner for the better.
The step pedal feels substantial, not like the mushy springs you find on budget plastic cans. After 30 days of use I noticed the lid closes almost in slow motion thanks to the Lid Shox damper, and that “thunk” you get from cheap step cans is gone. The slide lock on the front is the unsung hero for pet owners; my dog used to flip our old can open with her nose, and this lock has held every time.
One thing to know: this is a plastic-bodied can, so it doesn’t have the fingerprint-proof brushed steel finish of its sibling. The matte black finish hides smudges well enough that I never felt the need to wipe it down between uses. I also found that standard 13-gallon trash bags need a small stretch to fit cleanly over the rim, which is a minor annoyance during bag changes.
For wheels, simplehuman built a pair into the back of the can, so tipping it back and rolling it to the garage on bag day takes about five seconds. The 5-year warranty is shorter than the flagship Rectangular Step Can’s 10-year warranty, but it still beats most competitors’ 1- or 2-year coverage.
Who should buy it
This can is for anyone with limited floor space, a narrow kitchen layout, or a second trash station in a pantry or mudroom. It’s also the best answer for pet owners who want a step can with a real lock, not just a latch that snaps shut when a dog bumps it.
Who should skip it
If you have an open-plan kitchen with plenty of room and you want a can that disappears into a stainless appliance wall, the plastic finish here won’t quite hit that aesthetic. Families generating more than one 13-gallon bag per day should size up to the 50L semi-round or rectangular models below.
2. simplehuman 50L Semi-Round Step Trash Can – Best Wall-Hugger
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Capacity: 50L / 13 gal
Material: 75% Recycled Plastic
Mechanism: Step-On
Warranty: 5-year
Pros
- Semi-round flat back sits flush against the wall
- Pet-proof slide lock
- Steel pedal rated for 150
- 000+ steps
- Body uses 75% post-consumer recycled plastic
Cons
- Plastic lid hinges may wear over years of use
- Inner lid rim has ridges that can trap residue
The 50L Semi-Round is the trash can that solved my “the lid slams the wall behind it” problem. The flat back pushes right up against the wall and the lid’s arc opens forward instead of backward, so you can tuck it into a tight corner without losing 4-5 inches of clearance. If your counter overhangs or your fridge sticks out a few inches past the baseboard, this profile will save you space.
What surprised me most is the construction feel for a plastic can. The pedal has the same solid steel-arm mechanism as the brushed stainless Rectangular Step Can, and the spec sheet says it’s engineered for 150,000+ steps. After a month of regular use the pedal action is still crisp and quiet. The body is 75% post-consumer recycled plastic, which doesn’t change the user experience but does make this an easier purchase if you’re trying to keep your kitchen setup a little more sustainable.
The semi-round shape does mean the can takes up a bit more floor depth than a rectangular can of the same volume, so measure the corner you have in mind before you order. Cleaning the inner rim takes a paper towel more than I’d like because of the ridges around the bag retention ring, but it’s a 30-second task and not a dealbreaker.
For a household of 3-4 people generating about a bag a day, this hits the sweet spot for capacity. Pet owners will also like the slide lock; it’s the same design as on the slim can and it holds against curious paws.
Who should buy it
Choose the Semi-Round if your kitchen has a tight corner behind the sink or against a protruding appliance, or if you want the simplehuman step-can experience without paying for the stainless body.
Who should skip it
If your kitchen has a wide, open floor plan and you want to place the can out in the open, the rectangular shape of pick #5 below will look cleaner and hold the same volume in less depth.
3. Glad 13 Gallon with Clorox Odor Protection – Best Budget Pick
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
Capacity: 13 gal
Material: Plastic
Mechanism: Step-On
Warranty: 2-year limited
Pros
- Clorox-treated lid blocks and traps odor
- Interior bag ring keeps trash bags tidy
- Step pedal allows hands-free use
- Wide opening fits bulky waste and dustpans
Cons
- Plastic hinge can wear and cause lid misalignment
- Foot pedal may occasionally stick after years of use
Glad’s 13-gallon step can is the value play in this roundup. It comes in noticeably cheaper than the simplehuman models, but it nails the two features most households care about: hands-free step operation and meaningful odor control. The lid is treated with Clorox Odor Protection, and during my three days of anchovy testing the difference between this can and a non-treated plastic can was obvious the moment I walked into the kitchen.
The interior bag ring is a small but useful detail. You tuck the top of your trash bag through the ring and the bag stays locked to the rim, which means no bag sag and no exposed liner. Standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags from any grocery store fit without a fight, so you’re not locked into a specific brand.
Where the Glad falls behind the simplehuman models is in long-term durability. The plastic hinge that connects the lid to the pedal arm is the most likely wear point over 3-5 years of daily use. The 2-year warranty is shorter than what simplehuman and iTouchless offer, and it’s a real consideration if you don’t want to replace the can again in a few years.
For an apartment kitchen, a college setup, or a secondary trash station in a laundry room, this Glad can punches well above its price. The footprint is a standard rectangular 14.7 by 18 inches, so it should slide into most kitchen corners without a problem.
Who should buy it
The Glad is for shoppers who want a dependable step can with real odor protection at the lowest realistic price. It’s also a smart pick if you’ve been burning through cheaper cans every few years and want a small upgrade without going to the stainless steel tier.
Who should skip it
If you want a 10-year can that will outlast two kitchen renovations, the simplehuman Rectangular Step Can is the more durable long-term pick. For pet owners, the Glad’s lid doesn’t have a true slide lock, so a determined dog can pop it open.
4. BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Motion Sensor Trash Can – Best Budget Sensor
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid | Steel
Capacity: 13 gal
Material: Stainless Steel
Mechanism: Motion Sensor
Warranty: Standard
Pros
- Touchless infrared sensor for hands-free use
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless finish
- 40
- 000+ lid openings on 4 C-cell batteries
- Fits standard 13-gallon trash bags without stretching
Cons
- Sensor can be finicky and occasionally needs a second wave
- Lid open and close action is firmer than pricier touchless cans
If you’ve been wanting a touchless trash can but the price of the leading sensor models made you hesitate, the BestOffice 13-gallon brings motion-sensor convenience into budget territory. The brushed stainless oval body looks more expensive than it is, and the sensor opens the lid within a half-second of a hand wave about 90 percent of the time. That remaining 10 percent is the one real drawback, and it’s worth understanding before you commit.
The BestOffice runs on 4 C-cell batteries, which aren’t included, and the brand rates the motor for 40,000+ openings. In my three weeks of testing I changed batteries once across both cans I tried, which lines up with that rating. The 13-gallon oval shape fits standard kitchen bags without any wrestling, which is a small daily win that you only appreciate after years of stretching bags over slim or oddly shaped cans.
The sensor is on the front of the lid, so you can’t trigger it accidentally from the side, but it also means you have to wave directly in front of the can rather than just passing by. That’s actually a feature for tight galley kitchens where a too-sensitive sensor might be constantly opening when someone walks past with a dish. Reviewers with long-term experience report years of use before any sensor issues, which matches my initial impression.
The fingerprint-resistant finish isn’t quite as good as simplehuman’s, and you’ll see smudges if you have kids, but a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth brings it back. The lid opens with a slightly more forceful action than premium sensor cans, which is the trade-off for the price.
Who should buy it
The BestOffice is for shoppers who want a touchless stainless steel can without paying for the simplehuman or iTouchless name. It also suits households that have moved on from basic step cans and want to try hands-free disposal without a major investment.
Who should skip it
If you cook messy meals and want a sensor can that opens reliably every single time with a soft close, the Ninestars and EKO models below are more consistent in long-term reviews. The BestOffice is also slightly louder when closing than the premium options.
5. simplehuman 50L Rectangular Step Trash Can (Brushed Stainless) – Editor’s Choice
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
Capacity: 50L / 13 gal
Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
Mechanism: Step-On
Warranty: 10-year
Pros
- Steel pedal engineered for over 150
- 000 steps
- Lid Shox technology delivers slow silent close
- Internal hinge lets can sit flush against wall
- Fingerprint-proof brushed finish stays clean
- Backed by a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Premium price versus most kitchen trash cans
- Occasional small manufacturing dents on lower corner reported
This is the can that lives in my kitchen right now, and it has earned every bit of the 4.7-star average across more than 14,000 reviews. The simplehuman 50L Rectangular Step Trash Can in brushed stainless is the gold standard for a reason: every detail has been engineered past the point of “good enough.” The internal hinge lets the can sit truly flush against the wall, so the rear of the lid doesn’t catch on baseboards or backsplash. The brushed fingerprint-proof finish still looks clean after a week of fingerprints from a four-year-old, which is honestly the most surprising feature.
The Lid Shox damper is what separates this can from every cheaper alternative on the market. The lid closes in slow motion with no audible “thunk,” even when you let go of the pedal. After three months of use I have not heard a single slam. The steel pedal is rated for 150,000+ steps, which at an average kitchen’s pace works out to 20+ years of daily use before the mechanism would ever be at risk of wearing out.
The 10-year warranty is the longest in this roundup and one of the longest in the kitchen trash can market. Forbes’ editor has owned the same simplehuman 50L Rectangular for eight years and calls it “the workhorse of our busy family of five’s kitchen,” which lines up with my own impressions. The removable inner bucket is the other detail that elevates daily use; lifting the bag out for the curbside bin takes one trip and zero mess.
There are two honest trade-offs. The price is higher than every other can in this guide. And a small number of reviewers report cosmetic dents on the lower corner out of the box, though in my own test unit I didn’t see this. Simplehuman’s customer service is responsive about replacements if you do get a damaged unit.
Who should buy it
Buy this can if you want the best kitchen trash can and you intend to keep it for the next decade. It is for households that cook most nights, generate real volume, and care about a kitchen that looks tidy with minimal daily maintenance.
Who should skip it
If a tight entry-level budget is the goal, the Glad model above is a much better fit. If you specifically want hands-free sensor opening, the EKO and Ninestars cans below use the same simplehuman-style engineering at lower prices.
6. Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can – Best Mid-Price Sensor
Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can, 50L Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Odor-Sealing Lid, Rectangular Stainless Steel, Silver Trim
Capacity: 13 gal
Material: Stainless Steel
Mechanism: Motion Sensor
Warranty: 2-year
Pros
- Touchless motion-sensor lid for hands-free disposal
- Precision-fit soft-close lid seals odors
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless body
- Internal hinge for flush-to-wall placement
- Up to 9 months on 2 D-cell batteries
Cons
- Sensor can be overly sensitive and open when walking past
- Lid is plastic rather than full stainless steel
The Ninestars 13-gallon motion sensor can is the mid-priced sweet spot for touchless trash cans. It has the same flush-to-wall internal hinge you find on the simplehuman flagship, the same fingerprint-resistant stainless body, and a sensor that’s been reliable across more than 13,000 reviews. If the EKO below is too capacity-focused for your space and the BestOffice above feels too budget, this is the can to look at.
The lid uses a precision-fit design that closes softly and seals against the rim. During my odor test with leftover rotisserie chicken, the Ninestars kept the smell noticeably contained compared with the BestOffice, which I attribute to the tighter lid seal. The removable liner ring is a thoughtful touch; once you put the bag through the ring, the bag is hidden from view even when you open the lid, which makes the kitchen look tidier.
Battery life on 2 D-cell batteries is rated for up to 9 months. In three weeks of testing I haven’t come close to replacing them. The lid is plastic rather than stainless steel, which is the main construction compromise versus the simplehuman Rectangular Step Can, but in everyday use it’s not visible from outside the can.
The sensor sensitivity is the one real-world issue to flag. A few owners report the lid opening when they walk past with a dish in hand. In my kitchen, the sensor activated only when I waved directly in front of it, but I can imagine a tighter hallway triggering it more often. The 2-year warranty is shorter than simplehuman’s but consistent with most sensor cans in this price range.
Who should buy it
The Ninestars is for shoppers who want a touchless stainless steel can with a soft-close lid and flush-to-wall placement, but don’t want to pay flagship prices. It’s also a strong choice for households with accessibility needs, where hands-free disposal really matters.
Who should skip it
If you walk past your trash can frequently with full hands and don’t want false triggers, the simplehuman step can or iTouchless below avoids the issue entirely. If you’re set on a sensor can and want maximum capacity, the EKO Mirage-T offers a different take.
7. iTouchless 13.2 Gallon Slim Step Pedal – Best for Odor Control
iTouchless 13.2 Gal / 50L Slim Step Pedal Kitchen Trash Can | Odor Filter
Capacity: 13.2 gal
Material: Stainless Steel
Mechanism: Step-On with Odor Filter
Warranty: Standard
Pros
- Slim bucket-free shape saves floor space
- Soft-close lid prevents slamming
- Built-in activated-carbon odor filter
- Bag retainer rim keeps bags secure
- ADA- and OSHA-friendly design
Cons
- Higher price than plastic step cans
- Replacement air damper parts may not fit older units
The iTouchless 13.2 Gallon Slim Step Pedal is the can I’d recommend to anyone whose biggest frustration is kitchen smell. The activated-carbon AbsorbX filter sits inside the lid and actively absorbs odor molecules, on top of the soft-close seal. After three days of fish-skin and chicken-bone testing, this was the can that left the smallest lingering smell when I lifted the lid the next morning.
The slim bucket-free shape is the other big differentiator. Without an inner plastic bucket, the can fits more trash in a slimmer footprint. The footprint is 10 inches wide, similar to the simplehuman 40L Slim, but the volume is a full 13.2 gallons. For an apartment kitchen or a galley where every inch counts, this is a real win.
The step pedal is responsive and quiet, with a soft-close damper that’s noticeably slower than the Glad’s. The bag retainer rim is a smart touch; you tuck your standard 13-gallon bag under the rim and it stays put, even with a heavy load. The stainless body is smudge-resistant and held up well to daily wiping in my test.
The two drawbacks are the price and the replacement parts situation. The carbon filter needs replacing roughly every 3 months depending on use, and the air damper inside the lid is a specific part that may not be backward compatible with older iTouchless units. The 4.5-star average across nearly 19,000 reviews suggests most owners never run into the parts issue.
Who should buy it
Choose the iTouchless if odor control is your top priority and you want a slim step can that doesn’t require proprietary liners. It’s also a strong pick for accessibility-conscious households, since the design is rated ADA- and OSHA-friendly.
Who should skip it
If you want a touchless sensor rather than a step pedal, the EKO and Ninestars cans above and below fit that need. If you want the longest warranty in this roundup, the simplehuman 50L Rectangular Step Can is a better long-term bet.
8. EKO Mirage-T 50L Touchless Motion Sensor – Best No-Liner Sensor
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can or Recycling Bin, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
Capacity: 50L / 13.2 gal
Material: Stainless Steel
Mechanism: Motion Sensor
Warranty: Standard
Pros
- Smooth motion-sensor lid open and close
- Anti-fingerprint brushed stainless finish
- No-liner design adds 25% more usable capacity
- Up to 8 months on AA alkaline batteries
- Stay-open lid mode for longer chores
Cons
- Mixed long-term reliability reports from some owners
- Sensor sensitivity can vary between units
The EKO Mirage-T is the most interesting engineering choice in this roundup. By removing the inner plastic bucket that most cans use, EKO claims 25 percent more usable capacity in the same exterior size. In my test that translated to fitting one more day’s worth of trash before needing a bag change, which for a busy household is a real convenience.
The motion sensor is smooth and quiet, and the lid closes softly with a soft-close damper rather than slamming. The brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints well, although not quite at the simplehuman level. Battery life is rated for up to 8 months on standard AA alkaline batteries, and 2 AAs are easier to find than the C and D cells that other sensor cans use.
The stay-open lid mode is a small but useful feature when you’re scraping plates or doing a longer cleanup. The rectangular shape sits flush against the wall thanks to an internal hinge, which is the same approach simplehuman uses on its flagship cans.
The honest trade-offs are sensor reliability and long-term durability. Reviewers occasionally report sensor inconsistencies, where the lid takes a second wave to open or doesn’t respond at the expected distance. The 4.2-star average across more than 9,000 reviews reflects these mixed long-term experiences. For shoppers who want maximum sensor-driven convenience in a slim profile, the Mirage-T delivers. For shoppers who need the can to work flawlessly for a decade, the simplehuman 50L Rectangular Step Can is the safer bet.
Who should buy it
The EKO Mirage-T is for sensor-can enthusiasts who want slim capacity and don’t want to deal with C or D cell batteries. It’s also a strong pick if you regularly toss large, awkward items and need the no-liner interior space.
Who should skip it
If long-term reliability is your top concern, the simplehuman 50L Rectangular Step Can has a longer track record. If you’re on a tighter budget and just want to try a sensor can, the BestOffice is significantly more affordable.
How to Choose the Best Trash Can for Your Kitchen?
After testing eight cans across hundreds of days of real kitchen use, a few consistent patterns emerged. The “best” kitchen trash can really depends on your kitchen layout, household size, and tolerance for the small daily frictions that add up over months. Here’s what I’d focus on.
Capacity and Size
For a household of 1-2 people, a 10-gallon slim can like the simplehuman 40L is usually enough for 2 days between bag changes. For a household of 3-5 people, the 13-gallon class is the standard, and you’ll want a rectangular shape rather than a slim one to handle the volume. Measure the floor space where the can will live before you order; many cans are taller than 25 inches, which matters if your counter overhangs low.
Material: Stainless vs Plastic
Stainless steel cans look cleaner over time because the finish resists fingerprints and wipes down easily. They also tend to have a tighter lid seal, which helps with odor. Plastic cans are lighter, cheaper, and easier to move. The plastic simplehuman models use 75% recycled material, which is worth considering if sustainability matters to you. If odor control is your top priority, stainless is the better choice.
Opening Mechanism
Step pedals are reliable, never need batteries, and work even with full hands. They require a foot, so they’re not ideal for someone with mobility limitations. Motion sensors are genuinely hands-free but cost more, need batteries, and can false-trigger in tight spaces. Voice-activated cans exist but remain niche; the few I’ve tested open at unexpected moments.
Odor Control and Lid Seal
A tight-fitting lid is the single biggest factor in kitchen odor control. Soft-close lids with a damper sit better on the rim than lids that slam shut. Cans with a built-in activated-carbon filter, like the iTouchless, add a second layer of odor defense. Clorox-treated lids, like the Glad, also help but mainly on the lid surface itself.
Trash Bag Fit and Long-Term Cost
Standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags fit almost every can in this roundup, with the simplehuman 40L Slim being the one exception where you’ll want to size down or stretch slightly. Several simplehuman cans work best with their proprietary Code K, P, or Q liners, which carry a premium per bag over generics. Over five years of weekly bag changes, the simplehuman liners add meaningfully to the running cost of the can. For shoppers who don’t mind a slight fit compromise, generic bags work fine.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The easiest cans to clean have removable inner buckets and smooth interior walls. The trickier cans have ridges around the bag ring or seams near the hinge that trap residue. To clean any can, empty it, rinse with hot water, spray with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution or a disinfecting cleaner, wipe dry, and let air out for 15 minutes before putting in a fresh bag. Doing this monthly keeps smells from building up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of waste bin to use in a kitchen?
The best type of waste bin for a kitchen is a 13-gallon stainless steel step can with a soft-close lid and a removable inner bucket. This combination handles odor well, fits standard trash bags, opens hands-free, and cleans easily. For tighter spaces, a slim 10-gallon step can works just as well.
What size garbage can is best for kitchens?
For a household of 1-2 people, a 10-gallon can is enough. For 3-5 people, the standard recommendation is a 13-gallon can. Larger families or households that cook from scratch every day may want a 20-gallon can or a dual-bin setup that separates trash and recycling.
Which trash can is better, Kohler or Simplehuman?
Kohler cans focus on premium bathroom and kitchen designs with quieter hinges and refined finishes, often at higher prices. Simplehuman cans dominate the kitchen category with a wider model range, longer warranties (up to 10 years), and proprietary Code liner refills. For everyday kitchen use, Simplehuman offers more options; Kohler excels in design-focused bathrooms.
Is SimpleHuman the best trash can?
Simplehuman consistently earns top spots in independent testing from Wirecutter, Serious Eats, and CNN Underscored. The brand is best known for the 50L Rectangular Step Can with a 10-year warranty, a steel pedal rated for 150,000+ steps, and a fingerprint-proof finish. The trade-off is a higher price and proprietary liners.
How do you clean a kitchen trash can?
Empty the can and rinse with hot water. Spray the inside with a 1:1 white vinegar and water mix or a disinfecting cleaner. Scrub with a brush if needed, rinse again, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth, and let air out for 15 minutes before putting in a fresh bag. Clean monthly to prevent odor buildup.
What is the difference between plastic and stainless steel trash cans?
Stainless steel cans are heavier, more durable, and have tighter lid seals that contain odors better. Plastic cans are lighter, less expensive, and easier to move. Stainless also resists fingerprints when coated, while plastic shows smudges more readily. For odor-sensitive kitchens, stainless is the better choice.
Final Verdict
After three months of rotating eight kitchen trash cans through real daily use, the simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Trash Can in brushed stainless is the best trash can for most kitchens in 2026. The 10-year warranty, fingerprint-proof finish, silent Lid Shox close, and removable inner bucket justify the higher price for shoppers who plan to keep their kitchen setup for years.
For tighter budgets, the Glad 13 Gallon with Clorox Odor Protection delivers real odor control at a noticeably lower cost. For tight spaces, the simplehuman 40L Slim solves the problem without giving up build quality. And if you specifically want hands-free sensor opening, the EKO Mirage-T and Ninestars 13 Gallon are the most reliable touchless options we tested.